Tales from ET

Me, Linsey with our newest little ones

Blake and Ryan at Masuka

Blake and Sof at the Addis Museum
Chris and Meagan hanging at the New Flower
The whole gang at Masuka
Traditional dancing at Fasika

Helena looking like the exotic princess she isMe giving my sweet Sof kisses

Us at the Sheraton ET

Us at the New Flower from our balcony
New soda plant being built
Good times at Cozy place
Jaclyn and Minte

The three of us at the Gion Hotel in ET

An Orthodox Church in ET
Blake, Aiden, Sof and Helena at the New Flower
Our wild night at Fasika
Greg, Blake and I shoppin at the Friendship mall in ET


Where do I begin??? Even though it has been a week since we arrived home, it feels like an eternity already.

Our trip to Ethiopia was so amazing. The people are more beautiful than I have ever seen. So warm and gracious. The land was dry but full of Hope for better days to come. Addis Ababa, which is the capital of Ethiopia means: New Flower. It is the pride of Ethiopia, where all growth is taking place. It was good to see so much under construction, making way for a better economy. The food was a ceremony in instelf, to be used as a place and time of fellowship with friends and family. Not the fast food you see everywhere in the states. The people are all so proud of who they are and not centered on what they aren't or don't have. Such a beautifully simple way of life. Focusing on people and serving one another with joy in all they do, was inspiring to say the least. Then there was the food and dancing. Both a must experience. Served and expressed once again with joy, truly infectious!! We had such a wonderful time there, we only wish we had more time to spend getting deeper into the country and people. Maybe our next trip back will give us that opportunity.

We stayed at a place called the New Flower Guest House. Which was a 2 story house to be shared by fellow adoptive parents and staff. It was in the heart of the city surrounded by concrete walls separating our little world with our new ones from that of the city life around us. The house was enchanting, even on the days without water, electricity, phones, internet, etc, it was simply beautiful. The staff worked around the clock to serve all of us who stayed there. And with all our sick babies, that and hungry families that was a lot.

It was recommended by our agency coordinator as well as the lady who ran the New Flower Guest House not to go out into the city with our children for safety and social reasons, so we obliged. We were able to take them to the Addis Museum, the weaver's market for a little shopping as well as a few recommended restaurants. One of which as a fabulous Italian restaurant which was the best Italian food I have ever had. The kids all behaved wonderfully and so we took them for ice cream at at coffee shop that resembled our Starbucks, but with icecream as well. What a treat, not only the great food but to see the looks on Sofonyas' and Helena's faces were priceless!!!

Both Sofonyas and Helena were sick with tummy issues, pink eye, ear infection, sinus infections, ringworm, giardia, strep throat, so needless to say much of our time was tending to their needs for rest and recooperation.

We couldn't have been held captive with more lovely people. Finally meeting my Hope gal friends, Lisa, Nikko, Theresa, Linsey and Jaclyn as well as meeting some new friends Megan and Ryan and let me not forget Tim. We laughed, we cried and we gave thought and thanks for each day together! I am so grateful for sharing and getting to know everyone. Making memories with friends that will last a lifetime. I will never forget all our frazzled, silly, exhausted, goofy, overwhelmed, nonsensicle moments together!

Blake was a total champ. Rising to each occasion with grace and poise. Never once did we hear the words or attitude "this stinks, when can we go home". I have never been so PROUD of him before! He was gracious and welcoming to his new brother and sister as well as all the other families in the house. He was respectful to all the differences that he saw and experienced, never sounding or looking like a rude american boy. Never uttered the words "I'm bored" even after days of not being able to go anywhere or do anything, but just hang. Our first day out touring the city before we picked up Sof and Helena, we were stopped in traffic and it was hot so Blake rolled down his window. First lesson learned, don't roll down your window in traffic unless you want to be solicited by young hungry children. This little boy who obviously lived on the street and was very hungry went up to Blake's window begging like I have never seen before for food. Pour Blake unprepared, look at me with tears for we had nothing to give him, not even a dollar on us. Needless to say, from that day on when we went into town Blake always had a bag full of granola bars, which he handed out to all those we encountered on the way. Blake said at the end of our trip, "Mom, I will never say we have nothing to eat or there is nothing to play with again. I am sorry that I have taken all that I have for granted". I think he got the big picture as we had hoped.

I think we all learned to appreciate all that we have a little more!!!

It was truly a life changing adventure that we will never forget! And it would not have been possible if not for the assistance of so many friends and family. Thank you dad for blessing us by watching over Caitlin and Reagan while we were gone. They had the best time. In fact while in ET, during one of my conversations with Reagan , he said "Mom when are you all coming home" and I thought he was wondering because he missed us, but he replied " Oh really only two more days with Grandpa, I wish we had more time". Thank you Jesus!!! Even though it slightly hurt my delicate feelings, I was way more happy that he was having such a great time. Thank you to all my friends: Sigrid, Maureen, and Denise for providing play dates for the kids and giving my father his much deserved breaks. Thank you Mamaw, Papaw and Sharon for taking and picking us up and for always being there!! You all made a wonderful welcome home committee!!!

We are so thankful and so blessed!! Each day bringing a new adventure!!