Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Settling In...

Okay, we are far from being experts, but we are learning our way through Addis. Right now it is strictly confined to grocery stores, restaurants, and banks close to our place. Today we went exploring down the road near our guesthouse. We found a couple of great grocery stores where we can get water, soda, soup, milk, etc etc. for some good prices. Tonight we will be cooking up some Norwegian rice pudding. Yum. (I know you’re jealous) We were also triumphant in finding a place to change our money. ☺ And finally, we found a really good Indian restaurant about 3 minutes walk from our place. Score. Yes, we have accomplished great things today. . It’s the little things…

On to more important things. Mainly…our babies. ☺

Did I mention that I got to give Alex a bath yesterday? Oh my gosh I loved it! He was SO cute! Loves the bath water. Today, when we first got to the orphanage, as soon as Alex saw Wes, he started crawling as fast as he could toward him. Victory. And then when Wes put Eliana down so we could leave, she started crying. Victory. I know it sounds strange and mean to call that a victory, but that means they are starting to attach to us just a teeny bit. Actually, the director told us today that after we left yesterday, they both started crying, and it took the nannies a while to get them calm. Ugh. It made me want to have them with us all the more. Soon. It’s coming soon. Can’t wait.

While we were sitting outside today, a white couple walked in. We were guessing they were going to meet their child for the first time. They looked scared to death. No smiles, just plain ol’ nervousness and fear. I know the feeling. I whispered to Wes to ask them if they wanted us to take pictures. From the sound of the woman’s accent, I’m guessing she was from Germany, or somewhere close. When Wes asked her if they would like us to take pictures of their first meeting, in a very nervous voice she responded, “They said we were not allowed.” She then walked away with her husband, and into the director’s office. Two of the nurses walked a little boy out, who seemed terrified himself. He cried a little at first, but then seemed to get comfortable in his mother’s arms. Wish I could have captured that for them.

In just a few days, we’ll be documenting another meetcha day with one of our agency’s families! Can’t wait! See you soon, Amanda! And then hopefully, in February, we will get to document our buddies, Bex and Josh, as they meet their little Mercy for the first time. Oh my goodness, I cannot wait for that!

Well, that’s our hum drum update for today. Catch ya next time.

p.s. I just wanted you ALL to know that I am getting ALL of your comments on the blog posts, and I CHERISH them. Please keep them coming. They mean so much to me. I can't pull up Blogger here in Ethiopia, but I have all the comments forwarded to my email. I love them! Thank you for the constant encouragement! It really does make a difference!

15 comments:

  1. I know how much you'd just LOVE to have those babies with you all the time, but all this time you're investing in orphanage visits is allowing you to learn more about their life there and going to make the transition so much easier for them when the time comes! That's so great that they cried when you left. I know the Sisters told us that Reni never wanted to be down on the floor alone but always in someone's arms after we left -- we had spoiled him! You're doing the same! ;-) Love the blog posts! Cydil

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  2. Thanks for posting updates as you can...and being so vulnerable and honest. We will continue to pray as we have all along for each step of this process of God uniting your family for good and bringing you back to the States and living your lives together! Each step is a VICTORY! I love how you celebrate each one ... while prayerfully surrendering details that are still unknown. Big hugs to ya'll!!! Love ya'! Meesh

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  3. so fun that the twins are responding and attaching to you all! that is so exciting and such progress!! God blesses what little time you're able to stay with them every day. i was so sad to hear about the situation with solomon yesterday too. so discouraging. i hate that for you all...and burns my image of him. sorry that situation came about. glad i waited to facebook friend him. so many positive things to report on and hear, though. still praying for quick embassy dates!

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  4. i just love, love, love all of these blog posts! keep 'em coming! (i'm pretending that i am in Ethiopia with you). :) What a great guest house! Looks awesome! And, have I mentioned that I'm so jealous that you are getting to spend more time in ETH than just a few short days of rushing to the lion zoo, the museum, and Mt. Entoto? :) live it up, friend!!! can't wait for Feb. 7th!!!!

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  5. So excited for you both! Your posts are so encouraging! We continue to pray for your family and those that handle your paperwork. The pictures are giving us a glimpse of what we will see in just 19 days! We will be there too! I will NOT tell you no if you want to take our pics :-) Meeting Joshua soo very soon! Thanks for the encouragement. Hope to meet you in Addis!

    http://thelabonarfamily.blogspot.com

    Michelle

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  6. awwww that is so sweet! Picturing it now and praying for you! :)

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  7. I have been following your blog since someone on Illien yahoo groups mentioned your blog to check out!! I really love the insight & I found out that our little Bereket is at Enat Alem Orphange w/ your little ones!! Love to hear about your babies & the nannies there & the orphange!

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  8. Wooohooo!Yes, you will and ohhh what a glorious day that will be! Thanks for offering to take those pictures! Love hearing about your little babies. Such loving and competent parents. :-) Major props to you both for your attitude and outlook during this unexpected time of waiting. SOON!!

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  9. thanks for keeping us up to date. We are praying for you and hoping in miracles also. I am so happy to hear of those victories. They are just starting to realize what cool parents they have. I wanted to let you know, it's a boy! Can't wait to share more when I can.

    love,
    laurie

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  10. So glad you guys are settling in and it's wonderful your babies are becoming so attached. It won't be long and you will have them all to yourselves. We check your blog all the time to get updates...keep them coming. God bless!

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  11. Nina we were expected to travel on Feb 10 for Feb 14 court date however that may change depending on Embassy. The goodness is 2 of the 6 families for Jan 31 have been confirmed for travel. So we are still holding out hope. We totally would love to meet you in country if you are still around. Good luck.

    Ryan

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  12. So excited that they are attaching!! Our son vomitted on 2 long car rides for mini weekend vacations because he was a bit anxious not knowing what was going on. A few months after we were home my husband and I went out for a couple of hours and my sister watched the kids. They were in bed before we got home. When we got him in the morning we realized he had vomitted in the night. It sounds harsh too, but we were so excited because that meant he was worried about us being away and had attached to us even more. So, we can totally relate.

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  13. I came across your blog via another blog that I read... I went to Guatemala with my sister several times when she adopted her two children, and it was amazing to share that experience with them. They were adopted as babies and are ages 4 and 8 now and are thriving. Such a joy. ... Is it safe where you are staying? We were confined to a small area when in Guatemala. I hope the process goes quickly for you so you can bring your two babies home. Best to you.

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  14. Now that I know you are getting your comments, I must participate!
    I CANNOT wait to meet you!!! You guys are amazing! Lots of love!

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  15. Loving everything written on all of the blogs. Alex sounds like he eats like you did when you were a baby according to your Dad!!! I had to laugh about the messy diapers,it was so funny. LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

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