Here are the pictures that go with the last couple of Ethiopia posts. I just simply forgot to put them in, and it seems easier just to make a new post out of them…and this way, you won’t have to go digging to see them.
Y, fresh out of the bath. While many things about the HIlton in Addis didn’t seem luxurious (notice the mold on the walls behind the tub), the ability to wake up every morning and hop into a hot shower then dry off with one of these big, white, soft, thirsty towels was truly wonderful. There was more than one morning that (besides the grace of God) that hot shower was what got me through the day!
We took the kids to the salon on our last day. I wanted Y’s hair to look nice for our arrival home, and I didn’t want to have to do it on my own for as long as possible after we got back. I figured I’d have enough on my plate, dealing with jet lag and all! The ladies at the salon were very sweet to her, and it cost me, if I remember correctly, less than $10! Her hair looked beautiful for approximately five days.
Here is M getting his hair done and loving every minute of it – or not.
Just after boarding our first flight (Addis to Frankfurt) – Ephraim is checking out his passport while Handsome and I say, “Really, is it possible that we could BOTH have an extra seat next to us?!?
We were given ice cream as the dessert to one of our meals on that flight. I was thrilled that the kids got to try ice cream yet less than thrilled that they were going to try that sugary snack for the first time in such an enclosed area. No worries though, neither really liked it – too cold.
Here is Y finishing her first bite of ice cream, with the paprika chip waiting in the wings for its moment in the spotlight. All the while she is watching the little screen in front of her.
I love this picture – it’s as if he’s saying, “Lady, what are you doing with that thing – again!?!”
What beautiful kids you have! I just saw your comment on my blog and hopped over here. My twin sister and her family are in the process of adopting a baby from Ethiopia. I’m going to share your blog with her. They are finishing up their homestudy today. I think she will be encouraged by your blog. Blessings!
THey are just beautiful. Those eyes!
It’s been fun reading about your journey!
Kellie
I LOVE reading your story!! It’s getting me so excited as we get closer and closer to bringing home our own littlel girl!
Thank you so much for sharing those!! I know you post your photos with some trepidation, so I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate you, Handsome, and your four precious ones.
They are just so precious. Looking at both of their eyes- they just speak volumes. Amazing.
I just want to tell you how much I have enjoyed reading all these posts – with a little tug of the heart, too. My DH and I have always wanted to adopt from Ethiopia. A few weeks ago, I started the ball rolling, and registered for the adoption seminar. The first available seminar is in July – 2009. It looks like the whole process is going to take at least five years. SO disappointing! You guys are completely blessed with your private adoption system. (I’m writing from Western Australia.) We HAVE to go this route; there is no other way. We would like to bring a baby home tomorrow, if we could! Enjoy your precious little ones. They are gorgeous.
Something else I’ve thought of while reading your posts is a book I love, written by an Australia doctor who works in Addis, and has done for years. It is called ‘The Hospital by the River’, and is a beautiful story. With your connections, you might like to read it, too!
Thank you for sharing all your stories.
Valerie
I need to backtrack and read your entire Ethiopa story. Love the pictures!
Enjoying your blog !
JENNNNNNN! LD here. My emails to you started bouncing back some time ago. I was so sad. Kept sending them, though!! Many many times, when Tom was NOT at work I’d ask him if he could try to find “H” through the Air Force. He’d say that he would if I reminded him while at work. Of course I kept remembering when he was at home or in the car, etc.
I just had my 40th birthday this past Sunday and several cards just showed up in the mail with yours. (big b’day bash we’re throwing 31 MAY since we’re 27 days apart-I’ll send you the goofy invitation) I am soooo glad that it was a card announcing your two new children. I cannot WAIT to read and hear about this. This is huuuuuuge!!!! HUGE!!! How blessed they are!!!! GOD IS GOOOOOD!!!
You got our address right. We are still in the Tampa Bay area (2 years this June). Jackie is in public school kindergarten and Bruce is in 2 day a week preschool (Christ-ian) where I do lots as a PTA Board member and the school photographer. Also keeping me busy is the Social Coordinator for the military moms playgroup here…Tom is still training for and competing in iron man triathlons. After unpleasant news after a MRI (my back), I was told that I should not keep competing in 5Ks, so I, too, have started triathlons (not the long ones like Tom does) so I wouldn’t have to run every day to train.
We enjoy our (big) church very much. We’re in a small group Bible study that is made up of other triathletes who also race for FCA like us. Jackie enjoys AWANA each week…I’d love to catch up more. If I do not hear from you or can’t find your phone number, I will copy this here letter and send it via pony express…I am so excited to hear from you guys I had to write back right away and am dripping pool water everywhere. I cannot wait to read your whole website. Love, LD and Tom and Jackie and Bruce
What absolutely beautiful children! I’m looking at them just crying, because we are very seriously considering adopting from Ethiopia. we know we are going to adopt in a couple of years and looking at your beautiful kiddos helped solidify that SO much! thank you for sharing!