- Language. With such a large language barrier, it’s so comforting that they have each other. They get along amazingly well for being in such a potentially awkward situation. They are also translating for each other. Sometime one understands and visa versa.
- Fashion and bargaining. We went out shopping last night. Kayla played fashionista for John, and they both helped us bargain. Next time, we send them in alone. I think they shop owners thought they could rip off us rich Americans.
- Hair. For the girls, we will probably save the equivalent of one of the adoptions in hair braiding since they can do each other’s hair.
- Race issues. Ironically, Patrick’s the odd man out in our family. No one can claim they’re they “only” of any race…except Patrick. At least he has live in Caucasian in-laws.
I’m sure there are more but my brain is too fried to think.
Our initial thoughts as well! While we now know that they will NEVER lose their fluency in Amharic, it has also prevented them from embracing English. I’m sure that EVENTUALLY they will learn English, but it didn’t come as quickly as we originally expected. They also are likely more comfortable out in public in our very “white” community that they have each other.