In many ways, it was a long but uneventful day visiting the kids’ orphanages which we’re finding out are really more like homes. The way they have loved our kids and continue to love the kids in their care has really amazed us. We are blessed indeed. After tasty German food and beer for dinner,...
Last night, we stayed up into Day 4 talking to the kids. They started sharing experiences from their past. We were really surprised how open they were with eachother and us. We really put their English to the test, and they did a great job. I can’t wait until we’re at home with our Amharic-English...
During the rainy season, kids go around singing songs to the backdrop of their washer-rigged sticks banging on the street. Traditionally, people give them small gifts or money.
We started the day by heading to court. It was much less crowded than last time, and we only had to wait about 30 minutes. Unlike last time, the kids for each of the cases (as long as they were old enough) also came to court. The judge called in all AWAA families at the...
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,...
At least one photo a day for the next year is the plan. We had a great reunion after an uneventful flight to Addis. We spent the afternoon with T. It was great to finally meet her. Patrick, John, Kayla, and I are back at the guest house after a little shopping. I can’t wait...
It’s been a whirlwind of a 24 hours. We received a call yesterday morning that we needed to be in Ethiopia in time to appear in court Friday morning. That meant pushing our departure up by 3 days. We rushed around yesterday getting papers notarized, starting to pack, and gathering donations ministry friends. Because of...
5/14/11: Pre-app submitted 5/18/11: Application submitted 5/26/11: Acceptance into program 6/14/11: Orientation/1st home study visit 9/26/11: Assigned a home study social worker 10/8/11: 2nd home study visit 10/22/11: 3rd home study visit 11/8/11: Final home study visit 12/8/11: Home study approved 12/22/11: I600 received at processing center 1/26/11: Biometrics appointment 2/4/12: I-171H Provisional Approval 2/24/12:...