Along with sightseeing and visiting with our kids, we have also been visiting orphan care ministries.  More on that another time, but in order to see one in action, today had to start early…the sun was barely up. After that, we headed to the Gorge. We didn’t really know what to expect except that there […]

We have been playing a lot of cards with the kids…especially the boys.  We’ve even learned a new game that’s become a family favorite called Injera Boat.  They are all fascinated when Patrick shuffles and bridges the cards.  Today, L was determined to get it right.  After about 10 tries, he got the feel for […]

We were able to worship with the big kids yesterday. The church was very Western…almost too Western. It’s fun how the big kids’ faces light up each time they see us. We were hoping to swim at the hot springs pool at the Sheraton but it was $$$$$$$$$. The grounds were quite luxurious…even by American […]

We have a new driver for the last part of our trip who has been a great tour guide. Most drivers drive these great Toyota vans. Their seat configuration is very flexible making them great for people and cargo. Yesterday we visited the Ethiopia National Museum which is the home to Lucy’s bones. Then we […]

…one to go. Today was the big day…court date.  After waiting two and a half hours with dozens of other adoptive families from all over the world, we were called into the judges office.  She asked some basic questions and, voila, Kayla (as she’s chosen to be called) was ours forever! She’s about 13, loves […]

First, let me say that AWAA’s drivers and guides rock.  They’ve been amazingly accommodating, welcoming, kind, and friendly.  It’s about a 20 minute drive to anywhere so far so we’ve seen a lot. This morning we went back to the TH to hang with the kids, meet with the pediatrician and psychologist, fill out some immigration […]

It was looking rough this morning, but against our better judgement, we took the whole crew to the Transition Home (TH) to meet L and B. Here we are on the famous TH porch where all AWAA families meet their kiddos. I won’t lie. We were a little nervous. Not so much that we would […]

And it was almost a bust. First, we way underestimated how much time it takes to long term park and maneuver 11 pieces of checked luggage plus 5 carryons around the airport. It’s never good when you show up at the check-in counter and they check to make sure your flight is still open. After […]