Tuesday update

Tuesday Update

Today has been a day to get to know the children better. W has come out of her shell and can be very funny and animated. T is a bit more reserved and will play quietly by herself. A has a competitive streak and is more physical than perhaps what Josh is used to, especially when he is around other Ethiopian kids his age. But he is a good boy.

We’ve learned how to communicate important things like, “Do you need to go to the bathroom?” and “Are you hungry?” But there is still so much more to know. Once we get home, we won’t have the help of Amharic speakers to get us through the day. I confess I’m not looking forward to that!

This evening, reality hit for Josh. This is a normal part of the process, especially when you are tired and missing all the comforts of home. I believe when he can get some sleep, (and maybe a fresh donut from the bakery down the street), he’ll have a much better attitude. But please pray for God’s grace for him right now. (He came down while I was typing email. Already he is out of much of his grumps J)

Hannah has been an angel. I can’t imagine being here without her. She has been so good with the kids. But this evening, after a few bites of dinner, she felt ill and is right now lying down in our bed, hoping she doesn’t throw up, and complaining of a bad headache. It’s nothing worrisome, just an unpleasant inconvenience. Please pray she will feel better and get some rest tonight.

Power was off all day, until 6 this evening. I wasn’t sure if I would even be able to send this email or not. This is normal for here. At least there are lots of windows, so you don’t notice it so much in the daytime.

I must say being at a guest house instead of a hotel is the best thing. With other families here, their American kids, and their newly adopted ones, who know each other, makes the transition so much better. Still, I look forward to getting home and finding our own routine. It won’t be the same routine we had before, but it will be ours.

Tomorrow is our embassy appointment, around 2:30 in the afternoon here. We take our kids with us. After that, all we have to have done is our visa delivered. PLEASE PRAY IT WILL COME IN TIME TO FLY OUT ON THURSDAY. Friday’s flight is full, so if we miss Thursday, we may be here a few extra days. Probably won’t happen, but it is possible.

We gave the kids their first baths today. There was a bit of dirt to rinse away when we were done, but at least we filled the tub with warm water right before the power went out this morning. The girls like wearing their headbands and dresses. Can you believe that the little pink crocs we brought for W are almost too big? No way is this girl about to turn five. She might be 4, or an older 3. T is probably 6, A, 7 or 8. I’m sure this will become more clear as we go. We found out that A has had very little school. He had some, but had to drop out. So we’ll be starting at the beginning with him for sure. But he seems sharp and quick to learn.

Sorry if this update is not very well put together. I’m still not sleeping…only having 4 or less hours of sleep is no fun. Not sure tonight will be much better, but we’ll see.

Don’t get the idea things are bad here. I’ve been able to make injera, go shopping, meet wonderful people…and tomorrow is our last full day here. Before long we’ll be taking that long flight home (almost 17 hours) and then driving 6 hours home. I’m glad God’s grace is sufficient, ‘cause we’re sure going to need it!

Thanks again for your prayers……..Julie