SJ-Ethiopia Part 3

SJ in Ethiopia getting to know her new parents. Note the shirt, "Daddy's Little Sweetie".

Hosanna Trip, Ethiopia Part 2

1. Our group walking in Hosanna

2. Coffee ceremony at Hosanna Care Center.

3. Church in Hosanna. It was Palm Sunday.

4. CC with kids at the church. They make headbands from the palm fronds for Palm Sunday.

5. The typical Ethiopian hut we were able to visit. The family makes a little money by allowing visitors each Sunday.

Photos from Ethiopia Part 1: Out and About in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa is a beautiful, crowded city. We enjoyed riding around in the van on our excursions to see more of the city. As it was Holy Week, there were lots of sheep and goats that had been herded to the city to be sold for Easter dinners. Donkeys carrying loads were quite common too. We got to go shopping in the tourist district, run errands all over town, drive through the Mercato (huge shopping district), and go out on foot in the neighborhood.

People in Addis are hardworking and so kind. We were always treated kindly and felt safe. It was so neat to be able to go out walking with SJ in the Ergo (again, thank you Dave!), we'd buy some bananas and take some photos. There were many beggars out too, but we found a way to handle it that we were comfortable with. On the way to the store, we would decide who was in the most need and purchase something for them at the store. On the way home, we would discreetly hand them either bread or bananas or money. We tended to give to the very old, mothers with children and the infirmed. It's also easier to give to someone sitting alone as you're less likely to be swarmed and run out of cash. The one that broke my heart was a mother with 4 kids who looked to be all under 4, the youngest were twins she was breastfeeding. We gave her quite a bit.

On the bright side, the weather was wonderful! It was high 70's and dry in the day and got down to the mid 50's at night. We only had one day where we found ourselves hot and sweaty. Also, there are beautiful trees and flowers everywhere.

Guest House Families

In the Guest House, there were 6 families. It's neat to see each family's journey, interactions, joys and struggles. There were 3 families adopting through CHSFS for a second time, 2 of those families were returning to Ethiopia and one family had adopted from Vietnam. One of those returning families adopted a sibling group. There was a single gal becoming a mom for the first time, a couple becoming first time parents and us.
It was a neat experience to bond with these folks. I look forward to following their lives with their children, and what beautiful children they all are!

Backtracking, the power was out!

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with our daughter went very well. She adjusted to us so quickly, I think she knew what was happening and was ready. The Care Center prepares the kids well and love them so much, the kids are just little "love sponges".
The power (and the water some too) was off and on Tue-Th. One night after all the kids were in bed, we adults sat by candlelight talking and playing Scrabble. We were actually disappointed when the power returned.
The children all did amazingly well at the transition. They were ready to leave the Care Center and have forever families. Our SJ gave Mommy her first kiss on the van as we left. I sat there crying with gratitude for this little girl.
SJ seems to have 2 distinct personalities...she's either quiet, shy and wide-eyed or crazy, rambunctious and giggly. We got to see both sides and learn about her sweet personality. She loves to be carried in the Ergo (thanks Dave!), loves bananas, pees on command, and when she does speak it's barely a whisper.
CHSFS is a superb agency for those considering adoption. We were thrilled with so many aspects of their projects. I could go on and on...

Update from Abby

Hi, I'm Abby, and I've been posting for Cynthia while she's in Ethiopia. I've not heard from her since Monday, I think there might be a glitch with email. I want to ask for prayers for Cynthia, her DH & SJ as they begin their journey home. Please pray for safe travels & for peace for SJ as she faces many transitions in the days to come. Thank you all so much for prayers lifted up on their behalf. I know that they are coveted and appreciated.

Monday

On Monday morning, we were all able to bring our children back to the Guest House for a 1/2 day visit. SJ willingly went with us on the van, as did the other children with their parents. She was very quiet and still as she checked out the house and the action. We sat on the porch swing with her looking at books, walked with her around the courtyard looking at flowers, and showed her around the house. We then cuddled with her on our bed and she fell asleep for an hour. We woke her up for lunch, which she refused. To refuse something, she puts her elbow up by her mouth, it's so cute! For some reason, she finally gave in and started eating. The kitchen staff, who are terrific cooks, made Ethiopian food for lunch knowing the children would do better with familiar food. SJ eventually gave in and let me feed her Ethiopian style, injera and wot with my fingers. It was a great moment, she ate very well and drank some milk. It was then time to take the kids back to the Care Center, she went willingly and gave us a tiny glimmer of a smile when we kissed her goodbye.
NOTE: Beth and Brad had a great day with their daughter T. God answers prayers, T had no fits and actually cuddled her mom and fell asleep with her. They were so relieved and excited.
Tomorrow morning we go to the Care Center for the Farewell Ceremony, then a quick lunch, then off to the Embassy for SJ's travel papers. After the Farewell Ceremony, she's ours FOREVER!

Village Day

We got to go out to the countryside today, which is completely different than Addis Ababa. Hosannna (and it's surrounding area) is a small town of 60,000 where many of the children CHSFS places are from. Lots of livestock, fields and many people looking for water. While there, we were also able to tour the initial Care Center that our daughter was placed in. I'll have Chris do a Show and Tell of our adventure, it's too much to write now.
We were able to meet SJ's Ethiopian mother today. She is a quiet, beautiful, brave, Christian woman. It was an intensely emotional experience for everyone. We will be keeping the details of the meeting private for SJ, we were blessed to learn so much about our daughter's life before us.
We're wiped out from the trip, and get to lounge around the Guest House tonight. Tomorrow we all bring our new children back with us to the Guest House for a half day visit. We did not get to see SJ today and miss her terribly.
Love to all, especially B, whose sister will be home soon.
C, C and S

Visits with SJ

Today we had 2 visits with SJ. The first meeting didn't go well because I was too aggressive. I picked her up before she was ready against Hubbys' advice. She cried and resisted until the nannies put on a movie, she quickly forgot about her overeager mama.Between visits, we met with SJ's care team. She's healthier than we thought and is doing very well. We were able to get a preview of the birth family meeting and see a DVD about SJ's life before us. It was another weepfest for us, as we are so aware of the tragedy that takes place before the joy of an adoption. We will be keeping this info private for SJ, it's hers to share as she grows.The second visit went much better because I let Super Daddy set the tone. She eventually let Chris pick her up, and then fell asleep in his arms. When we had to go, he passed her to a nanny and she didn't wake up.The cutest thing, we have been asking about the potty situation here. How, where, little potty/big potty?....without getting much info. When we were getting in the van, we looked over and they had a row of 8 toddlers sitting on a row of little pottys in the driveway. Just adorable, and the kids just sit there, they know the drill! SJ definitely knows who we are and what is going on. She watches us suspiciously. Her buddy, T, is also quite aware. Please pray that Tuesday's transition into our full custody goes well. I am concerned about T and her parents, Brad and Beth. It's been difficult for them with T still having big fits, as it would for anyone, let alone being first time parents!In the afternoon, we got to go shopping. It was great! Beautiful goods, great prices, we went crazy! Hubby even bought an antique sword, wait til he tells you about it! We found most of what we wanted, I haven't been able to find an Ethiopian Bible, but maybe one will turn up. For dinner we got to go to a traditional Ethiopian meal and dance. We were crying it was so beautiful, these people are amazing. The food was super, they did the full coffee ceremony, incense, washing hands, popcorn dessert, and Ethiopian food buffet . The traditional dancers did about 6 different dances, each with costume changes. The ladies did a dance that left us awestruck, swinging their beautiful hair around. By the way, we bought 2 bottles of wine, a bottle of water, 2 full buffets. The cost in US dollars- $33. Tomorrow we are off to SJ's home village. Once there, we will find out if any of her birth family was able to come. If not, we will still have the privilege of seeing our daughter's birthplace. More later. Lots of love to all, especially a certain little blond boy. We miss you so much little guinea pig!!

Meeting SJ

We met our daughter today. The first visit was ok. She sat on my lap, quiet as a mouse, then fell asleep while looking at us. It was very sweet, and short. A nanny woke her up for some reason, and she cried then refused to eat or come to us.
Our second visit today was much better. We just held her, it seems that what she wanted. We also went outside and played bubbles, she also enjoyed looking out over the neighboring compounds. SJ is VERY quiet and shy. She is content just sitting on our lap and cuddling-which I LOVE. SJ is sensitive to the other kids who are sad. Her little best friend, T, had a pretty bad fit and SJ was bothered by it. When T settled down, so did SJ. And SJ is absolutely stunning. Big brown eyes, long eyelashes, caramel skin and full lips.
Please pray for our friends, Beth and Brad, T's parents. They are first time parents and this little one is tough. They were so brave and just held T until she settled down.
Tomorrow, we spend the morning with SJ and meet with her care team. We'll boost the Ethiopian economy at the market in the afternoon, then off to a traditional dinner and dance at the Crown Hotel in the evening.
The people here are so kind and welcoming, the food is amazing, and it's true that Ethiopians love children.

We're Here

We made it to Ethiopia. It is beautiful, calm and such a relief to be here. We just had a pancake breakfast with the other families and are OFF TO MEET OUR DAUGHTER!
More later...