Last Post from Addis Ababa
Well T minus 14 hours to take off...! The last couple of days have been a bit rough as Ciara, Hunter, Ruby, and Mahlia were invaded by Ethiopian tummy buggies that resulted in some pretty sick kiddo's... but thanks to the wonderful local Ethiopian doctor who came to our hotel room and got us set up with the right meds, the kids are on the mend :) So the last few days have been pretty quiet and boring as we spent a lot of time in the hotel nursing kids.
The hightlight of the last couple of days was the Thomas Center going away party. They do such a great job with that celebration! Its a farewell party for the children who are leaving, and a chance for the new parents, the nannies, and the older children to exchange goodbyes and thank you's. The party starts with the Thomas Center staff singing and dancing to wonderful Ethiopian music. The Ethiopians sure know how to celebrate as was very evident with the joy and enthusiasm that they danced and sang. Again, something to be learned from these wonderful people...! Next Abdissa asked each of the parents to say something about their experience here. This is a very emotional part of the evening, as there are many tears shed by adoptive families and staff alike as they give heartfelt thanks to the Thomas Center staff for the care, love, and dedication that these wonderful people have given our children. Lots of clapping and cheering as well, as the Ethiopians are such encouraging and happy people! Abdissa continues the evening with a wonderful sermon about the blessings of adoption, etc. He is also a preacher, on his day off (Sunday), and he is a very passionate one at that. Lots of 'Praise the Lord!' and 'Halleluia!', very fun to be a part of :) While the party was such fun, the goodbye, as we expected was very hard on little Jonah. Lots of wailing and screaming and sadness, poor little guy. We got back to the hotel late and fell into bed, but were all awoken by Jonah screaming at the top of his little lungs a couple of hours later. Not sure if it was a night terror or just more grief, but it was intense.... Luckily we got him back to sleep :)
Tonight the flight leaves at 11:30pm....yuck! For the little guy who does not sit still, this trip home is going to be a challenge..... and we probably won't be super popular with the other passengers either ;) We set it up so we fly to Frankfurt, spend a day and a night there, then tackle the 11 hour flight to Seattle, then on to Spokane, and then finally home...We decided to tackle it all in one chunk would be less then intelligent on our part.
I am quite sad to be leaving Ethiopia, I do so love it here, but I am also looking forward to being home :) I miss my other kids and my wonderful town and friends, so it will be good to be back home, just wish it wasn't quite so far away....:)
Signing off from Addis!
Love,
Jennifer
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