Updates and life

Where to begin. The last couple of weeks have been C-R-A-Z-Y! I never thought adding another child would change things so much. Little miss Ahnika (previously known as Nafkot) definitely has regulated our lives. We actually live on a schedule - meal times, nap times, bed times, etc. If we don't follow this we get big tantrums. She has done so well here, really. I think it more me trying to adjust. I am just exhausted! The first time around we had so many people bring us meals, help out, etc. but for some reason this time around it was different. We have made it through the hard part - the first month. On Monday we will have been home for 4 weeks. Boy has time flown. Here is a list of what we have been doing:

1. One trip to the doctor for regular visit. - He thinks things look good.


2. Next day a trip to the Dermatologist to treat her molluscum. They give her a treatment that will cause blisters and then h0pefully the virus will die. Poor thing, when they say blisters they really mean blisters. She had about 10 bandaids on for days. I felt so bad. I was definitely feeling like the worst mother EVER (of course wait till you read on).


3. Next day me, hubby and the 4 Ethiopian children loaded up in the car to drive to Seattle to see a doctor there. The visit went great. We only had one melt down at radiology. She did great on the blood draw.


4. Next day we go to the zoo. I almost missed out with Ahnika because she was throwing a tantrum (like now because it is nap time). Thankfully she calmed down and we had a great day. That afternoon on the way home, we got a call that she is Hep A positive. This is the "good" Hep to have. Of course, what is really a "good" Hep? We will talk to the Health Deptartment next week to find out what we have to do.

5. Next day we head downtown for kids day. We got faces painted, free stuff, suckers, candy, and PIZZA from Rocky Rococos. Mmmmm.

6. Next day we went to Cat Tales. It is a little zoo here to help rescue big cats and bears. It was so much fun. Caleb, Gio and Kev got their faces painted. The whole family and girlfriends went with us.

7. That night we ended up in the ER with Ahnika for a staff infection from one of the molluscum. Apparently if you leave a band-aid on a lot, bacteria will grow in the hurt area. Bad mom moment #2. We got home about 1:30 am with her still awake.

8. Two days later we had SOphia's 18 month check up and a follow up with Ahnika. Things are looking better.

9. Next day - the worst moment in my history - I was changing Sophia and reach down to get her pants. At the same time, she did. She fell. Hard. Her face hit the drawer. She screams. I pick her up with blood everywhere. Her bottom teeth are no longer there. I grab wipes and try to stop the bleeding all the while screaming for someone ANYONE to get in to help. Finally I ran out to the living room, called Kev down to watch the boys, and head to the dentist. They say if we can bring the teeth in they may be able to put them back in. Finally after searching we find them. We go in. After 3 tries they are in. I am crying, she is crying, and I just want to die. Why didn't I get her clothes first? So many what ifs. We go home and I don't want to put her down. She won't remember this moment years from now, but I always will.

10. Two days later, my parents come in for a visit. We went to Greenbluff and George and I actually got a date! We went and saw Bourne Ultimatum. It was pretty cool!




This week has been pretty relaxed. I started back at work. But, unfortunately for my boss and my schedule, we can't get Ahnika into daycare until Aug 30th because of the Hep A. So, I frantically figured out a schedule. We took Sophia back to the dentist and she has an infection. If it is not better by Monday, we have to take the teeth out and she will be toothless there until her permanent ones come in. Please pray for healing. She is such a trooper. I took Ahnika in yesterday for a "happy visit". They were so good to her! She had a ball. I wish my dentist visits were that fun.

This weekend my bestest friend ever is coming. I might actually get some time away from home with her. We grew up next door to each other since I was 2. She is like my sister. I am so excited!

The kids has so much fun running through the sprinkler. It was Ahnika's first time. It was like it was the first time everytime it came back down on them! Priceless, for sure.

We were all dancing to the African Children's Choir. Shhh, don't mention that the musical instruments were from Mexico and not Africa. :) I do keep my daughter dressed, it is her that doesn't like to keep it on.
Yes, this is what happens when you don't pay attention for like 5 min. Stickers are found and placed in many areas. I won't show the wall or bench my other daughter colored "Bwue Bwue".

Well, time to get back to work. Have a great weekend!

Day 1 through Day 6

Day 1 through Day 6 - A journey of love - missing and found

Nafkot - Meaning what was missing is now found - Our sweet girl is home!



Day 1 -

Well, we made it to Rome. We are refuelling and hope to airbound within 45 min. The flights haven’t been to bad so far. I had to run through Chicago to catch my flight and mom was delayed in Denver, but we are here.

We got word there was a glitch in the paperwork for our embassy appointment so I pray everything goes well and we can still leave on the 28th. Otherwise I will be in Addis a little longer!

This is all pretty exciting. I have been on a rollercoaster today of emotions. Last night I went to bed around midnight and woke up at 2 am to get ready for the airport. I slept a little on the first flights. I did sleep on the way to Rome for about 5 hours. The joys of Ambien. We are still scheduled to land at 7. Then the fun begins. I am hoping Carolyn makes it to the airport, but I understand if she doesn’t. It is so hard the first few days with your children, being tired, culture shock, etc.

I feel so blessed to share this journey with my mom. We have gotten along great and I look forward to see Ethiopia through her eyes for the first time.

Day 2 -

We landed in Addis Ababa around 7:15 pm 7/19. The flight really wasn't bad. The last three hours was long, but we slept, talked and met some cool people. The meals on there were great. I felt like I was always eating. I am so hungry right now, but m&ms and popcorn will have to do.

Going thru the airport was easy the second time around. Visas went well, bags all came. The only problem was AAI sent a driver and I thought it was the driver the Guest House sent. I was wondering why he wouldn't let me pay!

It was so awesome to Kidist, Alayhu and Hannah. It was definitely like coming home. They are such awesome people. Kidist showed mom the pictures we sent. I can't wait to give her more!

Tomorrow morning we go to the Embassy to try to file for the IR3 visa rather than the IR4. This would make her an automatic citizen when we land in the US. Our paperwork was filed finally today. Hopefully this means her Visa will be done by early next week! So, after the Embassy we get to meet her. I am so excited.

I got to meet Carolyn, Kiel and her sweeties. Poor girl, the baby has scabies and the boys have lice. I actually saw a live lice for the first time. I am praying Nafkot doesn't have any.

Well, I better get to bed. Tomorrow is the big day.

I miss my family so much. I wish they were here to experience all of this. It is so crazy to be back here a YEAR later!

Day 3

Woke up at 6:30 am to call the family and the phones are down. I am bummed. We had a wonderful breakfeast. There are 3 people here teaching kids and adults in different schools. There are 3 older gentlemen working on well drilling. Then their is the Tweitmeyers who adopted also.

It is so good to see Kidist and Hannah and show them pictures. Kidist and Aleyu are heading to America on Sunday so Kidist can have surgery. I pray I am able to see them while they are in the States.

we are just sititing here waiting for Nate to get us to go to the Embassy. Then we get to go get Nafkot. I feel bad for habtamu, carolyn’s son. He is crying right now. I remember those moments so well with my boys! Boy do I miss my kids. I can’t wait to get back home to them!

Nate mom and I went to the embassy. I have to get proof from George that he was here last year for the IR3 visa. Gail didn’t get the stuff to him before she left. bummer. The CDC has the waiver and so hopefully by Monday Naroibi will have the waiver and by Tues/Wed it will be done.

We learned so much from Nate about here and process. He is a great addition to AAI. He was able to get us a cell phone to rent and then we can charge the number with Birr and people can call us. It is free incoming calls so our families back home can call and get a hold of us even if we aren’t at the Guest House.

After the embassy we drove back, picked up the cameras and picked up Carolyn to go to AHOPE. It was surreal really. When i got there I was just another stranger. She finally came to me and it was love from then on. She is really a doll. She barely cries unless she is tired or hurt. Poor girl, she has molluscum all over her face, arms and legs. I know they hurt her when we try to get rid of them. She is a brave little one. There was a going away party for the volunteers when we were there and the kids sang sons and had cookies. Then Nafkot got to give each child a sucker we brought. She was pretty proud. We also got to watch them eat lunch. It was amazing how good the kids are! They line up to wash hands, sit in their seats and eat. After they eat, they go wash their hands again, and then get their drink. If only my kids were like that now!

Our biggest worry right now with her is lice. She does have it. We are hoping to get all the eggs out before we leave. I don’t want to bring them home! She also will have to have surgery on an embilical hernia (did I spell that right?). I have heard it is not that bad. I met with the nurses for her meds and time frames. I totally forgot to see where she sleeps, if there are any toys left that I sent, etc. Next time.

We then walked back home and had dinner. I treated her for lice, gave her a bath, and got her ready for the day. later that afternoon we went to the market for snack foods. Last night was awesome to get to know her. After bed Carolyn, Kiel, Mom, and I stayed up and visited. Sleeping wasn’t the best, I must say. I finally fell asleep at about 3 am and then was awoke at 7 am. Nafkot sleeps all over the place.

Day 4

I woke up to a phone call from Dad to mom. I impatiently waited for one from George, but I gave him the wrong number. Finally I got to talk to him. I miss him so bad. I cry wishing he were here. It was good to talk to all the kids. It is Nick’s birthday and I am sad I wasn’t there. After eating we got ready to go. We didn’t have definite plans today. We went to a new HIV orphanage that was being set-up and Carolyn and fam brought donations to them. Then we went to lunch at a great restaraunt. I am not feeling so well so it was a struggle all day. I started taking cipro this morning. It really puts a damper on the day. After lunch at Le Jardin we looked for a medical care center but Barlow was closed. From there we went to the Hilton, got our Airline tickets confirmed, exchanged some money and then got online. This year was so different from last year. I was able to check all my emails and send some. Last year I sent one and checked one. After that we headed out after Carolyn’s son bolted from Kiel. After the Hilton we went to some markets looking for suitcase for Aleyu and Kidist, scarves, dresses, fabric, misc. We hit many stores and by the last one we were all at meltdown mode. We came home and rested before dinner. It was an emotional night for me tonight. Kidist and Aleyu leave tomorrow night for America. She is really sick and has tried everything here with no fixes. A police man from VA has helped them find a doctor and will stay with them and got them plane tickets for America. It is such a blesisng from God that they get to do this. I am in awe of His glory. Tonight we gave them their suitcase and carry-on bag. They were so humbled by these gifts. It is so awesome they have this opportunity. After that it was time to get ready bed. So, here I sit typing. I think it is time to get to bed.

Tomorrow we will go to an international church, visit AHOPE, have a coffee ceremony, and Yodit’s brother is going to come pick up their gifts. Hopefully it will be relaxing.

Day 5

Today we went to the International church. It was in English and about 1 John. HOnestly, I was so exhausted, I don't know all that he talked about. I think there was a discussion on lightness and darkness and picking to always live in the light. We went with the Tweitmeyers, Joe, Josh, and Katie. It was cool. We had Macchiottos before church, which is the best drink EVER! After church, we went to the Paradise Cafe on top of Kaldi's coffee. It was great food and the view was awesome! After that we went home for a coffee ceremony from Kidist, a visit from the brother of an Ethiopian woman who lives here in SPokane, visit Nafkot's orphanage again, and head back for dinner. We brought some donations from friends to the orphanage and got to hang out with the kids again. It was awesome. That night we were able to pray for Kidist and Alayu before leaving for America. What a humbling experience to know I was able to be there when they left. They are my family and I can't wait to see them again - preferrably, this side of heaven. I woke up as they left early in the morning. Thank you Lord for them in my life!

Day 6

Today was crazy. We went to the dr for 5 hours. It was really long and Nafkot did fairly well. Finally we got back at 2 pm had a quick lunch and then went back to AHOPE at 3 to get ready for goodbye ceremony. We got there and Nafkot would not let me put her down. It was very hard after awhile. The ceremony was awesome. They prayed for the children, sang to them, and they got a traditional outfit to take home. Then we went to dinner with Sidisse (the doctor for the orphanage) and the paradise grill. I will write more about this when I am not so tired. Sidisse told me nafkot’s grandmother visited her many times at AHOPE and her brother visited 2 times. I will meet her on Friday at 9:30 am. We still don’t know about our waiver.

Tomorrow we go to Sodo for 2 days. I am praying it goes well.

I will write more about the rest of my journey later.

We are home now and doing well. I have learned when to stop tantrums and what her needs are. She is a happy girl, most of the time. I think the kids here are having the harder time adjusting. Thank you all for your prayers as I travelled and for all the calls and emails to George while I was gone. He is such a great dad. He painted the girls room, rearranged and hung new shelves. It was the best welcome home gift ever! Today we went to Greenbluff to pick some peaches. We will go back in a few weeks for more and for berries, but it was so good to get out! The girls have totally bonded. Nafkot really takes care of Sophia - feeds her, comforts her when she cries, holds her hand, etc. I think they will be great for each other. The biggest problem is when I am holding one, I have to hold the other! But they are cute!