Ethiopia-Day 1

We got in to Addis Sunday night without any problems with flights, or sickness, etc.  Things went very smoothly for us.  Woudneh (our West Sands host) picked us up from the airport and took us to our hotel.  We tried to get settled in that night knowing that Monday was a big day for us.

This is where we ate breakfast every morning in our hotel.  The food was very good!

We were blessed to share our week with the Veals and the Crums.  We had a blast!  Lots of laughs...

Woudneh

This was our driver, Dere'je who took us to our orphanage in Nazaret.

This was our first meeting with Yonas and Yosef.  Yonas wasn't feeling well and spent a lot of time laying down while we were there.  They both instantly came to us and hugged us.  We were all smiles.  I thought that I would end up crying the whole time, but after a few tears shed at our initial embrace, I didn't have any tears!  I was overcome with so much joy.  It is hard to put it into words.  The boys are amazing.  They got along with all the other children at the orphanage and were so full of energy.  We enjoyed watching them play and learning as much as we could about them.  The language barrier was somewhat difficult, but there were some kids at the orphanage who spoke pretty good English.  They helped us a lot. All of the children were wonderful.  We enjoyed getting to know all of them and could have brought them all home if we could. 

One of the first things they did for us at the orphanage was a coffee ceremony.  It was the best coffee I have ever tasted.  This woman made our coffee.  She was so good with all of the children.  I wish I had written her name down because I don't remember it now.  Maybe I will get to see her again when we go back.

Yosef trying to jump rope.  Too cute:)

My favorite boys!

Here are some pictures of the orphanage.  We loved it there.  All of the children help with the gardening.  They have cows, goats, and chickens.  They pretty much grow all of their food.  They also have several fruit trees and a coffee tree.  They are as organic as you can be.  

This was in front of their dorms. 

This is where we had our coffee ceremony and where they eat their meals.

After leaving the orphanage, we met back up with Woudneh, the Crums, and the Veals and had coffee and popcorn at our hotel.   This woman served us.  She was very sweet to let me get a picture with her.

Vince's dinner on Monday 

Bart and Brandi

Denise and Eric

 We enjoyed hanging out in the evenings with everyone.  We feel blessed that God placed us on this trip with 2 other couples that we didn't really know beforehand.  We made friends that will always be part of our life and part of our adoption story.

I have to say that Vince and I enjoyed pretty much every part of Ethiopia.  They country was beautiful as were the people. 

The next post will be about our second day with Yonas and Yosef.  We were only able to spend 2 days with them, but they were 2 very good days!

Kelli