Friday, May 28, 2010

Ethiopia Days 3 & 4

Ethiopia Days 3 & 4
(Hubby and Captain in front of the Guest House Door)
(Good Bye Coffee Ceremony at the WACAP House)
(Learning how to blow bubbles)
(He felt so cool in mom's glasses)
(Laughing with mom- a first)
(Daddy and Sweet M*- he loved it on Daddy's shoulders)
(Out with the Travel Group at the Cultural Dinner)
(Lots of Yummy Ethiopian Food)
(Traditional Ethiopian Dancing)
(Captain slept through the WHOLE thing... dancing, loud music, horn and all)

We mainly just hung out at the WACAP house on our 3rd and 4th days in Ethiopia. Sweet M* learned how to blow bubbles and he would go to Captain when he needed help. He would also allow Hubby or I to console him when he got upset and it was the first time he was actually sad when we had to leave. That made it really hard to drive away and I felt like I really needed to take custody at that point. But, we still had our big trip to Awassa to visit his original orphanage, so I had no choice but to leave him.

On one of the evenings we went out to the Cultural Dinner and Dancing. I think that was one of my favorite moments in Ethiopia. The food was delicious and we were able to see some of the coolest dancing ever. They can jump, shake and do some things that don't seem humanly possible (or at least without breaking your shoulder or neck)... but anyway it was really fun. Captain was so tired though that he slept right after he ate. It was so loud inside the restaurant, but he slept like a baby.

I noted in my journal how safe I felt in Ethiopia, and I wanted to make sure I mentioned it so any families learning about the process or in process reading my blog. I know when we began the process to adopt we were nervous about the travel, and I imagine others behind me may have the same sort of feelings. I cannot say it enough... I am SO glad we decided to both travel and bring Captain. The people are so nice in Ethiopia, and they were always willing to go out of their way to help us wherever we went. Yes there is poverty, yes there are people sleeping on the streets. But, I honestly felt much safer walking the streets in Addis than I do in LA or New York. I would encourage anyone in process that may be nervous to be BRAVE. You will not regret your experience In Ethiopia.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Great to read about your trip, Amber! Looks like the bonding went well and everyone was having fun together.

I felt exactly the same way you did about Ethiopia. The people are all wonderful and I felt much safer walking down the street there than I have in some parts of the US. Really, what a wonderful experience and I'm SO glad I was able to travel!