Who's Sleeping In My Bed?

Last night when we came to bed, we found this... 

Maya had gotten out of her bed and crawled into ours last night before we came to bed.  I have to admit, I started a bad habit with Maya.  It started when Dave was in Ethiopia this past month.  Maya would wake up, walk into my bedroom, and I would let her crawl into bed with me.  Honestly, I didn't mind having her with me.  It was lonely without Dave home and Maya made it less lonely for me.  I think I made it less lonely for her too.  

Maya has been a trooper with everything going on with Makenna, Dave being gone, and everything else going on right now.  I know she is feeling the stress in the house which breaks my heart.  Maya deserves to have her mommy and daddy back.  She deserves to have us present.  I know she feels the stress as she is begging for me to cuddle with her while watching TV, she is crawling into our bed or at least trying to a lot more often, and she is acting out while seeking attention.  Good news is we are aware and trying to make sure Maya gets the positive attention she deserves.  We are trying out best to get back to normal (whatever that is).  

*Many of you are asking for an update on Makenna - I promise to update the blog very soon.  Please keep her in your prayers as we do have a long road in front of us.

Wordless Wednesday - Love These Girls

Last 5-6 Weeks

As many of you know from reading my blog and visiting with us, Makenna had been sick and was admitted to the hospital the week of Christmas. Right after Makenna got released from the hospital, Dave left on a 10 day mission trip with our church to Ethiopia. Needless to say it has been a very busy and emotional 5-6 weeks hence the lack of blogging. I am finding it hard to not only managed all my daily and weekly task but to also manage my emotions.

Makenna being sick really took a toll on me. It hurts so badly inside when your baby is sick and the doctors have no idea what is going on. Makenna is scared of doctors and would cry hysterically whenever she was touched, poked, or even when the medical staff got too close to her. It broke my heart to see her in so much pain not because of her leg but because of how scared she was. Thankfully we have been home for awhile now and she is doing so much better. Yes, we still have scary doctor appointments and yes we are still trying to figure out how to treat her but her spirit is back. Makenna is a trooper.

Thank you to all of you who have prayed for us, visited us in the hospital, and given us a free pass to be selfish with our time. By knowing we have a great support system makes all of this much more bearable. We really appreciate all the love and support we have received. Soon we hope Makenna will be fully recovered and we can put all of this behind us.

Wordless Wednesday - Oh Makenna

Happy Forever Home Anniversary Makenna!

Today marks our one year anniversary of being home as a family of 4. Last year today, friends and family gathered at the airport to welcome us home and to meet the newest member of the family. I remember walking off the plane in pure exhaustion as well as being anxious to see Maya. I couldn't wait to give Maya a big hug and lots of kisses. It was an emotional day for me to be home and be surrounded by so many people who love us and supported our adoption process.

Our friend Evan took our first family photo and framed it for us which is still on my shelve in my family room. Although it isn't the best picture considering Dave and I hadn't slept much or showered for almost 30 hours, it is our first family picture which I very much treasure.

I have to admit that I have been struggling with the fact Dave just recently traveled to Ethiopia without me and had an experience without me. I feel incredibly jealous and feel that whenever Dave thinks of Ethiopia, he thinks of his recent trip versus the two trips we shared together. I never thought I would ever feel this way and it has been very hard. Thankfully Dave and I have been able to talk through this and he assures me this last trip has not replaced the other two but it was simply a different trip with different experiences.

Today we plan to spend time together as a family. We plan to celebrate our blessings and enjoy each other.

Happy Forever Home Anniversary Makenna! We love you to pieces.

One Year Ago Today

Sunday will be our 1 year forever anniversary of being a family of 4. Crazy to think Makenna has been home for almost 1 full year. Wow time goes by so fast! This year we had experienced so much and we have so much to be thankful for. Each day that comes and goes, I feel incredibly blessed and very lucky to be mom to my two girls. I know I have many not so great moments and some really bad days but I never forget how blessed I am.

This past year we have learned how to be a family of 4 which isn’t so easy at times. Makenna had to adjust to being with us as we did with her. The attachment piece didn’t happen overnight but instead over a course of months. We got there though and trust me Makenna is very much attached!

Today I took a moment to reflect back to last year on this very day. At this time last year, we spent much of the day visiting the Alert Hospital and Korah. It was truly an amazing experience that wrecked us even further. It is really hard to even put words to this experience as it tore my heart to pieces but at the same time gave me some joy as I got to spend time with such wonderful people. These people have gone through so much and have so little but yet managed to make us feel welcomed. Dave did a beautiful job blogging about our visit there so feel free to read it here.

Dave and the group he traveled with had the pleasure of visiting these amazing people at the Alert Hospital. While looking at pictures, I recognized many faces. They same group of individuals have continued to work hard and I assume will continue as long as they need to in order to provide for their families. Dave and the group provided them with much needed supplies so they can continue to make their crafts and sell them in the gift store. God is good!

Here are just a few pictures from that day. 

Acacia Tree

Last week I mentioned my first close-up encounter with an acacia tree while in Ethiopia. I commented on how beautiful and stunning the image of a lone tree in a landscape is but yet how fierce and thorny the tree is up close. A close friend and mentor, Norma Smith, provided some additional background on the tree that I thought I would share.

Read your blog and noted the comment about the acacia tree. I actually centered a Sunday School lesson on the acacia tree a few months ago. There are many different varieties throughout the world, however a few of the salient points that would probably interest you are....

• Scholars believe it is quite likely the acacia wood is what the ark of the covenant was made from. This is because of the incredible strength/durability of the wood.
• The acacia tree has a tap root that can extend 200 ft + down into the earth. This is how it can thrive in the driest of desserts (ie., Holy Land, etc.)
• Some scholars think that gopher wood is the same thing as acacia wood. if this is accurate, then Noah's ark was also made of this wood.

Thought you might like to know that, as you suspected that the acacia had some deeper meaning, symbolism...

Melkam Genna

Melkam Genna!

One of my favorite parts of being a conspicuous family and having Ethiopian children is the fact that our family gets to celebrate many holidays - both USA holidays and Ethiopian holidays.  We absolutely love integrating our children's culture into our family as it is important for all of us.

Yesterday, January 7th, was Genna or Christmas in Ethiopia.  Our friends Ron and Betty hosted a wonderful celebration gathering which consisted of a traditional Ethiopian meal, great company, and some great dancing.  Betty asked all of us to come in our traditional Ethiopian outfits and thanks to Dave, we were able to.  It was really fun to be surrounded by other families with Ethiopian children and to celebrate this religious holiday.  Once we got home Maya told me how much fun she had and that puts a big smile on my face.

Check out our dancing!  Ha!

I have been burned. I have been bruised.

I am back in the U.S. this week, back at work, back doing things with my family. I am grateful for all of these things yet much of me is still left behind in Ethiopia. 

I have such memories of playing soccer with the children at Trees of Glory. Memories of volleyball and soccer with the boys of Kolfe. Watching the youth on our team interacting with their peers half a world away, teaching them four square and being taught Ethiopia games and dances. 

I have been burned. 

Today the skin is peeling on my face from the burn that the bright sunshine of Ethiopia left. A reminder that while my time in Ethiopia was full of highlights, the harsh reality is that there are so many children left in a situation that is not comfortable. 

I have been bruised.

This is a photo of the side of my leg. It is a bruise that received over one week ago while playing soccer on a field of rocks. It is a reminder of the pain and burden that each of these orphans bears each day. 

I was able to return to my family and my home knowing that I have family that loves, supports and cares for me. The boys at Kolfe remained there, with many of them asking for a 'mom', even if just a virtual one unable to give a hug or wipe away their tears. 

On Sunday I attended church in Addis Ababa and part of the message related to the overwhelming burden that is placed on us, and the importance of not giving into this burden. Despite many challenges, I am not ready to let this burden overcome me and will persist in being a voice for the orphan.

Day Three–Visit to Local Village

After lunch at Trees of Glory, most of the team went back outside to interact with the children. A small group of those asked if it would possible to walk to the local village, to experience how the families of these children lived. We walked about 4-5 children home, up a rock-laden hill to the village closest to the school. The village was made up of small compounds of mud huts. A little girl who so reminded me of Maya held my hand until it was time for her to walk in a different direction to home.

We were about to experience a situation that would be repeated over and over again the rest of the week. The mother of one of the boys, Worku, invited us into her home. She first showed us the hut that made up the kitchen and stable for the livestock. While in this hut she grabbed a animal skin and shook it out and asked us to come with her. She led us into the main hut where there were stools and beds. She laid out the animal skin and invited us to sit.

She explained in her local language that she had not been expecting us thus was unprepared. She quickly grabbed some glasses and washed them and placed them in front of us. Grabbed a pitcher and filled these glasses until not another drop would fit in. She had offered us a glass of beer, homemade, local brew. As much as I wanted to taste the beer to show gratitude, I realized it would be a mistake as my body would likely not respond well. But the thought that this widowed mother, with what I viewed having little material belongings offered us willingly and openly what little she had. She probably drinks 1/4 of a glass of this beer at a special occasion, and here she was offering to me, a visitor and entire glass was very humbling.

On our walk back to the school, we examined an Acacia tree up close. The tree that defines Africa is really somewhat of a thorn bush. Beautiful from a distance it was surprising to see how crude this tree was up close. I am sure there is a metaphor there to be defined further.

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Brad also had a close encounter with a bull

Lastly, we came across a two younger children, shepherds, watching over a herd. The little girl was so beautiful. There also was a little boy who was riding a donkey, and seeing us "farenjie" started showing off by making the donkey buck. The donkey eventually won and the boy went flying through the air. The pure innocent laugh of the little girl will be the one sound that stays with me from this trip.

Day Three–Trees of Glory

Today we traveled north to an school/carepoint sponsored by another of Hopechest's sponsor communities. Our team wanted to see a bit of rural Ethiopia beyond the city life of Addis. As we climbed up the mountainside, the smell of Eucalyptus was so strong combined with the smell of fresh rain. The city eventually faded and the signs of they countryside became apparent. There were shepherds watching over their herd and, harvests being transferred to be sold - some on the backs of donkeys and horses and some on the backs and shoulders of people.

The drive was about two hours, although it took a little longer as we stopped to purchase fruit for the children at the care point. Trees of Glory is a care point completely unlike that of Kolfe Boys Orphanage. Of the over 100 children at the school, only 13 are orphans who live at the compound. The others are all children from the surrounding villages. The children are provided education and nutrition each day. We were told of one little girl who when she first showed up at the school was thin as a rail and malnourished, but today is a plump and healthy child who is excelling in her studies

The property is a large compound given to the school from the government after the Japanese construction company abandoned the site after completing construction of the highway. It was made up of a number of barracks styled buildings. We had a tour that took us down the hill to where they were in the process of digging out the previous well as plans were under way to re-access that well and once again provide running water direct to the school, versus having to bring it on on donkey each day. They were so proud of this project and I am praying that they have success soon and can enjoy fresh water daily.

Further down the hill was a small creek that was also the schools property line. Being outside, walking the countryside down to the creek you noticed how quite it was, especially after leaving the bustle that is Addis Ababa. The view was out of a movie, slowing running and clear. We skipped a few rocks while exploring.

We then completed the tour by walking back of the hill to the buildings where we shown the progress and results that preceding teams had done at the compound. The toilets had been restored and much of the interior had been painted. Under construction was a covered walkway between the dining hall and kitchen.

Once the tour was done it was time to play! While getting the tour the children were so patiently waiting for our interaction. Finally it was time. We walked over to the playgournd and our team split up. Many of our team played volleyball and showed off some skills, it was the first time being introduced to the rule that you can kick the ball as well as use your arms when playing. This would come in handy later in the week while at Kolfe.

I picked up a soccer ball and started playing with the little kids, soon I had 10-15 kids surrounding me and trying to take the ball away. I love the constant energy that children have. After about 15 minutes we organized a game, with me and four others on one side and Fekra (Hopechest discipler) and four others on the other. The field was actually rocks but that didn't slow these children down. It was a close game (the goals are very small in Ethiopia) and neither team really dominated the other. The game ended when I twisted my ankle, luckily it was just a small sprain although it could have been avoided if I would have wore my ankle brace.

After playing we brought all of the children into the classroom and sang songs, many of them echo songs. It is such joy to see a child's face light up and watch them learn something new. So many of these children seemed to crave touch, they wanted to be held, hugged and provided attention. We didn't disappoint.

After lunch, we were provided our first coffee ceremony of the week. This is a very special part of Ethiopian culture and customary to provide guests with coffee. The coffee beans are roasted, the smell fills the room. I must admit, this was the best tasting coffee I have ever had.

Some photos of our time at Trees of Glory:

One More Day

And Dave will finally be home!

You think with Dave being all the way across the globe in Ethiopia, I would have very little contact with him. Well that is sort of the case but thank goodness internet and phone is everywhere. Yesterday I got to talk to Dave on the phone. I felt bad as it was very late for him (9 hours ahead) but I was beyond relieved to hear his voice, hear about his day, and to share with him my days.

While Dave told me about his day, I started to feel like my struggles being a single parent is nothing and that I have absolutely nothing to complain about. Dave’s heart is aching right now and he is filled with so many emotions. I know I am ready for him to come home and I know he is ready to see his girls (and me) again but he doesn’t want to leave Ethiopia. Dave got a tremendous opportunity to travel with an amazing group from our church and introduce them to a country we love. From the sounds of it, everyone has fallen in love with Ethiopia and it sounds like some if not all of them want to return soon. Amazing! This group of adults and young adults will be able to come back and share their experiences with the congregation, with their friends, their family, and anyone that will listen. I am personally excited to hear about their trip from others besides Dave and to hear how this trip has changed them (and if it changed them). I am thinking our church is going to be able to do some great things for Ethiopia!

Like I said, I listened to him talk and I couldn’t help but feel guilty. I should not have complained about my week especially to Dave. At least not now when he is wrapping up his trip and managing his emotions. But my week was not a joy ride. It was hard. Lack of sleep, girls bouncing off walls, being stuck inside thanks to a two part winter storm, and no personal time has turned me into a crazy person. Big kudos to all the single parents out there as they have a very hard job!

I have to say thank goodness for an awesome daycare as my girls are being well taken care of, I am amongst adults, and I managed to get a fairly good night's sleep last night. 

Dave will be home soon!  YIPPEE!

If only Dave didn't have my camera...

If I had a camera and the camera could talk, it would tell you:

• Makenna is walking around on two feet versus crawling like she did all last week thanks to her new and "pink" cast on her leg.
• A sleeping bag sprawled over my family room floor with two girls in it watching Miss Spider
• A very tired mommy thanks to the lack of sleep due to both girls not going to bed and waking up multiple times per night :(
• Laundry baskets stacked up waiting to be folded and put away
• A huge snow drift in my driveway as well as all my neighbor's cars in our shared driveway preventing me from leaving my house (not to mention a big reason why all the snow is on  my side of the share driveway)
• Two healthy and relatively happy girls, two naughty puppies, and one mom who can't wait for her husband to return home

What would your camera say if it could talk?

Hello from Addis Ababa! (guest blog)

This is Jane Campbell and Katy Gorden reporting on behalf of the team.

The best thing about being here is that the weather is AWESOME; the sun is shining, there is no wind, it’s 70 degrees… oh, and no snow! We hear it’s blizzarding in Fargo… that’s unfortunate. But really, if the best thing about being here were the weather, we probably wouldn’t have come.

On Tuesday of this week, the team had the privilege of meeting the boys at the Kolfe Orphanage for the first time. After touring the compound, the boys showed us how bad we are at soccer (excuse me, football). Everyone was sore the next day, especially David, due to a face plant from diving after the ball. No worries, we got it on camera. (Insert evil laugh here.)

The next day, we went to Fregenet Kidan Ehitsanat School in Addis Ababa, the same location as a library named Ethiopia Reads. Much to our dismay, the book Twilight was on the shelves. Vampires aren’t just taking over the U.S., they’re taking over the world. Eek! We didn’t see Harry Potter represented; everyone was deeply saddened. Anyway, the classes that we visited sang some songs for us in English and Amharic, the national language of Ethiopia. One class sang about how much they loved school and they thanked their moms for being able to go to school. We were reminded that when we may not want to go to school, some kids are extremely grateful for the opportunity to go. While there, we met a little boy named Nati, who was probably most excited by us being there. Everywhere we went around campus, he followed and made sure to do some sort of acrobatic trick to impress us, and it worked!

That afternoon, our team split into two groups. One group went to go shopping for the material needs of the Kolfe boys, while the other group, our group, went back to Kolfe for more time with the boys. While our group was at Kolfe, we learned some cultural dances from some of the boys, which Julie Boe loved. Katy and I also got an added tour from our new best friend, Filiman. The group that went shopping purchased multiple t-shirts, undershirts and underwear (among other things) for the boys.

Thursday morning, we took a long trek to the Trees of Glory just outside Addis Ababa. Here, we got a tour of the beautiful 11,000 square meter compound. After lunch and a coffee ceremony, we were given the chance to play some games with the kids. There was a volleyball game (which Katy was beast at and I was… not) and a soccer game going while the younger kids were learning fun songs. The hardest part of the day was having to say goodbye to the kids; they were just so grateful for our presence. After having a delicious pizza dinner at Island Breeze, we all went back to the Guest Home for a good, long slumber.

Today, we went to Alert, the leprosy colony/hospital in Addis Ababa. This trip was extremely eye-opening for everyone in the group. We saw people with stubs for hands and eyes sealed shut. In Korah, the city surrounding the hospital, many of the 75,000 people living there make handicrafts, such as floor mats, scarves, tablecloths and clothing, to gain income for their family. So, after seeing the people making their various crafts, everyone on the team bought something beautiful at the gift shop.

That afternoon, we went to the National Museum of Ethiopia and the Lion Zoo. The museum was really interesting, as most exhibits displayed the history of humans. At the Lion Zoo, most people enjoyed being able to see the lions from a safe distance.

All-in-all, the trip so far has been lots of fun, but also very humbling at the same time. We’re both extremely excited to keep going with our trip, but also excited to bring back our many stories to our friends at Olivet and in Fargo. Happy New Year to all and see you in five days!