Another fabulous day...

Today started with a happy wake up... although I wonder if they thought
they were dreaming before! The kids all were happy to wake up and put
on their new clothes! After that we had breakfast at the Hilton... it
was delicious and the kids were so glad to have injera, tibs and doro
wat... at the buffet their eyes lit up and we were so glad to have
someone explain buffets to them in Amharic! They also tried pancakes
and thought they were good too! After that we went to CWA office to
sign paper and pay the remaining fees. I was very glad to get rid of
the money and the paperwork was easy! The kids had fun playing with
their old friends and speaking Amharic. We saw many interesting things
while doing the paperwork like donkeys, kids (little ones) carrying full
kegs, people selling spices, tires, clothes and underwear... it was so
much fun! When we returned to the hotel we had hamburgers (for the
first time) and then went to do some shopping. We needed some BIG
Amharic/English dictionaries and some other books in both Amharic and
English. We now have Cinderella in Amharic. We also bought some balls
and jump ropes for CWA -- the kids were in need of some toys! One of
the highlights of the day was visiting Ben's cousins Ethiopian family
and taking presents! That was truly a memorable and fantastic
experience. It was also the first time that our kids really started
talking to each other and getting animated! We got to tell Grandma all
the great things that are happening for the kids in America and she was
so glad to know they were doing well! It was unforgettable! After that
we went to a great Italian restaurant where our driver translated for us
as we asked the kids all sorts of questions about their mom and their
house and school -- it was so cool. The kids most wanted us to know
that they want to go to church! Maybe we will go on Sunday after all.
We are SO blessed! Marta Grace told us that in Wolayta she sang in her
church choir and wants to sing again! We told her that she can learn to
play the piano too! :) Life is good! Addisu and Esrael Jakob are doing
great! Addisu chose to read the Amharic dictionary instead of swim
tonight while Esrael Jacob went crazy in the pool! It was so fun to
watch! Aunt Rebecca has been fabulous and we are having so much fun
with her! Tomorrow is a visit to a museum and then our Embassy
appointment where we will get the kids visas and then go get our German
transit visas.. after that we will go to a dance show. Seriously, never
in my wildest dreams did I dream it would be so good! I know that this
is probably just the Honeymoon period -- but it is a blast!!!! Have a
great day friends!
Love,
Brooke