tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58857270974902619642024-03-05T15:54:11.254-06:00JOURNEY TO ANNSLEIGHBrad and Fran Hoaglandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03390648005169866679noreply@blogger.comBlogger147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5885727097490261964.post-78364425116098922632009-10-24T20:20:00.003-05:002009-10-24T20:33:05.888-05:00We've Had A Birthday!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Gq6iOWIoteHjmn1j2t17C6iinE8UU-y73GGItxbGMUeLYeRbBgfE8-6gH-4BpRQq3ueQKRQ6r1bR8Qq5xvhEH9H9Ot5nsjjUXczLvo9hsEYH4Lx2MEc-EBau1T_a3ubmcAVgLpncX4GN/s1600-h/Annsleighs+1st+birthday+10-16-09+044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396344024352420242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Gq6iOWIoteHjmn1j2t17C6iinE8UU-y73GGItxbGMUeLYeRbBgfE8-6gH-4BpRQq3ueQKRQ6r1bR8Qq5xvhEH9H9Ot5nsjjUXczLvo9hsEYH4Lx2MEc-EBau1T_a3ubmcAVgLpncX4GN/s400/Annsleighs+1st+birthday+10-16-09+044.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdRy9Olo2U9C32r6pQWj1NdNrsYyZpYUDECp6q90WeyClMEvcYENAl6NYhSeTfSN2mpm_60wCxiawYSvSatME6crLWezs9CqssLjiO_hfMbB2TttLwNQAfkiDyO7tKQYUofXlz-1PzZwDc/s1600-h/Annsleighs+1st+birthday+10-16-09+022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396344014577964930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdRy9Olo2U9C32r6pQWj1NdNrsYyZpYUDECp6q90WeyClMEvcYENAl6NYhSeTfSN2mpm_60wCxiawYSvSatME6crLWezs9CqssLjiO_hfMbB2TttLwNQAfkiDyO7tKQYUofXlz-1PzZwDc/s400/Annsleighs+1st+birthday+10-16-09+022.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPWTirraiw2ntdTjA3qgFsjT7IWBvNgPunMBJqqIPSjMSGrOBSr8Vq3CjahyphenhyphenGCE0J_-CAqKx77ex08Yqo0xZnNBbB2LPDAWnRP242x0AX_WgqXeI-AgFUwJbw_fLWYN8txQwLofZiPngX/s1600-h/Annsleighs+1st+birthday+10-16-09+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396344012178345266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPWTirraiw2ntdTjA3qgFsjT7IWBvNgPunMBJqqIPSjMSGrOBSr8Vq3CjahyphenhyphenGCE0J_-CAqKx77ex08Yqo0xZnNBbB2LPDAWnRP242x0AX_WgqXeI-AgFUwJbw_fLWYN8txQwLofZiPngX/s400/Annsleighs+1st+birthday+10-16-09+005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3BpUS0Yc7weHqv2AGztdj0bYRMwbZEU8xC957-pZhQ-WQoLJhgTYeOMAaqNiZAMBf7pJzZqF5Q-NJ4Y-i-YfOhv9cUjT5e8vfYq5chvOS0qsFyuuKpFDY1hvZomhBTKppcYxY16SZJRK/s1600-h/Annsleighs+1st+birthday+10-16-09+017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396344004341136610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3BpUS0Yc7weHqv2AGztdj0bYRMwbZEU8xC957-pZhQ-WQoLJhgTYeOMAaqNiZAMBf7pJzZqF5Q-NJ4Y-i-YfOhv9cUjT5e8vfYq5chvOS0qsFyuuKpFDY1hvZomhBTKppcYxY16SZJRK/s400/Annsleighs+1st+birthday+10-16-09+017.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">We have had a big first birthday at our house on Oct 16! It was, of course, a princess party. Our princess is always so active that almost all the pics are blurry, but I think you can still see thru it all that she is a precious one! We are still running on adrenaline here and more in love with her than EVER!!!!! She has brought so much fun to our family. She is a truly a joy in our lives.</span></div></div></div></div>Brad and Fran Hoaglandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03390648005169866679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5885727097490261964.post-55373578539097729992009-10-09T22:06:00.004-05:002009-10-10T14:26:53.854-05:00Since We've Been Home<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlodsqJaubbssD8d3M-ZuhtYixm-69UWSzuIl5s55yKt03ku1WepZDc05qhmrq4C-67ngX3TnaTPR85lBT8QZ1vCUJA8I-AHEriaJB41-KYcxgCcfjYYz1HYN_2v2-HgcKwMMNpr5ihai/s1600-h/Annsleighs+first+day+016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391054520606965442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlodsqJaubbssD8d3M-ZuhtYixm-69UWSzuIl5s55yKt03ku1WepZDc05qhmrq4C-67ngX3TnaTPR85lBT8QZ1vCUJA8I-AHEriaJB41-KYcxgCcfjYYz1HYN_2v2-HgcKwMMNpr5ihai/s400/Annsleighs+first+day+016.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">Since I am done writing all about our trip, I am sooooo excited to tell you now all about what life has been like since we have been home.....Its FABULOUS! Annsleigh is so well adjusted already....sleeping all night....eating non stop....perfect clean bill of health from the pediatrician, and he checked EVERYTHING....and her personality is just precious....she is cuddly and loves to be rocked and hugged....yet she is bubbly and silly and giggles all the time. The giggles always give her the hiccups! She babbles all the time like Pebbles does. Sounds just like her...How precious! Everything that I prayed to God about such concerns as bonding and sleepless nights and attachment just never were issues. He took care of all of that! She instantly took to the whole family, but is very attached to me. I do housework with her in the sling, or I do nothing but hold her and cuddle, which sometimes is what I do...cuz she will grow quick...and she is walking now. I am just so grateful I got to see her first steps before I have to go back to work on Sunday, night shift....YUCK! But, it will be ok....gotta do what you gotta do! Anyway, we also already had our court appearance here in TN for our readoption, so we are all done with major paperwork and expense now.... and I will post mostly pics for a while to catch you up....thanks for reading!</span></div>Brad and Fran Hoaglandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03390648005169866679noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5885727097490261964.post-82816100936468031852009-10-09T17:53:00.003-05:002009-10-09T18:08:58.485-05:00Home coming on Sunday at the airport<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuceC3TekogEBwabeyc_Nj98Aon7gA_NIxHEQ2xgYgPbUsqy146dxRNakPgEmoJ-GNue7ZQVt_FpKlRHlX-PQVl68If_YXSC27qK2s8VUPZ8w5XQYI0PFiO4gbwbzs52q4TbOGO8vvsqA/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+414.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390739954692722386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuceC3TekogEBwabeyc_Nj98Aon7gA_NIxHEQ2xgYgPbUsqy146dxRNakPgEmoJ-GNue7ZQVt_FpKlRHlX-PQVl68If_YXSC27qK2s8VUPZ8w5XQYI0PFiO4gbwbzs52q4TbOGO8vvsqA/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+414.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#ff6600;">Asleep at last in the bassinet on the plane</span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhX8MQGvSKxVc7tuoQFnKkDhy4ze1ImorKUJmkVoxRtVG73QyvPFP8qRAen018gMNfuvZpSc11wUfpowUy8fLHh82p0q2cNqnVuN4c62IYBMNZV4L2ZTf5Cd4F71XsSQWPScJIPiO2zyM/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+417.JPG"><span style="color:#ff6600;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390739945719222194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhX8MQGvSKxVc7tuoQFnKkDhy4ze1ImorKUJmkVoxRtVG73QyvPFP8qRAen018gMNfuvZpSc11wUfpowUy8fLHh82p0q2cNqnVuN4c62IYBMNZV4L2ZTf5Cd4F71XsSQWPScJIPiO2zyM/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+417.JPG" border="0" /></span></a> <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">Annsleigh meets her Uncle Chris</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfaMl316S5vEtHZ0cZu32K4QNJmLpBCHXKaDLEHRsiq6SMfIVE13jma48sxbhNSUVOsya105M20G1sJuZhAFobSZ6ZBhnjO87dtsyfNcZdPZKWU6pu9s7LTGYYGi64Y4U4ythxXlWZ99K/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+426.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390739939852135906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfaMl316S5vEtHZ0cZu32K4QNJmLpBCHXKaDLEHRsiq6SMfIVE13jma48sxbhNSUVOsya105M20G1sJuZhAFobSZ6ZBhnjO87dtsyfNcZdPZKWU6pu9s7LTGYYGi64Y4U4ythxXlWZ99K/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+426.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">Annsleigh meets big brother Bradley</span><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIW7bmAk-HAjti4Pju-4u2rokUMMaHUdFt0LMrk1hVv-TGXmMeSVrpERzdvnSm10fHghhZO6VkS0RtrQuUfzPPQjDPUi5MB2czxQVXhs3Y7no8qady3qCi6eZJnwKCwAbCKbJfANZRYU_Z/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+424.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390739927868145346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIW7bmAk-HAjti4Pju-4u2rokUMMaHUdFt0LMrk1hVv-TGXmMeSVrpERzdvnSm10fHghhZO6VkS0RtrQuUfzPPQjDPUi5MB2czxQVXhs3Y7no8qady3qCi6eZJnwKCwAbCKbJfANZRYU_Z/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+424.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnLTpPFT4ovrSFWhDHzPR4e-_Dcf8-FfLKJkaWFgvJ9wKROj41Ev3LhiqKgdfBj6DNZ6tUVtJV9_sgRYkZlJ5s0ot8sxJ5It92mCOGJsCczeN1fmTGTMGNMbWlE0h2coPA2VVzCvs-qx1/s1600-h/Annsleigh+032.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390739921274600930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnLTpPFT4ovrSFWhDHzPR4e-_Dcf8-FfLKJkaWFgvJ9wKROj41Ev3LhiqKgdfBj6DNZ6tUVtJV9_sgRYkZlJ5s0ot8sxJ5It92mCOGJsCczeN1fmTGTMGNMbWlE0h2coPA2VVzCvs-qx1/s400/Annsleigh+032.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">Bradley truly adores his sister and is very very protective of her. He cries if she falls down like all babies do. This is one happy boy! He helps change her diapers and helps sing her to sleep and rubs her back with me when we lay her down. He could not be a better big brother. He is such a big help and everyone is adjusting fabulously!</span><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span></div></div></div></div></div>Brad and Fran Hoaglandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03390648005169866679noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5885727097490261964.post-14439320879004008242009-10-09T17:20:00.003-05:002009-10-09T17:51:30.684-05:00Our Journey To Ethiopia Day 9 - Sunday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cwf9cl-FrkYMQ-jpvKUzi3w3y0oYD0R6cM3ks1vV6gQNJ_mXlGXa6AsJUoxAqlX16A7c67E8dwiwTwdJoupsQk4egK2WBbshbjsMLrVf4AH3bUT5KCJe8u4VkfNbfDTo3LSWIeDCY2qw/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+416.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390735683687382978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cwf9cl-FrkYMQ-jpvKUzi3w3y0oYD0R6cM3ks1vV6gQNJ_mXlGXa6AsJUoxAqlX16A7c67E8dwiwTwdJoupsQk4egK2WBbshbjsMLrVf4AH3bUT5KCJe8u4VkfNbfDTo3LSWIeDCY2qw/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+416.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">Annsliegh meets her NeNe! </span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRY7ULMCynjZUurMN6pGs7ejQsBFBJxJgEGdDYowTNgNOK6h69qMe7KV2v5ly7QpsjnZW3CGVwF6aoH8apiNXnNmUdLZtmGFi74xvzYyxlOQd1O9ShPZFMaXyDk0d0g5lbkAPKm7sPf1UP/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+419.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390735678024024402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRY7ULMCynjZUurMN6pGs7ejQsBFBJxJgEGdDYowTNgNOK6h69qMe7KV2v5ly7QpsjnZW3CGVwF6aoH8apiNXnNmUdLZtmGFi74xvzYyxlOQd1O9ShPZFMaXyDk0d0g5lbkAPKm7sPf1UP/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+419.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">Annsleigh meets her Pa!</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihM6VyEvpfYMgFE_3cu1nXqe3VrRNBVfc-F9jOaDTWovZHXCJN7UNT-UB3gi6S8RqQnfAFNSWFWnAR19eLU0ym8oIZ9DSVW1u0Iq7OdaM3AmlmVGT_wzqCOfG2bozbqHoUscMs__Zev2-I/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+420.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390735667062306754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihM6VyEvpfYMgFE_3cu1nXqe3VrRNBVfc-F9jOaDTWovZHXCJN7UNT-UB3gi6S8RqQnfAFNSWFWnAR19eLU0ym8oIZ9DSVW1u0Iq7OdaM3AmlmVGT_wzqCOfG2bozbqHoUscMs__Zev2-I/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+420.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">Annsleigh meets her ciocia Terri! (thats Polish for aunt/I grew up with that one!)</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6QTIe6fXA-xtgAmVmJNrqEavY1WxuOlk9ycCVaq5-xlNjWVcz_h7rY2_gIS6nrKmbrF9hrPU4w2AAjRmvGkujajiQllR-lWBKk3rv-1ZIp7pZ6gQmwHKC4vPL4xsUiK-RtHzsSBpxxCY/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+432.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390735656819478130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6QTIe6fXA-xtgAmVmJNrqEavY1WxuOlk9ycCVaq5-xlNjWVcz_h7rY2_gIS6nrKmbrF9hrPU4w2AAjRmvGkujajiQllR-lWBKk3rv-1ZIp7pZ6gQmwHKC4vPL4xsUiK-RtHzsSBpxxCY/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+432.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">Annsleigh meets her cousin Jon-Thomas!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgiZ6ADOjcIeADXjHueyGcMDeaxu-qbwzbID8uGWgBWPUNEEZqwxDl51VYfeY5_A3mVcJ95-OyEmdMDUg6Xn2pMqLV_9UCRjaxP41A7EvNwnV48GtGaKtEaqG1Z8ifJiJOHdwKEcYOoaN/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+436.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390735647183418434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgiZ6ADOjcIeADXjHueyGcMDeaxu-qbwzbID8uGWgBWPUNEEZqwxDl51VYfeY5_A3mVcJ95-OyEmdMDUg6Xn2pMqLV_9UCRjaxP41A7EvNwnV48GtGaKtEaqG1Z8ifJiJOHdwKEcYOoaN/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+436.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">Annsleigh meets her cousin Jacob!</span><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">At about 1AM we got into Dubai and we are to get another hotel stay for some sleep....and this time the Dubai airport was very very busy...and we had to get a transit visa for Annsleigh...this was very confusing for us at the airport...go to one desk...he says go here and there.....we go here and there....and that guy doesnt know why we are at his desk....so we go back and forth....stand in a long line for them to scan Annsleighs eyes....got to the front of that line and he didnt know why I was there...they dont do that on babies....well....I just about had enough at that point....and I learned something about myself that I just never ever knew after 46 years.....when I am beyond exhausted....I cry...so there I was in the middle of the Dubai airport just crying and balling ...... walking in circles going here and there!...I just wanted to blink my eyes and I us be HOME!!!!!poor Brad....trying to put up with me....but finally we got it together....got to the hotel, took hot showers and took a 5 hour nap..left for the airport by 7AM and the 16 hour flight began....It was quite interesting....Annsleigh cried EVERY time I left her to go to the bathroom. She cried ANY time Brad held her. I had to hold her the entire time. We had a bassinet....by the way....dont ever let your travel agent talk you out of bulkhead seats at least on Emirates. The bassinet is wonderful if you can get your baby up in there asleep...but....make sure your TV screen is pulled up and out before she sets it up or you will not be able to see your own screen. Such as the case with me....the bassinet is in the way of getting your own screen up....but most of the time watching anything was out of the question for me anyway. Annsleigh fought sleep most of the way...she was hyper....hyper ...hyper...what a handful!!!! Finally she fell asleep over Canada somewhere and she really never woke up until we got to Houston....She fell asleep again and woke up in Nashville and it was just beyond words to describe how well she instantly took to the whole family. and them to her...the pictures say it all!</span></div></div></div></div></div>Brad and Fran Hoaglandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03390648005169866679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5885727097490261964.post-40553044664998082762009-10-09T17:17:00.002-05:002009-10-09T17:52:10.354-05:00Our Journey To Ethiopia Day 8 - Saturday<span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">This morning Brad went shopping at the open markets while Annsleigh & I had girl time. And I got our packing done because we are heading for home tonight!!!! Cannot wait to get back & introduce Annsleigh to her brother. This night we caught a 7PMish flight back to Dubai....</span>Brad and Fran Hoaglandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03390648005169866679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5885727097490261964.post-9277498571207368132009-10-09T15:02:00.004-05:002009-10-09T17:17:15.134-05:00Our Journey To Ethiopia Day 7 - Part 4<span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">After a little while in the van all of us took a vote on if we wanted to stop & eat. One of the guys was starving so we stopped at a really nice restaurant to grab a bite to eat. It took a very long time for our food and all we all ordered was soup and sandwiches. So that put us even later at getting back to the HOH. We ate & went on. After a while Tesfu's cell phone rang & he handed it to Brad. Brad couldnt understand & hear what was being said so he handed it to me. All I got was "Tihune's mother is...." so we gave the phone back to Tesfu & he told us that Tihunes mother will be at the HOH tomorrow 8AM. WE said OK....although we thought that was strange. Birth parents at the HOH? So they get to go there? Do they EVER? What if she saw Annsleigh?(Tihune)? We found out that the sick birth mother in the hospital had recent contact with her 2 girls who were being adopted in our group. WHAT?!? Didnt know birth families went to the HOH or even knew where it was. Didnt like hearing this....thought about it long enough to get another call on Tesfus cell & we were told Tihunes mother there now! What? Ok....but is she at the HOH NOW? All I can think is what if she sees Annsleigh? All this confusion! Its is getting late and there is lots of traffic on the roads now....dusk. Other folks in the van were mentioning they were missing their already prepared and paid for suppers at the HOH and Ethiopian Guest House...my mind wandered when the van pulls over in the middle of nowhere.....Why? Someone says "Its Tihunes mother!" WHAT?!? WHAT IN THE WORLD?!?....and.....sure enough Brad & I get out of the van to meet this very pretty well kept small framed woman & her 3 year old daughter....I was in shock and fumbled to find my list of questions for the birth mother that I had prepared hours & hours earlier. And I had to ask someone in the van for a pen....so there....on the side of a very busy road on the edge of the town of Addis....van door wide open with engine running....& beggars coming around we proceed to interview Annsleighs birth mother....not at all the way I expected her interview to go. It sure took away all the emotion I was afraid I would show when talking with her. We hugged her, learned some things we can share with Annsleigh like she has 4 sisters, one of whom we met....precious 3 year old. She did allow a picture of her and the 3 year old with us on the side of the road...WOW! We got back in the van & on & on to Addis. We got back to the HOH when it was dark out. We picked up Annsleigh and Tsegay handed us her ticket to ride! .....her birthcertificate & passport! Be sure NOT to open this brown envelope....only airport immigrations in America open it...I also asked Tsegay why we never saw the orphanage & he said they were in the process of moving....and this was what they thought was best... maybe so...but they could have told us. Anyway, we got back to the Melkam & shared our Fig Newtons and Raman noodles with the Rahals since they missed their supper at the HOH tonight. We also heard back from our travel agent....we go home tomorrow! YAY!!!! We all slept very good that night. I guess we finally adjusted to the time change and all just in time to head home....but we are very ready for home....end of day 7!</span>Brad and Fran Hoaglandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03390648005169866679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5885727097490261964.post-596194279798793862009-10-09T14:24:00.002-05:002009-10-09T15:02:45.937-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pO1Q5gljbcYi7WXxO7aY7stbE0r5fVfjRmiR8io3n20AZoAKjZVlHlhz3LUeaLLKUlqb6pkQC1PJVAH6as486vnlhWkbSalngUTIcBNCafIdgSF_afNJLb4NVhVhsUDeY4i1jGF477aC/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+378.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390686468558798226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pO1Q5gljbcYi7WXxO7aY7stbE0r5fVfjRmiR8io3n20AZoAKjZVlHlhz3LUeaLLKUlqb6pkQC1PJVAH6as486vnlhWkbSalngUTIcBNCafIdgSF_afNJLb4NVhVhsUDeY4i1jGF477aC/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+378.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">The sugarcane in Wenji</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvX0F5mGUDHQsKnNOvEVuajVAZg91GIMVpDwvqHB7WXfMJyAfQaI6qNYVxOz26rdsNWM6K2tlJZrWUCWdGTBU_9EjW2bg9MZQyHVJjZBFAOPsxu8SC2Ga-2mFtOKAOaIs0BLLru65eHQZ/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+360.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390686464913256354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvX0F5mGUDHQsKnNOvEVuajVAZg91GIMVpDwvqHB7WXfMJyAfQaI6qNYVxOz26rdsNWM6K2tlJZrWUCWdGTBU_9EjW2bg9MZQyHVJjZBFAOPsxu8SC2Ga-2mFtOKAOaIs0BLLru65eHQZ/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+360.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#ff6600;">Typical street with houses in Wenji? I wonder.....could this be the street Annsleigh was born on?</span><br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7XRdhF35ncVR4axeg9YHectpJ65TdDz2lVBAyp7LY6sydCjD9y9tPzo5ASFlGHZzMF4xG9WtS889GaDoTVu2g7rgQxxTbDzPxFDXfA17f6qnJndgzRDhK0JRPxUYpobkkVBnMps0G69Z/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+318.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390686453965828978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7XRdhF35ncVR4axeg9YHectpJ65TdDz2lVBAyp7LY6sydCjD9y9tPzo5ASFlGHZzMF4xG9WtS889GaDoTVu2g7rgQxxTbDzPxFDXfA17f6qnJndgzRDhK0JRPxUYpobkkVBnMps0G69Z/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+318.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">Typical homes in Wenji.....I wonder.....could she have been born here?</span><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390686445022106402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOozWOexcvKsWuzviPgitdhyK5KeD24nczbdD29IEzLelci5MX3RSFoKlfM6Fc6AYgpYxba7LlF17rSvhJLV1LaKQr5t1hTR8RxBcGXoa2Sg1L5Ay4zXXykPiOAbQd-bpQK9e__NPI8Z2/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+318.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9aZ7hMUfuPxhMtvEtGq17R5sd8f1LSnaZjuBXByzvgwNzrc0wOT71CQyveuF0tBuBfi_XsfjMAxI3SeYt-QsdYTP8lzutQ4p078AN1Z4htQPcxAVZ6lo8EJ1Y4nq9V6cBLYvLdng4J2Wl/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+313.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390686440092653074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9aZ7hMUfuPxhMtvEtGq17R5sd8f1LSnaZjuBXByzvgwNzrc0wOT71CQyveuF0tBuBfi_XsfjMAxI3SeYt-QsdYTP8lzutQ4p078AN1Z4htQPcxAVZ6lo8EJ1Y4nq9V6cBLYvLdng4J2Wl/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+313.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">Sugarcane plantation in Wenji</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Brad and Fran Hoaglandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03390648005169866679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5885727097490261964.post-28248891052294071942009-10-09T13:11:00.002-05:002009-10-09T14:24:41.707-05:00Our Journey To Ethiopia Day 7 - Part 3<span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">Something I must say is that I am so happy to have seen the village that Annsleigh was born in. Wenji is a very beautiful quiet village...seemed very peaceful... lots of open spaces...grassy spaces....trees....flowers...kids playing in green fields...sugarcane everywhere. No wonder she is just SOOOO SWEET!!! :) I loved her village & was so glad to see it & get pics of it. I dont care if she never sees Addis Ababa again, in fact, I would rather she not see it....but I do hope that some day she can see her village in person. Most of the civilians from this village though have terribly stained teeth...We found out that it was from excess flouride that the sugarcane factory leatched out into the water....see, too much of a good thing is not good! Anyway, we pulled up to the sugarcane factory long enough to be told this is it....dont take any pics....and drive off. Strange....very strange....on we go! To the hospital...Oh boy! We pull up to the hospital & all get out just so we can sit in the hospital "lobby" on more comfortable benches than in that scrunched cramped van. The couple that was here to meet their birth mom was taken in ahead of us and led up to her room. We sat in the lobby and started diveying up whatever snacks and drink we had as we were all getting pretty hungry at this point....so 8 of us shared turkey jerky, fruit snacks and a little bottled water...Then a man from the hospital comes & says we are to go with him to visit family....we all acted confused....said no.....he said come.....so we all went. I really did not want to walk the halls of this hospital and I am a nurse! Thats the problem, my downfall....I can see the germs everywhere! But, here we go! At this point I got the giggles because this was all so ridiculous....10 adults and none of us ever knew where we were going or doing, just going along with what we are told....But I do know we all should not go in and see this birth mother!!! CHI and the government is so strict about what we can and cant ask a birth mother or give to her and now this guy wants all 10 of us to bombard this poor sick lady's room? Most of us said no & stood outside her door in the hall. The little hospital man asked whe needed to use the toilet? We all quickly said NOPE! No Thank You!!! :) We all were then led down the hall to the nursery. Now, I was glad to see this, being a NICU nurse back home...old metal bar cribs....all empty.... & then he shows us this small white wooden box with a lid made only of screening.....its to keep the malaria away from the premature baby! No extra warmth just netting....with mosquitos buzzing around it...then it dawned on me.....WE ARE IN MALARIA TERRITORY!!!!! WE DIDNT TAKE OUR MALARIA MEDICATIONS!!!! (because we were supposedly not leaving Addis Ababa where there is no malaria!) What can we do now....oh well! Hope for the best! We all were drawn to walk out an a large connecting balcony as all the windows were open. The breeze felt great and we welcomed to breathe fresh fresh air! We then were asked if we wanted to see the HIV floor....why not? At this point? Why not? So...off we go...we all were taken to a very very small doctors office and we filed in and piled up in there. A few chairs....and a doctor in the middle of consulting his patient on taking her medications while we all just stared at them!!!!! What in the world. Talk about uncomfortable for us and them. Although they acted like they didnt see all of us. No HIPPA policies here. But we couldnt understand the language. But still. No privacy!??!! Seemed very awkward like such an invasion of privacy. We left the office when that patient did & we were off to tour the business office. All of us....cram in there, smile & wave and they all were just so sweet and friendly and looked up from their desks, welcomed us, smiled and waved back....unreal.. we were all just slap happy by now...and then we were done...led out the door and into the van. We started the long bumpy ride back to Addis. As if the day wasnt strange enough already....the best was yet to happen....</span>Brad and Fran Hoaglandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03390648005169866679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5885727097490261964.post-62920924337228757782009-10-07T21:53:00.003-05:002009-10-07T22:41:42.035-05:00Day 7 Part 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHpffM5lv-5fft_Ns5wtWqH7hJ9aKc7IfImufqkP8BH7Q3GUg0GSrJ9sRPoGOyJocxkQmGEFp1H1__Q7MWERKqrj7WC4PDNT63-yJKY17VkufiCZtc5iisAzNUPxPoKrYX9WlPXlgltTm/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+273.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390068979683284210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHpffM5lv-5fft_Ns5wtWqH7hJ9aKc7IfImufqkP8BH7Q3GUg0GSrJ9sRPoGOyJocxkQmGEFp1H1__Q7MWERKqrj7WC4PDNT63-yJKY17VkufiCZtc5iisAzNUPxPoKrYX9WlPXlgltTm/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+273.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#ff9900;">On the way to Wenji</span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmch5PLXqc1RXitCYioxr46JajeSfbDD74hAwR2eTsa12UWzvs_pd3tdti5F5Et_QQsVMyvNDR9T7weN8dh8TDGEI8ck7bI5Umke5IPntPyldPMDXIEUbt7tCLF6MM-6Vg0LILOyC4nZVx/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+298.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390068968827711058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmch5PLXqc1RXitCYioxr46JajeSfbDD74hAwR2eTsa12UWzvs_pd3tdti5F5Et_QQsVMyvNDR9T7weN8dh8TDGEI8ck7bI5Umke5IPntPyldPMDXIEUbt7tCLF6MM-6Vg0LILOyC4nZVx/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+298.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1BjVYvSS7Pkv0eCBn0kl1kQO-fzZ-dHPaMbgoODOFOVc3X1qWwRuFDXXy3_jeyahSC6NaNcfB_lyizgCm1NKl4En_xhX5UK2-NNdBg8s6q0PIDegP8WMcQIIdhsfIY04bIGziWqWMI3Ke/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+261.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390068961389802706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1BjVYvSS7Pkv0eCBn0kl1kQO-fzZ-dHPaMbgoODOFOVc3X1qWwRuFDXXy3_jeyahSC6NaNcfB_lyizgCm1NKl4En_xhX5UK2-NNdBg8s6q0PIDegP8WMcQIIdhsfIY04bIGziWqWMI3Ke/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+261.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-fpiQTsVnXoS8rkRWLNF-eYjOpYXKxXPqsKXAk_7DKAz0U6idRF2YzqjltJRr-9V8_-FcXz35GdpHei1h9RJs_iIBD18mkYn5zVw0YuMZq-b4iJcDHrMucNPmWW4Hsw8R5U3fX5is36x/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+262.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390068952037963026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-fpiQTsVnXoS8rkRWLNF-eYjOpYXKxXPqsKXAk_7DKAz0U6idRF2YzqjltJRr-9V8_-FcXz35GdpHei1h9RJs_iIBD18mkYn5zVw0YuMZq-b4iJcDHrMucNPmWW4Hsw8R5U3fX5is36x/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+262.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4mx7CRlYZUJmqXsSp-9LkFgqsEpw1FXQ0RHnCdlnw8ukqUnFSDhxgadcWr6gm9yVaiMwBu_4xaz0IQJ3yqsiPdML0dfz5qKqFLflnsocUwGnvSPwr9px06FSu2CG0nRBC8kyQ7AUFnQ8/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+264.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390068944359069842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4mx7CRlYZUJmqXsSp-9LkFgqsEpw1FXQ0RHnCdlnw8ukqUnFSDhxgadcWr6gm9yVaiMwBu_4xaz0IQJ3yqsiPdML0dfz5qKqFLflnsocUwGnvSPwr9px06FSu2CG0nRBC8kyQ7AUFnQ8/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+264.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff9900;">So...the road is getting worse as the terrain is getting drier & drier. There were cactus and deep dry gulches. As we went further along, closer to Wenji, we notice more use of horses....horse drawn carriages (with truck tires) and horse pulled plows. It felt like Amish country! Except, here were some horses just standing in the middle of the road, in the middle of a 2 lane road....we are told that is what they do with the old horses that are of no use to anyone anymore...they put them out there hoping they would just get hit....that is too sad to me....Anyway, we kept on & on & finally began to see the sugarcane. Wenji's sole survival revolves around the sugarcane plantations & the sugarcane production that season for the factory...no rain...no sugarcane...no jobs....abundant rain...abundant crops...lots of jobs...Rumor had it we were to tour the factory. We all voiced that we thought we should see birth families first...we've kept them waiting long enough. We finally got to Wenji & the van stops at this place that had a rose garden. After we picked up one man, another man came up to the van door and shook most everyones hand. It wasnt until much much later that we figured out who these 2 guys were. The first was from the sugarcane factory, the other was the orphanage director. At first we had them confused....but it didnt really matter....we were clueless the whole trip thus far anyway.... The orphanage director said it was so much (dont remember how much) to get the sugarcane factory tour. Somehow, the Harrris' ended up paying for everyone....we go in this building I dont know what it was....like a community center...some people were sitting at tables having drinks...some were watching a movie on a screen...We all made a BEE line for the bathroom....a stinky 1 seater in the pitch black...I dropped my sunglasses on the floor in there and left them....we all shared our TP and hand sanitizer... We kind of then wandered out the back door when I first heard word that the birth families were here!?!? What? What in the world? Was this the orphanage? Where were we anyway? We get outside nervous, anxious and emotional. Slowly but surely each couple was hooking up with their birth families. We found out that one family's birth mother was not here because she was sick in the hospital. It was not Annsleigh's birth mother? We asked about Tihunes (Annsleigh ) mother? Tesfu asks the orphanage director and he said something back...Tesfu tells us Tihunes mother is not coming, but the orphanage director acted like he didnt know she was supposed to be here. Anyway, we just stood around with the other couple whose birth mother was sick and took some time to take pictures of the grounds for they were pretty. The other couple was told that they were going to get to go to the hospital to visit the birth mother. I thought that was great & we wondered where the hospital was. We tried to pass the time but man, this was a sad emotional moment for me....not getting to meet Annsleighs birth mother. Anyway, finally the other families all took their pics and said their goodbyes & hugs & we were told we were going to the factory now. The one family needing to visit their birth family in the hospital said, "No, visit birth family first!" They were told "No, hospital not near here..." So..... we were all herded along to walk thru the rose garden. We took a group pic there & then we were all told to get in the van so we can get to the hospital so this family can visit their birth mom....OK.....here we all go....Just as the van was pulling away... the orphanage director took whatever donations we had and left...that was the only way we knew he was the orphanage director. As we left I asked..."What about the orphanage?" No answer....<span style="color:#ff9900;"> Then it seemed to all of us that "Did we really just pay for families to visit birth mothers?" Alot of this just really didnt feel right....strange.....just very very strange....the day goes on and gets even more strange...</span></span></div></div></div></div></div>Brad and Fran Hoaglandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03390648005169866679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5885727097490261964.post-67145794139954314852009-10-05T16:44:00.006-05:002009-10-07T21:52:56.247-05:00Our Trip To Ethiopia Day 7 - Friday Part 1<span style="color:#ff9900;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyV2Nom_wUtZ4l1nzGcQpvSMUTNtQ6PRSOUuKQoEKDNgfo_S_PS9F6aXdCZBTwRSRbX3NKnHLWrrKF64Q5UPxtdscLova8HfBspRE0zyzqRwopFh9pObZ4PrC21mqzLj5nXXH5oqoGpHc0/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+236.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390056271828077714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyV2Nom_wUtZ4l1nzGcQpvSMUTNtQ6PRSOUuKQoEKDNgfo_S_PS9F6aXdCZBTwRSRbX3NKnHLWrrKF64Q5UPxtdscLova8HfBspRE0zyzqRwopFh9pObZ4PrC21mqzLj5nXXH5oqoGpHc0/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+236.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#ff9900;">The Flat Tire</span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHGXFdWsVXixH86l52_RH-MAZf48BcwKQfnurvI80OD_eGeSC7HKs31F1HWQWrNBarN80Eyu8XqwHNuS6Wdv172YUzxY7dTa5d_xvBQd4iBoGxAF1iHnK8RGKPRLlJgoIsW5Zh61VeTTT/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+238.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390056264692675026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHGXFdWsVXixH86l52_RH-MAZf48BcwKQfnurvI80OD_eGeSC7HKs31F1HWQWrNBarN80Eyu8XqwHNuS6Wdv172YUzxY7dTa5d_xvBQd4iBoGxAF1iHnK8RGKPRLlJgoIsW5Zh61VeTTT/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+238.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijsLGb2-R4fk-GT2GHSt03L1tyFwnFgoSMN4jCawfu5J1qxPw7VRFVb_kXdG3p2W4Bx17aXfJIyiqD7IqFfjeSa0YZQvTwJyudtYvcJUUcSWIASbO54LODvtxYaNiMdcEkT6UVI9WVS6-t/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+240.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390056256216300322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijsLGb2-R4fk-GT2GHSt03L1tyFwnFgoSMN4jCawfu5J1qxPw7VRFVb_kXdG3p2W4Bx17aXfJIyiqD7IqFfjeSa0YZQvTwJyudtYvcJUUcSWIASbO54LODvtxYaNiMdcEkT6UVI9WVS6-t/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+240.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#ff9900;">Donkeys walking by </span><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREffJx4X8QMvR4-Ke7vlL4qyS75Vo_CPT-yi1J5hM5fueqc5BDlIYX9sX6hkXoY90pKxu4ctcdyzlR6jdvoDmRx0Q29GpLhiiHxfiFLtlZxHpVDRiWkWnfRnujGDfnSEGZCaRMGW5-Vpl/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+242.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390056246536796498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREffJx4X8QMvR4-Ke7vlL4qyS75Vo_CPT-yi1J5hM5fueqc5BDlIYX9sX6hkXoY90pKxu4ctcdyzlR6jdvoDmRx0Q29GpLhiiHxfiFLtlZxHpVDRiWkWnfRnujGDfnSEGZCaRMGW5-Vpl/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+242.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff9900;">The children are responsible for the herd</span><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19C3Ty6eBXweijG7I2DkDX6FD6wYt-XuUW-GMAOqBSqI4H0MlDBOjJSn_YqBESW59xyHDINQz2Fe-35c8dxoWnR1vtjZraZhlz9l8bk9evERJ2lvO1tS2RT2_RjIJh7lc7fHE2tfcn_8G/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+243.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390056241193385826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19C3Ty6eBXweijG7I2DkDX6FD6wYt-XuUW-GMAOqBSqI4H0MlDBOjJSn_YqBESW59xyHDINQz2Fe-35c8dxoWnR1vtjZraZhlz9l8bk9evERJ2lvO1tS2RT2_RjIJh7lc7fHE2tfcn_8G/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+243.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">This day is very long & will be hard to describe to anyone who wasnt there to truly feel the emotion and confusion and exhaustion we all had by the end of the day. This is the day we are to visit the orphanage where the birth parent meeting will take place....or so we thought.... It starts off with us getting picked up at approximately 8:15AM. This excursion is supposedly 8AM - 12PM. I distinctly remember our caseworker telling us that Holy Savior Orphanage "Is right there in Addis....so its close..." We based our immunizations on this....we did not take the malaria meds because we were staying in Addis....a higher elevations with no malaria.....wrong! We ask Zeyedeh from the Melkam how far it is to Wenji, the village Annsleigh is from where the orphanage is.....he says...."Um...... lets see.....you go about 10km then take a left.....and then about 100km & turns into such & such & then another 200km you do this and that..." He lost me! Clearly it is far, supposedly 2 1/2 hour ride 1 way. We took our nondrowsy dramamine & off we went. First, the van collected all the families that were adopting chihldren from Holy Savior... 5 of us couples...Once all collected all the families were taken to the HOH to drop the children off so the nannys could watch them...cannot take the children with you when you visit birth families...Going back again and again to the HOH I did not think was such a good idea. When we got there, we stood around for sometime just waiting for one more couple to get dropped off. This was too long of a wait especially for the older kids. The longer we hung around the more behavior issues were coming out of shear confusion on a childs part not quite sure why again they have to go to this HOH. I cant help but wonder if they think...are they leaving me here? Are they going to come back? Alot of the older kids were just really ready to board the plane & go home. Our Annsleigh....well she went nicely to her nurse & her took her as she smiled, clapped and cooed....her nurse said "Oh, shes changed so much already!!! She is sooo happy!" That made Brad and I feel sooooo good! :) We stood around the HOH for some time just waiting & waiting for another couple to arrive. This was too long of a wait especially for the older kids. The longer we hung around the more behavior issues were coming out of sheer confusion on a childs part not quite sure why again they have to go to the HOH again. Alot of the older kids were reallly just ready to board the plane & go home. Well.... finally the other couple is dropped off & we all pile into the van. Off we go......little did we know we would not be back to our little one until dark (7PMish!!!) We bounce along the road & take pics right & left. The further we went the more beautiful it became. Mountains, open plaines, streams, fresher air...After quite some time now, we started passing dramamine around the van for some folks...then the van pulled over onto the shoulder & someone said we had a flat tire....we all got out of the van to stretch our legs while the driver & Tesfu changed the tire. We took some pics of the surroundings & a herd of donkeys walking across the road. After a while the spare tire was on & we continued on. ...we drove & drove & drove & made a pit stop at a restaurant because, get this, THE MEN HAD TO GO PEE!!!!!! HeHeHe! Then we drove on & on & then the van pulled over again, this time at a tire shop. We thought we were just going to drop the tire off & pick it up on the way back...instead we waited on it to be fixed because we were told from this point on the road gets very very bad & we wont want to be stuck without a spare...ok sounds good to me....we better wait...We all got out of the van again to strectch our legs... Tesfu's cell phone rings. Its the orphanage director wondering where we are because he has the birth families waiting? Tesfu tells him what is going on.... beggars start coming around....we are getting better at saying no.....finally we get the tire fixed & we all get back in the van and we are on our way once again...and they were right....the road got worse & worse...</span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Brad and Fran Hoaglandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03390648005169866679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5885727097490261964.post-86361325507338631282009-10-04T20:02:00.006-05:002009-10-05T16:44:33.115-05:00Our Trip To Ethiopia Day 6 - Thursday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-y_1ptkE6Rck_8jnniICFb1XR-AHPd2g-2848ovD89LRrajZS4qXSe_jR8r0TykUYNoPxSUS9hvnRX_5g_5APLbxP3kXvjqvvWH86lt1DqOV1II2Peh-2pQNRq_OavVCEmHNPtREhdceG/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+192.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388953653768328274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-y_1ptkE6Rck_8jnniICFb1XR-AHPd2g-2848ovD89LRrajZS4qXSe_jR8r0TykUYNoPxSUS9hvnRX_5g_5APLbxP3kXvjqvvWH86lt1DqOV1II2Peh-2pQNRq_OavVCEmHNPtREhdceG/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+192.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#ff6600;">Tired of riding</span><br /><div><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJuJiKSjUjHbDOZfqVgxzQUMNd9GfKgcIa1y1-wC28K3fGW5Ptt5jzjSGFPDLsnPa7T60I9C_A8X9nOBsNpalvG825a13THfxZSNGju6oI6NYda23WNx_2AQDboIX8cSW2qkMQgGnuNWk/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+186.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388953644658210226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJuJiKSjUjHbDOZfqVgxzQUMNd9GfKgcIa1y1-wC28K3fGW5Ptt5jzjSGFPDLsnPa7T60I9C_A8X9nOBsNpalvG825a13THfxZSNGju6oI6NYda23WNx_2AQDboIX8cSW2qkMQgGnuNWk/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+186.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFp-CaJLtP6M-cmPk0eB44AlU3wAwA0mtAJsVyRLphWBP1vPEA2xrlPtDuxq5e3yD2ycjZdNaDzUgVewkFlmPfhkrSh3aND7lWoGbmb7XtLmW_1DSVXoAQoDKHaikrN6MO54YPMBIyc2AG/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+179.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388953633715724642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFp-CaJLtP6M-cmPk0eB44AlU3wAwA0mtAJsVyRLphWBP1vPEA2xrlPtDuxq5e3yD2ycjZdNaDzUgVewkFlmPfhkrSh3aND7lWoGbmb7XtLmW_1DSVXoAQoDKHaikrN6MO54YPMBIyc2AG/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+179.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#ff6600;">No car seat & in the front seat?!?!? </span><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOH9xcjx3jB0iW0LUNXvynbJ6cfDOJRcEguDNDuh409zGuTe-MmTFdlKVJPDPsejhvPj68otELDkmsJWmEm0zzru1cwTRhDWsD1XiISFTJcVhO6O0XkYvwq6q9zWsIjcROgcfMg2t0Ksxu/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+171.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388953625021661874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOH9xcjx3jB0iW0LUNXvynbJ6cfDOJRcEguDNDuh409zGuTe-MmTFdlKVJPDPsejhvPj68otELDkmsJWmEm0zzru1cwTRhDWsD1XiISFTJcVhO6O0XkYvwq6q9zWsIjcROgcfMg2t0Ksxu/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+171.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#ff6600;">Love this picture of the Ethiopian flag</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4znGfknUeSd3usItkJRI_zBbB0OpYWJwyZ62QO7WF9UrhXGkkFcOmp1AzjAIrqbP1We45x_rRUsdxgbg1SVcKDB0VgyR9_JXSt2Hew0R-e0XPp5srAZtawfnGAZvPSllfTn_DosloEH7/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+168.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388951191048544066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4znGfknUeSd3usItkJRI_zBbB0OpYWJwyZ62QO7WF9UrhXGkkFcOmp1AzjAIrqbP1We45x_rRUsdxgbg1SVcKDB0VgyR9_JXSt2Hew0R-e0XPp5srAZtawfnGAZvPSllfTn_DosloEH7/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+168.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJUXYzko3Rm2fqrR_CqUn2tO5fFTK-jlCSa8sNL0ZY3kQPeCMaj3FWai091RdTUHTC3r10dUUQFWMjSx6Lue3mQArz-49qdkgzgbKZgDF4zSdsqwhd0i9Js-FVRAygEns1-1EF_jZAGS2/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+150.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388951183475642674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJUXYzko3Rm2fqrR_CqUn2tO5fFTK-jlCSa8sNL0ZY3kQPeCMaj3FWai091RdTUHTC3r10dUUQFWMjSx6Lue3mQArz-49qdkgzgbKZgDF4zSdsqwhd0i9Js-FVRAygEns1-1EF_jZAGS2/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+150.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#ff6600;">Addis Ababa from Entoto Mountain</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDswzGqKzWIAaqT1wxPI5Ulku0Eic3je_aGERkdxO-id31GsiX4Sm_IGpgFBgZedNRCCDZMDDSVKk-THKBeOGdbNmdg9mGTpehdcZQiEOWqf1KR_jIsh3Hti0j6Krkq_UZAXYm74uBl8t/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+143.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388951176611928098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDswzGqKzWIAaqT1wxPI5Ulku0Eic3je_aGERkdxO-id31GsiX4Sm_IGpgFBgZedNRCCDZMDDSVKk-THKBeOGdbNmdg9mGTpehdcZQiEOWqf1KR_jIsh3Hti0j6Krkq_UZAXYm74uBl8t/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+143.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7j_hhwje0v6ul2DNVnBXBx12BZNeC6Ru2sh_393S46kFaVc2UJiQlFIwsU1mKAK2dJdz_nY3rGY4g5QckB4cpR3kVczOX1OnVj9dErywKXVTa68M2iqonIyRrcmpOq_o9Y7np6TfxOaV/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+145.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388951170516194658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7j_hhwje0v6ul2DNVnBXBx12BZNeC6Ru2sh_393S46kFaVc2UJiQlFIwsU1mKAK2dJdz_nY3rGY4g5QckB4cpR3kVczOX1OnVj9dErywKXVTa68M2iqonIyRrcmpOq_o9Y7np6TfxOaV/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+145.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgYwa5q1Lc6z8dyR3TaAskFnPK2pvrtzdMyir7zXoPay4We6FN4CHi4H7SoSoN7yTmKAQ6YgoFivmIVjfTRKQAAKAivGAKUaWAtM_DmWrRp33IzQkHovmg2P08DzT05KmDY6UYlmTibCY/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+144.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388951160832089746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgYwa5q1Lc6z8dyR3TaAskFnPK2pvrtzdMyir7zXoPay4We6FN4CHi4H7SoSoN7yTmKAQ6YgoFivmIVjfTRKQAAKAivGAKUaWAtM_DmWrRp33IzQkHovmg2P08DzT05KmDY6UYlmTibCY/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+144.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLb7N7UUEDBH5HIuk_2LHryXKibZNSQoiqHjys1TewUNLl5zOcFvD8RinNLXwMTsgeTf3GU2s638I-Uf2B0oJcvC9_3QBEYoHMPLTl4ZZwYWu4xPdux8d1pSzJU3aKvG1pFlI-so5inlZ/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+136.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388947954898465906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLb7N7UUEDBH5HIuk_2LHryXKibZNSQoiqHjys1TewUNLl5zOcFvD8RinNLXwMTsgeTf3GU2s638I-Uf2B0oJcvC9_3QBEYoHMPLTl4ZZwYWu4xPdux8d1pSzJU3aKvG1pFlI-so5inlZ/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+136.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgla-g8zafMfVkJem8dZLTvQ0RvuV_brlU_L_9-wCvpDdx6T9N9a82vqVq5jsw0zZtnUwZSkFes3a0-gcfqWRTGRsd-2MbIdkSC6YXL-3ysREy1Jo5xdZDvdL1Y1GOSDxbSnvKPt_Ntk8j/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+134.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388947946817097650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgla-g8zafMfVkJem8dZLTvQ0RvuV_brlU_L_9-wCvpDdx6T9N9a82vqVq5jsw0zZtnUwZSkFes3a0-gcfqWRTGRsd-2MbIdkSC6YXL-3ysREy1Jo5xdZDvdL1Y1GOSDxbSnvKPt_Ntk8j/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+134.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96SZSaDN2Hp7F6TL_sIkfrfz-iKApVXDOctUH3O8aIv5c2CtSTAOxaFMxMeE8K9WY5prWs_HYZWmVvD1N7lFmjDGAgbQwYlwqW516KT8OumxMgCSUBQ4LHC9jPgsjdMzcVd4RiYaeCz6l/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+132.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388947941460603602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96SZSaDN2Hp7F6TL_sIkfrfz-iKApVXDOctUH3O8aIv5c2CtSTAOxaFMxMeE8K9WY5prWs_HYZWmVvD1N7lFmjDGAgbQwYlwqW516KT8OumxMgCSUBQ4LHC9jPgsjdMzcVd4RiYaeCz6l/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+132.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinya3L1K2SxWWCOGQh0bwjSXDex9Lj4GfQQNDAfcTMlbB0MGiCKAV63Xn63mz7ZzAOhfii-TPDe0x3Bu7QAjc_EiL8f85K2K5Sm2KSC7mlYXJ3_mdl_cJWX0kK_XJOD9iM2MiT4Q1gHtdG/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+131.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388947930895736290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinya3L1K2SxWWCOGQh0bwjSXDex9Lj4GfQQNDAfcTMlbB0MGiCKAV63Xn63mz7ZzAOhfii-TPDe0x3Bu7QAjc_EiL8f85K2K5Sm2KSC7mlYXJ3_mdl_cJWX0kK_XJOD9iM2MiT4Q1gHtdG/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+131.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKNe-aMB2qSANexrlIhaxzDepDt3pW6tiw6SEWsV9ITL2z5ttVUXaP8VwkrtppohPeeL6vZXbQCYd1OwboaV0biaivJ2oR1lY26-X5pWqDRl7Gnqd4DWO2yFemL0AUQR3BraTWzBz2DnO/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+130.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388947922708655730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKNe-aMB2qSANexrlIhaxzDepDt3pW6tiw6SEWsV9ITL2z5ttVUXaP8VwkrtppohPeeL6vZXbQCYd1OwboaV0biaivJ2oR1lY26-X5pWqDRl7Gnqd4DWO2yFemL0AUQR3BraTWzBz2DnO/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+130.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#ff6600;">The market place at the base of the mountain</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkmhwJYxUuLG2QqRgOAE5mjchULYrJTvHwN6h3orVdKeLLmmK4JgPZSI2s_rfEBHrzC2JjjVx_Sd69PooW5EyrBWboqYeFogViutVTuocRS2z6A-uRsrLK8w4td1MeAQmz26cCUURpgHJ/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+207.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388928220015688850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkmhwJYxUuLG2QqRgOAE5mjchULYrJTvHwN6h3orVdKeLLmmK4JgPZSI2s_rfEBHrzC2JjjVx_Sd69PooW5EyrBWboqYeFogViutVTuocRS2z6A-uRsrLK8w4td1MeAQmz26cCUURpgHJ/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+207.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#ff6600;">Tsegay and Annsleigh</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzJ-vLGwBWFkKShw4nexAGSyX5hMgvx_3gc6SJhuWiOWWy3kYvGDE9NKqQww8RxZXRm1gqzX5X6582Vo6zns_OSqJi_0ItnZRxkCunBZwKZWknHmjGojJryoLXyY94ASaQTK6br3WorBK/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+206.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388928212528843714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzJ-vLGwBWFkKShw4nexAGSyX5hMgvx_3gc6SJhuWiOWWy3kYvGDE9NKqQww8RxZXRm1gqzX5X6582Vo6zns_OSqJi_0ItnZRxkCunBZwKZWknHmjGojJryoLXyY94ASaQTK6br3WorBK/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+206.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL25OzgktPUOpBo09k7ynGoyQQ1suTQv_NF_BsvaVkd28rtiptyUu3aScrLyPJRp-BSOq7lOjYd3LbNG5h9R_j6TWoMq8uWeQKVOrODESFA7p3NLEJdQEwlRtx4LrV0JEAmVi27SWl0AOJ/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+205.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388928207016340690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL25OzgktPUOpBo09k7ynGoyQQ1suTQv_NF_BsvaVkd28rtiptyUu3aScrLyPJRp-BSOq7lOjYd3LbNG5h9R_j6TWoMq8uWeQKVOrODESFA7p3NLEJdQEwlRtx4LrV0JEAmVi27SWl0AOJ/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+205.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#ff6600;">Annsleigh and her nurse</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">This day was one excursion we wouldnt miss. We got picked up at the Melkam Guest House at approximately 9AM for a ride up to Entoto mountain. This was an absolutely beautiful short ride. At the base of the mountain was the open markets where we are to shop on Saturday. Masses of people everywhere. Then as you work your way up the mountain the mood completely changed. Everything became more beautiful....the air cooled and cleared & it felt soooooo good to breath fresh air. We all enjoyed taking some deep breaths. There was still mud sided houses & shacks with mud roofs to live in but they dotted the hillside with grassy spaces in between. These children can play in the grass! Still had lots of women carrying heavy loads of sticks or water buckets, or bushels up the mountain.....and lots and lots of little donkeys trotting along with similar loads. They looked like they were doing it effortlessly. We stopped near the top for great pictures. Funny that from far away, Addis Ababa looks orderly & quaint. At the top we also visited a couple of very old Christain/Catholic churces and the old emperor and emperess castle. That was something to see....except the beggars outside the church. Did not expect that...and our tour guide scolded them for bothering us. From here on ...we were discouraged from handing out to the beggars because once you do, you will be hounded and harassed. Its hard to not give give give, but we started to get used to saying no. Well, the whole time Annsleigh of course slept in the sling. Thank God for the sling! When we came back down the mountain we were the only ones that needed to go to the Melkam so 1/2 way back our van stops and we are told to get out and get in this other van with someone we have no idea who and off we go....and everytime you go somewhere, it doesnt matter if you've been there before or not, they always go a different way. So, we drove along felt like forever and we began to wonder why we would trust someone to tell us get out here and go in there...in a strange country....when lo and behold, we finally pull up to the Melkam....just very strange how we never really knew who we were with or where we were going....but we made it. Anyway, back at the Melkam just in time for a much needed nap which we didnt get because Annsleigh was now wide awake.....and again soaked thru her diaper, outfit and sling. We got picked back up at about 2PM so we could go back to the HOH to take pictures of 2 babys for some waiting families back home and to take our donations there. We get close to the HOH and our van cannot get closer to the HOH because there are big fuel trucks parked all in that road and one truck just parked in the middle of it all. We sat in the van for awhile and finally we are told to just get out and walk. By now, civilians have congregated around the van. So we get out and have to walk about 1/2 block & Im shielding my baby from the coughing people around there. The stench was horrible too...When we got to the HOH Annsleigh was asleep in her sling again which I was grateful for because I thought at least none of the nanny's would be able to take her from me. Well, we asked to see the crib she slept in & the nannys prepared the crib next to it so she could lay down. After they went thru all that trouble, I hated to not oblige so I reluctantly laid her down. She stayed asleep & we left the room. We went a few doors down and took pics and videos of both babys. I knew how precious these pics and videos would be for the 2 families back home. That was all we lived for when we were in their shoes. When we were done taking pics, we went out the door onto the walkway upstairs and there Annsleigh was....in her nurses arms, all dressed up in a little traditional Ethiopian dress complete with head wrap. How precious was that? And I asked her to show me how to do the wrap. Now I felt bad for not letting Annsleigh's nurse just hold her as much as she wanted. I have the rest of my life with Annsleigh. and she had to let go....well, this time Annsleigh did not really cry when she left the nurse to come to me. We then were ready to go, but we were told our ride was still out down the street corner so the driver walked us to the corner. I did not like walking out there with my baby....too many people loitering, coughing, hacking, peeing....I would try to walk around & away from the crowd. We get to the corner & our van is not there, but bouncing up the road to the corner...full of the other families who are going to the HOH also for some reason.....so...we go walk back to the HOH & everyone gets out of the van & we just have to wait around until everyone is ready to leave....Kinda confusing....kinda tiring....Anway finally we leave and on the way back to the Melkam the van stopped at a grocery store for more formula & cereal so we can replace what the HOH gave us. By the way on the very first day you pick up your baby, the van can take you to the corner grocery for formula/diapers/bottled water. And if you stay at the Melkam, it is in what they say is a good neighborhood although you wouldnt know it by looking, and one day Brad & a couple of dads walked to the grocery around the corner from the Melkam to get more water and formula. Brad said it was fine...he felt very safe...no one harassed them (beggars) & the grocery store folks were very helpful. We got back to the Melkam once again exhausted and once again Annsleigh soaked thru those Ethiopian disposable diapers. Tonight we had to try everything to get her to sleep, even dancing. Sucking on the empty bottle worked. We slelpt wrestless again....End of day 6</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Brad and Fran Hoaglandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03390648005169866679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5885727097490261964.post-74346984693575283112009-10-01T12:26:00.007-05:002009-10-05T16:44:13.939-05:00Our Trip To Ethiopia Day 5 - Wednesday<ul><li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8AK7KyS8bZlvwQzQISace5EAZ5cE0-C4obXH-CtsqRSmI_2vfhIgc_zWcsOIizLhpVImmAJRKKQ7PWE5ldX8y8knjfgotC_ITbknt1lewupAnSlKQrCNV6sRwb58iudzMfjQXoBz0wdo/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+105.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388212590241494162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8AK7KyS8bZlvwQzQISace5EAZ5cE0-C4obXH-CtsqRSmI_2vfhIgc_zWcsOIizLhpVImmAJRKKQ7PWE5ldX8y8knjfgotC_ITbknt1lewupAnSlKQrCNV6sRwb58iudzMfjQXoBz0wdo/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+105.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">On the grounds of the Ethnic Museum</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8eaFqOClAY46wFSXMB8iD2pbLrYZ54EmraFWmni-WPCrVsXt6oFGxEZ5NmFOHw61QT-he0_8ZXXwse3U7ubXZwyGNU-0SR_3cqPxzTJPEjU5Dt3hAthHAT8_ytZXGEZXzXLA30spblY-/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+095.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388212583424859106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8eaFqOClAY46wFSXMB8iD2pbLrYZ54EmraFWmni-WPCrVsXt6oFGxEZ5NmFOHw61QT-he0_8ZXXwse3U7ubXZwyGNU-0SR_3cqPxzTJPEjU5Dt3hAthHAT8_ytZXGEZXzXLA30spblY-/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+095.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">Outside the Ethnic Museum</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAzsQ2UFQQFHlZbI-ON0VclVLjlbcVJBe9j6PpER5SuxqCBEBUUIkwcr14EJiqfANN767ddH-ViX-yVucHXWXuIeSrCuBeRyTg0vQ3rbr_pUoONAH1efviaGmR3trPaDwDkKnm0u4FCSA/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+092.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388212571110275298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAzsQ2UFQQFHlZbI-ON0VclVLjlbcVJBe9j6PpER5SuxqCBEBUUIkwcr14EJiqfANN767ddH-ViX-yVucHXWXuIeSrCuBeRyTg0vQ3rbr_pUoONAH1efviaGmR3trPaDwDkKnm0u4FCSA/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+092.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">Annsleighs favorite spot.....asleep in the sling :)</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWgAdQXit2JMjQVpuadqSDeoRZpi-qW6bKMbhQ3rsBGL1JyVPXo19gXcUnmInJ16DzU7ObaQM0_zWnRRxUIk8Le_TrknGbIrOFHh9x_rLbpHaaTsfQyEeHbaZKEt51YAp9aBQ8wDbhPPT/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+108.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388212566081710610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWgAdQXit2JMjQVpuadqSDeoRZpi-qW6bKMbhQ3rsBGL1JyVPXo19gXcUnmInJ16DzU7ObaQM0_zWnRRxUIk8Le_TrknGbIrOFHh9x_rLbpHaaTsfQyEeHbaZKEt51YAp9aBQ8wDbhPPT/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+108.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">Annsleighs favorite spot when awake.... caught digging in the food suitcase :)</span><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">We got up this AM in our best dressed clothes for our Visa appointment. Brad wore Khakis and a nice button up shirt and I wore a long black and white skirt and black sweater. White sandals. We were still exhausted but adrenaline kept us going. We rode the bumpy van but it wasnt too long of a ride. The Embassy is a very unimpressive building. We were prodded along to all sit outside on rows of benches under a canopy. I remember thinking that I never read about this....maybe we dont have to sit in the hot stuffy room I had read about. They were taking in a few families at a time to go thru a security check point. Ahhhh! Thats what this line is about.....just to get in the building. It didnt take long for our turn and really all of our agency peoples turns to get security checked. You have to leave your cell phone there and any cameras. We went thru that area and did not know where we were going after that....they just pointed like we should know....we came to the end of that hall where there was an open door to the outside....& finally saw a very small arrow pointing to another little building.....so....you have to walk outside across a small area to the next building. Ok, this is where the long wait is... I recognized it by the descriptions reading other family's blogs...Not enough seats for everyone....dimly lit...hot room....We waited for about 1 1/2 hours. Annsleigh was a very good girl as she was making friends with everyone we sat around once a seat opened up. A little social butterfly! It really did not seem too long a wait as we talked with other families. Then they started the CHI agency group. Almost seemed like our large group skipped line...but finally our name was called. We went up the stairs to the window which is where you conduct your appointment. The lady in the window sounded and looked American. Was friendly enough. The entire time, CHI agency folk was right behind us to help answer any questions we stumbled over. But they prepared us well the day before, I must say..all was well as she thumbed thru the papers. She asked us all the questions we were prepared to answer....then the big hiccup!!! She looks at the papers and shuffles them around and says. "Oh wait just one minute!......." as she is flipping thru all the papers. Brad & I are sick to our stomachs....."Hold on...hold on..." she says... WHAT DOES SHE MEAN HOLD ON WAIT A MINUTE...EVERYTHING SHOULD BE IN ORDER!!!!!! NOW WHAT?!?! She says..."When was this child referred to you?" March 30 we said.... So she starts counting up on her fingers then says...."Oh thank God! I first read your request as for a child 0 - 6 years. Then saw it said 0 - 6 months and thought she was surely out of the range for age of child you requested. But she made it just by a biscuit!" I said yes, she was 5 1/2 months old when we got her referral. SHEW! That was a nervous moment. But all was well. And I dont know what would have happened if they did find some loophole....this was the baby we were taking home and thats all there was to that! After a BIG sigh of relief, we were free to go. Her passport should be ready by Friday AM. We went outside to get some fresh air because everyone has to wait for the entire group to be done before we all leave. We thought this was a perfect chance to change a very soggy diaper. But the only spot we saw was outside on this shelf like thing and another baby was getting changed. So we waited....then all of a sudden no time for that! Everyone in the group was finished with their appointments so it was time to leave and leave quickly for some reason. We were once again correlled along the way into the crowded van with one very soggy diaper. On the way back to the Melkam we made a pit stop off at the HOH (not sure why). Annsleigh's nurse comes up to the van and sees Annsleigh. She comes up to the van with a care package for her.....another beautiful traditional Ethiopian dress and wrap....and her name and email address.....that was so sweet. How touching. This nurse really does love our baby....I must find a way to send her pics of our Annsleigh in this dress.....Anyway, then off we go....to the Melkam. Got there with another soaked thru outfit on Annsleigh. As soon as we got there and chaged her we went to the kitchen to make lunch. I should have known better, but I carried Annsleigh down to the kitchen in a diaper only.They had the back door open and it felt so good. Not cold, not hot. Well, the sweet lady that cooks and cleans at the Melkam very very kindly looked at Annsleigh, rubbed her arm smiled at me and nodded and said..."It is cold..." I had read about how they do like to bundle their babys and I really should have know. So, I respectfully marched right back up the stairs and put some clothes on Annsleigh and went back down. Then we emailed our travel agent to try to change our return flight tickets so we can come home earlier!!! YAY!!! Cannot wait to see our 6 year old boy at home!....Cannot wait to get all settled at home!....We have to wait on a response....At about 2:30PM we got picked up at the Melkam so we could visit the Ethnic Museum. It is very beautiful...This was the only time during our entire trip where the electicity was out. But not for long. It soon came back on and we saw the entire museum. We thought we were then headed back to the Melkam but instead headed to the Hilton so some folks could use the internet cafe there. By the way, internet is free at the Melkam....it is dial up...but it was sufficient. We got to the Hilton....it is gorgeous. Wish we could stay there and have our baby stay with us. We are not allowed to stay in the public hotels with our newly adopted babys because the towns people do not like seeing "their babies" being adopted out, supposedly. Anyway, probably too expensive anyway. We went ahead and paid to use the internet at the Hilton and never even got on...we got a rain check to use the next time we came...but we never went back....and no one else needed it. So...finally back to the Melkam...Once again Annsleigh fell asleep in the sling in the van so when we got back to the room we learned that Annsleigh fights sleep when over tired and then gets just plain hyper. We also began to believe that all the excursions and pick up times were babys nap times. Made it for really messed up days and we were beyond exhausted. Again, when bedtime came we quickly fell asleep when she did, but for some reason after 3 hours Brad and I could not sleep. Still tired, but unable to sleep. What in the world? Then, laying long enough we finally fall back asleep just in time for the rooster to crow....end of day 5......</span></div></div></div><br /></li></ul>Brad and Fran Hoaglandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03390648005169866679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5885727097490261964.post-12257159275349747632009-09-30T11:22:00.006-05:002009-10-05T16:43:50.081-05:00Our Trip To Ethiopia Day 4 - Tuesday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfX2tXnEbBaBTTfPWPG9cWej_2oZWNwSYRMYCtAm2ykna_-8VgUsY8h6yGB7qdlUbMlWWpPtAC3ZLmAfZMj_eNRdIvh5bNkmogPwoJoHrG9ZSqUZEESX0pHeov9wndiVnVLjwD6VFhyphenhypheny0/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+064.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387377890682715666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfX2tXnEbBaBTTfPWPG9cWej_2oZWNwSYRMYCtAm2ykna_-8VgUsY8h6yGB7qdlUbMlWWpPtAC3ZLmAfZMj_eNRdIvh5bNkmogPwoJoHrG9ZSqUZEESX0pHeov9wndiVnVLjwD6VFhyphenhypheny0/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+064.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#ff6600;">This sling was perfect for us!</span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjav6S1EK97QUPWZ1z8_HktGPgST2-5QIpAC5SEw7kqM53SnSgW8uPRQyvvX3yBqrKgPH4nOUvU11QomjwaXB83uLQpTmPoOuY_aP9nIEm5xQ8uefSGq62FuWcWYo4lfIVjL5W69FjN-gBr/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+056.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387377880663363026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjav6S1EK97QUPWZ1z8_HktGPgST2-5QIpAC5SEw7kqM53SnSgW8uPRQyvvX3yBqrKgPH4nOUvU11QomjwaXB83uLQpTmPoOuY_aP9nIEm5xQ8uefSGq62FuWcWYo4lfIVjL5W69FjN-gBr/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+056.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#ff6600;">Little miss busy body</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xajBLay0JQr-Z75Xwm4H7y41tdQsGe-LsDlwaSjrNGPxdgMVZFP9GwimNCnemo4aDtcHQAQEwcVjWUcW_17olJxO4lssubwpoNBg-4MFoGJ-yCZduxko5CTV2HP4kB0q1wwhL6gBJvq5/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+052.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387377870388722002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xajBLay0JQr-Z75Xwm4H7y41tdQsGe-LsDlwaSjrNGPxdgMVZFP9GwimNCnemo4aDtcHQAQEwcVjWUcW_17olJxO4lssubwpoNBg-4MFoGJ-yCZduxko5CTV2HP4kB0q1wwhL6gBJvq5/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+052.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">Just pure sweetness..</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT67rwmBv1Zu-QX-MDNI8r39qZgM00KI7QOiB2fmlph5Kl7zKXxHBmUwwT7sBtYI86tVN3SoPxe_OFhyoMUMU0ai61TUs64MQPgA_qb301fT30abc3nuClLF-U8oI0pqSKQ7aUTSTxRblc/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+042.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387377862661042066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT67rwmBv1Zu-QX-MDNI8r39qZgM00KI7QOiB2fmlph5Kl7zKXxHBmUwwT7sBtYI86tVN3SoPxe_OFhyoMUMU0ai61TUs64MQPgA_qb301fT30abc3nuClLF-U8oI0pqSKQ7aUTSTxRblc/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+042.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#ff6600;">A 10 second power nap</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">This morning we went back to the HOH, the agency run place Annsleigh has been living at for the last 6 months. We went there so we could review important paperwork for our visa appointment which had been moved up a day! YAY! I put Annsleigh in her sprout pouch sling for the first time. She loves it & falls asleep in it. I have got to recommend some kind of sling or pouch to hold the little ones. It is so much easier to hold onto her in the bumpy brakeslamming van rides. One time, out of the sling, her little head bumped into the railing in front of us when in the first row of van seats, even as I tried my best to hold tight to her. The slings as also great for the excursions and museum trips later. They do like to be held and with it, both of my arms were free to pull up and climb into the vans and squeeze into them, as well as get out of them with a baby. My muscles were sore by the time we came home from this exercise. Anyway, when we got to the HOH, Annsleighs nurse came up to her again....Annsleigh reached for her but this time I did not let her hold her. I felt like it really confused Annsleigh, plus made me sad...Once again, as soon as we got out of the van at the HOH all the older children come up smiling and giving hugs and kisses. I cannot wait for all of them to go to their new homes...HOH is wonderful, dont get me wrong....they do love the children and all the adults know all the childrens names and likes and dislikes and personalities, but it is still an orphanage.....older ones especially look like they are in ragged clothes. The older kids just stand around outside. There is a heap of bikes piled up in the corner....one of the parents ask if they can ride them. They say yes.....we pull them out and all the kids start playing. Just seemed like the workers there dont try to engage the kids in any kind of play or even encourage it. Those bikes were piled up for a while. Anyway, all this observance occurred while all us parents just stood around wondering what to do. Then we were led upstairs so we could sit or whatever until it was our turn to go over paperwork....finally our turn comes. We reviewed our I-600 and I-864 papers and income tax forms. We are told how to fill in the sections that pertained to Annsleigh and did so. Then we were told verbatum how to answer questions that would come up tomorrow at the visa appointment. 1. What happened to birth parents.....mother relenquished due to no income...father unknown.....2. Was this the child referred to you?.....yes.......3. Have you had any personal contact with this child prior to this trip?...no....4. Do you plan on visiting birth parents?....yes....then we will be told we can have no further contact with birth parents and no gifts given. Thats it! Ok....easy enough. Everyone gets asked the same thing...Cool.... After this, Brad and I were exhausted and went back to the Melkam Guest House and rested as Annsleigh would have it.:) She fell asleep in the sling again while in the van..</span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">We skipped the excursion to the National Museum as it looked like we all could get in a good nap....or so it seemed. Annsleigh woke up wired and bouncing off the walls! She takes like 10 min power naps ready and raring to go go go!!!! She unpacked all our bags and tried to tear down the headboards as Brad and I were zombies laying around the room....We discovered she likes those little banana puffs I happened to bring along despite hearing from other families that these kids this age dont know what to do with little cheerio bites....YAY! Glad I brought them. She wanted to take them herself (she has a pincer grasp.....YAY!) but I took over and told her to let momma do it now. She also likes to hold her own bottle...but the same thing....I told her to let momma do it now. She is non stop eating these banana puffs. Hilarious! Sticks her tongue way out to catch one off my finger....She is extremely busy when she is awake...never still & silly too. When she poots, she smiles and scrunches her nose! She finally fell asleep when it was too late for a nap 7:00PMish. Its very hard to learn what your toddler like baby wants and needs to go to sleep. She fights it and fights it. The HOH staff do not tell you anything about your baby and her likes/dislikes or routine at all. Does she like to rock? Pat the back? Go to bed with a bottle? Just lay down? Seems like they could give a little info on the routine. This was very hard for us. We fell asleep also when she did and knew it was gonna be hard when she woke back up. And she did...up at 11:00PM. She is quite cute when she wakes up.....she sits straight up with eyes clothes and swaggers back and forth and flops back over a few times before she actually wakes up. She always wakes up smiling...which is fabulous :) But it was very very difficult now to get her back down. We gave her a bottle and she sucked it dry. The only way we could get her down this time was with her laying down on the bed while we held the bottle and she sucked it empty.... something we really wish we brought but didnt because supposedly these kids dont use pacifiers, dont have pacifiers and dont know what to do with pacifiers...was A PACIFIER!!! And they dont sell them here. We just had to take the nipple off the bottle and let her suck on the plain nipple.....BAD BAD BAD! As far as all American standards go and my better nursing judgement.... but we had no choice. Finally after much fretting and rubbing her eyes and ears....she went out....and so did we....end of day 4. Whew!</span></div></div></div></div>Brad and Fran Hoaglandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03390648005169866679noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5885727097490261964.post-58527621711637583192009-09-29T12:18:00.010-05:002009-09-29T15:05:32.932-05:00Our Trip To Ethiopia Day 3 Part 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmX1ZiyqP7fcfhVDHJ3iVEcwHfsGSDiVM556AeQBj8rTsm1iQJfKnh5jI8Dw2C7E7efAjLjq8PFaGsuntRtbsMjzrXSFb6Y_affcBbKrug5H5WF2uGxUEqOMuiO4qcgpvANWyJWKY1oMI/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386980318200098258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmX1ZiyqP7fcfhVDHJ3iVEcwHfsGSDiVM556AeQBj8rTsm1iQJfKnh5jI8Dw2C7E7efAjLjq8PFaGsuntRtbsMjzrXSFb6Y_affcBbKrug5H5WF2uGxUEqOMuiO4qcgpvANWyJWKY1oMI/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+026.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#ff6600;">Court yard/driveway at HOH where kids play</span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsiNS7KEXbHU9jBHEMeTi4tYyjR_yKi4_iZMFvBXJbL8zxTKQtzo7qiZeyylx5triXCEF3TVW9TQSkdx_DvURVUM-upn5TfOlVmswiUBb0MPtBjmP2Z1QUG2ty6LcFZaIG1w8qI1mdSn47/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+027.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386980305820484338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsiNS7KEXbHU9jBHEMeTi4tYyjR_yKi4_iZMFvBXJbL8zxTKQtzo7qiZeyylx5triXCEF3TVW9TQSkdx_DvURVUM-upn5TfOlVmswiUBb0MPtBjmP2Z1QUG2ty6LcFZaIG1w8qI1mdSn47/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+027.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#cc6600;">View from second floor HOH</span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-hCfDOiO6mwcyR4S-mk9MPk2IfwDF58zcmnpBT-rmYcNe-cGTYVdRduJDMdljl91W29v02fkk-XIzGvaxKANoBolebct1Qs9ti16Z4iNGqtMFsXQ69qII3os1uBNlATSQYRjHq6_dgNH/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386980297954347234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-hCfDOiO6mwcyR4S-mk9MPk2IfwDF58zcmnpBT-rmYcNe-cGTYVdRduJDMdljl91W29v02fkk-XIzGvaxKANoBolebct1Qs9ti16Z4iNGqtMFsXQ69qII3os1uBNlATSQYRjHq6_dgNH/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+015.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#cc0000;">My first pic with Annsleigh</span><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSjE8bu0R7oOgkk49jhu2xgCYROcQJ5omPHqiCs1PQGOey_bDVdiKZMtvy4flWxwrDsGUB_9ZLPqmskbjyHFmhAVciDIost4E2gW7Hq__n_Dv2MMyLZyDxQpkHoAfMkpIXir3uzyn0SQ4/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386980292055477378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSjE8bu0R7oOgkk49jhu2xgCYROcQJ5omPHqiCs1PQGOey_bDVdiKZMtvy4flWxwrDsGUB_9ZLPqmskbjyHFmhAVciDIost4E2gW7Hq__n_Dv2MMyLZyDxQpkHoAfMkpIXir3uzyn0SQ4/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+014.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#ff6600;">Brad's first pic with Annsleigh</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZZbaP-t80cMQp_L8BHU8jlx_uQnypBs_XswmcG8eQixq1tli-jwezpBAXcaquaGDguaBDwi3GYUT6QbxXWYlluNQOXfsssOQk8-Fpkpa6YzNZddzHys89ew5f2CG-dRLVmS3x2qih7kk/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+031.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386980282445205122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZZbaP-t80cMQp_L8BHU8jlx_uQnypBs_XswmcG8eQixq1tli-jwezpBAXcaquaGDguaBDwi3GYUT6QbxXWYlluNQOXfsssOQk8-Fpkpa6YzNZddzHys89ew5f2CG-dRLVmS3x2qih7kk/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+031.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">Finally! A nap in our room!</span><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">Finally we get to the HOH. It is not in a good area...and the picture in the CHI booklet is very very deceiving.... there are no signs up front to let you know you are there.... there are big trucks parked all along this small road. And if you want to call it a road....it is dirt and holes. Very very bumpy. Men urinating freely outside the gates of the HOH. Well, the gates open and in we go..... When you drive in there is baby laundry drying on the lines above the concrete driveway. That is also the only place the older children play. A concrete courtyard so to speak. There is a metal merrygoround type of playground toy on the right but it always has laundry drying on it. As soon as you get out of the van the older children come up to you smiling and hugging you and they just dont want to let go. I just want to bring them all home, except for the fact that fortunately I am sure all these children have waiting families or will soon. They are precious. One little boy about 2 was playing with a yoyo and doing tricks like walk the dog with it. He taught me how to do that! He must play with that thing all day long. Anyway.... We are led to the stairway and Almaz, a familiar face from the CHI booklet, stands at the top of the stairs. I hug her. She leads us up to the upstairs room on the left corner & tells us she will go get Tihune. I am emotional & nervous. Will we recognize her? ( In some of her pics other families took for us it did not really look like her so you cant help but wonder this)...Will she cry? Will she like us? When we get into the room where you wait to receive your baby there are already 2 families in there united with their babies. Jorga and Clint have baby Ruths sitting on a blanket on the floor playing with her. So glad to see her sitting up!!! Rachel and David have Jacob and he is glued to his new momma. How precious! Then we see Almaz pass by the window carrying a baby!!! Is that Annsleigh???? As soon as she walked in with her that was all she wrote! There is no doubt that precious buttercup was our Annsleigh! They had her all dolled up in a bright buttercup yellow jumper dress and even a yellow headband!.....Boy, she is GORGEOUS!!!!! Brad did grab her first simply because he is taller than me and could reach her......but he kissed her cheek and had her just long enough to hand her to me.......we both held her and teared up....she didnt even cry....but we did...She is not crying!!! We were told she is very serious and leary to go to others. We dont see that. We spent the next 1 1/2 hours in that room playing with her...amazed at her abilities.....this child being in an orphanage that long and she is not the least developmentally delayed...This is what we learned about Annsleigh in the first hour together......random.....She is amazing! She smiles alot! She scrunches her nose up somethimes when she does a silly smile! She giggled for us! She can crawl! She can stand all by herself! She has 2 teeth! She pooped and I changed her! She needs to hold on to something while we change because she is busy!!! She is perfectly normal "down there". (No FGM thank God). She babbles alot! She is so animated! She is busy....active like a toddler...Then Almaz gave us a can of Promil formula and a box of wheat/milk cereal and a box of honey/wheat cereal. All the instruction we got was feed a bottle every 3 hours and cereal at 9 AM/ cereal at 6 PM. Thats it?!?!? For an 11 month old!!!???!!? Wow!She has some eating to catch up on!!! We just missed her 3PM bottle :( Oh well, by this time, there was another family there united with their 2 beautiful new daughters aged about 7 and 10 maybe. We were all given the choice of leaving to go on a city tour. One family went...the rest of us stayed so we could bond with our babies.. We couldnt keep our eyes off of Annsleigh. She is sooooo healthy. We kiss those cheeks and lips! Annsleighs nurse came up to her and reached for her. Annsleigh cried for her and went to her. Her nurse hugged her and hugged her and cried holding her. When I reached for Annsleigh she did not want me. This was hard to take. I took her anyway and the nurse let go.... I saw how much they loved each other, but now it was my turn....her nurse asked if we would be back tomorrow... I said yes.... and she left. As soon as the city tour returned with the folks that went, we loaded up in the van to take Annsleigh with us to the Melkam. Unbelieveable....no crying....and she fell asleep on my shoulder on the way. I teared up holding her as there were beggars coming up to the van windows, some already familiar to us....When we got back to the room I carried Annsleigh upstairs....my heart was racing and I was winded....oh....that was the altitude change I read about. I laid her down on the bed & she napped. I took pics of her and watched her sleep & we phoned home with the good news that she was in our arms safe & sound & healthy! She she woke, we bathed her, fed her and us and went to bed. She felt asleep very easy this first night with a bottle.....Now.....at night.....Addis sounds like any big city....car alarms....sirens...bar music from 10:30PM - 1:30AM, dogs barking, cats fighting....airplanes over head....this was the noise at night at the Melkam....then....before daybreak....rooster crows and prayerful chanting....Annsleigh awakes....but that is the beginning of day 4! </span></div></div></div></div></div>Brad and Fran Hoaglandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03390648005169866679noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5885727097490261964.post-21722544191789762532009-09-29T11:27:00.005-05:002009-10-05T16:43:22.355-05:00Our Trip To Ethiopia Day 3 Part 1 - Monday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdArFyClH58NWnWB04xgECmMosxcN3ecccNmTG7cJcVTifZJI7mR0N7jRbt-T7LYO4M6TNyyRIiD-Br_9u049BiU4AVCcMyBcNiOtdavrIEe8QeKXs4248qtOWH6qXcelel55yGhaXSMv/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+107.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386945372350507186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdArFyClH58NWnWB04xgECmMosxcN3ecccNmTG7cJcVTifZJI7mR0N7jRbt-T7LYO4M6TNyyRIiD-Br_9u049BiU4AVCcMyBcNiOtdavrIEe8QeKXs4248qtOWH6qXcelel55yGhaXSMv/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+107.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtiKka_mg3YqcGU79sQs0OjOnX9ExK8PP1lALGGe8vfZy6QtnNWhAWO3vtY_3pqGHFQF2oMv4Bzvcw03nP5Kpc4V6oAzL-fqQqAreAelK8PIyWfmtwaEVxbzA40ZHKE_XmOzVFqc-5l3EL/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+075.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386945364722120162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtiKka_mg3YqcGU79sQs0OjOnX9ExK8PP1lALGGe8vfZy6QtnNWhAWO3vtY_3pqGHFQF2oMv4Bzvcw03nP5Kpc4V6oAzL-fqQqAreAelK8PIyWfmtwaEVxbzA40ZHKE_XmOzVFqc-5l3EL/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+075.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rGEZ99xkBSkDPk-8MYM-I-FjueTbkGMBdHbRiEHS1MuIZEXxsANQUTjUHXJczjHskFOva5kjlzIumyZbhVDDbiVrRcPCC6SeKJlXV5PzhSDWnPR78h7L68C01TTzGgD3aXekk_vRKheQ/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+071.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386945355321183106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rGEZ99xkBSkDPk-8MYM-I-FjueTbkGMBdHbRiEHS1MuIZEXxsANQUTjUHXJczjHskFOva5kjlzIumyZbhVDDbiVrRcPCC6SeKJlXV5PzhSDWnPR78h7L68C01TTzGgD3aXekk_vRKheQ/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+071.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbVxRXtMDB-Mfgkv_1zjFliGxbnn16UohMZgHH8kJeLRkI_TskhEMTKKZCuclsS1iqx0kUGkHbAjkNze5HYFa0cQJJT8YA-wGawFaufnDxsAU1zPdPUKYSKE2W3T8RLnl89b38QWHax5f/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+070.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386945345648874690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbVxRXtMDB-Mfgkv_1zjFliGxbnn16UohMZgHH8kJeLRkI_TskhEMTKKZCuclsS1iqx0kUGkHbAjkNze5HYFa0cQJJT8YA-wGawFaufnDxsAU1zPdPUKYSKE2W3T8RLnl89b38QWHax5f/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+070.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMe0Ds-fRTW4XtWQL86Y1KbhbDM25oc3g745JRGy527n2_3epKUgoolKZUMhH7RRyyy-Pup7VflPW05XP7FwKR_nujEEyoQctMvslUzxZas-HcX9pLiqoSsWTZTUcY_T3yeV64U65919I/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+035.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386945339698468706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMe0Ds-fRTW4XtWQL86Y1KbhbDM25oc3g745JRGy527n2_3epKUgoolKZUMhH7RRyyy-Pup7VflPW05XP7FwKR_nujEEyoQctMvslUzxZas-HcX9pLiqoSsWTZTUcY_T3yeV64U65919I/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+035.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">Just when we fell into a deep sleep the wake up call rangat 6AM. We were dragging out of bed then realized what our task was for the day.....meet Annsleigh!!!! Adrenaline kicked in! The airport shuttle scooted us over to the airport in no time. We were there in no time, at 7:15AM. One thing to know about the Dubai airport....it is humungous.....very very wide open spaces.....so the walk to the gate was very very long. When we got to the gate we saw Rachel and David again and also met Jorja and Clint who are also adopting thru our agency. Their little baby girl who is 10 months old needs to head to surgery day after they return, and I always thought our agency should have/could have expedited their case more than they did. They also have had lots of horrendous issues getting this far as they were caught up in the abandonement issue months ago. Anyway, we talked with them until boarding time. It was great to meet them. The flight quickly boarded & it was a quick 3 1/2 hour flight that felt like no time at all(any flight seemed short compared to the 14 hour one the day before). We landed in Addis Ababa at about 11:05. I teared up, got emotional already.....we were in our baby's country....being this close to our precious baby. God has brought us on this amazing adventure that we never thought would/could do. I did not experience my first impression out of the airport as others had.....like horrendous traffic, diesel smell, pollution, shortness of breath due to altitude...what I experienced was beauty. As soon as we exited the customs area, the Melkam Guest House owner Zeyedeh and his 12 year old son held my name up looking for us with friendly smiling faces. Actually, everyone this entire trip so far has been very polite & friendly. As soon as we walked outside, there is a mountain range. Beautiful! Birds chirping. No smog. Fresh air. It felt good out. 68 degrees partly sunny skies. It was a quick van ride to the Melkam Guest House only about 4 miles away. When we got there Brad napped while I freshened up and unpacked a little bit. There was less than 2 hours left til we get picked up to be taken to the House of Hope (HOH) where Annsleigh has been living for the last 6 months. They picked us up at about 2:30PM at the Melkam. From here on, I have a very very different impression of Addis Ababa now. We drive along & I see masses & masses of people what we would call "loitering" in every square foot of space along the roads in what should be sidewalks. Some laying down as if to sleep amongst the chaos. Piles and mounds of trash everywhere. Some children and adults digging thru it. Thousands of people with mats laid out on the ground with their produce lined up and displayed on it. Sometimes its fruit/veggies sometimes metal trinket odds and ends. Thousands of people with shoe shine mats set up everywhere. Shoe shine? They are wearing sandals! They are washing shoes/sandals amongst the filth. And there are women everywhere carrying extremely heavy loads on their backs...straw/bundles of sticks/ water bottles full. Mobs of people walking everywhere as if everyone is very busy.....Doing what? Loitering and hanging out while the women work....Hanging around...and the masses & masses of people cross the street whereever and anywhere they please. There is alot of hand holding/arm holding amongst men. Is this to be safe to cross the street? Or just good friendship? Or is it something else? Crossing the street is next to impossible, but they do it anyway. Let me try and describe the streets. The streets are packed with about 4-5 cars or vans wide in each direction, with motorcycles squeezing in between. I would say bumper to bumper, but that is not accurate. That would be too orderly. Its all cock-eyed traffic cutting off and squeezing in. Horns beeping like crazy....smell of smog is overwhelming....but....in all the mayhem....there is no animosity....no one giving anyone else "the finger", or pulling a gun or knife out. They are courtiously random in their driving and pedestrian crossing. Pedestrians just walk out in from the the moving vehicles and look right at the driver and just continue to slowly swanter across in no hurry and come literally within inches of being splattered. They just look at the van like, yeah....in my own time. They are not afraid of being hit. Poverty is obvious. Beggars up to the van made me just cry. Boys my sons age in rags...smiling...one beautiful young girl with her hair braided beautifully begging at the van. 3 more arms come in the crack of the window. One blind man, one man with him. A couple other men. A young woman with her baby wrapped around her, both thin looking in rags...begging at the window. Brad was handing out $1 birr left and right and bubble gum to the kids. I cried....Its very easy for these people to pick out the vans full of white folks. They know we have the handouts....Its hard not to give....The crippled people....one has no legs...so down on the ground, with shoes on his hands to walk along....1 man sitting on his shirt on the ground amongst the heap of chaos 1/2 of him burned almost in a straight line down his hair and face. 1/2 hair missing. 1 man with football sized tumors all over his back which was shirtless. 1 armed men, 1 legged men....crutches.....wheelchairs.....GOD!!!!! I see now why it is so hard for someone to describe this! One little boy about 2 sat in between adults asleep on the sidewalk......he was just watching traffic go by. All in rags....I cant help but wonder how long before they realize they cannot take care of him and put him in an orphanage? .....2 children walk down the street. The boy was wearing a hat made out of a cardboard box. Then, amongst all this are clean and well dressed folks & children adorably dressed & well groomed, some of them with backpacks like they were coming or going to school. .....</span></div></div></div></div></div>Brad and Fran Hoaglandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03390648005169866679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5885727097490261964.post-320993517659539962009-09-27T20:49:00.004-05:002009-10-05T16:42:58.136-05:00Our Trip To Ethiopia Day 2 - Sunday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyg97jcq57Ilxn4qoinjWGQVjA6ERn9hUR-cQIza14uCuAq0TEjNt-JC2zR0Xk3wTfY61Ptdq_I7jmk59D_zrwXfR1_7TzIS1PAHXrvQnBREjuqUBI82mO4uguXTRIgLjIqwapah63HhZR/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386339991242228146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyg97jcq57Ilxn4qoinjWGQVjA6ERn9hUR-cQIza14uCuAq0TEjNt-JC2zR0Xk3wTfY61Ptdq_I7jmk59D_zrwXfR1_7TzIS1PAHXrvQnBREjuqUBI82mO4uguXTRIgLjIqwapah63HhZR/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfbCB-slkKdG_SlI5TdUAkbbSI8TZM-WfVbB4i-U5-6z1NmSAs4ZYrD07bxwX1HsYgQERtO5Ghx89e7QdQ5Hmq5srN8dmvyRh6qQV7YEYMAkrJGDCh8FskmnEcZ1w5FV8zZyYTE54xI0G/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386339983699384370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfbCB-slkKdG_SlI5TdUAkbbSI8TZM-WfVbB4i-U5-6z1NmSAs4ZYrD07bxwX1HsYgQERtO5Ghx89e7QdQ5Hmq5srN8dmvyRh6qQV7YEYMAkrJGDCh8FskmnEcZ1w5FV8zZyYTE54xI0G/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+006.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff6600;">Hotel in Dubai</span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">One day just turns into the next while on the flight over to Dubai, or no matter what route you take. As soon as we landed in Dubai it was time for bed, and we had no bed to sleep in because our travel agent made a mistake. And we used a travel agency to avoid any mistakes. Go figure. We called our agent immediately when we landed and he told us to approach the Emirates desk and book a room and he would reimburse us. Easy enough. (By the way, we rented an international cell phone thru verizon and it worked great the whole trip!). We went to the Emirates desk, got our room paid for. Note to self......always take extra money with you! This was $150 we did not plan on spending! By the way, we did not need a transit visa, which some folks said they needed. The Dubai airport is beautiful and very very clean. We got a hotel shuttle van to pick us up....when we walked outside....it was stifling....hard to breath through the thick hot humid heat. All our American soldiers based there earned even more respect from me. I thought back to the Gulf War & how hot it had to be by the burning oil wells....in army fatigues.....unbearable! They dont know how they did it. Well, the shuttle ride to the hotel was quick, but it might be the drivers lead foot that got us there like that....and then uses the breaks at the last minute. Sometimes I wondered if they drove like that on purpose just to make you feel even more glad that you finally arrived at their destination. Another note to self.....Dramamine tomorrow! We got to the Almanar Hotel....very very nice 3 * hotel. It had a kitchen in it complete with stove, full size fridge, microwave and washing machine. It had chandalier lights above the beds. Funny thing.... we felt soooo stupid.....when we got to the room we did not know how to turn on the lights. None of the switches turned on the lights. We felt too stupid to go down to the desk to ask how in the world do you turn the lights on....so we searched and searched in the dark. I picked up the phone in the bathroom to call the front desk but couldnt see to dial thank God because I really hated to ask them how in the world do we turn these lights on....Then, in what I thought was a night light on the wall was actually a thing plugged into the wall that had a slot for your room key to go in. We slid the room key in, and what do you know? Lights on.....for about 5 seconds.....then off again. Note to self......dont just swipe the room key through it.....leave the room key in it....lights will stay on......then you can turn the lamp off with the switch by the bed. Its actually a very good idea. That way, when people check out, they have to have all the lights turned off. Anyway, I am taking the time to write so much about even these silly little details because had someone else written about it, we wouldnt have fumbled around in the dark for 20 minutes completely exhausted. (This is how I am going to tell our whole story. I am going to mention anything that might be helpful for the next families. And I am going to be brutally honest in some of it. Some of the journey is quite confusing and strange. Stay tuned for that.)Now,....the lights are on.......we were both exhausted and thought it felt great to shower and go to sleep. We both slept sound about for about 3 hours and then woke up feeling like we were ready to go get our baby. We had no clock in the room and did not know the time. I looked out the window....still pitch black out.....we were awake and hungry. We did call home with our cell phone. We got to hear our little Bradleys voice. That was sweet. By the way, he was no longer missing us. He was at his cousins house doing fine. They had to get him out of the pool to talk on the phone. And he was quick to say HI! Bye! I love you! Gotta go swim! That made us feel better. We also found out it was only 1:30AM. We could not go back to sleep. We talked about Annsleigh....wondered if she was crawling yet....had teeth yet....would she like us?...thought about her sleeping soundly ....only 1 more night without her.....we turned the lights out and couldnt sleep...my growling stomach kept me up. So we went around the hotel to find a vending machine.....never found one....so went to front lobby of hotel and asked where the vending machines were....they didnt have any....looked at us like we were odd. Another note to self.....vending machines must be an American thing......so we went back to the room. We found snacks and drinks in the fridge in the room.....with prices like $15/Red Bull, $10/small bag of pretzels!?!?!? Wasnt THAT hungry! So..........Brad went to bed....fell asleep and I started to write this journal. This is the end of day 2.....running into day 3</span></div></div>Brad and Fran Hoaglandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03390648005169866679noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5885727097490261964.post-89904412368709528922009-09-26T12:25:00.005-05:002009-10-05T16:41:39.146-05:00Our Trip To Ethiopia Day 1 - Saturday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHVSk1LtBNWvBudQEAUua9LxH3W1nRpg7QMekAGlAtVbXzZ4yj3gi_aEC_Ta9DllDEm1bmlG_DMBvX2EiPAly_78kvKLD5cD37mleqXwh-53HmJqUuWPyDhgS9UgkF7Vrn7W35-rOIfc6/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385836207608118978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHVSk1LtBNWvBudQEAUua9LxH3W1nRpg7QMekAGlAtVbXzZ4yj3gi_aEC_Ta9DllDEm1bmlG_DMBvX2EiPAly_78kvKLD5cD37mleqXwh-53HmJqUuWPyDhgS9UgkF7Vrn7W35-rOIfc6/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsJLQpUtL3_zVk2ImFkA37g4dddD6z0PavwLbRZFwn5wFdry-A-RmovUddBzk_GAchP3i3mPrdCqQi5lp7f_hz9wHYwI56Xu9FCz0ItPCWVltxxzlHbtnvVX-VbvCTKYOHVInv5miV-Mw/s1600-h/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385836196121890594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsJLQpUtL3_zVk2ImFkA37g4dddD6z0PavwLbRZFwn5wFdry-A-RmovUddBzk_GAchP3i3mPrdCqQi5lp7f_hz9wHYwI56Xu9FCz0ItPCWVltxxzlHbtnvVX-VbvCTKYOHVInv5miV-Mw/s400/Our+Ethiopian+Adventure+003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff6600;">Sept 12, 2009 Saturday - We left the house at 8:50am for a 12:55pm flight. Too early! We sat at the airport for 3 hours. But we spent it with Bradley, Pa and NeNe because they wanted to see us off. Bradley was fine until about 30 min before we said good bye. Then he cried & cried & cried already missing us. We tried not to cry but we both teared up. We sure do miss that little fella. Then we made it thru the baggage x-ray & metal detection without a glitch. Patted myself on the back for packing within regulations. WHEW! First hurdle done with no problems. And none of our checked bags were over 50 pounds. 3 checked bags....1 full of food for us to eat (Brad is kinda a picky eater & I know will not eat the Ethiopian food and we did not want to be rude not eating what they cooked), 1 full of Annsleigh's things & 1 full of our clothes. We also had 2 carryons plus our laptop. Once we made it past security checkpoints we found our gate.....it was a very quick & watched the TN VOLS game in the airport restaurant/bar. VOLS lost by the way. We then went back to the gate and now there were a ton of people waiting to board. We were definitely the minority now. Mostly Arabs. There was another caucasion couple....could they be another CHI adoptin couple? THEY WERE!!! Here is where we met David and Rachel (Rubin) When I met her I felt like I knew her because we both had been communicating on the CHI yahoo group for sometime now. They are adopting 11 month old Jacob. Annsleigh's boyfriend!!!! This was when we were informed that we did not get an email announcing that our Visa appt had been moved up a day to Sept 16!!! I hope its true!!! We talked and got acquainted until ready to board. At the boarding gate it said the Temp for Dubai was 106 tomorrow! Wow! Now thats hot! It was a full flight. 14 hours. We flew Emirates and its the only way to go. As comfortable as possible. All seats had their own screen and remote control for 600 different channels......movies (good oldies...latest releases...disney...you name it), TV shows, music etc..I loved watching the cockpit view of takeoff and landings. And the view from the camera beneath the plane of the terrain down below. When we got to Dubai, he had an 8 hour layover & we were supposed to have a room included in our fee. We were told as we were trying to find our seats that we did not qualify for the room.....so...nothing we could do about it now. We were on our way no matter what...may not have a place to stay... but we were on our way. Seats were still very tight and uncomfortable to try to sleep in but we expected that. They sure made sure you didnt go hungry. Offered food about 4 times during the flight. It was VERY long. But the 600 movie/TV channels helped alot. The only way I could sleep was by putting the tray out in front of me & putting the pillow on it slumped over & Brad then leaned all the way over on me sideways, put his pillow on my back and tried to sleep. That worked until the seat in front of me reclined and woke me up hitting me in the head....one day ran into the next during the flight. Thats all for day 1.</span></div></div>Brad and Fran Hoaglandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03390648005169866679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5885727097490261964.post-51898386823717662202009-09-23T11:24:00.005-05:002009-09-23T11:37:29.495-05:00My busy busy little bee<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcK3zpXLMjA2qeSG5Mkqbd6nOBWpe0LXiEh80IOl8G2qRUkV-eU6A3ReykmKXDkq5uFekYkRG4FmGUOc5IhJKW9wY6h_ls45_E9D3EDrmPK92veFOCtRwti8hrcyA2C0gosMTk_Od32tC/s1600-h/Annsleigh+032.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384702292542389922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcK3zpXLMjA2qeSG5Mkqbd6nOBWpe0LXiEh80IOl8G2qRUkV-eU6A3ReykmKXDkq5uFekYkRG4FmGUOc5IhJKW9wY6h_ls45_E9D3EDrmPK92veFOCtRwti8hrcyA2C0gosMTk_Od32tC/s400/Annsleigh+032.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="color:#ff6600;">My sweet sweet Annsleigh is a very very very active and busy little girl. If she is awake, she is on the go! Busy busy busy. We already decided she will be a busy little bumble bee for Halloween. She is no doubt keeping me very very busy and unable to blog yet about our trip. Promise its coming, but wanted to get a new pic up here of her and her brother. When the family met us at the airport, we had her dolled up in her Ethiopian ethnic dress and wrap. How adorable is this? As you can tell, Bradley is madly in love with her. Very protective of her. Hope to blog my journal of the trip very soon.</span></div>Brad and Fran Hoaglandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03390648005169866679noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5885727097490261964.post-68371910680161033122009-09-21T00:38:00.002-05:002009-09-21T00:42:33.515-05:00We are back!!!<span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">We were able to come home early.....so we are back!!! And exhausted....promise I will post what we did and saw everyday. But, for now I've just gotta say that Annsleigh is just perfect! She is sooooooooo happy. Thank you Jesus! Smiles everywhere....giggles everywhere! Bradley loves her so much too! Now gotta try and get this angel to bed. She just woke up from sleeping on the plane for about 6 hours and its 12:42 AM soooooo.....wish us luck!</span>Brad and Fran Hoaglandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03390648005169866679noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5885727097490261964.post-51392702907016566352009-09-11T14:33:00.002-05:002009-09-11T14:35:52.357-05:00We are off to Ethiopia!!!<span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">One last post before we leave! We are super excited and so ready to go. Annsleigh, HERE WE COME!!!!!!! We leave tomorrow AM and dont think blogging will be too easy while we are gone. But, will update when we can!! Will be back on the 22nd. Keep us in your prayers! </span>Brad and Fran Hoaglandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03390648005169866679noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5885727097490261964.post-28735295892437451232009-09-07T11:48:00.002-05:002009-09-07T12:00:01.696-05:00Somebody Pinch Me!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyXwjmV03Q54VeKvVRSl9OokCyPQAJthvCt65ONt07xmxc-VIK1tyBVYjbkwQU2ZLNKSla16GYGiH2t5xIFlbWa0cUkF66PCvWzewcT_0E3tA_2Lnj5DSBNLCm2nPc6flNB4hb2ebBtHL/s1600-h/Annsleigh+9+months.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378768783101812242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 225px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyXwjmV03Q54VeKvVRSl9OokCyPQAJthvCt65ONt07xmxc-VIK1tyBVYjbkwQU2ZLNKSla16GYGiH2t5xIFlbWa0cUkF66PCvWzewcT_0E3tA_2Lnj5DSBNLCm2nPc6flNB4hb2ebBtHL/s400/Annsleigh+9+months.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">Will somebody pinch me please!!! I just cannot believe that in just 1 week, our precious little one will be in our arms. It still just doesnt feel real. The bags are almost completely packed now, we have our tickets, but I still just cannot believe it. And no matter how much I have studied and read everyone elses blogs as they journeyed to Ehtiopia to bring their little ones home, I still have to say I dont know what to expect. When she is placed in my arms....what will it be like? When she sleeps on my shoulder...what will it be like? Her country....what will it be like? Her personality....her teething....her sleeping habits.....what will any of it be like? All I know is has got to heavenly to have her in my arms....feel her breathing, watching her sleep. I know the rest will all fall into place. Brad always likes to make bets with people. Yesterday he asked me heads or tails? I said for what? He said to see who will hold Annsleigh first. I said I didnt want to pick! But I did...I lost...but I told him it will just have to be both of us...I'll hold her bottom....and he'll hold her top!</span>Brad and Fran Hoaglandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03390648005169866679noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5885727097490261964.post-51436252418042852532009-09-01T17:23:00.003-05:002009-09-01T17:41:22.308-05:00WE GOT THE OK TO TRAVEL!!!!!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTb2HlIyF6yAjuRY_6SZcIQwWIVxg4zpU9lyr5oPxKGc9GiUrbeC9egM_e9UGwX4xFTxCrTKbtKih7AumRiufav3TSWwxLyQP5QAzuUe_ZzA-xLd-6trAzDKDJV3TpyUmhSYat5HpF79W/s1600-h/sep+1+024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376632430128221426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTb2HlIyF6yAjuRY_6SZcIQwWIVxg4zpU9lyr5oPxKGc9GiUrbeC9egM_e9UGwX4xFTxCrTKbtKih7AumRiufav3TSWwxLyQP5QAzuUe_ZzA-xLd-6trAzDKDJV3TpyUmhSYat5HpF79W/s400/sep+1+024.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">Everything is done and ready to go!!! That is as far as the agency is concerned. (You can see how NOT ready we are!!!) Sweet Annsleigh is completely ready and waiting for us to bring her home. We just booked flights to leave on Sep 12. For anyone wanting to see us return at the airport, we will return to Nashville on Sep 22 at 3:04pm!!!! Wow! I havent been able to think past the adoption once.........until just now. :) This is truly amazing. Now, please just pray for our health before and during our trip. Brad is sick as a dog right now with a stomach virus. Maybe we can get all this out of our systems before we leave. And........no H1N1!!!! PLEEEEEZE!!!!!</span></div>Brad and Fran Hoaglandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03390648005169866679noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5885727097490261964.post-34585829176727827462009-08-31T21:12:00.003-05:002009-08-31T21:22:40.676-05:00Travel Conference Call Today<span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">Now, this is getting very exciting! We had our travel conference call today with our agency, along with 11 other families. This is quite a big travel group. They prepared us for our trip, what to expect in country, how to dress, and how to fill out all the paperwork, the weather, the altitude, everything. What is most exciting is the fact that there is only one more email we expect to receive in the next day or 2 in which it will give us the official "OK TO TRAVEL" . So.............we are literally almost there. We have jumped all the hurdles and this journey has come to the climax. We are actually going to get to finalize our plane tickets in just a day or 2. This is very exciting. Cannot wait to hold our angel and just love her. This is the fun part, I must admit. I still cannot imagine getting on the plane and being on our way. </span>Brad and Fran Hoaglandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03390648005169866679noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5885727097490261964.post-85078122666193741262009-08-26T20:50:00.002-05:002009-08-26T21:00:13.502-05:00Now the Fun Begins :)<span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">We got an email today that says we have a scheduled conference call with our agency for Monday morning, along with the rest of the families in our travel group for Sep 17. This call will go over how we are supposed to fill out all the immigration and visa appt paperwork. Its good to know the agency is there to help us with this. Its kinda like income tax papers. AHHH! But, we have made it through the entire dossier, so this should be manageable. So, for those yet to pass court, or receive a referral, do not stress when you get these papers. Supposedly help is a phone call away. This is still not the official OK to travel, but it is the last thing to do before we get the OK to travel! YAY! I am actually getting very excited, nervous that we will forget something very important, nervous about leaving our son behind, already nervous about us making sure our 6 year old will continue to receive the attention he needs and thrives on. Tomorrow we are going shopping for much needed travel items, HOH donation items and blinds for Annsleighs room.....because..........in 3 weeks........SHE WILL BE IN HER ROOM!!!!!!!!!!!!! IN OUR HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!! WITH US FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!CAN YOU TELL I AM EXCITED?????</span>Brad and Fran Hoaglandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03390648005169866679noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5885727097490261964.post-62119651923948239662009-08-25T18:09:00.003-05:002009-08-25T18:21:10.045-05:00We Got Teased Today!<span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">Today, we got an email from our agency that said we may indeed get to travel 1 week earlier than anticipated, meaning we would leave a week from this Saturday!!!! There are so many families scheduled to travel the 17th that the country is willing to open up another visa appt date, which usually are only on the 1st and 3rd Thurs of every month. Yikes!!! You talk about excited! But, then the agency emailed back and said that we probably wouldnt travel early because in order to do that, they needed enough families willing to change their plans from the 17th of Sep up to the 10th of Sep and supposedly not enough families were "willling to travel early and change their plans"?!?!?!? What in the world?!?!!? Who in their right mind would say, "Oh, we have waited too long to bring our child home, but thats ok, we will just leave at the later date!!!!??!?!?" I dont get it. If we were told we could leave NOW, we would. I am still hoping we can leave at the earlier date. We are ready to go, but they do not want to open up a new visa appt date with just 1 or 2 families willing to change. Lord help me! This was just a tease!!! But, I've got to admit, I was a nervous wreck inside in a tizz of excitement about getting the packing done! But, it was a fun nervous. A good nervous. Anyway, maybe by some miracle, we can still travel early. Either way, we are pretty much set for the Sep 17 date and got all of our travel documents today!</span>Brad and Fran Hoaglandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03390648005169866679noreply@blogger.com3