Last Day in Ethiopia

When we went to the transition home today, Isaac came running up to us and gave us hugs and kisses. We bought him a traditional outfit for him to wear for his birthday. So, Kevin took him to get him changed up. Well, that did not go well. He was screeming and got so upset that he ran to his nanny and would not come back to us. The nanny comforted him, and talked to him, but he was not a happy camper, even though he looked absolutely adorable in his new outfit. So, the nanny gave him to me, and went back over to his transition home down the road. He screemed and reached for her until we walked him over to his home so he could be with her. 

We got a huge cake from a bakery with "Happy Birthday Yedidiya" written on it. It was white with white chocolate shavings and strawberries on top. We all sang happy birthday and all the little children ate the cake. He loved being sung to, and after that he started to warm up to us, but he still didn't want us to play with him. It was sad, because it was our last day with him, and we didn't want him to remember us badly. It is totally understandable though, he doesn't know us, he doesn't understand the parent/child relationship. He did give us hugs and kisses when we left, he actually ran to Kevin and hugged him as we left. So, that saved the day a little.

 After leaving him, we went to lunch and then to the government run orphanage he was dropped off at a year ago. I can not imagine him being there. It was very sad, I will not go into detail now because I don't want to cry. We were there with our friends who started Happy Shirts, you can find them on facebook. For every shirt sold, they donate a shirt to an orphan. We helped them pass out the shirts, the kids were thrilled. I think they give more than they sell. They are such a generous couple, we are happy to know them. Their names are Eric and Laura Anderson. We were also there with Jimmy and Rachel Gross they are americans who live here with their 3 children. We became best friends within a few minutes. They are starting their own nonprofit here where they will care for orphans, find them at www.grossfamilysite.org. They visit the orphanages and play with the children, feed the babies, fill the parent roll in so many of their lives. The children ran to them yelling "Jimmy Jimmy!!" It was really sweet. We also met some new friends there who are here for court as well. It was a really neat time with them,.  When we got back to the guest house, we both took scalding hot showers. I think we need prayer that we will not get sick, or get ring worm, scabes, etc...  The children were starved for attention, and they mobbed us. People need love, it is not right to have to grow up in an institution. Even dirty, ragged, sick kids need someone to love them.  It is amazing, amazing, amazing to see what we have seen, and know what we know. How can you ever go back to life as usual? 

We leave for the airport in 2 hours and our flight leaves in 5 hours. I can not wait to snuggle my babies!! Tell them we love them.

Laura & Kev