Apparently I took a trip to funkytown this weekend and decided to stay. I have been in a "funk" since Friday. What is a funk, you ask? Well, I'd say it's bigger than a bad mood and smaller than a depression. Somewhere in the middle. There are really no circumstances that I am upset about per se, I just feel blah. I think I am in that stage where I know I have a ton to do to get ready to travel but I just can't get myself to get motivated! Ug. That's my funk.
I am getting antsy to get some more information on Esias (LL...if you're out there, and you know who you are :) is there ANY string you can pull???) I NEED some more pictures of his sweet face. I can't tell what his lips look like and I can't see what his eyes look like from straight on. Now I'm just being picky, but I'd love a shot of him without boogers in his nose. I love my boy with or without the boogers, but you know.
Well I guess at the very latest I will get pics of him in two weeks or so...since my fellow EAMs (Ethiopia Adoptive Moms) will be traveling Nov. 30th! Yay! I know they will bring me back some photo love!! Thanks Sheri and Susanne!!!!
22 November 2008
Mommy Confessions...and a bowl of soup.
Today I was a not-so-very-nice mom. I barked at my kids. A lot. Most of the day, in fact. In my defense (if there is one), I do not feel well today. I have a nasty cold. But still. I was not very nice.
I did get a lot accomplished, despite my mood. Or maybe because of it? I took the rage out on closets and toy bins and anything else that needed organized. I took one giant tub of things to Goodwill and have another one loaded in the van. I also have a large tub ready for Stuff Etc. (consignment store) though they are booked up til after Christmas! Yikes.
But I digress. I was a mean mommy. So tonight when we'd finished up our to-do list, I decided I needed to cook. And cook I did. I made a breakfast casserole for tomorrow before church, and then I whipped up some taco soup for tomorrow after church. So, if I play my cards right, I might not have to cook at all tomorrow! :) But going back to the subject...I am good at dodging responsibility...I was cooking away and it is therapeutic for me, and I began to feel badly for the way I had treated my kids. I could hear their sweet little laughs as Dan read them their bedtimes stories and I stirred my soup. Repentance wafted up with the aroma of green chilies :) When they pattered into the kitchen for their drink of water, I said, "Girls, I am sorry for being angry with you today." Elly said, "I love you," and hugged my leg. Eden sucked down her water noisily. I felt particularly bad for her because she is so sensitive, and I said, "Eden, did you hear me, I said I was sorry for getting after you so much." She walked by me and said, "Mom, it's really ok." Then she turned around and gave me a big kiss. My kids are so forgiving! I need that! Thanks, babies. I love you! Tomorrow, I won't be such a tyrant.
And because Taco Soup is the easiest recipe EVER and apparently it inspires a repentant heart :) I will post the recipe!
TACO SOUP
Serve with sour cream and tortilla chips or Doritos
1 lb. lean ground beef, browned and drained
1 can Dark Red Kidney Beans with juice*
1 can Light Red Kidney Beans with juice*
1 can Black Beans drained and rinsed
1 can Diced Mexican Style Tomatoes with green chilies (or plain)
1 can Chopped Green Chilies (do not drain)
1 can corn with the juice*
1 small can tomato paste
1 small can tomato sauce
1 packet Ortega Taco seasoning mix
1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
1/2 c. water (more or less, whatever you want)
Combine all but the seasoning mixes and bring to a boil. Add seasonings. Simmer.
*You can choose to omit the "juice" from the beans, there are preservatives and corn syrup in some cans of beans, but this makes it sort of tasty...so depending on how healthy you want to make it...I have omitted the juice and subbed water and it tastes good, just not as good. :)
I did get a lot accomplished, despite my mood. Or maybe because of it? I took the rage out on closets and toy bins and anything else that needed organized. I took one giant tub of things to Goodwill and have another one loaded in the van. I also have a large tub ready for Stuff Etc. (consignment store) though they are booked up til after Christmas! Yikes.
But I digress. I was a mean mommy. So tonight when we'd finished up our to-do list, I decided I needed to cook. And cook I did. I made a breakfast casserole for tomorrow before church, and then I whipped up some taco soup for tomorrow after church. So, if I play my cards right, I might not have to cook at all tomorrow! :) But going back to the subject...I am good at dodging responsibility...I was cooking away and it is therapeutic for me, and I began to feel badly for the way I had treated my kids. I could hear their sweet little laughs as Dan read them their bedtimes stories and I stirred my soup. Repentance wafted up with the aroma of green chilies :) When they pattered into the kitchen for their drink of water, I said, "Girls, I am sorry for being angry with you today." Elly said, "I love you," and hugged my leg. Eden sucked down her water noisily. I felt particularly bad for her because she is so sensitive, and I said, "Eden, did you hear me, I said I was sorry for getting after you so much." She walked by me and said, "Mom, it's really ok." Then she turned around and gave me a big kiss. My kids are so forgiving! I need that! Thanks, babies. I love you! Tomorrow, I won't be such a tyrant.
And because Taco Soup is the easiest recipe EVER and apparently it inspires a repentant heart :) I will post the recipe!
TACO SOUP
Serve with sour cream and tortilla chips or Doritos
1 lb. lean ground beef, browned and drained
1 can Dark Red Kidney Beans with juice*
1 can Light Red Kidney Beans with juice*
1 can Black Beans drained and rinsed
1 can Diced Mexican Style Tomatoes with green chilies (or plain)
1 can Chopped Green Chilies (do not drain)
1 can corn with the juice*
1 small can tomato paste
1 small can tomato sauce
1 packet Ortega Taco seasoning mix
1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
1/2 c. water (more or less, whatever you want)
Combine all but the seasoning mixes and bring to a boil. Add seasonings. Simmer.
*You can choose to omit the "juice" from the beans, there are preservatives and corn syrup in some cans of beans, but this makes it sort of tasty...so depending on how healthy you want to make it...I have omitted the juice and subbed water and it tastes good, just not as good. :)
20 November 2008
Like a Scene from Billy Madison...
Yesterday, Eden had a substitute teacher. Unfortunately, the sub forgot to show! So Eden's kindergarten class was ALONE for who knows how long...she said 15 minutes, but I don't always trust her time skills...anyway, she said "some of the kids were going wild, and some of us were doing our work. Then we all saw a lady in the hallway, from Team 3, and we said, 'we don't have a teacher!' and she was waiting for her class to get out of music (this tells me it was LONGER than 15 minutes) and she stayed with us until we got a teacher!"
Oh my. All Dan and I could think of was that scene from Billy Madison when Miss Vaughn is absent.
Oh my. All Dan and I could think of was that scene from Billy Madison when Miss Vaughn is absent.
19 November 2008
Congrats to the Nielsen Family!
17 November 2008
The First Appearance of the Tooth Fairy
Well, the season of deciduous teeth is officially upon us. I can't say this is my favorite stage...these weird little teeth sort of gross me out!!
Eden FINALLY lost the first of her baby teeth last night. She had wiggled it so loose that she couldn't get it to stand straight anymore, but couldn't pull the trigger when it came to pulling it out. Dan sort of "tricked" her into letting him do it. She was glad it was over but slightly annoyed with him...until this morning when she found six shiny quarters under her pillow!! Since her big teeth are already in behind the baby teeth, she doesn't have too long to wait til the next one will need wiggled out...so maybe she will be able to do that one herself. She was so tickled to show her classmates today at school!!
Yesterday Brynn, Will, and Marcus came over to eat lunch at our house. B brought chicken and noodles and I made mashed potatoes (good little Iowa girls, aren't we?)...oh my goodness...we all had complete food comas. I am talking meat-and-potato-organ-shutdown. All associates to the stomach! All associates to the stomach!! It was really really good, but we realized why we cannot cook like that on a daily basis. Wow.
(Just throwing in a picture of Marcus for good measure)
16 November 2008
Awesome deal
If anyone is looking for an awesome convertible carseat, go to Amazon.com (click through the Nielsen's blog if you want to- it helps them out!) and buy the Britax Convertible Carseat in Cowmooflage...it is selling for 79% off at $59.99. Britax is rated VERY high and has NEVER been in our price range until today!! Thanks Babycheapskate.
15 November 2008
Dan's Directorial Debut...starring Eden and Elly
(Read in low, low movie trailer voice)...In a world where retail shopping rarely brings enjoyment, one customer changed everything...now playing..."The One Hundredth Customer" starring Eden and Elly Grimes. This film is not yet rated.
14 November 2008
The Twenty Minute Workout!
After seeing this on Vitamin Z's blog, I was inspired to do a little searching for the "20 Minute Workout" show that my mom used to do in the mornings when I was little. Thanks to YouTube and people with way too much time on their hands, I found it! Enjoy!! My mom seriously did this each morning and we kids would line up on the couch and watch her (and laugh-- especially when she did the move that looked like a dog and a fire hydrant). Mom, does this bring back good memories?
Edenisms, Part 28
The other day I brought a snack in the van for the girls. Elly was munching away on whatever it was, and she is mouth breather, so she is a noisy eater...this drives Eden all kinds of nuts. Finally Eden, ever the problem-solver, said to me, "Mom! I know! I will just eat my snack really loud and then I won't hear Elly and I won't want to puke."
Flashback Friday
It has been awhile since I have posted a flashback Friday. I am rebellious that way.
Here's my sweet little biscuit. She was maybe 5 months old? She still had her clogged tear duct (see the runny eye?) so she was under 6 months. She was sooo sweet as a baby. I am not just saying that because she's mine. Ok maybe I am. Just kidding. Just kidding I'm not. Just kidding I am. Just kidding.
13 November 2008
11 November 2008
More Photos of Esias, Please.
We were told today that in a week or two we can expect to get an update on Esias which include photo(s) and maybe even video!! Woot woot!
And, in a few weeks, two families will be traveling (God willing) to get their boys and have agreed to take pics for us while there. So, even though we have to wait til January, we will get to see more of our boy!!!
And, in a few weeks, two families will be traveling (God willing) to get their boys and have agreed to take pics for us while there. So, even though we have to wait til January, we will get to see more of our boy!!!
Shots!!!!
Being that I have had five shots in the last month, I subjected my kids to some poking yesterday and got them their flu shots. They actually did quite well, Elly hated me a for a few minutes, but then got over it. Eden worked through her fear by drawing this:
Esias' Room!! Yippee.
Nursery progress is good!
I made this very inexpensive name thing for Esias' wall and I think it came out cute. I used thin wooden letters from Hobby Lobby- they came in packs of two for 99 cents. Then I used clearance hobby paper 4/$1 - can't beat that. I just traced around the letters onto the paper, cut it out and then ModPodged it all to heck. Easy.
I just absolutely love the quilt. Kinsey Mazunik's mom Deb made it. I had bought a bunch of fabric for curtains and then decided I didn't have the skills to make them. Kinsey's mom graciously accepted my shameless request and made this amazing quilt for Esias. Thanks, Deb! She's an honorary grandma now :)
I stuck the letters on the wall myself standing on a too-short chair. People with balance disorders should not stand precariously on chairs, but you know, I am a rebel. Judging by the placement of the letters, however, I should have waited til Dan got home :) Hope you enjoy the sneak peek. I hope to get the room complete this week and post the "after" photo!
I made this very inexpensive name thing for Esias' wall and I think it came out cute. I used thin wooden letters from Hobby Lobby- they came in packs of two for 99 cents. Then I used clearance hobby paper 4/$1 - can't beat that. I just traced around the letters onto the paper, cut it out and then ModPodged it all to heck. Easy.
I just absolutely love the quilt. Kinsey Mazunik's mom Deb made it. I had bought a bunch of fabric for curtains and then decided I didn't have the skills to make them. Kinsey's mom graciously accepted my shameless request and made this amazing quilt for Esias. Thanks, Deb! She's an honorary grandma now :)
I stuck the letters on the wall myself standing on a too-short chair. People with balance disorders should not stand precariously on chairs, but you know, I am a rebel. Judging by the placement of the letters, however, I should have waited til Dan got home :) Hope you enjoy the sneak peek. I hope to get the room complete this week and post the "after" photo!
Court Date Explained
There seems to be a bit of confusion about what the court date actually does...we will not be traveling over Christmas. The court date is done in Ethiopia and a Bethany representative (an Ethiopian man named Milkiyas) goes to court on our behalf and accepts the parental custody of the child for us. That is, if everyone shows up and the court runs as it should. Just like in the States, sometimes government appointments don't always happen as scheduled for various reasons. So, December 24th Milkiyas will go to the court appointment for us and hopefully that day Esias will become Esias Grimes! After that, we wait again (I know, more waiting) for our appointment at the Embassy. Once we hear about that date, we can book our tickets and get ready to go. There is typically about a month or so between court date and Embassy date, though that is a rough estimate. Embassy appointments are always on a Tuesday. We will have a one or two week notice to travel. Clear as mud?
10 November 2008
Court Date!
We have a court date!
That's the good news.
The bad news is...
it's December 24th! BUT, if you figure in how far ahead Ethiopia is timewise, then it's like it was December 23rd. How's that for lookin' on the bright side?
That's the good news.
The bad news is...
it's December 24th! BUT, if you figure in how far ahead Ethiopia is timewise, then it's like it was December 23rd. How's that for lookin' on the bright side?
09 November 2008
08 November 2008
My Husband...Some Hot Shot.
Today, my husband was as busy as a little beaver. Here is a list of what he completed:
- Painted the entryway (well, repainted it, after I changed my mind :)
- Cleaned and started the humidifier since our furnace is now running
- Took me to lunch
- Went to Lowe's
- Went to True Value
- Made a new handle for the shed door (using a saw!)
- Raked
- Cleaned up the outdoor toys and grill, winterized shed and organized it a bit
- Refilled the washer fluid in both vehicles
- Replaced the battery in the newer van
- Took out the trash and recycling
- UPDATED: add to the list- fixed our back door knob
- Made the girls "breakfast for supper"
- Hung pictures on the walls for me
- Hung curtains in the baby room
- Made the bed
- Put the dishes in the dishwasher
- Folded one load of laundry
- Went to lunch
- Went to Lowe's
- Hopped on the Adoption discussion forums and checked my blog for comments
- Made ESIAS' name for his wall
- Helped the kids paint
- Ate some M&Ms
- Started the dishwasher
- Blogged what we did today
- UPDATED: cleaned up "breakfast for supper" dishes
- tripped over toys and almost died
- Made a photo collage crafty thingy to hang in the hallway
07 November 2008
What a Treat.
We had a hair-brained ideer last night to call a babysitter totally last minute. We knew our "usuals" were basically out and the night was pretty cruddy so we didn't think we could be gone long...called a couple of local options with no luck and then remembered--our 14-year old neighbor just started babysitting! Score. We called her parents and they were cool with it and even brought her over (she just lives around the block, but it was snow/raining). Anyway, she was soooo excited to watch the girls! When we asked her what her rates were, she said, "$2 per hour." DUDE. So we left her at 7:15pm and got back at 9:20pm. We went out to dinner and Walmart for a car battery--I know, romantic! When we got home, the kids were in bed, the house was clean and our neighbor girl was reading Twilight in the hall next to their room. What a great sitter! We decided she was worth more than $4 rate so we gave her a raise to $12. It was awesome.
This Week's Happenings
We visited with Eden's teacher yesterday at her Parent-Teacher Conferences. We were very proud of our girl! She is doing great. She is doing well in all areas, reading above age/grade level, comprehending math concepts and such. But what struck us most and what we are MOST proud of is that Eden's teacher told us she is very sensitive to others' needs and always reaches out to someone who is not being played with or who has hurt feelings. She seems to love school and has made many friends. That's my girl! Makes a momma's heart swell :) She has been having a few issues with one friend who likes to boss her around. We told her a bunch of things to do and none of them seem to be working, so the other day I told her just to pray about the problem and see what God might say. So she's been praying about it for two days now. I am anxious to see how God answers my sweet girl's prayers. What an amazing job--to be a mother and to watch your children rely on God for wisdom and strength. I am so blessed by my family!
My mom had her surgery yesterday for the large stone. I have not been able to talk with her yet but I know that it went well and she did not have to stay overnight which is great. She hates hospitals. So she is resting at home and I pray this is the end of kidney stones for a long, long time for her!
My mom had her surgery yesterday for the large stone. I have not been able to talk with her yet but I know that it went well and she did not have to stay overnight which is great. She hates hospitals. So she is resting at home and I pray this is the end of kidney stones for a long, long time for her!
06 November 2008
Bedtime with Eden is Always Interesting...
If you have ever babysat or been at our house when it is bedtime, you might know that Eden gets WIRED before bed. Maybe it's because we wrestle on the futon or Daddy's crazy bathtime shenanigans, but never mind those.
Last night, I was reminded Eden everso gently over and over again to calm down and get her p.j.s on. She was standing in front of her mirror, talking to herself. I said, "Eden, seriously! Get your pajamas on." She said, "Mom, can I just make a pie graph, PLEASE! I need to see something!"
Who is this kid??
Last night, I was reminded Eden everso gently over and over again to calm down and get her p.j.s on. She was standing in front of her mirror, talking to herself. I said, "Eden, seriously! Get your pajamas on." She said, "Mom, can I just make a pie graph, PLEASE! I need to see something!"
Who is this kid??
05 November 2008
MAJOR PRAISE!
Good news abounds as we just heard that Baby Madeleine (or Madeline, not sure) was born this morning much larger than expected and doing well! She has a temporary pacemaker and will have her internal pacemaker placed Friday! I don't know for sure, but I am thinking that means her mom and dad were able to hold her! Hallelujah! It's amazing what God can do!!
04 November 2008
Letter from Pam Harrington of BCS-
This letter appeared on BCS's Ethiopia Adoption Blog- Pam Harrington is the director of the Ethiopia Program and was actually in the country when Jaren died at the transition home. She updates us on the program and events there.
Dear Friends,
I’ve been back from Ethiopia about a week now and have had a bit of time to process what I saw there. First of all, I have to tell you that it was an intense three weeks. I have travelled quite a bit including living abroad and it ranks as one of the most wonderful yet one of the most desperate countries I have been in. Some things stand out:
POVERTY- Yes, you can rent an $8,000 (USD) suite at the world-renown Sheraton Hotel in Addis Ababa. But if you walk across the street and explore a small alley, you will see how most Ethiopians live in tin-topped mud and straw rooms without on-site water or toilet facilities. Sometimes there are ten or more people to a room. Famine has driven food prices beyond the reach of most Ethiopians and caused a lack of a properly balanced nutritious diet. Fuel prices have greatly increased.
HEALTH - It is said that every family is, if not INFECTED by HIV/AIDS, at least AFFECTED by HIV/AIDS. This is apparent all over Addis Ababa and families incorporate more and more children into their homes. It is not only AIDS but malaria, tuberculosis, pneumonia, meningitis, hepatitis, and a myriad of other diseases that could be treated or cured in a country like the US. There is a high infant and maternal mortality rate, and average life expectancy at birth is less than 55 years old.
Another problem is the stigma over having HIV/AIDS or even being tested for it. Even though there are many testing and counseling organizations, drug therapy (ARTs), and nutritional supplements available for those who test positive, there is so much stigma attached to even being tested that this is a huge barrier. This is especially true for women who stand to loose their marriages, livelihoods, and necessary community connections.
HOPE- I believe that there is no “God-forsaken” country and certainly there is great evidence of God’s love in Ethiopia. Hope can be found in the many churches that are organizing to support and care for orphans, widows, grandparents. It can be found in simple families reaching out to friends, neighbors and relatives who are dying. It can be found in the sharing of a last bit of bread, in the eyes of children who play games with stones and holes dug in the dirt. I met teachers who cope with a class of seventy children and share their lunches with children who are on the verge of passing out. Their love for God is shown in their love for their students.
OUR CHILDREN- Many of the children coming to us, particularly babies, are very small and fragile. It is very common to see a baby who is four or five months old yet only weighs eight or ten pounds. Sometimes we do not know the children’s histories as they are found abandoned and sick. There is a severe lack of sanitary conditions, clean water, and nutritious food. Often a loving relative has tried to care for the child for a period of time, exhausted all resources and needs to place the child as a last resort. Some of the children come from outside the high altitude of Addis Ababa where there is malaria. I was at an orphanage where a young mother had just left her stunned two year old daughter with the orphanage director. She was on her way to the hospital where she knew she would die from AIDS complications.
I heard a lot about babies who were sick and dying, including two of our precious little ones. Even in a country where death is a common occurrence, our staff and friends did not take this lightly. It was extremely difficult for me and our team, and especially our Ethiopia Director, Milkiyas and still we think of the two who died and pray for the families who never got the chance to hold them.
We are blessed to have been introduced by an adoptive parent, Lia Strand, to Dr. Jeanie Everson. Jeanie is the medical doctor in Ethiopia for SIM missionaries. She has given me permission to quote her in a recent email: “I am so sorry for the very difficult time for the babies and for those who love them. It is so hard when they are so weak and sick. We in SIM have a few missionaries who care for such babies, and they do not always make it though alive. This is with expert nurse care plus one-on-one care from experienced moms and caretakers.”
Even though we used one of the best hospitals in Ethiopia, the standards are not near those of the US. We brought our own soap to wash our hands along with a supply of sterilized bottles and bottled water. Currently we are doing everything we can possibly do to ensure the safety of our children and to make our transition house a state-of-the-art home where children can be nurtured and thrive. Generous donors have purchased and installed two new water tanks, a stove for cooking and sterilizing equipment, hot water heaters, and many new supplies such as sheets, blankets, bottles, and clothing and an abundance of other necessities. We have been able to locate excellent resources including medical professionals such as Jeanie.
Some of you have asked about children who are HIV+. Yes, we are finding families and placing these wonderful kids (By the way-did you know that HIV is no longer a death sentence? With medication and nutrition, children with HIV+ can live a long and healthy life.)This fits perfectly into our mission. One of the homes in Addis Ababa with whom we work has 13 children who are either HIV+ or have Hepatitis B. They are all under 9 years old. If you would like more information, check with Janie VanDyke our Orphan Advocate at jvandyke@bethany.org.
Please join with me in praying for our children and our team of dedicated staff. They are amazing people who are committed to advocating for all of the children in Ethiopia who are in need of families.
Pamela Awtrey Harrington, LMSW
Director, Bethany International Children’s Services
For more complete facts about Ethiopia, check out http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/ethiopia_statistics.html
Dear Friends,
I’ve been back from Ethiopia about a week now and have had a bit of time to process what I saw there. First of all, I have to tell you that it was an intense three weeks. I have travelled quite a bit including living abroad and it ranks as one of the most wonderful yet one of the most desperate countries I have been in. Some things stand out:
POVERTY- Yes, you can rent an $8,000 (USD) suite at the world-renown Sheraton Hotel in Addis Ababa. But if you walk across the street and explore a small alley, you will see how most Ethiopians live in tin-topped mud and straw rooms without on-site water or toilet facilities. Sometimes there are ten or more people to a room. Famine has driven food prices beyond the reach of most Ethiopians and caused a lack of a properly balanced nutritious diet. Fuel prices have greatly increased.
HEALTH - It is said that every family is, if not INFECTED by HIV/AIDS, at least AFFECTED by HIV/AIDS. This is apparent all over Addis Ababa and families incorporate more and more children into their homes. It is not only AIDS but malaria, tuberculosis, pneumonia, meningitis, hepatitis, and a myriad of other diseases that could be treated or cured in a country like the US. There is a high infant and maternal mortality rate, and average life expectancy at birth is less than 55 years old.
Another problem is the stigma over having HIV/AIDS or even being tested for it. Even though there are many testing and counseling organizations, drug therapy (ARTs), and nutritional supplements available for those who test positive, there is so much stigma attached to even being tested that this is a huge barrier. This is especially true for women who stand to loose their marriages, livelihoods, and necessary community connections.
HOPE- I believe that there is no “God-forsaken” country and certainly there is great evidence of God’s love in Ethiopia. Hope can be found in the many churches that are organizing to support and care for orphans, widows, grandparents. It can be found in simple families reaching out to friends, neighbors and relatives who are dying. It can be found in the sharing of a last bit of bread, in the eyes of children who play games with stones and holes dug in the dirt. I met teachers who cope with a class of seventy children and share their lunches with children who are on the verge of passing out. Their love for God is shown in their love for their students.
OUR CHILDREN- Many of the children coming to us, particularly babies, are very small and fragile. It is very common to see a baby who is four or five months old yet only weighs eight or ten pounds. Sometimes we do not know the children’s histories as they are found abandoned and sick. There is a severe lack of sanitary conditions, clean water, and nutritious food. Often a loving relative has tried to care for the child for a period of time, exhausted all resources and needs to place the child as a last resort. Some of the children come from outside the high altitude of Addis Ababa where there is malaria. I was at an orphanage where a young mother had just left her stunned two year old daughter with the orphanage director. She was on her way to the hospital where she knew she would die from AIDS complications.
I heard a lot about babies who were sick and dying, including two of our precious little ones. Even in a country where death is a common occurrence, our staff and friends did not take this lightly. It was extremely difficult for me and our team, and especially our Ethiopia Director, Milkiyas and still we think of the two who died and pray for the families who never got the chance to hold them.
We are blessed to have been introduced by an adoptive parent, Lia Strand, to Dr. Jeanie Everson. Jeanie is the medical doctor in Ethiopia for SIM missionaries. She has given me permission to quote her in a recent email: “I am so sorry for the very difficult time for the babies and for those who love them. It is so hard when they are so weak and sick. We in SIM have a few missionaries who care for such babies, and they do not always make it though alive. This is with expert nurse care plus one-on-one care from experienced moms and caretakers.”
Even though we used one of the best hospitals in Ethiopia, the standards are not near those of the US. We brought our own soap to wash our hands along with a supply of sterilized bottles and bottled water. Currently we are doing everything we can possibly do to ensure the safety of our children and to make our transition house a state-of-the-art home where children can be nurtured and thrive. Generous donors have purchased and installed two new water tanks, a stove for cooking and sterilizing equipment, hot water heaters, and many new supplies such as sheets, blankets, bottles, and clothing and an abundance of other necessities. We have been able to locate excellent resources including medical professionals such as Jeanie.
Some of you have asked about children who are HIV+. Yes, we are finding families and placing these wonderful kids (By the way-did you know that HIV is no longer a death sentence? With medication and nutrition, children with HIV+ can live a long and healthy life.)This fits perfectly into our mission. One of the homes in Addis Ababa with whom we work has 13 children who are either HIV+ or have Hepatitis B. They are all under 9 years old. If you would like more information, check with Janie VanDyke our Orphan Advocate at jvandyke@bethany.org.
Please join with me in praying for our children and our team of dedicated staff. They are amazing people who are committed to advocating for all of the children in Ethiopia who are in need of families.
Pamela Awtrey Harrington, LMSW
Director, Bethany International Children’s Services
For more complete facts about Ethiopia, check out http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/ethiopia_statistics.html
Three babies need your prayers.
Three of my friends need prayer for their daughters.
Baby Madeline- she is going to be delivered via C-section on Wednesday. She is very tiny and has a heart condition that needs surgery. She has a 50% survival rate- but we know God doesn't listen to those :) Pray she would be sustained and even have grown by Wed. and that her parents would get to hold her before she goes into surgery. And that she would survive!
Baby S.- she is still in her mom's tummy too, and has a little time yet. She has a cyst in her abdomen. Please pray it would completely disappear before she is delivered and for peace for mom and dad.
Baby Ruby- just diagnosed with Infantile Spasms, a kind of epileptic seizure. She is on treatment. She needs this medicine to start working and STOP the seizures completely. Pray they stop TODAY and that there is no permanent brain damage. She is a sweet sweet girl and the daughter of some precious friends.
Thanks for your prayers today!
Baby Madeline- she is going to be delivered via C-section on Wednesday. She is very tiny and has a heart condition that needs surgery. She has a 50% survival rate- but we know God doesn't listen to those :) Pray she would be sustained and even have grown by Wed. and that her parents would get to hold her before she goes into surgery. And that she would survive!
Baby S.- she is still in her mom's tummy too, and has a little time yet. She has a cyst in her abdomen. Please pray it would completely disappear before she is delivered and for peace for mom and dad.
Baby Ruby- just diagnosed with Infantile Spasms, a kind of epileptic seizure. She is on treatment. She needs this medicine to start working and STOP the seizures completely. Pray they stop TODAY and that there is no permanent brain damage. She is a sweet sweet girl and the daughter of some precious friends.
Thanks for your prayers today!
Milestone
Today he would have been ours. But instead, God made him His. Love you still, baby boy, my Jaren Mikiyas!
We have not heard of a court date for Esias as of yet. I am hopeful it will come soon, but I am not driving myself crazy. I have learned the hard way that God's timing is not always (or very rarely) my timing. I trust His timing!
01 November 2008
Takin' in a Matinee with the Girls
For Eden's birthday, in lieu of a party, we had a movie day. We went to see Beverly Hills Chihuahua (I voted for HSM3 but got beat out). I took the four 5/6 year olds, and Dan took Elly to the Children's Museum. I didn't think it would be big deal until they all started running around like crazy in the theatre lobby. We soon got calmed down and were on our way to the movie with popcorn, pop, and pixie sticks in hand. We ended the day by driving through DQ! It was quite fun and I didn't have to clean up a mess in my house afterwards! Bonus. Though it was NOT the cheapest option, it was definitely FUN and required a very small amount of preplanning! Also a bonus!
(front) Kaleigh, (back) Callie W., Eden, and Lauren
Eden entertaining her friends
No birthday party is complete without tackling the birthday girl's dad (this is in Willham's yard).
And the obligatory Kindergarten Girl Pyramid.
One of the girls (Lauren) felt very comfortable with Dan! She hung onto him very tightly!
(front) Kaleigh, (back) Callie W., Eden, and Lauren
Eden entertaining her friends
No birthday party is complete without tackling the birthday girl's dad (this is in Willham's yard).
And the obligatory Kindergarten Girl Pyramid.
One of the girls (Lauren) felt very comfortable with Dan! She hung onto him very tightly!
Pumpkin Carving
Eden's creation...most creative design- there were squiggly lines all over that Dan ended up cutting with a drywall saw.
The girls made this one for Esias, the classic Jack.
Best of Show...Elly's awesome face!
I know I am completely and utterly biased, but I think my kids are super creative when it comes to their pumpin carving! They also love the pumpkin guts and we had to tear them away from it for supper.
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