Our Sweet Girl

It has been nearly 2 months since we left Meklit, and I am thinking that in the next couple weeks we will get word that I can go and bring her home.

That is the very glass is half full side of me talking, but it sounds really good to me. We were thinking all along that it would be about 2 months, and have been praying it would be no more than that, so we are ready God - just have them give us a call...

Konjo

One way beautiful ferenge bride + one habesha daughter with mad braiding skills = one very konjo wife!

Undoubtedly the envy of this small town atleast.

I keep telling Marta that for a few $$ per head this could be her college money, but she doesn't seem to get it yet.

Are You Sure?

Our friends the Hehn's have a family line that goes something like "are you kidding me or just joking" that originated with one of their Ethiopian kids and an early struggle with some Americanisms in the English language. If you hang out with them you will hear it, but it is an inside joke.

When Marta first came and started to warm up to us and become playful, someone would say something to her and she would say "are you sure?" Like when a friend came over and they were looking through Jeff's yearbook. The friend pointed to the picture of herself and told Marta "that is me." Marta said, "are you sure?"

Now this has become the saying around here. Nothing like a well placed "are you sure" during dinner conversation to have everyone rolling.

Guess you had to be there...

Ciao Denise

It is a dark day for me, and I assume many of us AAI and Layla House parents. Denise is no longer in Ethiopia, but back in the US in Portland.

My daily obsession of checking for updates, hoping to hear a word about Marta or Meklit at first, and my not so obsessive looking for stories about the kids I know and love who are still there will now sadly come to an end. Maybe like a favorite book I will go back and reread it all one more time.

If you don't know what I am talking about, Denise Baker was a volunteer at Layla House since last June, and wrote a blog about her experiences. Go here to check out The Last Post. Her words were a lifeline for Lisa and I during our wait.

Thank you again Denise for loving our daughters and so many other children over that past 8 months. I know they love you as deeply as you love them, and we appreciate every moment of your efforts. There is always room for you in our home. Ciao...