You'd think after all that time waiting for a referral I would feel somewhat ready to travel and pick up our child, but I can't say that I feel that way. I'm kind of confused about what to do next. Obviously, there is the packing and preparation for travel. And of course we have to get ready to take care of our new son too. It kind of feels like I'm cramming for a big test in school or something....although this will turn out way better than that. So, we've made countless lists and I think we can actually pull this off.
This is definitely unlike getting ready for any other trip we've ever been on. I am so much more concerned about having all the necessary "supplies and equipment" for Henock than packing anything for Joanna or I. We will pick Henock up from the orphanage at the beginning of our trip, so we have to be prepared to take care of him the entire week we're there. Never having been a parent before, this seems like a daunting task. At the same time, we'll be able to get in plenty of practice in front of strangers before we ever have to parent in front of our family and friends back home. It will kind of be like a practice run!
Thursday our plane tickets and itineraries were waiting for us on our front porch when we got home from work. Our round-trip tickets were in the package, but also included were Henock's one-way tickets from Addis Ababa to Detroit. It was kind of cool to see his name printed on the tickets. I should also mention that if you're ever looking to travel to Ethiopia don't wait till two weeks before to make reservations...it's not the cheapest way to go. Of course we were expecting some sticker shock all along.
In other news, we heard that Alemu was visiting the orphanage again this weekend and will get updated pictures for us. We look forward to receiving those at the beginning of the week. Also, we should get some updated stats (length, weight) on Henock which will be useful to our pediatrician back here.
Fitness cycling Understand
5 years ago
6 comments:
I haven't even though much about traveling and packing and all that! I didn't know you would be able to have your child with you pretty much when you got there. That is SO great. That shows how little questions I've asked about all that. I'm excited for you that you will be able to have so much time with him in Ethiopia!
How fun it must be to be able to pull out the suitcases and get ready to fill them!
I have been pricing tickets **as if** we would be leaving in two weeks and it sure isn't cheap. But then again, you can't really put a price on getting to your child!
It will be interesting to hear about what you packed, what you used/didn't use and what you wished you had brought. Take care...you are almost to the finish line!
I can imagine that you'd never feel completely ready to go on a trip like this and become "instant" parents, but rest assured that there's lots of room for error in parenting! :-) I'm sure the two of you will do great though!! Good luck with all the preparations!
This is cool reading your blog. We will see you today. Dad has already got all the suitcases out to see which ones you may want to take with you. I get more excited with each passing day, can't imagine what it must be for you two,soon to be three. You are almost there...hang tough.
Love,
Mom K
Not sure if this will help, but the blog I am linking you to is of someone adopting from Guatemala. She is actually living there right now, being the foster parent to her child. SHe has a lot of insight of what is needed there...maybe it will help a little as you pack for Ethiopia??? Good Luck and safe travels if we do not see you this weekend at Alayna's birthday!
www.michellesmiles.com
The last anonymous post was from the Sigler family! Sorry I didn't sign it!
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