Update!

Two seperate updates. I tried to send  the first one this morning but the internet wasn't working.

 

Update 1

We made it to our hotel last night at around 3:30 am. This was about 6 hours later than we expected. All of the flights except our flight from Louisville to Detroit had delays. One for snow, one for mechanical reasons, and one  becuase of another passengers medical needs. The snow was so bad in Amsterdam that the airport was shut down. Once it opened back up there was only one runway. We sat in the plane for around 3 hours waiting. The KLM staff were wonderful though. There was plenty to eat, drink, and lots of movies to watch. Zoey was great. she didn't sleep much, but was pretty happy most of the way. The only time she got cranky was after our stop in Sudan. It was only an hour trip from Sudan to Ethiopia, so it wasn't too bad.

 

We only got around 5 hours of sleep so I am sure we will sleep good tonight. In a half hour we are going to go visit the boys! I am very nervous and excited. I just wonder how much they understand and what they will be thinking when they see us. Justin is ready to play some soccer with them. We even brought a ball with us.

 

Please keep us in your prayers. I really want us all to stay healthy. Also, our court date is tomorrow afternoon. Which will be early in the morning your time.

 

Brittney-Justin gave Jared your gifts. He liked them very much. We also gave him some paper and a pen so he can write a letter to you. We will take a little video of him as well.

 

Haley-I will probably give the boys your book on Tuesday after we know how the court date went! I know they are going to love it!

 

Update 2

We spent a lot of time with the boys today! They have already been moved to the transition house. This is where all the kids that are close to coming home go. When we got there, they were both napping. It took them a little while to warm up to us since they had just woke up from a nap, but that changed quickly. We were having fun and were covered in stickers in no time!  Both said they remembered us from our previous trip

Words can't describe how beautiful these boys are! Its just so amazing to actually get to know them after only looking at pictures for so long. Justin took his football(soccer for you Americans!) and played with all the kids. Suprisingly they also like basketball. Not sure if they have played with an actual basket, but they like to dribble and pass. Justin had such a great time coaching them, it was fun to watch. I video taped them with our flip and both boys cracked up watching themselves. I have  a feeling we will be doing that a lot!

We brought dum-dums for all the kids. Big Hit! I learned today that it makes the caretakers happy to get the candy as well. They were very appreciative to get some candy. Chera wanted to make sure everyone got a sucker. He asked for extras and took them to staff who hadn't gotten any yet. I was very proud of him. There are many negative behaviors that come from living in the orphanage, but I think there are just as many if not more positive behaviors. All the kids are looking out for each other and love to share with others.

Zoey did great. The response when the nannies saw her was worth any trouble that it took to get her here. They were so happy to see her doing well. When we walked in the gates we heard many high pitched exclamations that "Hiwot is here"!

 

Going to eat dinner now. Ready for some Ethiopian food! Then, a lot of sleep!  

 

 

 

Donna Brown MM, MT-BC
Louisville Music Therapy, LLC
(502)376-9064
DonnaMT@insightbb.com
www.louisvillemusictherapy.com
www.justinanddonna.blogspot.com