A journal of our trip to Ethiopia - April 2007

Our Trip to Ethiopia - April 2007

Amsterdam, Holland:
Flying over the city, you see homes on long strips of land, with river “fences” separating them from their neighbors. Many building are built on the edge - into the water - making shops along a river street. I even saw a highway “disappear” into a river and come up the other side - with boats going over top! (Must be a tunnel!)
Italy:
I was surprised to see snow covered mtns. - lots! And the flat lands with the “patchwork quilt” look - and the coast all along the side. Very beautiful.
Sudan: Looks like a different planet from up above. Dry, tan, nothing visible except sand, crater, and sandy mtns? You wouldn’t think anyone could liver there. As you land, you go through a “fog” of sand. The land looks so arid, but as you reach Kartoum, you see a tree of two near a building. The streets look like dirt toads except the highways. Otherwise everything is tan, or reddish tan. As we neared the airport, you could see an amusement park. Fun! And there are palm trees around the airport with words on the airport that I can’t read… it was very not when I stepped out of the plane during our wait.
Addis! We got there in the dark, and took probably 3 hrs. in line waiting for our visa’s - a CWA driver was still there waiting for us, beyond the gates. (much to our relief.) We took another 30 min., trying to locate one last bag that didn’t show, but ended up leaving after reporting it missing. Stepping out of the airport was like Barbados, no flying bugs, - just beautiful, fresh, 60 degree air - with palm trees swaying - breathe!! Ohhh!! I loved our aggressive driver (he once worked for Campus Crusade, which I found interesting), although he didn’t understand a lot of what we said, and I found it entertaining enough to watch out the window. After passing 100’s of little shops made of scrap metal, and going through very primitive “road construction”, once we came to the gates of the guest house, we felt like we were “home”. The guest house’s beauty is in the eye of the beholder. You could say it was “shabby”, but we appreciated how swept and clean it was. Wonderful Kidest (worker), and Hannah greeted us with warm 3 cheek hugs and Sisaye carried in our bags. We found out we would be being picked up @ 8:30 in the morning to meet our kids! We enjoyed laying down after sleeping sitting up in the plane (30 hr. trip) - and I had the window open, allowing the wonderful fresh air in, but Stu couldn’t sleep because of anxiety and the NOISE coming in - dogs barking and loud singing. (the Orthodox church preparing for Easter.)
The next morning - Kidest (worker) fixed us toast and slipped away, while we ate, and Dagne picked us up to bring us to CWA. It wasn’t a long drive - we went through crowds of people with the white shaws standing outside the church - (Easter celebration). Dagne said many would feel too sinful to enter in. We reached the gates, honked and an older gentleman opened up, letting us through. Immediately we picked out our Kidest in the group of waiting children. As we parked, and while I got out of the jeep with my camera, Stu was being covered with kisses and tight hugs from Kidest - his dream came true - he had prayed that she would be glad to see him. I took a few pictures of them as tears welled in my eyes, and hugged and kissed her in her daddy’s arms. The CWA workers and other children enjoyed watching, then called us in to meet Haile. Oh, sweet boy - in his crib - standing and responding to all with smiles and dimples. I carefully picked him up, worried he would be shy, but he smiled at me too. He is such a good baby. Dagne showed us Kidest’s bunk bed, in a room with 3 bunks. She scrambled on top to pose for a photo, and I asked about her falling off - (no guardrail). Dagne said “she is wise”, and told me that repeatedly through the day, about different things. We had coffee in Dagne’s office and roasted barley. Esther (worker - nanny) served us. She is SO precious - she held Hiale so tenderly and said she loves him SO much. She would have been a wonderful nanny to him - she was aware of his every need - fixing a new bottle then the 1rst one she fixed dropped.
Kidest wanted her picture taken with the workers - the one she esp. loved was a CWA driver and social worker - Kassahun. He loved her and kissed her in return. He had a Ohio State shirt on - and was so warm and helpful. He drove us and Dagne to the store to buy groceries - formula, etc. I bought spaghetti ingredients and made some when we got back to the guest house, - Kidest wouldn’t eat it, but did have bread with jam and peaches and kept helping herself to bananas. (The next day she ate it all up as leftovers!)
The first night with the kids was so sweet. Kidest figured that the bed would work like this: Dad, Kidest, Mom… and we lay like that with her arms around both our necks, kissing us one at a time. She said to Stu, “not any dad, MY dad.” When she woke in the morning, she looked @ Stu trying to place him, and after she remembered, she wrapped her arms around him…
The “servants”, or house workers prepare breakfast for us, if we want… - omelet (scrambled egg with sautéed onion and sometimes tomato), French toast or cereal and toast, fresh pineapple or mango. They are humble and smile kindly. Hannah is 28 and Orthodox - and speaks and understands English pretty well. She has been excellent in interpreting for our children. She said my clothes are “konjo” - beautiful, - everything - trousers, top, etc. she says our Kidest is lucky to be going to America. After getting to know more about her, I find that she gets 300 birr a month - $50? And from that, she has to buy her food and taxi fare - and her family is constantly asking her for money. She has friends that ask her “college?”, “no”, “fiance?”, “no”… she would like to if she had more money. She likes to work @ the guest house because the work isn’t hard - “no headache, no tired”, like previous jobs.
Kidest - house worker, is a peaceful, lovely Christian who loves Jesus & sings in from of us with her eyes closed - and hands out to Jesus - in Amharic. Her smile is deep and genuine and she always gives the traditional Ethiopian hug - one cheek, other cheek, and back to the first cheek. I long to have what she has - dignity through suffering - genuinely loving to all, especially grateful to Jesus. Sisaye, the night guard is also a believer - he said there is a difference between believers and Orthodox. Orthodox is a “Christian” religion, but very traditional - practicing things (fasting, etc. without really knowing the meaning.) It is unclear whether they would have a personal relationship with Jesus, and most would not read the Bible. He studies in English to be a nurse. It is difficult, he said. He studies very diligently. He is sponsored by the missionary who stays at the guest house every few months. A treasured time for us was when Kidest and Hannah prepared supper for us, making injera in Hannah’s room. Hannah sleeps in a small room with an injera oven, sink and clothes washer – for the guest’s laundry. It is tight!!, and strong smelling of smoke from the little cook stove they use. They showed me how they mix the dough, and let it ferment. They use no utensils of hot pads – only their hands – ouch! They spent all evening making probably 15 injera, and loaves of “bread” and said it will feel them for 3 days. That is all they eat, besides the small stews (?) they put on top sometimes. Our kidest 9Serena) loved the injera with a cold, chopped potato with beet jioce on top. She licked her plate off!
We went back to CWA and prepared some papers for the Embassy date, and spoke to the counselor. She is a beautiful woman, in spirit and dignity. She is a Believer and delights in Jesus. She spoke about the need of these kids in Ethiopia, and blessed us for adopting them. She told us that Kidest and Hiale’s mom is still alive in Debre Zeit. She knew nothing of the father. The orphanage was lied to by the uncle, who brought them, in saying the parents have died, and he couldn’t care for them. Their mother works as a house girl and couldn’t provide for her children. Hiale has a different father, and it isn’t known where he is. She suggested looking her up and visiting her and possibly sending pictures to her throughout the years.
This counselor teaches the kids Bible lessons and songs.
Back at the guest house, we met Alayhu, Kidest’s husband. He loves her so much. He speaks better English then she does. He is a preacher and goes into the countryside where he sometimes faces persecution. He has to meet in secret @ times. He told us their story. – He and Kidest dated for 11 yrs. Kidest got sick in her intestines while he was away preaching. She thought she was going to die, so went into the countryside to spend her last days. She was discouraged and depressed. The missionary couple (who come to the the guest house), went into the country to preach and met her and found out her need. Kidest was able to have surgery to relieve some pain. They met with Alayhu and suggested to them to marry in faith. Alayhu said he had no money, or job (he preached), or place to live. They arranged to have Kidest live at the guest house to be a house girl and Alayhu could stay too, when he was back from preaching. Kidest still suffers from pain, and the doctors don’t know what to do for her. Another American couple offered to pay their way to America if they could get their visas, (which apparently is very difficult if you are Ethiopian) for surgery. They asked us to pray for them. (Since this time, they have been able to come to America, and she thankfully received help. The problem was much to do with her diet. They are now back in Ethiopia.)
April 3rd. Embassy Apt. went well for Garry Seitz, and Joan Wagner, but not for us. Our tax return states that our business suffered a loss for 2 yrs., yet we brought home a wage, and that didn’t add up for them. They would not let us through, without more papers (if the 2006 tax return showed a profit.), or a co-sponsor. Joan Wagner offered to be our co-sponsor and we had to wait and try again on the 4th. Thank you SO much Joan!! I do not know what would have happened if she didn’t offer.
For supper, we met with the CWA staff at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant – Fasika. It was totally amazing. The tradition of hand washing, before and after the meal and even feeding each other one bite, was so intimate. They are very expressive in their affection, and are so loving. The Seitz kids fed their new father, me, Serena, and Stu. There was traditional live music and clothing. Eyob spoke afterward and thanked us for what we are doing, for their people and may God bless us, etc… It was moving and we were humbled by their expressions of gratitude. I especially liked Kassahun, - a CWA driver – because of his big smile and his love for our children. He kissed and hugged Serena all she wanted. We took lots of photos and video. We drove back to the guest house, and hugged the CWA staff goodbye. The men in Ethiopia are gentlemen, and even the average woman is beautiful and dignified, even those less fortunate. We got the feeling that any of them would love to adopt, but realistically cannot. I noticed that the men, (any man on the street you come close to), love to talk to the children, and get a smile out of them. Of course I think Serena is extra friendly – talking to anyone…
Kidest did a coffee ceremony for us – roasted green coffee beans and ground them – then perked them – served in small cups with plenty of sugar – VERY good and fresh.
Wed morning, Joan and Stu went back to the embassy and with Joan’s offer to co-sponsor, we were able to get through with it, and had our children’s passport by that evening. Kidest had prayed with us before, and after about getting through the Embassy appointment – we didn’t understand a word of it, but appreciated her asking God, than thanking God on our behalf.
We used Getachew as a driver to take us somewhere to use the internet. I was able to videotape his testimony as we sat @ the Hilton waiting for Stu. (using the internet). What an incredible man with an incredible story and with a young family – sharing the gospel with whoever enters his car. Afterward, he dropped Joan and I off at the shops where we had so much fun bargaining for wooden giraffes, elephants, necklaces, leather stools, etc. A poor man told Getachew he would watch for us (so when Getachew came back to pick us up, he would tell him where we were), and as we came and went from the shops, he was always there, nodding and following us. A collection of beggars with injuries waited outside for us, in hopes for a birr. Joan had a storekeeper give one man something after we left, in hopes that he would stop following us. All are so interested in us, and very helpful. -2 white woman, with black babies… Priority goes to women, and foreigners, so we had it made!
Beggars: Stu started out by giving to those who came to the window of our car. Women with children on their backs came up and asked for money for their kids. Stu once was flustered and gave one woman 1 birr and another a 10 birr. The taxi driver said that we are just encouraging them to beg, and they are teaching their kids to beg. We stopped giving, but there is no easy thing to do. There are those injured from war, and the government patches them up and sends them on their way… The same woman with pleading eyes came up the next day, hoping for another 10 birr, this time, we just took her picture. They may make more money at the end of the day, then those that work.
Getachew brought us out for pizza – mmmmmmm, tasted to American and cheap for a restaurant – 38 birr – less than $8.
Thurs. we went to Debre Zeit – in hopes of meeting the children’s mother, and seeing the orphanage where our kids originally came from. Our driver was Oobatoo – a wonderful believer who LOVES to preach the gospel. We picked up the “head man” of the orphanages to show us the way, and introduce us to the mother. He was also to be our translator.
On our way, we had to go to the Dutch Embassy for transit visas for the kids. (so we could travel through Amsterdam of the way home.) We were there for 1 ½ long hours. During that time, Oobatoo preached the gospel to the men travelling with us and the “head man” who said he was Orthodox, said he hopes someday to become a Believer. We got on our way to Debre Zeit, and the countryside became more dry – with cactus and less trees. The trees that were there, were short and spread out on top – perfect for shade. The ride was long – 1 hr. The “head man” asked Serena about seeing her mother – he told her there may be tears – did she still want to see her? Serena said yes, she wanted to say goodbye. The mom was contacted and we ate lunch @ a beautiful outside restaurant while we waited for her. I got to try a “mixer” of “esprit” – a layered fruit slushy drink – avocado, peach/mango, strawberry, etc. Very good! We got to the orphanage after passing by many horse & carts. The orphanage had a new building, and about 40 kids and 6 (?) nannies. The nannies remembered the kids. We went to the office and the mom came in. Her name is Etenesh – meaning “my sister”. She is short! Only coming up to my shoulder – and looked worn. She and Serena hugged and she shyly looked at us. We hugged her and she kissed us. We spoke through the interpreter, and told her thank you and she thanked us. I reminded her that her name means “my sister”, and because Jesus loves me, I love her and she is my sister. We told her that children are a gift from God and we will do our best to raise them. We spoke about how wonderful they are – Serena is lively, and Gave is so good. We showed her pictures of our other kids and she kissed the pictures – the whole time seemingly overwhelmed with thankfulness. I told her that Damien can’t wait to play soccer with Serena, and Garret prays for the kids each night, and Kira will now have a sister. She continued to shake her head humbly. We asked her if she wanted to tell us anything about the children’s father. She told us that a man made promises to her, and when she got pregnant, he left. She lived with her brother and his family, and her brother warned her never to let that happen again. After a time, she left again, and came home pregnant. Her brother took the kids to the orphanage. Etenesh couldn’t care for the kids, and had to let them go. She told us that it was all her fault, and I told her that they are a blessing to us. We asked if she had any dreams for her kids, and she no dreams, and was just grateful for them having a home. Then she said whatever God has in mind. She asked us if we could let the kids come back to visit when they grew up, but we told her that although we would love for them to come back someday, we couldn’t make any promises… I told her I would send updated pictures to CWA and she could come in and see them. (I’m required to do that anyway.) She left after kissing and hugging us again and saying I love you…. (her nephew was with her, and when Stu kissed her, he said, “what are you doing to her? I’m going to tell my father!” Etenesh spoke firmly to Serena @ the gate, and said goodbye and left. Serena came back to me. We took a tour trough the building and a nanny gave Gabe some cereal. (then put him on a low pot – young for potty training?) Serena gave each of the children some candy, and said goodbye.
We went to a nearby lake that Serena was familiar with. We rested on the grass, and a server with a suit coat came over and offered us something to eat or drink. Serena ordered up a pop, (we couldn’t tell what she was asking for), and then another – fully expecting her new parents to pay for whatever she wanted! (she acts crazy after a pop too!) We played on the swings that Serena had played on, growing up. It was beautiful and refreshing – we needed that refreshment before the long drive back to Addis – with Serena determined that she would sit on Dad’s lap up front. There wasn’t a car seat for the baby. There was so much exhaust and traffic. I didn’t take pictures this time, - just observed – and “took in” so much more. Our driver, Oobatto, was telling us of the visa lottery. His brother and sister are in Washington, DC because they won a visa. One million applicants and one thousand people win – a year – put out by the US. Oobatto claims it’s impossible to get out of ET otherwise. His name is in the pot for this year. So many want to come over to the U.S. - you just don’t get ahead in Ethiopia. (the government is part of the poverty problem.
Friday we took it easy because Serena wasn’t feeling good. She complained of a sore throat and stomach ache. She wouldn’t eat anything. We walked down to the clinic with Sisaye (he’s studying to be a nurse). The doctor said she had tonsilitus and prescribed her medication. Kidest kindly prayed over her. Serena left us feeling at a loss, because she wanted nothing to do with us. With Tylenol, she perked up.
In the afternoon, we asked Getachew to take us out shopping – he took us to the market – a busy market where we had to put our camera away when we were stopped. (thieves reach in the windows). Getachew and Stu bargained for an injera basket, and I sat in the car with the baby, watching the mass of humanity – buying and selling. I could feel our car actually sway in the flow of human traffic. We stopped again, taking a “guide” with us to buy a Haile Sallassie coin – and he led us through the crowd and brought us to the right shop. We bargained for some oil painted leathers and banana skin art. We bought a coin, but couldn’t find it when we got home. Guides are good because you won’t be bothered by beggars, or thieves, but the price of your goods go up because they earn a commission from the shop owners. Getachew brought us to the tef mill – where you can watch the workers sift, sweep, and grind the tef into flour for injera. I wonder if I’ll put all that flour to use when I get home?
Getachew brought us to the Hilton to use the internet, and I did some shopping. As I was waiting outside with Gabe, a white woman approached me, asking if we just adopted the baby. She adopted 4 yrs. ago and is back now, to help Holt International get started in ET. I came off the bench in excitement and told her of our connection – my aunt Bertha Holt started Holt Int. I told her I would look into using Holt if we adopted again.
We had a great visit with Joan once we got back to the guest house – about her adventuresome trip to Soddo – brave lady to go overnight without an English speaking driver, 7 hrs. away, to her daughter’s birthplace.
Saturday morning Stu was tired, so didn’t want to go out again. We “chilled” and helped get packed up and out of our room, in time for the next visitors. Paul and Kelly Morris came and went to pick up their kids. We said goodbye to Dagne and Kassahun when they brought the family back. We visited with the Morris family and an Ethiopian man, Zacharias. Serena enjoyed playing with the Morris kids – she knew them from the CWA care home.
We left @ 6:30 for the airport, after many hugs and kisses. I cried on the last drive – I would miss everyone so much. Serena was so excited to be flying – she kept saying, “Amerika? Amerika? Airplano?” We checked the flight and were told that the flight was not on schedule, because the Sudan airport (where our plane was coming from) was closed down, due to some explosions. We didn’t know if we would have to stay all night at the Addis airport! We ate at a restaurant there – a friendly Christian gal served us. Dad ordered beef tips, and Serena an egg sandwich, but when she saw Dad’s food, she kept reaching over and helping herself! We were called up to board 4 hrs. later – at least not a whole night later! We actually had a great flight – the kids slept well, and we never missed our connecting flights – went so well for 30 hrs.!
Home at last – and having fun adjusting – Serena has especially taken to Damien – after watching Serena copy every move Damien made at the table, Garret said, “I think she has a crush on Damien!” I’ve been so happy with our original 3 kids – they’ve been kind and understanding. The new kids haven’t been sad at all – Gabe has taken me to be the person he never wants far from his sight, and Serena is often coming over with kisses. Everyday they have something new to discover, and we have so much to be thankful for, and lots of dreams for these kid’s future!
(If it sounds a little too wonderful, it’s because we were in our “honeymoon stage” – more experiences to follow!)