Sweet Sisters!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
These Incredible Babies!
So we've been home with Ruby and Roman for almost 16 weeks!!!! That is FOUR MONTHS!!!! The time has absolutely flown by and it's like these children have always been ours. Well, spiritually speaking, they have. I truly believe that.
Since this is my blog, I will brag about my children for you all to read!!!
(I'd post some recent pics, but my finepix keeps freezing up and won't allow it right now! Bummer!)
Roman has 5 teeth and is working on the 6th. They all popped out in JUST the last month! Whew! He was a busy boy! He is rolling from tummy to back and sometimes visa versa. He doesn't like to stay on his tummy, and therefore is not attempting to crawl yet, either. Always happy, this beautiful child is saying "Da Da Da" and will grin from ear to ear and even giggle when I say "MAMA!!!!" He thinks that is great fun. He loves attention and can be quite loud when he's not getting it. Roman is eating finger foods with a passion. It's like he's a little robot when I put food on his tray...he is very coordinated and even grabs up the morsels that drop down into his clothing! This boy has come so far, even in just the last month! He is really starting to act like a 10 month old. He's gained weight and is totally on target in every way except crawling...but his legs are very, very strong. I'm sure he'll attempt walking before crawling.
Ruby is an incredible little girl. In so many ways, she is way ahead of a lot of 14 month olds. She is the queen of mimic! She is studious and will 'count' how many times you clap your hands and then she will copy you. We first discovered this a few nights ago. My mom is here visiting (and meeting the babies for the first time) and patted her hands together once. Ruby did the same. My mom did it twice, Ruby did the same. Then three times, four and then five. Ruby could not keep up at six. We were amazed.
Ruby is a great little "mommy". She pats Roman on the back and says "Baby!!" She also is a great kisser, keeping her lips all puckered up and dry...not slobbery at all. She is quick to wave bye bye when we get in the car as well as say "Bye" with a wave when she thinks somebody is leaving. She also waves and says "Hi" when we see friends or she she's her big brother and sister after school. Her favorite word is "Uh Ooooh!" And uses it appropriately when she drops a toy or spoon, etc. She's also been known to use it when she thinks someone else did something 'wrong'.
Ruby is very good at telling the dog to go "OUT!!". Recently, she kept telling my parents poodle OUT when it jumped on Papa's lap. She did not like that at all!
A very happy baby, Ruby has started getting an attitude. When told "no", she will point her finger at me and say "Whoa!! Whoa!!" (I'm sure her version of "No"). She then will get a very mischievous grin and keep doing what she's not supposed to! She will also tell us off in her own gibberish when she doesn't like something. You can see it all on her face, too! She has already gotten scolded for not talking nice. I'm not sure what she's saying, but the tone is enough to know it wasn't nice! This girl is already one step ahead of her old parents so I'm sure she'll either age us quickly or keep us young.
Chloe continues to adore and love her baby siblings. She is an awesome sitter when I need it, although she still has yet to change a diaper. She will, however, get the babies undressed and ready for bath time and bring them in to me to bathe. Chloe is almost an 8th grader! In another week, she will be out of school and enjoying the summer.
Elliot is just as wonderful and enjoys playing "kitchen" with Ruby. He has taught her how to open all the drawers on her little kitchen set and also how to pour pretend juice from the pitcher! He is a good dancer and daily holds her hands while they slow dance around the living room. Elliot is also looking forward to summer and then starting next year as a sixth grader. He will have the same teacher, as she teaches 5/6. She's been great for him this year and he enjoys her humor, too.
Well, I have a movie that I've been trying to watch all week...Babes are all sleeping so it's mommy time!
Drubek
Since this is my blog, I will brag about my children for you all to read!!!
(I'd post some recent pics, but my finepix keeps freezing up and won't allow it right now! Bummer!)
Roman has 5 teeth and is working on the 6th. They all popped out in JUST the last month! Whew! He was a busy boy! He is rolling from tummy to back and sometimes visa versa. He doesn't like to stay on his tummy, and therefore is not attempting to crawl yet, either. Always happy, this beautiful child is saying "Da Da Da" and will grin from ear to ear and even giggle when I say "MAMA!!!!" He thinks that is great fun. He loves attention and can be quite loud when he's not getting it. Roman is eating finger foods with a passion. It's like he's a little robot when I put food on his tray...he is very coordinated and even grabs up the morsels that drop down into his clothing! This boy has come so far, even in just the last month! He is really starting to act like a 10 month old. He's gained weight and is totally on target in every way except crawling...but his legs are very, very strong. I'm sure he'll attempt walking before crawling.
Ruby is an incredible little girl. In so many ways, she is way ahead of a lot of 14 month olds. She is the queen of mimic! She is studious and will 'count' how many times you clap your hands and then she will copy you. We first discovered this a few nights ago. My mom is here visiting (and meeting the babies for the first time) and patted her hands together once. Ruby did the same. My mom did it twice, Ruby did the same. Then three times, four and then five. Ruby could not keep up at six. We were amazed.
Ruby is a great little "mommy". She pats Roman on the back and says "Baby!!" She also is a great kisser, keeping her lips all puckered up and dry...not slobbery at all. She is quick to wave bye bye when we get in the car as well as say "Bye" with a wave when she thinks somebody is leaving. She also waves and says "Hi" when we see friends or she she's her big brother and sister after school. Her favorite word is "Uh Ooooh!" And uses it appropriately when she drops a toy or spoon, etc. She's also been known to use it when she thinks someone else did something 'wrong'.
Ruby is very good at telling the dog to go "OUT!!". Recently, she kept telling my parents poodle OUT when it jumped on Papa's lap. She did not like that at all!
A very happy baby, Ruby has started getting an attitude. When told "no", she will point her finger at me and say "Whoa!! Whoa!!" (I'm sure her version of "No"). She then will get a very mischievous grin and keep doing what she's not supposed to! She will also tell us off in her own gibberish when she doesn't like something. You can see it all on her face, too! She has already gotten scolded for not talking nice. I'm not sure what she's saying, but the tone is enough to know it wasn't nice! This girl is already one step ahead of her old parents so I'm sure she'll either age us quickly or keep us young.
Chloe continues to adore and love her baby siblings. She is an awesome sitter when I need it, although she still has yet to change a diaper. She will, however, get the babies undressed and ready for bath time and bring them in to me to bathe. Chloe is almost an 8th grader! In another week, she will be out of school and enjoying the summer.
Elliot is just as wonderful and enjoys playing "kitchen" with Ruby. He has taught her how to open all the drawers on her little kitchen set and also how to pour pretend juice from the pitcher! He is a good dancer and daily holds her hands while they slow dance around the living room. Elliot is also looking forward to summer and then starting next year as a sixth grader. He will have the same teacher, as she teaches 5/6. She's been great for him this year and he enjoys her humor, too.
Well, I have a movie that I've been trying to watch all week...Babes are all sleeping so it's mommy time!
Drubek
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Chapter Six: Coming Home
We arrived in Frankfurt, Germany. In our sleep deprived and spit up covered states, we managed to pass the hour or so we had there before boarding the next flight to Chicago. We were very thankful for our status with United and were able to relax in the Red Carpet Club. We quenched our thirst and fed and changed the babies before heading to the gate.
When we arrived at our gate, there was already a long line forming. Chaos was abundant and it seemed that most people there wanted to be the first to board.
Chloe had still been very sick throughout our flights and she basically collapsed on the floor, about ready to throw up at any moment. I got her out a gallon sized ziplock bag as it was the only thing I had for her. She promptly used it. None of us cared anymore...we were exhausted. I was holding Ruby and Andrew was at the counter, holding Roman. He seemed to be taking so long. Too long. I kept looking over, trying to get an indication of what was the hold up. Finally he motioned me over, a very worried, tense look on his face.
When I stepped up, he explained that the ticket agent was not going to let us on because we had used points for our first class tickets and the babies needed to sit in coach. Well, that is certainly absurd!!! We explained our entire process, how we had these tickets fair and square like anyone else, but this cranky, irrational agent would not budge!!! The plane started filling...soon we were the very last passengers at the gate. This woman was beyond belief. She said that passengers "pay good money to sit in first class and they don't want to be bothered by crying babies"!!! No matter what we said, she kept to her opinion. But, we had our tickets so WHAT WAS HER PROBLEM!!!????
She finally said she would allow us on, but if "those babies" cry once, we would have to take them to coach! AMAZING!!! She then make us wait some more, went down and got the head honcho guy from the plane and brought him back to talk to us. He was very nice. He did not have a problem with us in first class. He said he loved children and hoped to have his own some day.
Meanwhile, Chloe is throwing up again. The agent then looked at her and asked what was wrong with "Her!!" I quickly motioned to my low stomach and mouthed the words "female issues" so they would think my 13 year old was having her time of the month. At that point, I didn't care if I lied. We had to get on that plane!! I probably would have said just about anything!
We were the very last ones on, but we made it. I can only hope that the ticket agent there will someday understand others better and have some kind of revelation to change her attitude.
We were so happy to land at O'Hare...although, it being a strange city, it still seemed like a foreign land. We had a two hour lay over, again, taking advantage of the Red Carpet Club. We met a wonderful woman there who works in the club. I don't remember her name now, but Andrew has since flown through several times and has stopped in and said hello to her. She enjoyed seeing the babies and hearing our story of adoption so much. We also met another lady who was on her way to a funeral. Her flight had been cancelled so she gave us the very delicious cookies she made. None of us were really interested in eating, but we brought them a long and nibbled a bit on them anyway.
We had called ahead and Stan, Andy's dad, was bringing us groceries, building a cozy fire in the stove and getting the house ready a bit for us to come home. At that point, nothing sounded better to us than grilled cheese sandwiches and Campbell's tomato soup!!! Even by then, Chloe thought this sounded like food straight from heaven! And pickles, we were craving pickles! Here we were in Chicago and deep dish didn't even sound good!
Stan even brought us potato chips and dip. Yummmy! We were having some serious food craving issues by this time! LOL!
We boarded our Portland flight with no hassles whatsoever. We were headed HOME. Our babies were almost done being juggled back and forth between mommy and daddy. Our arms were tired, our brains were exhausted, we were drained...but we were so close. The flight seemed endless...
As the plane neared the ground, I got more and more emotional. I looked like hell, was a mess. Spit up was on my clothing, on Andy's too. Chloe had barf in her hair and I'm sure Elliot wasn't smelling like roses, either! On our descent, Roman had one of his many, many blowouts!!! I couldn't get up as we were in the process of landing. So, I changed him right on my lap...poo was everywhere...his neck, his feet...and now on me. Oh well. We were HOME!!!
As we carried our new little angels for the first time on Pacific NW soil, my emotions overcame me and I couldn't stop crying. Part joy, part exhaustion and a whole lot of gratitude to the amazing group of friends we found welcoming us home. Friends and family cried with us and delighted in seeing our whole family for the first time, all together!
With help from many friends, we got our luggage, piled everything into our truck and came home. The dogs were so excited to see us. The cats were nonchalant, as usual. The potato chips were wonderful and we were too tired to make grilled cheese sandwiches!
That first night, Ruby slept peacefully...as she's done every single night since. She knows she is HOME. Roman has had a few more complicated nights, but he is four months younger...much more of a baby, too. Roman has popped four teeth through in the last four weeks...Ruby has just gotten her two bottom teeth through today.
At this writing, Ruby can say Mama, Daddy, Bye, Hi, I love you (in her own version, but we know that's what it is), kitty, Uh Oh!!!, and something that sounds a lot like "Bye Bye Brother" while waving. Hmmmm. She waves, blows kisses, puckers up and gives beautiful, dry kisses, giggles loudly, shrugs her shoulders when asking a Ruby question...like the other day she looked at daddy's side of the bed and she said (while shrugging her shoulders and holding her palms up) "Daddy????" She was asking where he was. She's a climber, crawler, cruiser...she's a bit deviant and a whole lotta wonderment!!! She rarely cries, often disobeys and always, always has a big smile and amazing personality!
Roman, at this writing, is saying Da da da da da, making all sorts of other sounds, giggling, shrieking in delight, especially when he's talked to, and just starting to roll from back to tummy. He loves his excersaucer, especially to bounce. In fact, this boy cannot get enough of bouncing!!! Roman goes to bed with a smile and wakes up with a smile. He has started wanting whatever you have in your hand...the phone, the remote, a pen, etc. He is intrigued with earrings and bluetoothes. He will take his little hands and turn my face this way and that, searching for earrings. He will notice my bluetooth and turn my head to see if the other ear has one, too! All the while, a look of wonder on his face. He looks at us as if he's saying we are the most amazing people on earth. He truly has come so far from the little featherless sparrow in our first referral photos!
Each and every day I am in awe of these incredible blessings from God. Each of us could not love these babies more. It would be impossible.
So, where do I go from here? Well, I will continue to update as often as possible our lives now. The dear people of Ethiopia will be forever in our hearts. Someday we will return. We have learned so much...we will continue to learn and teach Ruby and Roman about their first country and the first mama's that loved them so much that they allowed a second mama and daddy to love them, too.
Blessings!!
Drubek
When we arrived at our gate, there was already a long line forming. Chaos was abundant and it seemed that most people there wanted to be the first to board.
Chloe had still been very sick throughout our flights and she basically collapsed on the floor, about ready to throw up at any moment. I got her out a gallon sized ziplock bag as it was the only thing I had for her. She promptly used it. None of us cared anymore...we were exhausted. I was holding Ruby and Andrew was at the counter, holding Roman. He seemed to be taking so long. Too long. I kept looking over, trying to get an indication of what was the hold up. Finally he motioned me over, a very worried, tense look on his face.
When I stepped up, he explained that the ticket agent was not going to let us on because we had used points for our first class tickets and the babies needed to sit in coach. Well, that is certainly absurd!!! We explained our entire process, how we had these tickets fair and square like anyone else, but this cranky, irrational agent would not budge!!! The plane started filling...soon we were the very last passengers at the gate. This woman was beyond belief. She said that passengers "pay good money to sit in first class and they don't want to be bothered by crying babies"!!! No matter what we said, she kept to her opinion. But, we had our tickets so WHAT WAS HER PROBLEM!!!????
She finally said she would allow us on, but if "those babies" cry once, we would have to take them to coach! AMAZING!!! She then make us wait some more, went down and got the head honcho guy from the plane and brought him back to talk to us. He was very nice. He did not have a problem with us in first class. He said he loved children and hoped to have his own some day.
Meanwhile, Chloe is throwing up again. The agent then looked at her and asked what was wrong with "Her!!" I quickly motioned to my low stomach and mouthed the words "female issues" so they would think my 13 year old was having her time of the month. At that point, I didn't care if I lied. We had to get on that plane!! I probably would have said just about anything!
We were the very last ones on, but we made it. I can only hope that the ticket agent there will someday understand others better and have some kind of revelation to change her attitude.
We were so happy to land at O'Hare...although, it being a strange city, it still seemed like a foreign land. We had a two hour lay over, again, taking advantage of the Red Carpet Club. We met a wonderful woman there who works in the club. I don't remember her name now, but Andrew has since flown through several times and has stopped in and said hello to her. She enjoyed seeing the babies and hearing our story of adoption so much. We also met another lady who was on her way to a funeral. Her flight had been cancelled so she gave us the very delicious cookies she made. None of us were really interested in eating, but we brought them a long and nibbled a bit on them anyway.
We had called ahead and Stan, Andy's dad, was bringing us groceries, building a cozy fire in the stove and getting the house ready a bit for us to come home. At that point, nothing sounded better to us than grilled cheese sandwiches and Campbell's tomato soup!!! Even by then, Chloe thought this sounded like food straight from heaven! And pickles, we were craving pickles! Here we were in Chicago and deep dish didn't even sound good!
Stan even brought us potato chips and dip. Yummmy! We were having some serious food craving issues by this time! LOL!
We boarded our Portland flight with no hassles whatsoever. We were headed HOME. Our babies were almost done being juggled back and forth between mommy and daddy. Our arms were tired, our brains were exhausted, we were drained...but we were so close. The flight seemed endless...
As the plane neared the ground, I got more and more emotional. I looked like hell, was a mess. Spit up was on my clothing, on Andy's too. Chloe had barf in her hair and I'm sure Elliot wasn't smelling like roses, either! On our descent, Roman had one of his many, many blowouts!!! I couldn't get up as we were in the process of landing. So, I changed him right on my lap...poo was everywhere...his neck, his feet...and now on me. Oh well. We were HOME!!!
As we carried our new little angels for the first time on Pacific NW soil, my emotions overcame me and I couldn't stop crying. Part joy, part exhaustion and a whole lot of gratitude to the amazing group of friends we found welcoming us home. Friends and family cried with us and delighted in seeing our whole family for the first time, all together!
With help from many friends, we got our luggage, piled everything into our truck and came home. The dogs were so excited to see us. The cats were nonchalant, as usual. The potato chips were wonderful and we were too tired to make grilled cheese sandwiches!
That first night, Ruby slept peacefully...as she's done every single night since. She knows she is HOME. Roman has had a few more complicated nights, but he is four months younger...much more of a baby, too. Roman has popped four teeth through in the last four weeks...Ruby has just gotten her two bottom teeth through today.
At this writing, Ruby can say Mama, Daddy, Bye, Hi, I love you (in her own version, but we know that's what it is), kitty, Uh Oh!!!, and something that sounds a lot like "Bye Bye Brother" while waving. Hmmmm. She waves, blows kisses, puckers up and gives beautiful, dry kisses, giggles loudly, shrugs her shoulders when asking a Ruby question...like the other day she looked at daddy's side of the bed and she said (while shrugging her shoulders and holding her palms up) "Daddy????" She was asking where he was. She's a climber, crawler, cruiser...she's a bit deviant and a whole lotta wonderment!!! She rarely cries, often disobeys and always, always has a big smile and amazing personality!
Roman, at this writing, is saying Da da da da da, making all sorts of other sounds, giggling, shrieking in delight, especially when he's talked to, and just starting to roll from back to tummy. He loves his excersaucer, especially to bounce. In fact, this boy cannot get enough of bouncing!!! Roman goes to bed with a smile and wakes up with a smile. He has started wanting whatever you have in your hand...the phone, the remote, a pen, etc. He is intrigued with earrings and bluetoothes. He will take his little hands and turn my face this way and that, searching for earrings. He will notice my bluetooth and turn my head to see if the other ear has one, too! All the while, a look of wonder on his face. He looks at us as if he's saying we are the most amazing people on earth. He truly has come so far from the little featherless sparrow in our first referral photos!
Each and every day I am in awe of these incredible blessings from God. Each of us could not love these babies more. It would be impossible.
So, where do I go from here? Well, I will continue to update as often as possible our lives now. The dear people of Ethiopia will be forever in our hearts. Someday we will return. We have learned so much...we will continue to learn and teach Ruby and Roman about their first country and the first mama's that loved them so much that they allowed a second mama and daddy to love them, too.
Blessings!!
Drubek
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Chapter Five (I'm starting to forget things! Oh NO!!!)
Chapter Five: Our trip to the monastery was on the next to the last day we were in Addis. This was a bittersweet time for our family. We were sad that we did not get to see and do more and So relieved to be coming home shortly.
Thursday evening the chef at the guest house prepared some traditional Ethiopian food. It was wonderful. So much better than the food we have had at home. The injera was good, a food I don't usually care for. The beef (or was it lamb?) was tender and delicious. I was impressed. Ethiopian food is usually something I can take or leave. I ♥ ethnic foods, but usually my palate prefers Thai, Persian or something more savory like that. Making the injera with actual Tef does make a difference it appears! ;)
On Friday, Feb. 6, we woke and prepared to pick up Ruby and Roman for the final time. This was to be the very last time they would wake up in an orphanage. The last time they would be fed, diapered and caressed by their nannies. The last time they would smell the delicious Wot cooking for the older children and the last time they would see *true* sunshine for several more weeks! At home in Washington State, it would be raining and possibly snowing for awhile still.
If I did not feel too teary when I first met my baby girl and infant son, this was to be the day I would. The feelings of emotion that came over me, realizing that these two perfect little souls were now free from poverty and orphan life overcame me in a way I cannot begin to describe. They were truly all ours & we were heading home. Not knowing if we would ever return, but hopeful we will. After being home now for these past 11 weeks, the urge to return is great and the love for Ethiopia has only grown stronger.
I cried when the nannies turned Ruby & Roman over to us for the last time. These women did this act practically every day. To them, it was part of their job. I believe it is a very sad event and brings them also a bittersweet feeling to release the children they have cared for so diligently. I gave each of them a hug and tried to express my gratitude. I wondered which gifts they had each taken of the items we brought for them. I wondered if they were thinking about the babies waiting for them to care for upstairs or if they were thinking of Ruby and Romans future in a western land. None of this is relevant except for I cannot imagine doing this job and having to let go of a child I have cared for, for so long. Much like foster care here. Selfishly, I could never do it.
We packed our many, many suitcases full of souvenirs and clothing and Wendi drove us to the very crowded airport that evening. It was so strange to see how busy it was. When we had arrived at 3:30am nine days prior, the airport had been dead. Now, throngs of people, all seeming to be going the same place as we were congested the parking lot and terminal. Wendi took us as far as he could go and we all tearfully said our goodbyes. He will never be forgotten. Andrew gave him the flashlight and money that we had saved for him. We promised to keep in touch and assured him that the special package w/ spices and a Valentines ring for his girlfriend would safely make it to Seattle.
Customs was actually a breeze and after filling out more paperwork for our visa's, we were on our way to the gate.
Our first stop was to be in Khartoum, Sudan. We would not be getting off, but others would and new passengers would come aboard. I have to admit that after hearing all the media coverage of things that happen in this place, it was hard not to have some fears.
Ruby and Roman slept peacefully, as they were still on their regular schedule and it was nighttime. I was not feeling well by this time and I could only stomach hot tea. Ruby, when she was awake, only wanted my tea and showed her very stubborn side, demonstrating that she was not going to mind her new mommy and keep her hands OFF. Finally, as a last resort, I firmly, but gently, smacked her hand and said "NO!" She immediately smacked me right back...Showing mommy that this was not going to be the best form of correction. She continues to be a very smart and stubborn little girl, wise beyond her years and definitely a child we have to stay one step ahead of at all times. A marvelous child though, indeed. I wouldn't have her any other way.
Roman was having a very difficult time with his upper respiratory infection. It caused him a lot of pain, especially taking off and landing. The poor little guy would spit up all his formula and cry his little heart out. He just needed to get home and see his new doctor pronto!! We realized that he could only stomach about 1-3oz. at a time and then he'd need to be burped. Not quite up to par for a 7 month old!
But we were on our way home & that was all that mattered!
I am currently typing w/ one hand and feeding Roman with the other arm so will sign off for now.
Next chapter will explain our new found disgust for the United ticket counter in Frankfurt and be the close of our Ethiopian journey. I hope to actually finish this portion this week! Fingers crossed! Leave me a message if you are so moved to! ;)
Peace,
drubek
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Chapter Four continued briefly! (Silly Me!)
I was having a mental lapse last night when I typed the last blog entry. When I talked about the second crater, I said we didn't stay as long there...not as pretty, blah blah blah...Well, that is because I honestly couldn't remember it being that great. BUT SILLY ME! I don't know why I forgot about the fruit juice!
When we went to the second crater, we sat at a restaurant and had the MOST wonderful fresh juice. The kids and I had mango guava, and Andy and Wendi had mango pineapple. Very fresh, very safe to drink. YUM~YUM!
Drubek
Monday, March 23, 2009
Chapter Four (finally! =)
Life is certainly busy with two little ones, so close together. Plus, having a 13 and 10 year old with their own busy itinerary, I haven't had a lot of time to blog. But here I am...
Where did I leave off last?
Oh yes...We were indeed able to make two day trips outside of Addis. The next day, after Elliot's eucalyptus forest event (the cipro worked wonders!!!) we went out of town to see two craters. The drive was very bumpy, a lot of road construction that never seems to get finished. The route we took involved a lot of heavy trucks, apparently the main road to Sudan, I believe...my memory being fuzzy now. But anyway, it was a main thoroughfare into other parts of Africa. And I think I've mentioned it before, but with very heavy, black exhaust emitting from each vehicle, it was hard to breathe at times. Wendi, our driver, was fantastic about passing these other trucks, cars and buses. Often times at the cost of our being fearful for our lives! These Ethiopians!!! They drive like maniacs! But we love them!
The first crater we stopped at was deserted except for us. There were two young men, early 20's I'd guess, who came over to take our entrance fee and write a receipt...good thing we had pens =). I was surprised we had to pay to see the crater since things like this are free in America. It was very beautiful, though. Across the lake was a couple of large resort looking buildings which Wendi said was the compound for the Protestants. This lake had very leaky looking boats that we could pay extra to be taken out in. The crater looked deep and the boats looked too rickety so we decided not to this time. We posed for a few pictures and then headed back up to the Range Rover.
The next crater was not as pretty and we stayed an even shorter time there. It truly was more exciting to be driving along, taking in all the sights on the way. Seeing the people, the countryside and how everyone lived outside of Addis was so fascinating! Plus, I just loved handing out the pens and paper to the students and children we would encounter. That was a highlight. Not because I felt like such a grand person for 'doing that' but because we got to interact with these joyful people. Have I said how beautiful in spirit they all are? They are amazing.
The next day we finally got to head back up the eucalyptus forest hillside and experience that trip. And my, what beauty. I fell in love with that drive. One I will never forget. Lovely. The air smells fresh and minty...eucalyptussy...ok, not a real word, but you get the whiff...=) The donkeys heading into town with their heavy burdens, the women and men who chase after them, the women carrying their own heavy loads to sell in town. As I mentioned before, the athletes training up and down the hillside, so full of energy and vitality. People always on the go to somewhere...town, home, chasing goats and sheep. They are always busy but not too much to look the way of a Range Rover coming down the road...big waves and huge smiles welcomed us wherever we went. SO wish our camera had not run out of batteries. We did get much more video footage and some day will upload some of it to here.
We drove to the largest christian orthodox monastery there, with it's huge domed ceiling. First, we had to read a sign and attest that we had not had sexual intercourse with each other for 48 hours and I also had to attest that I was not on my period...that being said, we were then able to take the monastery tour. Our guide, a very knowledgeable and delightful priest, started the tour by having us remove our shoes before entering. It was built in the 1960's, and not being that old, I was quite surprised by how musty it smelled inside. It was fairly dark, no lighting except for the sunshine in through the beautiful stained glass windows. We were not able to photograph using flash, so we just got video inside. There were murals depicting the last supper, the trinity and Mary and Jesus. Jesus on the cross and other disciples. The stained glass was spectacular. Each one showing different Bible characters. Daniel in the lions den, Abraham, Noah and the ark, Jonah and the whale, and many others. The opposite set of glass had the disciples. After the tour, our guide/priest gave us a miniature sermon...which was really, really awesome!!! He told of the importance of bringing up the children in the church, teaching them to love their Lord and Savior. Teaching them stories straight from the Bible, God's word. To show the example of what we would like them to be and being consistent. It was really neat. My family talked later about how our denomination, Seventh Day Adventists, was so much like what this priest was talking about.
After the tour, we were invited to go on the hike up the mountain side to the sacred cave. Where the holy water flows from the ceiling of the rocky crevices, healing all Orthodox Christians of their ailments. This was a lovely hike. At one point, the trail opens up to this plateau that could be taken straight out of a Robin Hood movie or like a forbidden forest. I can't even explain it...except mysterious and lovely.
At the cave opening, we went through a small gate. Priests were sweeping the entrance, even though it was a dirt and rock floor. We took our shoes off and went inside. It was damp and musty. The interior was about 20X20. The priest told of how the founder of this cave prayed for over 20 years and walked with the Lord. At the end of his meditating and communing with the Lord, this saint lost one of his legs from being on his knees so long in prayer. Again, some of my recollection may be off as there has been a lot happened since hearing the story and visiting the cave...But, it was very interesting.
Well, my 13 year old is home from visiting a friends for almost two days and I'm going to hear about her time there. I will try to write more soon!
Drubek
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