Dawns Adoption News

[Justin]

I just figured I would keep you guys updated on my sisters adoption, and in case you didn't know about it, here are the details of it so far. . .

My sister Dawn, and my Mother have been involved with the Mesgana Dancers (a group of girls 6 - 16 from Ethiopia that travel the world putting on shows to raise money for different things over there, I have a DVD if anyone would like to see it) , and the Children of Ethiopia Education Fund for some time now, and my sister fell in love with two of the girls from there, so instead of just giving money to the foundation once a month and getting pictures about every 6 months, my sister decided to adopt.  So early last year my sister started making the araingments for these little girls to be adopted, it has taken this long just because of so many set-backs.  The adoption agency they were using in Ethiopia got shut down by the government, the company that does the foundation, decided to not give the approval for the adoption so they could keep using the girls in their shows, and many more difficulties.
 But now, my family is in Ethiopia getting them, they will be there until sometime in the beginning of december (have to wait for the visas and passports to go through), and will be bringing back, if I can remember right, 5 girls (sorta) that will be getting a much better life here in the states.  (if you want more details, I can not say them online, but can tell you in person)

[Justin]

so here is a little bit from the emails I have recieved from over there from my mom and dad.

Guys,
 
 
     Miracles DO happen,  things are moving so fast.  This morning Dawn and I couldn't sleep and we were up early and talked and got ready and they picked us up at the hotel at 7:30 am.  We went to Woudneh's office and got the court papers and then went to the orphanage.  We pulled up and Woudneh said stay in the car and let me go in because I want a picture of you coming into get the kids.  Ayalew was already there with the kids.  Well the car engine was still running when little (and I do mean little) Beruk poked his head.  The kids were all standing at the gate so excited when the car was shut off out came all of the kids and then hugs, kisses, hugs, kisses, hugs, kisses, oh did I mention tears, hugs and kisses.  We went inside and took some pictures and then Woudneh said we needed to go because he had this appointment to get their Birth Certificates.  (Let me tell Woudneh is awesome)  So we had two cars and I was in one with Hanocks friend who was to drive us around and I had Fitsum and Beruk with me, the other car was Woudneh, Dawn, Mahider and the twins, (they go by Himmie and Betty)  my car was following the other and we came back to the Hotel, when we got out, Woudneh said "Grandma, there has been a change in plans, we thought you and the kids could enjoy the pool for a while"  I said no problem they (Dawn, Ayalew and Woudneh) got back in the car and I brought the kids up to the room and we all changed to pool attire.  (All clothes are plenty big Deb & Troy especially Beruk's) then we went to the pool the only one who had experienced a pool was Mahider and she swims like a fish.  Fitsum didn't want to wear a swim suit so she came down in jeans with a book to read.  The twins and Beruk got in the wadding pool (Beruk has NO FEAR)  Mahider convinced them to hold their breath and she gently pulled them with her under the water.  I was worried that she might scar them (not a chance)  within the hour Beruk was floating and kicking his feet he doesn't go anywhere but he sure tries and he can stay under water for a very long time.  The twins played and had fun, Mahider would take turns with the three little ones taking them into the big pool,  The Fitsum asked if she could go up to the room and change, I gave the key and she and Mahider went up and then came back down and it was like that advertisement the plays "she wore a tiny winey bakini and it was a modest swim suit but obvious she was not used to that much exposure.  we played for almost two hours and Beruk was so tired and I wanted him out so we convinced that we would come back and he agreed to get out.  We came back to the room and changed and started to put a moving in to the laptop and the phone rang and it was the driver, he said that he was sent to pick us up for lunch, he said that Dawn, Woudneh and Ayalew would meet us at the eating place.  We had lunch, INTERESTING, but you know Dawn right into the culture.

[Justin]

Then the Driver said I will take you and the kids back to the Hotel, OK no problem,  I didn't get a change to talk to Dawn but that was OK.  I felt comfortable and those people are very protective of her.  When I brought the kids into the lobby a lady was standing by the elevator with two little kids, obvious adoption and she said, "Is this the 5 from the blogs"  I said from sacrejourney and she said yes and I said yes but I am the grandma.  The told me how beautiful the kids are (and they are) and we came back up to the room played with toys and watched "Parent Trap"  the original movie.  Then Dawn came and said we have to take the kids to immigration and she was out of breath and I said what she said "Mom we are almost finished, we just have to go the immigration and then the American Embassy and we are done"  I said what she said they had been running a round like crazy accomplishing so much.  WOW.
A few observations I have made,  Betty is very quiet shy and mellow, she said for about 15 minutes and let me play with her hair and I think I have this braiding down.  Hemmy is energetic, always moving, and chattery.  She wanted me to do  her hair also after they swam but she didn't want it to take very long.  Beruck, loves his father very much, it will be hard on him, but I see Ayalew gently pushing him away, it is kind of heartbreaking.  Today at lunch Beruk ran to his dad as soon as he saw him and clung to him, when the food came Beruk sat down next to Ayalew and Ayalew told him to move down by me and kept both chairs on either side of him empty.  But Beruk is a smart, adorable little, he sings quietly all the time when we are walking and I am holding his hand, he likes his hand held but they all do.  While the other kids were watching the moving he was taking everything out of his backpack and looking then re-packing.   He spent time examing every item, including the clothes.  Just to get an idea of his size, the shorts come just below his knee and are a good inch too big in the waist.  Mahider, although she was having fun in the pool kept looking the entrance every few minutes and she asked at least a dozen times "when will mom be back"  Mahider is all happy about her hair, the orphange had all of them looking so cute and guess what, Mahider got extensions so her hair is real long, she loves it.  She  is so open and loving, she is the generator of excitement for the rest of the family.  Fitsum, beautiful, I think her eyes take up a forth of her face.  She is very much a young women, I would be she is close to  17, but the court wouldn't allow her to be adopted at that age so her birth certificate had to make her 13, but she is no 13 year old.  She is protective of the whole family, I loved watching Mahider help her into the swiming and convinced her she would be ok.  Then Mahider tried to teach her to swim but the didn't really work out.  Fitsum is shy and quiet, but happy about all this.  Woudneh told me that this family is some of the best kids he has ever seen, they are so well behaved they have been taught well.  Everyone at the Hotel seems to like these kids we get positive feed back all over the place. 
 
Dawn has not been able to get onto her blog so, Jason will you make sure Troy and Deb get this, I thought I would update you since Dawn is running around like SUPER WOMEN getting this all done.  Lucky me I just have to play and get to know these kids, don't you just feel sorry for me.  (ha ha)  I am sure Jason, Deb and Troy would trade places with me in a heartbeat but you can't.  If
 
things keep going this well we may be home on the 2nd, please keep praying for that.  Miracles DO happen and they are happening in Ethiopia.
 
Love,
 
Mom, (Lecia)

[Justin]

Here are some pictures of the girls and town where they are.