Ethiopia Day 1: A False Start and a Preview

Note: This particular post was written on the day it occurred.  Most of my future posts about our Ethiopia trip will be written retrospectively.

We woke this morning about 7 a.m. so that we could be ready for breakfast at 8.  Three couples that arrived the same night as us had had to leave early that morning to head to the south to visit the orphanage that was caring for their kids.  For breakfast, we had delicious french toast, banaas, coffee, orange/banana juice, and tea prepared by the wonderfully gracious staff of the Morning Coffee Guest House.    Shortly after breakfast Abel arrived to take us to the orphanage where we were supposed to meet our son.  We arrived at the orphanage but soon discovered that there had been a miscommunication which resulted in A being sent to school for the day.  We were able to stay at the orphanage for a little while and play with the wonderful, smiling kids there.  Snack time arrived and we were allowed to go inside and help feed some of the little ones their snack before it was time to head out.

It was decided that we would leave the orphanage and return the next day, when they assured us that A would be there.  From there, we traveled with another adoptive mother to pick up her children from their orphanage.  We had the privilege of witnessing the reunion of the mother with her 2 adoptive kids as she was able to take custody.  It was like a little preview of what will be coming for us in the next few months when we return for A.  We returned the mother and her new children to the guest house and went to the agency office for orientation and then lunch with another couple (the great couple from North Carolina) who are adopting. 

Me, with that great couple from NC (Mitchell and Teresa)

 Lunch was at a nice restaurant with outdoor seating called Tivoli.  There was a good variety American and European dishes from which to choose.  After a filling lunch, we were given a tour of different areas of Addis and then visited Trinity Church.  Abel gave us a very informative tour of the church and instructed us to sit in the emperor's and empress's seats, for which we were scolded by a lady associated with the church.

Amy, quickly exiting the empress's seat upon being scolded

We then headed back to the guest house for a little down time and then out to dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant (Yod Abysinia).  We were able to sample a variety of Ethiopian dishes while we were entertained with traditional Ethiopian song and dance.  Abel was again tremendously gracious, fun, and informative.

Traditional Ethiopian food: wat on injera

It was a full and enjoyable first day here in Ethiopia.  We can't wait to meet our son tomorrow.