Saturday, Jan. 24

Saturday was a long day. We woke early for breakfast then loaded the bus to travel the short distance (we could walk, but they must think Americans are lazy since we take a bus EVERYWHERE) to the care center where Sitota is currently staying. (You may have noticed we have posted no pictures of him yet. We are not allowed to take photos in the care center for privacy reasons and that is the only place we have been with him so far. On Monday he will come into our care and we can post some pics. )We went in the house, walked up to the 3rd floor where he shares a room with approximately 15 other infants, and went to pick him out of his crib. His whole face lit up when he saw us and his whole body started wiggling. He was so excited to see us and seems to be very content. He has only cried once. We had him on his tummy and asked “what would happen if we put this toy just out of his reach?” He is not currently crawling and we wanted to see if he would move for it. He didn’t and instead just started crying. He immediately stopped when we handed him his toy back. He is a bit behind in physical development... he is nearly 8 months and can not sit or crawl. I honestly think it is because he rarely sees the floor. The nannies at the care center seem to all love him very much and I think they hold him a lot because of it. Nearly every nanny we pass will stop, say his name, and kiss him while we are there. Seems he is a bit of a lady’s man! After spending time with him in the morning we went to the CHSFS offices to meet with his nurse, doctor, head nanny, social worker, and media team. We received a report, asked questions, and watched a video they had made for us about Sitota. It was amazing! He was so well cared for while here in Addis.

We then went back for lunch then on to a tour of AHOPE (the HIV/AIDS orphanage that our agency sponsors). We then went to exchange money and do some shopping. Aaron and I had our negotiating skills honed from many trips to Chichicastenango Guatemala and got some good deals! After shopping we went to Asqual, a traditional Ethiopian restaurant, and were treated to a superb meal and fascinating entertainment. There was live music, signing, and dancing. We all had a great time but were eager to get back to the guest house and to bed... we had an early morning the next day!

Random observations:
1. We are traveling with 7 other adoptive parent(s) and it is a great group!
2. This is a highly emotionally charged trip... and it can be a bit hard at times.
3. We saw a city bus with 3 goats tied to the top of it today going down the road. I am not sure how they got up there, or how they are going to stay on top of the bus.

CHSFS Main Office


The Market


Shelli's meal at Asqual, a traditional Ethiopian restaurant!


The dancers at the restaurant!