TeenPact in Annapolis!

When the time comes to learn lessons in political science, Christian students all across the nation are turning to a TeenPact state capitol experience instead of just a textbook. TeenPact teaches the foundations of government with the legislative branch, beginning with a week-long session at the student's own capitol.

Spiritually, TeenPact teaches Biblical principles of government and family, going hand-in-hand with the values of families who participate. It is very important that our young people see that spiritual revival is the answer to America's problems - not politics. We teach students that every Christian must pray and vote according to Biblical principles.

First (new) Family Picture!

When the three girls came downstairs Sunday morning wearing black and red, I said, "Quick! Everybody else has to wear black and red to church so we can get a family picture!" Our friends, the Barts, took this photo for us after lunch at our home on our back porch. Thanks, Barts! What a joy to have our new family addition in the picture!

Shepherd gets a hair cut!!

This took about 30 minutes! I think I'll do it at home next time!

Look what we got in the mail!!!!

This cute scarf and hat were knit by one of Steve's students and her mom. Thank you, Lowerys!  The bear and blankie were courtesy of the Ballards. The beautiful handmade quilt below is an heirloom from the my dear friend, Mrs. Copp.

How is she adjusting?

She's still washing her hands and playing in the water a lot!

She's eating and eating. Her malnourished tummy, whuch was very round, is diminishing. Although she eats well, her manners are surprisingly good! It's sweet to see her enjoy her food. I'm so grateful to be able to give it to her!

I was a little skeptical about tacos, but she loved them! She gathered the filling that had fallen out in her hand and ate it too...Ethiopian style (those of you who have seen how they eat injera understand what I'm saying!).

Shepherd seems to enjoy Mihret so much! He asks for her when he wakes and looks for her when she's not in the same room.

...such an engaging Dad, building puzzles with them. Mihret likes Papa (where did THAT come from?) and Rachel best out of all of us.

It's a Blizzard Here!

Steve, GraceAnn and Faith on the back porch. The inlet behind our house was frozen solid! Steve says we've gotten 45" in the past three weeks....10" inches today, 5" another day, 15" last Saturday and the Saturday before that!

Stirling has been faithful to manage getting the firewood in!

Mihret and Shepherd have stayed indoors but enjoyed a snowball "fight" through the back door...

Happy 2nd Birthday, Shepherd!

Thanks to Rachel for the birthday cupcakes :).

Curious George and new clothes from Aunt Chris were a hit!

Shepherd is such a joy to our whole family. He is a great blessing to us all!!!

First Commissary Trip!

I could not help but ponder the abundance Mihret must have noticed during her first shopping experience in America. Only five months ago she was in a hut, probably eating one meal of injera per day. One of the biggest complaints I heard while visiting the orphanages was they have little money to spend on protein for their diets. Mihret has been eating and eating. Yesterday she had two bowls of pasta with sauce and three rolls...for one meal! We'll create some eating boundaries soon, but for now, I was her to be reassured there is a next meal.

...feeding Faith one of her crackers :).

Fascinated with Running Water!

Mihret spent over an hour today feeling the clean, warm water on her hands and playing with the bubbles in the sink. We should not take this gift for granted!

Day 10: A 2:35am Flight Home!

On Saturday morning we hired a driver to take us to meet Levi and his family. They run an organization called Drawn from Water. They rescue children from cultually mandated genocide. The child in his arms is one of the children from the orphanage they have personally adopted. Very salty!

Mihret did NOT like the stroller, but it was helpful containment!

Departing in the middle of the night was perfect for Mihret. She fell alseep upon take off and slept for 5 hours with only a few more hours remaining ot Frankfurt.

She was pretty fired up with the drinks and food. She eats EVERYTHING given to her. There's no complaining about food with her.

This is what we saw as soon as we passed through immigration and customs.

Day 9: A Trip to the Coffee Factory

In the few days following taking possession of Mihret, each time we had to drive somewhere I got the feeling she was afraid we were taking her somewhere to leave her. She would break out in sweat and be very reserved. It created much compassion in my heart for her as I contemplated all she had been through, alone, over the past months.

The Robera Coffee Factory did not have a sense of time or customer service. We were there for several hours waiting on our orders to be filled. However, the tour was, indeed, very interesting!

The next time I'm tempted to complain I'm going to think about what it would be like to sit and pick through coffee beans all day, like these ladies.

This is the bean roaster for their company (only one).

Now I am so much more educated on my favorite beverage!

This is the one bean grinder. Most beans are exported before roasting or grinding. This company primarily exports to the Middle East and Europe.

They had stencils with their company information they would lay on each burlap bag and two ladies hand stamped every one with ink!

...all filled with that aromatic delight! Mmmmmm...

Day 8 in Ethiopia

A crib was in our room and we decided that would be the best/safest place for her to sleep when we came home until we learned how to speak the same language!

We went to the local pharmacy and purchased amoxicillin for her high fever, which we supposed could have been a bacterial infection. It must have been the case because it worked.

...fascinated with running water.  It was evident this was a new thing to her. She would stand for 20 minutes just washing her hands and feeling the warm, running, clean water....a luxury to many in Africa.

Day 7: Children's HopeChest/ Mihret's Home

Peter, the Director of CHC Ethiopia took us to this location which has a school with 56 children sponsored. However, they are wanting to use the land for agriculture to feed area orphans. In order to do this, they need a deep well because the water in the nearby river is polluted with toxins from a textile factory. Peter said that if the children get their feet in the water it burns their skin. That water is not suitable to sustain any development on the land.  They also want to raise chickens so the children have protein via the eggs that are produced.

The site of the potential well.

The toxic river.

The "kitchen" where they cook every morning for 56 children. They need a new kitchen, too!

The Director of the school with the gate guard. The school building is in the background.

Sam & Stirling enjoying a shake after lunch at the Hilton.

Approaching the gate of the transition home where Mihret was living after the orphanage.

One of the nannies expressing apprciation for the "minkies" made by Mrs. McLaren and Mrs. Reed.

"So, what does she eat?" Crackers...water....

Since she was sick (and exhausted) for the first few days, she fell right asleep in my arms.