tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419495957430922272024-03-13T12:30:12.255-07:00Waiting for CalebOur journey to Ethiopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775169948989261984noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-341949595743092227.post-7612536750577812672010-07-26T23:57:00.000-07:002010-07-27T13:19:39.525-07:00Two Years AgoWell today marks two years since we have been home with Caleb. His sisters laid eyes on him for the first time two years ago today. It amazes me how much this little man has grown physically, emotionally and spiritually in these two years. It was a very emotional day that day when we stepped off the plane and seen our other children, parents, and friends waiting to greet us at the airport. Today those emotions come flooding back as I think of the day and they excitement that was in the air, what a joyous occasion to be able to celebrate together, "Forever Family Day" . Little did I know that the impact that Caleb would have on our lives and how much we have fallen in love with Ethiopia. We will be no longer be posting on this blog, but you can follow us at our new blog at http://wadefamilyadventures.blogspot.com where you can follow us on our current journey back to Ethiopia for a mission trip. I will leave you with some pictures of the day we arrived home and some current pictures.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE55UpLgViI/AAAAAAAAAZc/8-9f402GHCM/s1600/Ethiopia+474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE55UpLgViI/AAAAAAAAAZc/8-9f402GHCM/s320/Ethiopia+474.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just got off the plane and headed to meet my sister and grandparents</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE55cPo8qhI/AAAAAAAAAZk/vKU4O402UIQ/s1600/Ethiopia+475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE55cPo8qhI/AAAAAAAAAZk/vKU4O402UIQ/s320/Ethiopia+475.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alli meeting Caleb</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE557z2-1HI/AAAAAAAAAaU/PYKlXDoXH7w/s1600/Ethiopia+485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE557z2-1HI/AAAAAAAAAaU/PYKlXDoXH7w/s1600/Ethiopia+485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE55gSOSNeI/AAAAAAAAAZs/gg_h77NnNho/s1600/Ethiopia+476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE55gSOSNeI/AAAAAAAAAZs/gg_h77NnNho/s320/Ethiopia+476.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deanna meeting Caleb</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE55kf7j-zI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/UpX2ph4EjAk/s1600/Ethiopia+477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE55kf7j-zI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/UpX2ph4EjAk/s320/Ethiopia+477.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenzie meeting Caleb </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE55rV7GRkI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/48lK2EugqCo/s1600/Ethiopia+480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE55rV7GRkI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/48lK2EugqCo/s320/Ethiopia+480.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcoming us home</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE55wK0hUFI/AAAAAAAAAaE/xB-vves8QFs/s1600/Ethiopia+481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE55wK0hUFI/AAAAAAAAAaE/xB-vves8QFs/s320/Ethiopia+481.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleb not to sure about what is going on</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE551q5AHJI/AAAAAAAAAaM/nadDkB-QQWU/s1600/Ethiopia+483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE551q5AHJI/AAAAAAAAAaM/nadDkB-QQWU/s320/Ethiopia+483.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleb and Alli getting to know each other right after arriving at home</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now.. the recent pictures</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE86jt0T98I/AAAAAAAAAac/cne3I3Q-yi8/s1600/P5290731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE86jt0T98I/AAAAAAAAAac/cne3I3Q-yi8/s320/P5290731.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Caleb eating his smore</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE868KbAnHI/AAAAAAAAAas/CzVXmhejR6s/s1600/P5300835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE868KbAnHI/AAAAAAAAAas/CzVXmhejR6s/s320/P5300835.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Caleb a not so happy camper - Where is that smile little man?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE87IF2k0JI/AAAAAAAAAa0/bICBiWPB95Y/s1600/P5300841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE87IF2k0JI/AAAAAAAAAa0/bICBiWPB95Y/s320/P5300841.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Caleb and daddy (his best friend)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE87hzGkL_I/AAAAAAAAAa8/j8m6WmbSqc8/s1600/P6111060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE87hzGkL_I/AAAAAAAAAa8/j8m6WmbSqc8/s320/P6111060.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Caleb helping Kenzie celebrate her sixth grade promotion</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE87tQ5RvKI/AAAAAAAAAbE/FauBvzdcWLQ/s1600/P6221208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE87tQ5RvKI/AAAAAAAAAbE/FauBvzdcWLQ/s320/P6221208.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Caleb and Zoe - Boy they love each. When Caleb came home from </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ethiopia we had to keep Zoe at our friends for a extra week because</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">he was so afraid of the dogs. So I think he has conquered that fear. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE872MWmBJI/AAAAAAAAAbM/-VWFobmdZmo/s1600/P7031243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE872MWmBJI/AAAAAAAAAbM/-VWFobmdZmo/s320/P7031243.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Caleb loves animals!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE88CcbHpaI/AAAAAAAAAbU/uKZ7WkBValA/s1600/P7031278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE88CcbHpaI/AAAAAAAAAbU/uKZ7WkBValA/s320/P7031278.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Caleb also loves motorcycles - Look at that precious smile</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE88Kz7gk5I/AAAAAAAAAbc/mYuElR2eHB8/s1600/P7041320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE88Kz7gk5I/AAAAAAAAAbc/mYuElR2eHB8/s320/P7041320.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What a boy does best - Gets dirty</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE88bt5IzEI/AAAAAAAAAbk/ig5GIx1OA6s/s1600/P7041334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE88bt5IzEI/AAAAAAAAAbk/ig5GIx1OA6s/s320/P7041334.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At Anna's and Harveys petting the horses</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE88kJFx-uI/AAAAAAAAAbs/3yfmIq9Tj4k/s1600/P7041368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE88kJFx-uI/AAAAAAAAAbs/3yfmIq9Tj4k/s320/P7041368.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now he is really having fun</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE88seNf8YI/AAAAAAAAAb0/oCysjhc6J9M/s1600/P7151411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/TE88seNf8YI/AAAAAAAAAb0/oCysjhc6J9M/s320/P7151411.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh! how he loves to swim</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Our journey to Ethiopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775169948989261984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-341949595743092227.post-75132985501595889242009-07-17T22:14:00.000-07:002009-07-22T12:32:22.640-07:00In Our Arms Forever Day!As an adoptive family we get to celebrate things like "Referral Day", "Court Date", and the most wonderful of them all, "In Our Arms Forever day". I will never forget the details of the journey, in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Addis</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ababa</span>, Ethiopia. It was here in this lovely city that there a toddler boy who was waiting to steal our hearts. When we arrived at the hotel it was late at night so we would be meeting our son in the morning. Knowing that he was right next door and we would be holding him within hours was such a great feeling. Then the next morning arrived, we ate breakfast with other couples from our agency then walked over to meet our children together. Tom and I were the first ones to meet our son and with pounding hearts and tear filled eyes, we watched our little man walk down the stairs with one of his nannies, to be with us forever. What an amazing feeling when we reached out to touch his little scared hand that first time, looking into his eyes and falling completely head over heels in love. As we stroked his head and kissed his cheeks and held him in our arms it felt surreal. We finally had the son that God was leading us to. We squeezed him close in ah that this is our son, that God chose for us. He was ours, we finally had him.<br /><br />The first day was hard for Caleb, but after about an hour of crying he slowly warmed up to us and then crawled in my lap and fell fast asleep. I will never forget that feeling I felt that day of him sleeping in my arms. What a fabulous first day we had with our son.<br /><br />Those days that followed were magical. We have watched him grow from a unenthusiastic, shy, timid little boy to a grown up little man full of life and love. We have spent the last 12 months toting him around so prideful we could burst. Proud of our beautiful, intelligent son, brother...proud to be his family.<br /><br />We are thankful today for the opportunity to have this special gift from God as our son and brother. We never knew what an amazing journey this would be. Making this journey with him has made life very entertaining to say the least! I know each day that God's plans are perfect. Our family has grown in the way God planned. I am just so grateful that His plan included letting Caleb be with us. Today is a reflection over how miraculous it is that this little boy was born on the other side of the world and now has a place in our family.<br /><br />Here's to one year together!<br /><br /><p class="Body"></p><p class="Body"></p>Sorry I was going to post pictures but forgot my husband has the cord with him on a mission trip so you will have to check later when he returns for the pictures of our year together.Our journey to Ethiopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775169948989261984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-341949595743092227.post-78215414292456062762009-05-15T22:20:00.001-07:002009-05-15T23:12:29.551-07:00How it all began...... Caleb Tariku Wade<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/Sg5Y7ZICoNI/AAAAAAAAATg/vc-6DjVor0I/s1600-h/Tariku%27s+referral+picture+%232.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/Sg5Y7ZICoNI/AAAAAAAAATg/vc-6DjVor0I/s320/Tariku%27s+referral+picture+%232.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336300385860755666" border="0" /></a><br />The first picture we ever saw of our son, brother!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/Sg5Y7GxeJQI/AAAAAAAAATY/0tW0DDH8sfA/s1600-h/Tariku%27s+referral+picture.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/Sg5Y7GxeJQI/AAAAAAAAATY/0tW0DDH8sfA/s320/Tariku%27s+referral+picture.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336300380934251778" border="0" /></a><br />You were so little! We love you<br /><br /><br /><br /><div>One year ago today, I stayed home from work with a sick child and was waiting for the arrival of my mom and her best friend to come and visit when single phone call changed our life..past, present, and future. With a single sentence a voice on the other end of a phone said we have a referral for you ... a two year old little boy. What perfect timing, my mom got to see my reaction when we received, "the call" God's timing is always so perfect. The first time I laid my eyes on this little guy he was laying in bed taking a nap. He had a perfect little face, looking so peaceful and calm. I remember sitting on the couch just staring at his picture thinking this is my son. How amazing, that I am across the world from him and falling in love with someone I have never met. I kept looking at his picture trying to memorize everything about him. His name, Tariku means his story. What a perfect name his birth mother picked for him.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>If you know us or read our blog you know how much our lives have changed over the past year. Caleb has blossomed from this shy, little, hesitate boy to being a strong-willed, smart, inquisitive, assertive little boy. He steals our heart with every look and re-confirms the power of love with each action. One year of knowing him has brought our family more joy than we could've ever imagined.<br /></div>Our journey to Ethiopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775169948989261984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-341949595743092227.post-85520564527968339332009-05-10T23:14:00.000-07:002009-05-11T00:07:59.852-07:00MOTHER'S DAY<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SgfLVkgbKMI/AAAAAAAAATI/-k6AjIASzpA/s1600-h/March+-+May+2009+001.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SgfLVkgbKMI/AAAAAAAAATI/-k6AjIASzpA/s320/March+-+May+2009+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334455855081007298" border="0" /></a><br />The little man LOVES the camera!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SgfLUw_mTdI/AAAAAAAAASw/e_5WpuEqL3A/s1600-h/March+-+May+2009+004.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SgfLUw_mTdI/AAAAAAAAASw/e_5WpuEqL3A/s320/March+-+May+2009+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334455841253117394" border="0" /></a><br />Trying to get four kids looking at the camera and<br />smiling is almost impossible.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SgfLUvf-uwI/AAAAAAAAASo/5vk6ROMWIgM/s1600-h/March+-+May+2009+005.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SgfLUvf-uwI/AAAAAAAAASo/5vk6ROMWIgM/s320/March+-+May+2009+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334455840852065026" border="0" /></a><br />Caleb's new pose and he wants to be center of<br />attention.<br /><br /><br />Wow! What a great Mother's Day. It started out with breakfast in bed, then we all got ready and went to church. When we got home I planted flowers with the kids and then they all made a wonderful lunch for me. To top it all off I got to take a nap. I love this day. I feel so blessed that God has chosen me to be the mother of these most wonderful children.<br /><br />This was my first Mother's Day with Caleb and it was wonderful, but it did make me think a lot about his birth mother. I just want her to know the joy that I have had to be Caleb's mom. I am eternally grateful to her for the gift that she has given me. I think and pray for her often, for her safety, health, and well being. I wonder did she get enough food today? I feel such a bond to her even though I have never met her. I wonder what she is feeling today and how much she must miss him. I want her to know that he will always be cared for and loved. I want her to know that I will never let Caleb forget her or the country that he came from.<br /><br />Just want to say Happy Mother's Day to the women that made the ultimate sacrifice for Caleb. I would like to be with you today, but since I can't I pray tonight that you will feel God's arms wrapped around you letting you know that Caleb is loved and cared for.Our journey to Ethiopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775169948989261984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-341949595743092227.post-11721604181037360442009-04-16T21:08:00.000-07:002009-04-16T21:58:11.082-07:00Allison's Baptism<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SegE0qKP1cI/AAAAAAAAASg/vuLrTSeoeUI/s1600-h/dad%27s+camera+176.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SegE0qKP1cI/AAAAAAAAASg/vuLrTSeoeUI/s320/dad%27s+camera+176.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325511862082590146" border="0"></a><br />Daddy and Allison get ready<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SegE0n1zaFI/AAAAAAAAASY/1wafPog4r0g/s1600-h/dad%27s+camera+177.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SegE0n1zaFI/AAAAAAAAASY/1wafPog4r0g/s320/dad%27s+camera+177.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325511861459970130" border="0"></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SegE0fqXWTI/AAAAAAAAASQ/-Zba28KmaVo/s1600-h/dad%27s+camera+178.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SegE0fqXWTI/AAAAAAAAASQ/-Zba28KmaVo/s320/dad%27s+camera+178.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325511859264510258" border="0"></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SegE0EOwx0I/AAAAAAAAASI/yKygY5gyL5A/s1600-h/dad%27s+camera+183.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SegE0EOwx0I/AAAAAAAAASI/yKygY5gyL5A/s320/dad%27s+camera+183.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325511851900979010" border="0"></a><br />Alli being a light unto the world!<br /><br /><br />Well last summer Alli gave her heart to Jesus, but was scared to be baptized. She was afraid of all those people looking at her. (does that sound like her mom or what) But on March 29th she made the brave decision to stand and be obedient to God and be baptized. We are so proud of her and her commitment to Christ. I love watching her grow and understand new biblical concepts. She is always asking questions and her mind soaking in everything. It is awesome now that she can read watching her in her bedroom reading the Bible. What an awesome God we serve.<br /><br />This day was extra special for her and her daddy because daddy was able to baptize her. How cool is that! Hope you enjoyed the pictures of her special day!Our journey to Ethiopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775169948989261984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-341949595743092227.post-57053342098295266642009-04-01T20:50:00.000-07:002009-04-01T22:11:21.615-07:00Happy Birthday! CalebHappy 3rd Birthday! Caleb Tariku<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SdRBGe95AaI/AAAAAAAAAQI/0etQS5TBlhs/s1600-h/DSC_3009.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SdRBGe95AaI/AAAAAAAAAQI/0etQS5TBlhs/s320/DSC_3009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319948639479071138" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SdRBG1BQQWI/AAAAAAAAAQY/7VMi4OvnbM0/s1600-h/dad%27s+camera+112.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 201px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SdRBG1BQQWI/AAAAAAAAAQY/7VMi4OvnbM0/s320/dad%27s+camera+112.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319948645398757730" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Caleb listening to mommy read his birthday cards<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SdRBGu-pd1I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/eb9Inw3HSeU/s1600-h/dad%27s+camera+119.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SdRBGu-pd1I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/eb9Inw3HSeU/s320/dad%27s+camera+119.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319948643777214290" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Caleb was so happy about getting this Ethiopian drum that we brought home with us. I tell you what, the boy has some good rhythm.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SdRCbmxE7lI/AAAAAAAAARA/upBdMQll_kg/s1600-h/dad%27s+camera+105.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SdRCbmxE7lI/AAAAAAAAARA/upBdMQll_kg/s320/dad%27s+camera+105.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319950101861690962" border="0" /></a>Caleb's reaction to getting his battery operated motorcycle from our friends. He is the most adorable, expressive boy, he made everyone laugh with his reaction. It's loud, it moves, it plays music, and it talks. What else do you need in a motorcycle.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SdRCbThVSbI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/-freqYMv0jc/s1600-h/dad%27s+camera+106.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SdRCbThVSbI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/-freqYMv0jc/s320/dad%27s+camera+106.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319950096695380402" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SdRBGch8yuI/AAAAAAAAAQA/eT1Qm6H8XQI/s1600-h/DSC_3073.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SdRBGch8yuI/AAAAAAAAAQA/eT1Qm6H8XQI/s320/DSC_3073.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319948638825007842" border="0" /></a><br />Okay things are getting a little more serious.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SdRBGMpYeWI/AAAAAAAAAP4/M0NNponhDdY/s1600-h/DSC_3102.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SdRBGMpYeWI/AAAAAAAAAP4/M0NNponhDdY/s320/DSC_3102.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319948634561214818" border="0" /></a><br />Caleb telling his friends No! No! touch my presents. My little expressive cutie<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SdQ-riQhDAI/AAAAAAAAAPw/VB7v2yQTDY8/s1600-h/DSC_3172.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SdQ-riQhDAI/AAAAAAAAAPw/VB7v2yQTDY8/s320/DSC_3172.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319945977482775554" border="0" /></a><br />What? Dad I don't see anything!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SdQ-rcBItkI/AAAAAAAAAPo/8zzZp_k9f3I/s1600-h/DSC_3174.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SdQ-rcBItkI/AAAAAAAAAPo/8zzZp_k9f3I/s320/DSC_3174.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319945975807653442" border="0" /></a><br />Wow! Is that a bike for me?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SdQ-rK2c3WI/AAAAAAAAAPg/Iw5XZFa6Gfo/s1600-h/DSC_3175.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SdQ-rK2c3WI/AAAAAAAAAPg/Iw5XZFa6Gfo/s320/DSC_3175.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319945971199434082" border="0" /></a><br />Let me down, so I can go and check that bike out!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SdQ-qxkW65I/AAAAAAAAAPY/08gjfMtrdXg/s1600-h/DSC_3211.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SdQ-qxkW65I/AAAAAAAAAPY/08gjfMtrdXg/s320/DSC_3211.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319945964412660626" border="0" /></a><br />Me and my bike<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SdQ-qa1v4KI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/nW-_c2oGfRQ/s1600-h/DSC_3227.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SdQ-qa1v4KI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/nW-_c2oGfRQ/s320/DSC_3227.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319945958311583906" border="0" /></a><br />Watching my best buddy leave my party! It's so sad to see him go.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SdRCasUXFgI/AAAAAAAAAQg/qIx0on6k7VM/s1600-h/dad%27s+camera+068.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SdRCasUXFgI/AAAAAAAAAQg/qIx0on6k7VM/s320/dad%27s+camera+068.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319950086171989506" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It was wonderful being able to celebrate Caleb's first birthday in America. We had a lot of people over to celebrate with us, they all supported us during the adoption process and are great friends and family. Thank you everyone for making this such a special day for Caleb and us!<br />During this day we thought a lot about Caleb's birth mom because he lived with her for the first two years of his life. What a hard time this day must have been for her, remembering the memories of him and the joy that he brought to her life. We have said many prayers for her that God would give her the peace and comfort that Caleb is in a good home and is loved very much. I thank her so often for bringing this wonderful child into the world, and thank God for allowing us to be his mommy and daddy.Our journey to Ethiopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775169948989261984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-341949595743092227.post-82515537794123839352009-03-24T22:25:00.000-07:002009-03-24T22:55:50.000-07:00Mommy, can I love you?Wow! Where's does the time go. I have been meaning to update this blog for about a month now and just never get around to it. So I will give you a brief summary with pictures what has been going on at our house the last three months. Caleb just came to me and made my heart so happy. As I am sitting on the computer and he is suppose to be sleeping, he walks up to me and says, "Mommy can I love you?" And of course I said yes and he crawled up in my lap and snuggled for about 10 minutes. He usually is not a snuggler when it comes to bedtime, he likes to be tucked in his own bed with his blankets. So this made me so happy tonight and it was just what I needed tonight.<br />Hope you enjoy the pictures, come and visit again next week. Caleb is turning 3 on Sunday so we have party plan on Saturday.<br /><br /><br /><br />Say Cheese!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/ScnEc_2hQcI/AAAAAAAAANw/qUd55Ri_7Dk/s1600-h/Dec+08+-+Feb+09+001.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/ScnEc_2hQcI/AAAAAAAAANw/qUd55Ri_7Dk/s320/Dec+08+-+Feb+09+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316996837543068098" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Caleb being a ham! He loves when we get out the camera<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/ScnFCGt0p1I/AAAAAAAAAOA/mfz54oGT7z0/s1600-h/Dec+08+-+Feb+09+002.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/ScnFCGt0p1I/AAAAAAAAAOA/mfz54oGT7z0/s320/Dec+08+-+Feb+09+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316997475040798546" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Deanna's cake that she made for the True Love Waits Auction at our church!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/ScnFB93eVRI/AAAAAAAAAN4/_bBn72yN0Jk/s1600-h/Dec+08+-+Feb+09+003.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/ScnFB93eVRI/AAAAAAAAAN4/_bBn72yN0Jk/s320/Dec+08+-+Feb+09+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316997472665359634" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Deanna's 13th birthday party with her friends. We had 9 teenagers over for a sleepover. The girls did great, but not sure I want to be that brave again.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/ScnFC17yviI/AAAAAAAAAOI/KuFEmX20oAo/s1600-h/Dec+08+-+Feb+09+004.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/ScnFC17yviI/AAAAAAAAAOI/KuFEmX20oAo/s320/Dec+08+-+Feb+09+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316997487715860002" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Make a wish. I can't believe that she is 13 already!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/ScnGShCyEYI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/jOebro1gz_Q/s1600-h/Dec+08+-+Feb+09+006.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/ScnGShCyEYI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/jOebro1gz_Q/s320/Dec+08+-+Feb+09+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316998856497566082" border="0" /></a><br /><br />As I said early he is a ham and loves the camera. When we were taking pictures of D's party he liked to jump in front of the camera and dance. What a hoot!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/ScnGSwNWRkI/AAAAAAAAAOY/ZyLFIRgHm9s/s1600-h/Dec+08+-+Feb+09+007.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/ScnGSwNWRkI/AAAAAAAAAOY/ZyLFIRgHm9s/s320/Dec+08+-+Feb+09+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316998860568413762" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />How cute is this?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/ScnGS6FVQXI/AAAAAAAAAOg/JG41z8KljmI/s1600-h/Dec+08+-+Feb+09+010.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/ScnGS6FVQXI/AAAAAAAAAOg/JG41z8KljmI/s320/Dec+08+-+Feb+09+010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316998863219147122" border="0" /></a>Our journey to Ethiopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775169948989261984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-341949595743092227.post-7985000705696457142009-02-04T22:22:00.000-08:002009-02-04T22:36:56.328-08:00What will you do!I came across this video and it absolutely amazed me. I can not explained the feelings that I had while watching this video. While we were in Ethiopia we saw people with polio and how debilitating this disease is, and maybe that is why it touched by heart so much. I believe that we as Americans need to stop complaining about things that we have and start being grateful for what we have. This is a very heartbreaking video and I pray as you watch it you will pray and seek what God would have you do in the lives of the African people. Please go and watch this video.<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v7ZQUzr0yoOur journey to Ethiopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775169948989261984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-341949595743092227.post-69917229500532988872008-12-28T17:29:00.000-08:002008-12-28T18:19:20.656-08:00Caleb recieves his first big haircutOur friends came to spend some time with us from Vancouver and he was able to help us give Caleb his haircut. Tom's dad was able to give Caleb his first hair trim and now he has also had his first cut. Here are some pictures.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SVgvoXvyPpI/AAAAAAAAAKk/B_jSm7yo6ms/s1600-h/Christmas+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SVgvoXvyPpI/AAAAAAAAAKk/B_jSm7yo6ms/s320/Christmas+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285026533334990482" border="0" /></a> Caleb before his haircut!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SVgwawmVPpI/AAAAAAAAAKs/hxX_nN8y1Os/s1600-h/caleb%27s+after+haircut.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SVgwawmVPpI/AAAAAAAAAKs/hxX_nN8y1Os/s320/caleb%27s+after+haircut.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285027398999686802" border="0" /></a><br /> Caleb after and during the last 10 minutes of his haircut<br /> He wore himself crying but then decided it was so bad after all and fell to sleep.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SVgvSML2AmI/AAAAAAAAAKc/IANaNBhT3Sc/s1600-h/Christmas+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SVgvSML2AmI/AAAAAAAAAKc/IANaNBhT3Sc/s320/Christmas+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285026152274330210" border="0" /></a>Shad and Caleb after his nap. Caleb was so proud of his haircut and kept pointing to his hair and say Shad did it with big smiles. He loves looking in the mirror at his new look.Our journey to Ethiopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775169948989261984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-341949595743092227.post-43390669927408789172008-12-28T16:28:00.000-08:002008-12-28T17:22:13.222-08:00Christmas Celebrations<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SVgkGjmEO9I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/dXNo9Pj39i4/s1600-h/Christmas+005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SVgkGjmEO9I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/dXNo9Pj39i4/s320/Christmas+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285013857771994066" border="0" /></a><br />During all of our snow days we were able to find time to do some baking and decorating sugar cookies together. The girls were a little sad because of the snow days because they missed all of their school parties. But we had our own little fun party together.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SVgjJ4_ykOI/AAAAAAAAAJU/DOi5mjmTS0E/s1600-h/Christmas+004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SVgjJ4_ykOI/AAAAAAAAAJU/DOi5mjmTS0E/s320/Christmas+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285012815545012450" border="0" /></a> All the kids hard at work making the perfect cookie.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SVgjKoo66mI/AAAAAAAAAJk/TzbWflJ1cxo/s1600-h/Christmas+006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SVgjKoo66mI/AAAAAAAAAJk/TzbWflJ1cxo/s320/Christmas+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285012828333992546" border="0" /></a> All the kids kicking back for their picture<br /><br />Christmas eve it is our tradition to have a spaghetti dinner (homemade by tom and the kids) and have our friends over to celebrate Jesus birthdayOur journey to Ethiopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775169948989261984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-341949595743092227.post-23307651476496179212008-12-19T10:10:00.000-08:002008-12-19T10:52:08.951-08:00I'm Back<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SUvoC0QOntI/AAAAAAAAAI4/F6gTSxbxxRw/s1600-h/Rays+Reception+and+First+Snowfall+059.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SUvoC0QOntI/AAAAAAAAAI4/F6gTSxbxxRw/s320/Rays+Reception+and+First+Snowfall+059.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281570123106131666" border="0" /></a> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SUvoCLDzrHI/AAAAAAAAAIw/J8iF2mKDYz0/s1600-h/Rays+Reception+and+First+Snowfall+057.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SUvoCLDzrHI/AAAAAAAAAIw/J8iF2mKDYz0/s320/Rays+Reception+and+First+Snowfall+057.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281570112048180338" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SUvoB2zX0sI/AAAAAAAAAIo/XYREtLQFNAQ/s1600-h/Rays+Reception+and+First+Snowfall+054.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SUvoB2zX0sI/AAAAAAAAAIo/XYREtLQFNAQ/s320/Rays+Reception+and+First+Snowfall+054.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281570106610537154" border="0" /></a> Having some fun in the snow!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SUvmTggT-5I/AAAAAAAAAIg/kcP50S46bCA/s1600-h/Rays+Reception+and+First+Snowfall+012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SUvmTggT-5I/AAAAAAAAAIg/kcP50S46bCA/s320/Rays+Reception+and+First+Snowfall+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281568210839403410" border="0" /></a> What a handsome boy all dressed up<br /><br /><br />Okay so I have been the worst blogger ever. Life around here has been full of energy and fun. We are becoming adjusted to life with 2 year old. I can't believe that we have been home now for four and half months.<br /><br />This weekend we received a big snow storm so the schools have been closed and also the clinic that I work at is closed. So we are home wrapping presents, baking and getting caught up on household things. My husband went to work today but said that it was a mess trying to get there.<br /><br />Caleb is getting into this Christmas, he really enjoyed decorating the tree but still does not understand the present thing. He looks at the presents but has not touched any of them. He also has discovered snow this weekend and absolutely loves it. The only thing he doesn't like about it is wearing gloves, he could do without those.<br /><br />Now that I am back I will be trying to post updated pictures and reports about every two weeks or so. Here is some pictures for you to enjoy.Our journey to Ethiopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775169948989261984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-341949595743092227.post-25091799749821939252008-08-26T11:09:00.000-07:002008-08-26T13:18:34.994-07:00We Arrive in Addis AbabaWell I think that it is about time to write about our trip to Ethiopia. We seen a lot and processed a lot of different things we saw there. So this is to you, Sandy (thanks for the encouragement)<br /><br />We arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on July 17th at about 10:00pm, 40 hours after leaving our house. Needless to say we were exhausted. We then had to go through customs, exchange money and get our visas, that took about an 1.5 hours. We were then met by one of the staff members Tamirat who took us and the other families to our hotel. When we arrived at the hotel there were men there they helped us carry our luggage (I mean they carried our luggage) up to our room. Yes , they carried it up 2 fights of stairs because there are no elevators. I really did not think that we were going to be able to sleep because of the excitement of meeting Caleb in the morning. But as soon as my head hit that pillow I was asleep and even though the bed was as hard as a rock it didn't seem to bother me to much that first night. We woke up the next morning and prepared to meet our son for the first time.<br /><br />So this is how our trip started out. Stay tuned and I will be posting each day about a day of our trip, we had a fabulous time and will be sharing some wonderful pictures with you.Our journey to Ethiopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775169948989261984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-341949595743092227.post-67644376099487905632008-08-01T09:19:00.000-07:002008-08-01T10:11:29.630-07:00He Loves Swimming<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SJNDe8Qq-0I/AAAAAAAAAHw/XZeAqZ4dH2M/s1600-h/Ethiopia+trip+549.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SJNDe8Qq-0I/AAAAAAAAAHw/XZeAqZ4dH2M/s320/Ethiopia+trip+549.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229597791158467394" border="0" /></a>Daddy with all the kids :)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SJNC-h-nWNI/AAAAAAAAAHo/taLO3IkaCcQ/s1600-h/Ethiopia+trip+548.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SJNC-h-nWNI/AAAAAAAAAHo/taLO3IkaCcQ/s320/Ethiopia+trip+548.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229597234347595986" border="0" /></a>Caleb getting in the pool and loving it!<br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SJNCqRIwiVI/AAAAAAAAAHg/wPkx5vzmHLs/s1600-h/Ethiopia+trip+547.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SJNCqRIwiVI/AAAAAAAAAHg/wPkx5vzmHLs/s320/Ethiopia+trip+547.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229596886229354834" border="0" /></a>Caleb eating ice-cream for the first time<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SJNB1PBZ_pI/AAAAAAAAAHY/9CfiOiPdp3o/s1600-h/Ethiopia+trip+546.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SJNB1PBZ_pI/AAAAAAAAAHY/9CfiOiPdp3o/s320/Ethiopia+trip+546.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229595975128579730" border="0" /></a>Melissa "Issa" (my best friend) and Caleb<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SJNAvuqFT_I/AAAAAAAAAHA/CvM3q2uOzas/s1600-h/Ethiopia+trip+545.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SJNAvuqFT_I/AAAAAAAAAHA/CvM3q2uOzas/s320/Ethiopia+trip+545.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229594781029847026" border="0" /></a>Ready, Set, Slide<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SJNAPMa-kBI/AAAAAAAAAG4/RP2FIpLcehg/s1600-h/Ethiopia+trip+544.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SJNAPMa-kBI/AAAAAAAAAG4/RP2FIpLcehg/s320/Ethiopia+trip+544.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229594222083870738" border="0" /></a>Caleb swinging on the swing<br /><br /></div>So yesterday we did a lot of firsts with Caleb. The first one being going to the park to play. He loved it. His two favorite parts were swinging and going down the slide. The best part of the park was that my best friend and her kids came with us. Caleb said her name and gave her hugs and kisses, she was so excited. The second thing he did was to eat ice cream. He was very shocked by the coldness at first but then decided that he loved it as long as you gave him very small bits. He ate almost a whole bowl by himself (thanks Nicolle, we love you!)The last thing we did was to should introduce Caleb to our friends and to their swimming pool. He absolutely loves to swim. He has no fear though, so we can never take our eyes off of him. He loves to splash and laughs when he gets water in his face. After we were in the pool about 5 minutes he started shaking and his teeth were chattering. But like any other kid he did not want to get out of the pool and would start crying if we tried to take him out. It was a blast watching him discover something else new. We all are loving this little man that God chose for us, and love watching him grow and discover new things. God is such an awesome God.Our journey to Ethiopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775169948989261984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-341949595743092227.post-66904948456165215152008-07-30T15:08:00.000-07:002008-07-30T16:28:02.815-07:00We're Home<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SJD4gPTLHPI/AAAAAAAAAGw/ZpsHjRfnnDw/s1600-h/Ethiopia+trip+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SJD4gPTLHPI/AAAAAAAAAGw/ZpsHjRfnnDw/s320/Ethiopia+trip+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228952400123600114" border="0" /></a>Us meeting our son for the first time.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SJDtGxVtQcI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/fBWY6NwINCs/s1600-h/Ethiopia+trip+004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SJDtGxVtQcI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/fBWY6NwINCs/s320/Ethiopia+trip+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228939867956527554" border="0" /></a>Caleb mimicking the dog and playing with their toys<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SJDs6llwMnI/AAAAAAAAAGI/HlPQJ8Ndb9o/s1600-h/Ethiopia+trip+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SJDs6llwMnI/AAAAAAAAAGI/HlPQJ8Ndb9o/s320/Ethiopia+trip+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228939658644173426" border="0" /></a>Our beautiful son<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br /></div><br />Sorry it has taken so long to post this entry, but life has become very busy with a two year old little boy running around. We arrived home on Friday night about midnight and the girls were so excited to meet their new little brother. It was wonderful. The two older girls cried so hard when they first met them I started crying with them. And Alli was just smiling from ear to ear. It was fun having the girls, my parents and my best friend meet us at the airport with welcome home signs and big hugs. We love you guys!!<br /><br />In Ethiopia we had a fabulous time and the couples that we met over there were great. It was so wonderful being around people that had such passion about adoption. We seen a lot of stuff and are still trying to process everything, so keep checking the blog and I will be posting a summary of our trip for everyone. Yes even with some pictures.<br /><br />Caleb is adjusting very well with everyone. He loves to wrestle with his sister and playing catch. He now will call Tom and I mommy and daddy and identifies who is who. He also loves to mimic everything we do and say, so I don't think it will be long and he will be speaking English. He is not quite adjusted to the dogs yet but he will try to play with them for a few minutes before he gets scared and runs away. Well I hear someone waking up so I will update more later.Our journey to Ethiopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775169948989261984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-341949595743092227.post-57995538836985091062008-07-25T13:39:00.000-07:002008-07-25T13:48:10.121-07:00The Cutest Boy!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SIo78RDNqII/AAAAAAAAAFg/kb2SNjar_7g/s1600-h/Tariku_in_playroom.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SIo78RDNqII/AAAAAAAAAFg/kb2SNjar_7g/s320/Tariku_in_playroom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227056224071952514" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />So we are sitting here in the Minneapolis airport waiting for the last leg of our 36 hour journey. We are ready to be home and see everyone and introduce our little man to everyone. I can not post a current picture of us because our cable is packed in our luggage but here is a picture that we received about one week before we left. We love him so much and our love grows everyday.Our journey to Ethiopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775169948989261984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-341949595743092227.post-18160685312773977772008-07-25T11:53:00.000-07:002008-07-25T11:58:41.192-07:00Traveling Home<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SIoiVsstVyI/AAAAAAAAAFI/7KHaPZ7dpjo/s1600-h/plane.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227028073688160034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SIoiVsstVyI/AAAAAAAAAFI/7KHaPZ7dpjo/s320/plane.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We are in Detroit and anxiously ready to get home. Caleb Tariku did great on the plane, but the line to get through customs and verify his paperwork, etc. was a bit much for him. He definately had enough waiting. Tom decided to take him for a "run" around the airport and wear him out for the next leg of the trip. What a great dad!! </div><br /><div>We are so ready to sleep in our own bed, and be a family all together! Home will be soooo great!! Please pray for us as we finish our travels today. Caleb had a little motion sickness at the beginning, and we are hoping that he doesn't get sick again. Parenthood can be messy sometimes, but so completely worth it!</div>Our journey to Ethiopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775169948989261984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-341949595743092227.post-54108847472368220522008-07-24T12:49:00.000-07:002008-07-24T12:51:42.933-07:00"I Love You"Today was a hard day saying good bye to everyone. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Tariku said I love you mommy and daddy today, so exciting. </strong></span><br /><br />We are loading the van to go to the airport and are ready to get back home. Thank you for your prayers while we have been away, and we covet them as we finish this last bit of traveling. We will soon be home with out entire family. We are looking forward to being all together with the girls, extended family and church family. Thanks again for all of your prayers.Our journey to Ethiopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775169948989261984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-341949595743092227.post-50782184332863372822008-07-22T08:51:00.000-07:002008-07-22T08:53:37.946-07:00"Mommy & Daddy"Well today we had our visa interview and the final stamp of approval the he is coming home with us. We should receive his visa and passport on Thursday and morning and should be home late Friday night. He has totally opened up to us and called us mommy and daddy today. We went to the visa interview and then a celebration lunch. Caleb ate really well and then proceeded to throw up everywhere at the restaurant. (It was the third child that threw up today) We are having a blast and absolutely loving Ethiopia. I can't even explain the poverty that we have seen. Every time I look in the streets and see a little 3 or 4 year old walking the street I thank God that He has blessed us with Caleb. We did get a chance to buy some coffee today and the coffee here is better than you can ever imagine.Our journey to Ethiopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775169948989261984noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-341949595743092227.post-89614567480131194342008-07-21T09:52:00.000-07:002008-07-21T09:54:39.260-07:00Full Time Parents Now!We are so happy to tell you that Caleb is now with us all the time. He is adjusting very well and we are loving being his full time parents now. We are all having a wonderful time. Thanks for praying for us. We have our embassy appointment in a few days, so please pray for that process and our safe travels home at the end of the week.Our journey to Ethiopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775169948989261984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-341949595743092227.post-10319186933108327972008-07-19T16:24:00.000-07:002008-07-19T16:26:08.708-07:00An Encouraging DayHi everyone, What a busy day. We spent the morning with Caleb Tariku. I think the extra time helped us get past his initial fear. We got to see him laughing and playing. I (Tom) really enjoyed playing catch with him. He fell asleep sitting in Leanne's lap. Today was very encouraging, but tomorrow the center is closed and we won't get to see him. They will keep us busy with church and then a trip out of Addis to a resort.<br /><br />We also spent the afternoon touring downtown Addis, going to the Museum of National History, and doing some shopping. We bought some coffee, but I'm still looking for a shop that roast it as you buy it. Tonight we went out to eat with 6 other Holt families. We ate at a traditional Ethiopian restaraunt. There was a great buffet with injera ( a traditional Ethiopian flat bread) and traditional dancing (they dance, not us). It was a great day but very long.<br /><br />We are still working on sending pictures.Our journey to Ethiopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775169948989261984noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-341949595743092227.post-41379181523728423222008-07-18T08:38:00.000-07:002008-07-18T08:41:57.017-07:00Caleb is in our arms!!We are here in Africa. It was a very long flight and got to our hotel at about 11:30pm on Thursday night. The traffic is crazy everybody goes everywhere and they honk their horn at the time. We were able to sleep last night because we were so exhausted then woke up and met all the other families and ate breakfast. After that we were able to meet Tariku (Caleb). It was so incredible, they had him walk down the stairs by himself to greet us. He was scared and cried for a moment but warmed up when we started playing with him. After about 45 minutes with him he crawled in my lap and fell asleep in my arms (I was overjoyed). Tom got to feed him lunch and then lay him down for his nap. He is very quiet so far and very precious. <br /><br />This is such an amazing place. Pictures could be difficult to post because of the internet connection and power outages, but we will try. Thanks for praying.Our journey to Ethiopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775169948989261984noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-341949595743092227.post-70524823781398286112008-07-16T12:06:00.000-07:002008-07-16T12:10:38.426-07:00We're OffSo we left today to fly to Ethiopia to pick up our most amazing son. We are sitting here in Minneapolis waiting for our flight to amsterdam. This flight will last 8.5 hours so hopefully we can get some sleep on this flight. We have had 7 hours of sleep in the last three days so hopefully we can do some catch up. We will be trying to update our blog as often as we can so keep checking to get the updates. Please keep us in your prayers for save travel and an easy transition for us and Caleb. Also keep the girls in your prayers as we are away.Our journey to Ethiopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775169948989261984noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-341949595743092227.post-81566049409258057712008-07-02T12:56:00.000-07:002008-07-02T13:02:52.345-07:00Update On Our Sweet Little ManWe received some updated information from a couple that just came home from Ethiopia and had a chance to meet our son. This email just made my day and we can't wait to go and get him and surround him with our love. So this is what is said.<br /><br />"He is the sweetest child and so adorable with a big heart. He has a very even temper and is eager to have someone pay attention to him and play with him. He loves to be read to and loves the peek a boo books."<br /><br />I guess I know some things that we will be buying him for the plane trip home. <br /><br />2 weeks today and we will be on our way to pick him up.Our journey to Ethiopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775169948989261984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-341949595743092227.post-8892262895360191692008-06-25T20:24:00.000-07:002008-06-25T20:31:24.553-07:00Travel Dates<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SGMNaEkde-I/AAAAAAAAAE8/-fkwkJsncNY/s1600-h/girls.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SGMNaEkde-I/AAAAAAAAAE8/-fkwkJsncNY/s320/girls.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216027534979595234" border="0" /></a><br />Some more news..............See those happy faces!!!!<br /><br />Today we recieved word that we DO have a confirmed embassy appointment on July 22. Talk about the need to get tickets and FAST!<br /><p align="center">We are just thrilled! It looks like we will be leaving on the 16th of July and then heading home on the 26th of July. There is a little clinch in getting Caleb's return ticket but that should all be figure out by tomorrow morning and then the tickets will actually be purchased.<br /></p><p align="center">We covet your prayers as we work on packing and logistics of the process.</p><p align="center"><br /></p>Our journey to Ethiopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775169948989261984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-341949595743092227.post-6231807731958628342008-06-25T12:20:00.000-07:002008-06-25T12:26:52.117-07:00COURT APPROVAL!!!!!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SGKbU6q1uEI/AAAAAAAAAEs/3_FbeqWtUvA/s1600-h/court.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215902102097082434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SGKbU6q1uEI/AAAAAAAAAEs/3_FbeqWtUvA/s320/court.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><div align="center">YIPPPPEEEE!! We received word yesterday (6-24-08) that we were court approved to become Tariku's (Caleb) parents. He is officially our son/brother. We couldn't be more excited!! What an exciting day that was. Our agency also told us that they had checked the Ethiopian government and all of our paperwork for travel is there and we are ready to go. We could possibly be leaving in July to go and pick him up. Right now I am feeling overwhelmed with so much to do. So I better go and get started.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215902642688566082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oA3matlghBU/SGKb0Yh5I0I/AAAAAAAAAE0/919agrkg0d4/s320/happy_face.jpg" border="0" /> </div>Our journey to Ethiopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13775169948989261984noreply@blogger.com2