I finally had some time to make a slideshow of our trip to Ethiopia. This is not the finished version since I can't include the pictures of the baby because of the court issues. Some of you might recognize yourself in it if you've made a recent trip to Ethiopia!!!
Aiden and Ben have had some pretty good romps in the past two weeks. Last week we had what I refer to as the Barroom Brawl. They were riding bikes in the back when Ben ran his bike into Aiden for the 9 trillionth time. Aiden had had it and he jumped off his bike and kicked Ben's bike over, with Ben on it. Ben jumped up and spit in Aiden's face (siiiiiiick). Aiden then proceeded to push Ben down again. Ben recovered from his fall, then hauled off and kicked Aiden in the "goods".
Notice the claw marks on Aiden's face? The picture doesn't do them justice. Obviously I need to cut Ben's fingernails! We still don't know exactly what happened because when you ask Aiden he will only say that Ben did it (so he doesn't incriminate himself, I'm sure). Ben agrees but in turn has to point out some imaginary mark on him that he insists Aiden inflicted. These boys are a mess!!!!!
We are working on Ben's English. He is doing really well with it and saying more and more words in English everyday. One of the things he says that cracks me up is "yes sir, Mom". We are trying to get him to say ma'am but to be honest, I kind of like the way he says it now. (You will want to turn of the music player at the bottom to hear Ben.)
I took this video while we were still in Ethiopia and I had to share it with you. Ben can be shy but if he knows you for more than 10 minutes he will do this for you..............Enjoy!
I should explain that Ben will dance in Amharic and in English. If he is doing any traditional Ethiopian moves he calls that "In Amharic" and if he is just dancing he calls that "In English". I prefer the Amharic dancing myself.
I have some time to blog!!!! But I have no idea where to start! I want to tell everyone about my time in Ethiopia. I am working on making a video but my friend has to help so that is coming soon. But there is a slide show of what we've been up to for now, over on the right.
Ben is doing really well. We haven't had any behavior (by that I mean pouting) issues since everything has died down and we are in a sort of routine.
He isn't asking to ride the bike 300 times a day the past few days. He knows we will ride at least once a day so he only asks about 10 times a day now.
Yesterday was Ben's first day at church and he seemed to really enjoy it. It was really cute because when the pastor and congregation would say Amen, he would too. But he would say it a few seconds after everyone and very loud. He would also clap if he liked something, even if it wasn't really a thing we normally clap about. We sit on the front row so he kept people entertained and that seems to be a goal of his. He liked the music and everyone like meeting him.
I am realizing now why I wasn't able to bring both boys home at the same time. I have figured out that God was doing me a huge favor. It has been such an out of control week and I would have lost my mind if I was trying to figure all of this out and take care of a baby. It is perfect for Ben to get to adjust while having all of our attention at the same time. Even though I am missing my sweet baby ( I will blog about him soon because he was AMAZING), I realize that this was the best scenario for us as a family. One child at a time is perfect for me. Ben would have been destroyed if we had come and gotten the baby and he had to stay. All of the bigger boys have left the orphanage now and he would have been by himself. But the baby doesn't have a clue that we had to leave him. As far as he's concerned he is home right now because that is all he has ever known. So, my point is, God is faithful even when it feels like he is pulling the rug out from under us.
I should get going. I hear a lot of racket coming from up stairs, I have a feeling my boys are getting antsy and ready to get outside.
But it's not gonna happen today! I am exhausted! I feel like I have a two year old that has to constantly have my attention. Only he is 9 and won't stop asking to ride his bike! I am working on a slide show right now but can't figure out how to put it in a post. If I can find time tomorrow I will try to do it on You tube.
Oh yeah, I get my phone turned back on tomorrow so please call me because I have lost all phone numbers. Some guy in Ethiopia has my sim card!
We are home! I had a wonderful time and have lots of stories to share with you but they will have to come in bits and pieces because I am mostly thinking in fragments. My clock is still Ethiopian right now! I will share, I promise but I want you guys to look at something first. Its the tshirt in the picture. It is my way of giving back after all of the need that I saw in Ethiopia. Check it out:
If you like the shirt Ben (Minte) is wearing, even if your child isn't a Hope child, please order one. I am donating all proceeds to the Hope Orphanage. The shirt is $20. Email me privately if you are interested and I can send you an order form. I will add pics and info about my trip later. Right now I am going to try to get some sleep and pray I don't dream of roosters crowing at 3:00 am. Hearing them every night for a month has its lingering effects.
