May 28, 2007 Journal Entry

We decided that for the morning Mikiyas needed to stay at the Weygoss instead of going out. Saturday was brutal to the point of just not being sure it would get much better any time soon. The hospital visit really took us back some steps. We still had one scheduled organization visit to do, so just I went. Lyle stayed with Mikiyas.

I attended, with one other couple, and after school program done by CHOIR. We didn't actually spend too much time at the project beyond a briefing of what they do. We went to the homes of some of the children that attended. On the way to the first home we passed a government orphanage. It was at this point it really sunk in for me that this is what Mikiyas may have come from. That as much as we adopted him to bless our home and our lives with his presence, we did save him from a life we'd all never comprehend living.

The homes were what most would consider "devastating", but met all their needs. The first was a tiny mud hut no larger than an average bedroom, which housed eight families. It had rained the night before so the tin roof leaked, soaking their bed and blankets.















The second was the home of a lady receiving treatment through CHOIR's help. She had five children and the home was smaller than most main bathrooms.

At the third home the lady wept in thanks for what we / CHOIR does for her. She offered us the only food she had, mangoes. She stated that she worked in the Mercato selling bananas and when the children would attend school, they were forced by older bullies to give over any money she earned from the bananas. People knew she worked earning money so they took it from her.

Each visit was brief, but very eye opening. This was the life we probably kept Mikiyas from living. It was probably the housing / lifestyle he endured during his first year. As he is from Addis, he may even have come from that area. The return drive by the orphanage again reminded me of that.

I took some pictures, mostly of the children. They love cameras! They laugh and laugh, especially when I show them their faces on the digital screen.

I returned for lunch with Lyle and Mikiyas. Lyle said Mikiyas kept running to the window each time he heard a vehicle, saying mama? He seemed in good spirits, instilling that the stay at the Weygoss for the morning was important.

After no nap again [he refuses with fear], we went shopping at a group of small stores for items to take home. We bought things for Mikiyas to have when he is older, as well as some souvenirs for friends and family. It was quick shopping as everyone had the kids, and it was raining. When shopping you get mobbed by the children wanting money, and others trying sell something just to earn a dollar. Most children sell either packets of gum, or packets of tissues. It is cheaper to buy it from them then going to the store in Canada.

Mikiyas fell asleep in the van, as seems to be the norm, so we let him sleep for almost two hours before waking him for dinner. We went to the Elephant Walk with another family for some western food. The chicken fried rice was probably the best I've ever had.

Mikiyas was very cute before bed. He put on Lyle's sunglasses and runners all by himself. He was trying his hardest to avoid going to bed as he knew that was our intention. We couldn't help but enjoy the happy moments with photos and laughs. He too was very proud of his look, and controlling his bed time.
*Today was the first day he said beep at the cars after they honked their horns [which is constant].