Preparations for Visit #2

As we conclude the last steps of the adoption journey, our new son has began to take his first steps in new shoes.  It seesm like months ago since visit #1 ended less than 2 weeks ago.  Now Joan and I are 6 days away from traveling for the second time.  Our kids will stay home this time. 

We were recently asked how it was to leave Ethiopia the first time.  Detached is the word.  You are asked to bond but only enough to say yes to the judge and pass court.  We left knowing more, feeling closer to our son, but remaining somewhat detached in order to pass time until we get back.

Though we took humanitarian aid visit #1, I am preparing medical supplies for the Gladney pediatrician to better serve the kids at the foster care center.  I hope to get back to the governement orphange with some meds for another round of evaluations.  We have made plans to visit the fistula hospital during our second visit.

A few clothing pointers for the ladies (from Joan).  She recommends 3 pair of pants, 5-7 tshirts, long skirt for court, light shoes like crocs, a light jacket and scarfs.  Most of the ladies were scarfs for warmth or to cover there face due to fumes in Addis.  An extra set of clothes in the carry on served us very well when we were stuck in Washington DC overnight.  Joan leaves any expensive jewelry in the USA.  We in general travel with the understanding anything we take is expendable.

We recieved our final update from Gladney yesterday.  It included Sam's current diet, sleep schedule, formula, measurements and medical history.

The schedule for visit #2 is shorter with less scheduled time.  Essentially, one could travel a total of 5 or 6 days is possible.  The only three scheduled events are coffee ceremony on Wednesday morning, Embassy on Thursday and possible meeting of birth family on Friday.

AB/JB