preparing

ok.
We had our Hep.A & Yellow fever shots, we're done taking our Typhoid series of pills, next up is begin Malaria meds and continue to take each day while we're there. With water. Which we have to be sure has come from a new water bottle that is sealed and covered with plastic. No prob. Can't have the ice in drinks. Warm pop? Not so much. Beer anyone? Hmmm, It's not like I'm pregnant or nursing...
Next up is contacting banks in the area to get thousands worth of crisp $100 bills that are dated >2004 typical of any vacation, yes?
Almost finished getting the donations together (thank you Karen Schultze & Wyoming Park UMC!)also gifts to the >25 persons that work in various aspects of our children's care...court worker, driver, RNs, MDs, caregivers, etc.
Last but not least, we may have the chance to meet the birth family. If the information on file at her original orphanage is correct, any available family will be contacted. If we're blessed to meet, I have prepared a photobook to give including photos of family, our home, and interests. Waiting to get the book delivered here. May be the most 'thoughtful' gift I could ever give someone.

Room nearly complete

Still want to hang butterflies from ceiling, add a shelf, bookcase & glider/rocker/ottoman. John has done an amazing job. He & grandpa hung the tongue-and-groove ceiling, laid the carpet. Patient man that he is-sanded & painted each post, and constructed the fence. He's building a 'gate' to cover the slider to the 2nd floor balcony. Just to be safe. A fellow adoptive mom that recently traveled and 'met' Addis at her orphanage stated, "she's a pioneer of sorts & workers said she's tried to escape a few times". So, we may switch the full bed for a crib and one of us will sleep on a twin bed next to that. I might buy a 'bell' for the door, too. She sounds like a challenge :) Nothing like her (forever)mom.

Countdown

We bought our plane tickets today!

Our tentative itinerary;

• Depart Grand Rapids Wed., Feb.3rd. Arrive Addis Abba, Ethiopia, Thurs., Feb. 4
• Friday sightsee/relax
• Saturday-Monday, drive 5 hours to the south and view area Addison Blen was born. Rumor has it we take a boat ride on a lake in the region containing wild hippos and monkeys in the trees. Have a feeling this safari won't be Disney run. Can't wait!
• Monday night return to Addis Abba
• Tuesday- meet and hold Addison for the first time! Then bring her 'home' to our hotel and travel with her the rest of the stay.
• Wednesday-shop??
• Thursday - embassy appointment
• Friday - we extended our stay due to flight choice, so this day is 'open' and still in country
• Saturday depart Addis Abba
• Sunday, Feb.14 Happy Valentine's Day!! - we bring our sweetheart home. We will have a layover at Detroit Metro ~11am-1:00pm...hope to see Mooma & Boompa in that window
• Arrive Grand Rapids at 2:30pm