More K. the National Museum (And More K.)

Once again, today started out with a visit to see the children. When we got there the older toddlers/preschoolers were playing in the courtyard and they told us that the babies were on the upper deck enjoying the sun. Nothing could have prepared us for the sight- we walked onto the deck off the third floor of the center. The babies are all lying on blankets on a big rug warm in the sun- completely naked. I wish I could have taken a photo because it was a pretty funny- all these little naked babies perfectly content out in the sun. The nannies were in the process of getting them all dressed when we arrived. A. didn't want to come out to see the "naked babies" but finally decided that naked babies weren't that big of a deal.

We brought K. down into the playroom and just hung out while we interacted with the other kids in the center. We have been told that all of the children in the center are matched and waiting for their parents, except for 2 waiting children- both of whom are darling as well. (If you want more info on those kids visit the Holt website.) All the kids are happy and well cared for. We have talked to all the babies and held and played with all of the older kids. Tip for travelers -bring the small non-spillable bubble containers and some bubble refills. The kids really enjoy the two we bought, but they all want a turn and the bubble solution won't last long. Also, for travelers- it's not called the rainy season for nothing. So far we have managed to not get caught outside in the downpours but it rains HARD each day.

After baby time we went to a local restaurant for lunch. They had a kind of eclectic menu anyway but when they saw that D. was Chinese they actually wrote out the Chinese foods they could make as they thought that she might like them better. The people here are some of the nicest people I have ever met. Everyone goes out of their way to make us feel at home (including strangers in the airport.) They all love the kids and think they can do no wrong- so the boys are in for a rude awakening when we get back home and D. has yet to meet an Ethiopian man she doesn't like- she's become a big flirt and they are all loving her. After lunch the owner of the restaurant came out and thanked us for visiting and for taking our Ethiopian children into our heart and homes. It was so heartfelt and genuine it kind of made us all tear up.

Following lunch we went to the National Museum of Ethiopia and saw some of their amazing collection of artifacts. Africa and specifically this part of Africa is where humanity is thought to have begun. We were able to see the bones of Lucy, the second oldest human found and a mask of Selam, the oldest and most complete set of bones ever found (also found in Ethiopia). The museum's building and facilities do not begin to do the collection justice. We also took a driving tour of part of the city. There are huge houses right next to huts with the walls made of tarps. We were able to see the presidential residence and the palace of the prime minister. Unfortunately, some of the cultural icons are not situated in areas that make stopping to take photos an option. Many are in the middle of very congested roundabouts so there is not a easy (or safe) way to walk to them. It makes me sad that we are only able to see some of these things from the windows of a bus. Much of the historical and cultural sites of Ethiopia are way out of the city so we will not be able to see them on this trip. However, we look forward to coming back when the kids are older and really experiencing the country and the culture.

We ended the day by going back to see the babies again. We were there during the shift change so we were able to meet some of the nannies that we hadn't seen before. I was able to take K.'s photo with some of them and one in particular took her from me. She said "you mama" I said yes. She patted her heart and looked at K., then kissed her and patted her heart again. She clearly loves her. All the nannies have reacted like this. They are always kissing and hugging and talking to the children. It is really amazing the love they show for the kids. I can't imagine how hard it is to have to say goodbye to them when they leave with their new families.

Tomorrow the care center is closed so that they can operate on a more minimal staffing (since Sunday is a Holy day.) We have the opportunity to visit a church but since the kids have several lengthy formalities they have to sit through, we decided that we are not going to the service. We are heading off to a resort for the afternoon. We aren't sure exactly what to expect since it is kind of cool to swim and so far it has rained all afternoon each day but we will get to see some of the countryside.