Judy's update Nov. 19th

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to figure out how to capsulate our day for you . . . It started with an outing with a friend of a friend who is involved with SIM here; she took us to the compound where she lives where they have an apartment in a triplex where Jaci and Bethlehem probably will move to in the next few days--on the way we picked up an Ethiopian woman who works for them who was at the hospital after receiving treatment for cancer, then to the compound (which is really nice), then to the school to pick up her son who is sick with an amoeba, then to the Immigration office where we waited for a very long time, going from one office to another hoping to get Bethlehem's passport.  It was worse than the worst-case scenario at a Social Security office, if you've ever experienced that!  After all that, the word we got was that it wasn't going to happen in time, although Jaci is going to plead her case at the Embassy next Thursday morning (why they're waiting until then, I have no understanding =)

So we got back, Jaci made us some pasta (since by then it was 3:00 and we'd missed lunch) and I rested for a while . . . It was time for Bethlehem to get her hair braided, but she was totally not in favor of it so she got taken to a salon and I came down to the common room where one of the couples returned from a doctor's visit with their 4 1/2 year old who was spiking a fever and then had a seizure . . . Everyone was in shock, but thankfully the owner's wife is a nurse and since they were here she immediately took over and calmed the child and the parents and helped with several phone calls . . . now it looks like the fever is gradually going down and the crisis is over for the moment.  Bethlehem is great with her; she speaks to her in her own language and is very caring.  This is not the first time she's seen the need to step in and help with one of the children who are having a hard time, and I understand she did that a lot at the orphanage.

I can't remember if I wrote about our evening last night with all the families and the staff here at the guest house and their "honoring" us with a "BBQ" of newly slaughtered sheep, intestines, injera, and soft drinks . . . because their intentions are the best, we try hard not to insult them, but it is a huge stretch for us.  Jaci got sick after the last one, a week ago, so we were both very careful not to eat very much.  Being this involved in another culture certainly has its challenges . . . and yet we are truly getting a taste of the kindness of a very sweet people.  Last night before the BBQ we walked to the photo shop to get Bethlehem's passport pictures taken . . . I wish I could describe the traffic, the shops, the people on the way, even the sidewalks . . . crossing the street is an adventure in itself =) but somehow it all works . . .

Will sign off for now.  We're so grateful for your prayers; keep them up!!

Sending love and hugs,

Judy (and Jaci and Bethlehem)