Update from Judy Nov. 16th

Here is another update from Judy (our friend who is with Jaci) with interesting news...

Hi everyone,

We're enjoying a beautiful sunny morning here after a power outage last night . . . it is so amazing to watch the FIVE!! adoptive families (six including Jaci and Bethlehem) interact and hear their stories . . . one family just left to spend the day at the orphanage where their six-month old is . . . they expect to meet the birth mother there today and go to court tomorrow.  He spent the day here with them yesterday; a delightful little boy with bright eyes and an easy smile.  All the rest of the families are here to go to the Embassy Court hearing tomorrow, so there are several children playing together and getting acquainted with one another while the adults share their stories and their feelings.  One of the families is on the way to pick up their 6 month old boy who will spent today and tonight here and then they will also go to the Embassy hearing tomorrow.  It is quite an amazing experience to be an observer in all of this activity . . . A high privilege indeed!

Yesterday we did go to Entoto which is a high (10,000 ft) mountain overlooking Addis . . . it was the first capital of Ethiopia and the 100 year old palace and museum made for an interesting tour.  I haven't had a chance to do any shopping yet since I wasn't feeling 100% yesterday and the things we did were enough for me =)

Bethlehem seems to be gaining ground with responding well to Jaci's instructions and discipline.  She fusses for a while but then comes around pretty well.  She is a very expressive little girl, so we have no problem telling when something displeases her =)  But overall she is a happy, active and enjoyable little girl.  She seems to be an eager learner as well and knows her numbers and letters and now several colors and is always anxious to play educational games or practice her English.  I feel like the bonding to Jaci is going well, even though when there are other children around she is more interested in playing with them . . . pretty normal, don't you think?

I think they pay for their internet by the minute, so even though it's extemely slow, I'll sign off for now so I don't cost them too much money, and one of the other families may want to use the computer . . .

Love you all,

Judy (and Jaci and Bethlehem)