Where are you Ethan-O?

When we began the adoption process, Todd's uncle - Mike - started calling our soon-to-be son Ethan O from Ethanopia. Along the way, the name has just sort of stuck and we all refer to him as Ethan O. I find myself asking quite often these days just where the heck Ethan O is and why he hasn't been referred to us yet.

There's not much to report these days. We endured 5 shots this past Thursday in preparation for our future travels. Today, Sunday, I am still sore. I also had the pleasure of making an absolute fool of myself. Before the shots, when asked if I had ever passed out or gotten sick after shots, I said, "No way..." in the most confident and self assured voice I had. Needless to say, I felt like an absolute fool at the counter paying for the shots when I had to excuse myself to lie down. I've never felt so flushed and dizzy in my entire life! 10 minutes later with the help of a cold compress, we made our way out the door. If I was a character in a musical I would now begin singing the song, "I Will Survive!"

The most exciting news I can share is that our good friends from Lubbock have decided to adopt an older child - 10 or 11 years old - from Ethiopia! We have been so blessed with their friendship and we are looking forward to extending our friendship to this new addition. He doesn't know it yet, but he has hit the lottery; there is absolutely no family that could offer him what Brad and Rebecca can. We can't wait to meet him. I just keep thinking about how powerful and moving it will be when he learns of his future family. I imagine that older children begin to feel as though adoption is out of reach and that their chance at a family has passed. What an incredible moment it will be when he is told that he will soon receive what most of us take for granted every day.

Today we celebrated our 7th anniversary and I just couldn't help thinking that this week would be the perfect time for Mary to call us. So, come on Mary...pick up the phone... We're dying to meet Ethan-O!

BAH, HUMBUG!

I believe the title of this post says it all. I'm having a little trouble in the patience department; I was so certain that we would receive the call this past week, but alas, it's not about me is it? Most families who adopt older children receive very speedy referrals so I had my hopes up that this would be the week - I suppose now I have to come face to face with Mr. Patience and realize that it will happen and when it does happen a timeline will be nothing but a distant memory. Nevertheless, I'm feeling a little "Scroogy" today.

A few weekends ago, we had the pleasure of meeting the Enrights and the Waltons for dinner. Both families are adopting the same age bracket and it was so much fun to get together and share adoption stories. We also learned that we went to the same school, around the same time, as the Enrights - and for those of you who are familiar with McMurry, you realize that this is some coincidence as it is not a large school! Just when you think you have anonymity you realize what a small world it is.

What a blessing it is to know that we will be able to share "lil' Treat" with friends nearby. What a blessing it is to know that I'll be able to seek advice and share stories with new adoption friends - as I'm sure I will learn quickly that I know nothing about raising children. Perhaps there is hope for me yet this holiday season.

Queen of Sheba

We tasted, we tested and we survived! For those of you who know Todd, you understand me when I say that eating authentic Ethiopian food is quite an undertaking. Todd fully believes that meat and potatoes are the only 2 food groups that exist - needless to say this was way out of his comfort zone. Friday night we (Todd, myself and his parents) drove to Addison to eat at the Queen of Sheba. The people, the atmosphere and cuisine gave us an insightful glance at a culture we will experience soon. Our food arrived on one large dish that we were to all share. I started thinking about American culture, about the holidays and I found this concept to be quite refreshing. At an American table, everyone has their own plate, their own utensils, we grab our portions and immediately scarf our food down. I have to say that the Ethiopian table seemed so different; it reminded me what a sacred experience mealtime could and perhaps should be. There is something symbolic about sharing food, sharing a plate, ordering together, passing injera around the table - it was as if we were summoned to slow down, look at those around the table and experience the food as opposed to merely consume. During this holiday season, I am reminded that less is more, the world is not about things, and that just because my culture tells me to buy, consume and hoard, doesn't mean I have to listen. In the words of Fred Rogers I have learned, "That which is essential is invisible." Somewhere tonight sleeps a little man four or five years of age and I hope that I remain cognizant when removing him from an impoverished life that I don't remove him from an impoverished sense of self. I have a feeling we'll do a lot of learning when we take in this little guy.

Our Menu:

Yedoro Tibse Cubes of chicken, sauteed in spicy wine & butter

ZIGNI WOTT Small chunks of beef, in a spicy pepper sauce.

It's official - We're in the Club!

Dearest Todd and Renee,
Kate has informed me that your dossier is ready to be sent to D.C. for final authentication! This means that you are officially placed on waitlist to receive a referral! Currently, families have waited anytime up to three months to five months to receive a referral on average. Please keep in mind that this timeline is subject to change at any time. Congratulations on making it through the tedious dossier process! You made it! :-)