Day 1 in Ethiopia (Friday)

We’re here! We are winding down our first day in Ethiopia, and things are great! I will make this a quick note. The flights were way too long, but the kids did amazing. On our 14-hour flight both kids slept at least 80% of the time. In Dubai we had an 8-hour layover, so we spent 5 hours in the airport hotel at $50 an hour. It was the best money we have ever spent, and made all the different for us being coherent today.

We met Biniam shortly after arriving and he is so sweet. He was waiting right inside the gate at the compound when we drove in with Nate, and had a huge smile on his face when he saw us. Another family was throwing a party for his class at the Hilton pool, so we all went straight over there for lunch and a few hours of swimming. Emma is completely smitten with Biniam, and they can usually be found holding hands or sitting next to each other. She has been saying things all day like “Biniam, I love you” and “Biniam, you’re handsome”. It’s very cute.

After a rest at the hotel we went with another family to Brian’s and my favorite restaurant, Habesha. We ate way too much food and enjoyed the company and the entertainment.

Right now it is past 10:00 PM and I can’t believe we are still awake. So far we are all feeling pretty well and managing the time difference. Tomorrow Dawit will be picking us up and taking us shoe shopping for Biniam, and to Layla to hang out.