From Maggie

Hi everyone!

It's Monday afternoon here in Addis - we met the kiddies this morning, and wow, are they cute! Mesfin has the mumps so he was pretty laid back - very cuddly and sweet. He is in quarantine so we got to spend some 4 on 1 time with him. Maria is in school now, so we met her during her recess. She is a ball of energy! The other kids played with us too - all very sweet and eager to practice their English and play soccer. We brought a few toys to play with - flute/recorders were a big hit. They watch Barney at the orphanage so we sang that I love you, you love me song - also a big hit. I'm very curious to see how it goes taking them back to the guest house... that happens on Wednesday. Most of the families at the guest house are adopting toddlers, so it should be rambunctious! Guess we'll have to try to get some good night sleep before then :)

The guest house makes delicious food, our room is nice, and the showers are warm. There are several nice families here to adopt as well, so we've been meeting some cool people.

We visit the Embassy tomorrow to file for the kids' visas. We go on a shopping trip on Wednesday, I think, so we'll keep my eye out for coffee, etc. There is a neat fabric market that I think we'll hit up. We exchanged money today -- $120 = 1060 birr. We're feeling pretty rich, but there's nothing to spend it on yet.

We're taking lots of pictures but haven't found a way to upload them yet. The countryside we saw yesterday was amazing. Mesfin and Mari's parents were really sweet - they were so touched to meet us and so happy for their children.

More to come!

-Maggie