Ethiopia

We just got back from a beautiful week in Ethiopia. Wow. There's a fascinating country. It's old. Ancient-like. Like the Queen of Sheba was there. We didn't go to any of the sweet ancient sites. No. Having a one year old and a three year old in tow means that you don't do that stuff. At least not right now. As my dear friend said, "Someday, when you're fifty, you can go see those neat places." So true. Having kids really changes your life, though I wouldn't change it for the world. Eden and Isaaq did great on the trip. Isaaq was all over the place and Eden was just excited to sit in her own seat in the airplane.

Ethiopia is not only super old, but really green (at least the part we were in). Isaaq was pumped about all the dirt he could dig in. Eden enjoyed picking flowers and putting them in my purse. We also got to hang out with some dear friends of ours. It was oh so good for my soul. And we got to eat some delicious food we don't normally get to indulge in. Ethiopia is great for that tasty stuff. I, uncharacteristically, unfortunately forgot to take pictures of the local cuisine. While we were there, a friend, who is a professional photographer took pictures of our family for us. It amazes me how the Father blesses us in such profound ways. It meant so much to me that someone would take these pictures for us.

There were also childcare facilities available. Eden loved her teacher, Miss Barbara. On the first day, when I was dropping her off she said to me "Mommy you go now." Towards the end of the week she was missing us and wanted to stay with us, but then she'd usually get over it and join the fun. Isaaq was in the process of acquiring around 72 teeth (yes, my son is a shark:) at the same time, and just wanted to be with mommy the whole time. Dear Isaaq's teeth: would you please just come in and stop bothering my little boy? Love, Isaaq's Mommy. Really, enough is enough. Actually, it probably wasn't just the fact that he was getting a few teeth in. He usually handles it pretty well. I think he was just missing his mommy. He's a bit of a momma's boy.

All in all, it was a wonderful week of relaxation and encouragement. And, as always, it's nice to be home again.