Getting close to coming home

Kamille sent this morning:
Today we participated in a Farwell ceremony for the children. So we went back to the care center. We received a card with well wishes for Tamene from the staff. They dressed them all in traditional clothes and after we ate cake and drank soda.

It was sad and a relief to leave there and know that Tamene would not be going back. They took such good care of him. But now we have passed some of the major milestones for this adoption. Just getting back in the US, as the final hurdle.

Thank so much for everyone who sent donations they went to an orphanage and a children's hospital. The need here is so great, everything helps.

So Embassy day. We passed through two security check points (someone, who shall remain nameless, left her iPod in her purse - and it wasn't me) without too much trouble. Then we waited for our names to be called. Frankly, I continue to be confused about days and dates and times. Many days I am quite confident I have been here for months. In any case, we waited at the Embassy for what seemed like many hours, before our name was called and we had a 2 minute interview to get Tamene's Visa. In the "hours" of waiting prior, Tamene was very determined that he was going to be outside running around. There isn't much for grass around here, so we hung out on the cement walk-way. This was clearly not enough space for Tamene. Wait, let me throw something in here - there were rules for the embassy including one about keeping your kids quiet while you are there - Trent and I laughed at that. Back to Tamene: He was extremely upset that he could not just run around and play. So he proceeded to make a crying noise, even though he was not crying. We tried to distract him with many toys - Car, magnadoodle, tractor, lotion, Pez, etc... but this resultied in more crying and frustration on his part - just just wanted to be out and have space. So the afternoon, drug on, until all the families were finally done and we could leave. Guess who passed out in my arms on the way back to the Guest House?

Tamene LOVES the bus. We are transported everywhere by bus, and the bus parks right outside the front door of the guest house. So, either Tamene is on the bus, or crying that he wants to be on the bus. We are outside a lot. Good thing the weather has been nice. We are outside nearly all day. He did fall asleep in my arms outside in the swing again last night.

maybe more blogging later, have to head out for a tour of the city (Solomon is taking us!)