Sunday, November 2, 2008

We've landed !!

We made it !!!! It's 7:40 pm back home. It's 5:40 am here in Addis. (We are now 10 hours ahead of ya'll in CO b/c of Daylight Savings.)

 

It was pretty easy to navigate what needed to be done, and how to do it once we arrived at the Airport here in Addis. It was 4:00 am and dark, so we didn't see much on the drive here. We did see enough to know our hearts are going to break when we see it in daylight. The poverty was evident even amidst the dark streets.

 

We are staying at the Addis View Hotel. It is really nice and clean.  (There is a bit of a cabbage like smell, but I think I'm already over it.) Upon arrival, I did what I always do at a hotel … unpacked. (My mom passed that one on to me. :)) Aaron and I both tried lying down for about 30 minutes. Neither of us fell back to sleep. We have to be up in 3 hours, and so I don't feel much like taking yet another sleeping pill for only 3 hours. Perhaps I'll regret that later. I've figured that in the last 76 hours, I've had a total of 11 hours of sleep. 3 ½ were on our last flight. The plane was near empty for our last leg of a 4 hour flight, so Aaron and I both were able to lay down across seats to sleep! That's flying!

 

I was induced with 2 of my children. I didn't sleep the night before they came. How is one supposed to sleep when they know they are about to meet their child? That's how I feel now. In about 8 hours, I will meet my son! (However, even the jet lag beats 8 hours of labor after being induced, that is for sure! :) ) Anyway, I can't wait. I can't wait for some good Ethiopian Coffee and real food too. The rubber chicken on the plane just didn't do it for me.

 

Thanks for covering us in prayers. We feel them, and they are being heard. Oh, one praise – all 5 of our bags made it with very little damage!!!

 

Hi Provi, Eden & Sam …. We love you so much, and are so proud of how you are sacrificing right now to be part in caring for the orphans. Remember, by letting Dad and Mom do this – you are part of what Jesus has asked us to do … and that is just one way you are part of it. We wanted to call, as you are probably on your way to miss Rebecca's. But we can't figure out the phones here yet. J So, we love you. (Sam … Love you, good night, love you, good night, love you. :))


A couple of other things now that I've had some coffee....OH MY GOODNESS.... the coffee is AMAZING here! Aaron, who doesn't even like coffee, liked it too (without sweet creams even!). There is now potential for this to be a good jet lag day. :)
Also..... we have our own water heater in our shower, which I thought was cool. Until half way through my shower, I realized that the water heater was plugged in IN the shower. WHAT?!?!?! I quickly pointed the nozzle the other direction and prayed for my life. :) Good times.

9 comments:

Rob and Candy said...

i'm glad you made it safely. We are looking forward to hearing all about your visit to the TH.
candy (yg)

Sherry said...

We are so glad to hear you arrived safely. I loved your encouragement to your children about their sacrifice out not being with you is what Jesus has called them to do to bring your orphan home. Very true and very sweet! We are praying for your day today. We can't wait to hear all about it!

Blessings! - sherry semlow :)

Rebecca Caldwell said...

Jody,
Glad you made it safely, and how awesome to think that you will be meeting your son so very soon! Can't wait to hear all about it!!!

Kari said...

Brittons,
WOW...your posts are sooo vivid & fun to read:))) I feel like I'm back in Addis...thanks for keeping all your stalkers happy today!
You've had "Meetcha Day" and we can't wait to hear all the news!!
Praying!!!
Kari:)

Jaime said...

the hot water thing made me LAUGH OUT LOUD...may you be blessed beyond belief today!!!

Jori said...

Goad you made it safely and yet somehow the shower now scares me more than the flight!!! :):) Praying!
love, jori

brandts brandts everywhere said...

so good to hear this all!

Andy said...

So far so good from the sounds of things.

Unknown said...

ah...your note to your kids totally made me cry... i'm so emotional for you!!
i saw them at Options yesterday... they are so so so sweet... I brought Eden her pumpkin to weigh (i forgot maegan's so when i went home, i grabbed one for E, too) She's such a doll!! And Prov totally was helping out a friend at recess... I'm sure Rebecca will tell you all about it!! I LOVE YOU!!