Coffee Ceremony and Gladney Tour

Today was incredible. We got to meet all of Ava's caregivers and you could tell she was a favorite in the foster home. I'm surprised her cheeks aren't raw from all of the kisses she received. We gave her "special mother" a photo album of our family. The "special mothers" took their babies and dressed them in Ethiopian clothing. Then we all gathered in the living area while an Ethiopian woman roasted coffee beans and incense. (No, we didn't get high, although I DID need my inhaler afterward.) Then we drank coffee. Gary will be awake the rest of the trip.

We toured the three Gladney infant and toddler homes, but not the one for older children. We took pictures of babies and caregivers and even held the babies. There are many, many caregivers, all wearing white lab coats and pants. They take their job very seriously. Even when Ava had yet another bad diaper, the caregive insisted on changing her. It was comforting to see them interacting so well with the babies and how happy the babies were. There were about 6-8 babies per bedroom and 2-3 workers in each bedroom. Of the 114 children Gladney has in their care right now, 10 do not have assigned placements. Travis said this is because they fall between age groups 14-16 months. Many people ask for infants younger than 12 months and others ask for 18-24 months.

I kept thinking about the number of babies in the orphanages who do not have the caregivers that Ava had. I've heard there are dozens of babies for each caregiver. We'll get to see on Friday. THere is no way they are able to take care of the babies like they need to.

Ava saw the doctor again while we were on our visit. She is still having bad diarrhea. Her lab results came back as a possible bacterial infection, but she has already started an antibiotic for her ear infection. She acts fine, though. Gary started doing his famous "airplane with the bad motor," flying her around the room. She wasn't too sure about it. Even before the motor went out.

We had lunch with the Gladney staff at a really nice restaurant. I stayed safe with a salad and Gary had lasagna. Ethiopian food is very spicy and very oily. Our meals at the guest house have been great until tonight. Neither Gary nor I ate. We had Fitsum go get us a CHEESE pizza.

Tomorrow much of the day is without Ava. One of the caregivers is coming to our guest house while we go to the Holy Trinity Church and souvenir shopping. Thursday night is a traditional Ethiopian meal and dancing. Hmmm.

Kennady, Carson, and Landon...WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU!!! Can't wait for you to meet Ava. She's one lucky girl for having siblings like you. Carson, hope you're having fun with Papa, Granny, and Nana. Landon, if I can't get on the internet for some reason tomorrow, good luck at the archery tournament. I sure wish I could be there. Kennady, don't worry about your homework! Just have fun!!! We're bring home some cool looking money!

Love you all! Fitsum just arrived with our pizza! 55 birrs! (About $4.00). Very oily.
Tammy/Mom