The latest Blogger from Ethiopia is Shana at the White Family News is currently in Ethiopia getting her son. Her mom has posted a couple emails this week talking about her week there in Ethiopia. They are heading home today. Here's wishing her safe and happy homecomings....

One of the things that I regret about my time in Ethiopia is that I did not know much Amharic. I learned how to say 'thank you', and 'OK', and 'what's your name?' - and that's about it. I've seen a few lists here and there, and even shared some phrases with you. But I was delighted by the thoroughness of today's post on the Ethiopian Adoption Travelogue. It contains LOTS of Amharic phrases complete with pronunciation. Print it... more

Shana is leaving for Ethiopia tomorrow-- I am so excited for her. (Go wish her well, OK?)

I was emailing with her yesterday talking about my Rubbermaid packing solution and thought I'd mention it again here. Each time I went to Ethiopia, due to the generosity of friends and family I was able to bring a bunch of donations for the orphanages. Since I traveled with one of my older kids, we were allowed a total of four checked pieces of luggage (2 for each of us.)

I didn't think we needed to tote four BIG suitcases, especially... more

I just got the following email from the company where I get my Ethiopia calling cards

Happy holidays from www.AfricanPrepaid.Com!

Great news! From 22nd Dec 2006 until 26th December 2006, you are eligible for the Christmas Holiday Sales described below!

Buy $40 or More and Get $4.25 Discount.
Buy $30 or More and Get $3.00 Discount.
Buy $25 or More and Get $2.25 Discount.

--
AFRICANPREPAID.COM
Promotions Division
http://www.africanprepaid.com

I'm guessing that most of you who read my blog have also been following Erin's also lately. She is our Transracial blogger and she just brought home her second child from Ethiopia. I especially wanted to point out a post she wrote today comparing the Hilton and the Ghion hotel, as it nicely lays out the differences between the two in a way that is sure to be helpful to travelers trying to decide where to stay while in Ethiopia.

*******

Also don't miss this lovely post over at Anne's blog. She went to... more

So you're finally going to get your child! If you're like most people, you'll spend that last few days before your trip in a frantic state of perpetual motion. Between the many last details to cross off that list, and the sheer excitement, chances are you won't begin your trip well rested.

Given that fact, what is the best way to deal with the inevitable jet lag you will experience from going across many time zones? Of course you'll want to begin well-hydrated and as well rested as possible. Experts say it is wise to avoid alcohol in the day or so before you leave. The last thing you need at the start of your trip is a hangover.

According to an... more

(Continued from Part One) Pam goes on to encourage families to not be afraid to accept help from strangers, saying that they tend to be very helpful. However she also shares a nerve-wracking moment.

It completely freaked me out when we landed in Italy and were trying to get off the plane with the kids. A man walked up, picked up my 2 year old and a woman picked up my 1 year old and walked off the plane. What the *#@ were those people doing with my children??

We exited the... more

I got an interesting email from a lady the other day. She is the mom of 5 kids, 4 of whom are very close in age. She spent time between 1998 and 2000 working at the US Embassy in Addis Ababa. This time in Addis was only one of many different places her family has lived in the world. She has spent tons of time on planes with little ones.

I asked her if she would be willing to share some of what worked for her on those plane flights. Here are some excerpts from what she shared. First of all she talks about flying to Ethiopia with 3 toddlers.

Looking at the itinerary... more

Many people wonder if they will be able to bring a computer with them to Ethiopia, and what the best way is to navigate writing home from the internet cafes. My experience both times when we were in Ethiopia was that the internet there is terribly, painfully s-l-o-w.

If you are thinking of taking photos and uploading them, don't imagine effortlessly sending large numbers of photos. Uploading a photo will take awhile, and you will probably want to significantly reduce the quality of each photo before sending it to speed the transmission. I 'lost' my internet connection frequently in the midst of trying to send emails.

Another challenge is just keeping your head together... more

(See part one here)

MAKING YOUR CONNECTING FLIGHTS

For me, the most stressful times of the trip home were the connections. The number one thing to do is to make sure your travel agent schedules plenty of time to make each connecting flight. In most cases 2 hours is probably just enough, and will allow you enough time to navigate airports, even if your previous flight is a little late. You may want a little more time than that on your 'port of entry' airport back into the US, to allow time to get through immigration and customs.

ON THE PLANE

On the... more