Wednesday morning we made instant oatmeal for breakfast before going shopping. Upon seeing the oatmeal, my 9 year old said, "No eat." And didn't. Fortunately we also had rolls and juice to offer, which went over just fine. Around 10:00 our very nice driver Dawit came in his van to take us on a few errands.

First on the agenda was new shoes for our girls. We opted to go to a 'no-bargaining' place on Churchill Road where we spent about $13 a pair for silver tennis shoes for the 11 and 9 year olds. Next came Bibles. We were hoping to find them Amharic-English Bibles, but had to settle for just Amharic ones, along with a couple story books and a CD of Christian children's music.

Back at the guesthouse the 9 year old read one of the story books to John. She can read really well in Amharic, which is a kick to listen to, with all the clicks and interesting sounds. Of course John just kept saying 'Gobez' (good job) not knowing if she was getting it right. But she read with certainty, with only occasional slowdowns to figure out a word here and there. So I am sure she was doing fine.

In the afternoon we had our embassy appointment. We waited a long time in the downstairs waiting area before it was our turn to go up for our interview. During the long wait our older daughter seemed very somber. I think it is hitting her that we are leaving soon, and she is so sad to leave her friends. She has so many friends here.

The actual interview took only 5 minutes or so-- a few questions about our daughters' birth family, and then a smiling congratulations and we were on our way. After the embassy appointment we stopped back at the guesthouse for an hour or so, then went to Layla for dinner. It was spicy sloppy joe-type meat on oiled rice-- very good. The huge room was incredibly noisy, and by the time the meal was over, there was rice all over every table and floor. But everyone was friendly, and I enjoyed the bits of conversation I had with our daughters' friends.

Our younger daughter visited with friends a bit, then sat with us to eat. Our older daughter spent most of her time going from friend to friend hugging and talking seriously. These girls have so many friends. They seem loved by all and they love everyone. And no wonder -- they are warm-hearted, caring people. They even hugged the little 5 year old boys. I am starting to grasp just how hard it will for them to leave all this.

We stayed for the bedtime singing as well. Our 5 year old was overwhelmed by the noise, and kept asking to go out into the courtyard. But in general the singing and prayer time was enjoyed by the kids. I am afraid that our staid Lutheran church will suffer in the comparison.

Once again our 11 year old went around hugging friends. Then she asked (via a friend who speaks good English) if she could stay at Layla just one more night. Not at all a reflection on us, I don't think-- just a reflection on how very much she loves her friends there.

My gut just didn't feel easy about that, so I reluctantly told her no. I was prepared for her disappointment, but I wasn't prepared for my 9 year old to pat my arm with relief and say, "Good Mom!!!!!" I'm not sure if she just didn't want to stay, or if she knew it was better for her big sister not to stay. In any case, I was glad she agreed with my gut.

Layla is a wonderful place for these kids- a place where children are surrounded by others with similar life stories. A place where kids rally around and nurture others who are sad. I hope the girls will always remember their time here. But it is time to start saying goodbye.

Previous portions of this story
Sunday and Monday
Tuesday
Tuesday(later)