We took the boys to a number of stores shopping for clothes and shoes.  They were absolute troopers and we decided to give them a treat at Baskin Robbins.  They, in turn, gave us a treat that we really were not prepared for – they shared stories from Ethiopia that we did not know.  In fact, we still marvel at how they were able to communicate so clearly with such a light grasp of the English language.  We had hoped that we would hear their accounts of early childhood over the coming months and years – essentially as soon as they were able to share and comfortable with us.  We did not expect to get so much so soon.  Here’s a brief summary:

• We asked them how they knew so much Spanish.  Over the previous few days they had used some Spanish expressions and we were curious how they knew them.  At first we thought maybe they picked it up from “Dora The Explorer” but they’d only seen a couple episodes, if that.  That might explain “hola” or “buenos dias” but not “un poquito” used in proper context.
• They proceeded to tell us that, prior to going to “Tezera’s House” (Widows & Orphans’ Home), they were at another “house” (and they told us the name of the woman who ran it).  At that house, many families came from Spain and the “babies go” to Spain.  The families from Spain would speak to them and teach them Spanish.
• They also told us that “BIG” (meaning many – not a reference to size) babies get families in Spain, but no family for Fraol and Behayelu.  They told us that they and their sister were sad at this.  (note: We knew that the boys were in a previous orphanage that the government closed, but we did not know the connection with Spain.)
• They continued, telling us that after they went to Tezera’s, “Joy (Joy Casey, from the Adoption Ministry of YWAM) came, took photos and then… We have family!!!” (huge gestures and amazing smiles)  “Everybody happy!!!”
• They also told us of other “family members” and we’re trying to learn the nature of those relationships.  Our intent is to help the boys process their memories as they grow older and as they develop better English comprehension. 

We were incredibly blessed and blown away by their (especially Fraol’s) ability to communicate fairly complex subject matter AND by their comfort in sharing this with us.  And we thank God for making us available to hear this.  What a treat (and it was worth a long time sitting with two of us per chair)!