David Behayelu’s Birthday

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At Point Defiance Zoo & Acquarium

At Point Defiance Zoo & Acquarium

Behayelu turned seven years old today!  The boys awoke before Mom, so they climbed in bed with her and watched a few minutes of TV.  Behayelu opened some gifts there.  After an easy-going morning we went to the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium with Sarah & Ilaria (thanks for the pass, Julie & Cindy).  We saw many varieties of fish, sharks, birds and other animals.  The sharks and walruses were especially impressive, and the otters were quite playful.  The boys had a blast.  They were so funny, as always.

When we got back from the zoo, we had fish sticks and mashed potatoes for dinner and then headed off to Bible Study Fellowship.  The boys love going to BSF!  They are making friends and, although they cannot yet complete or comprehend the lessons, they are memorizing God’s word like nobody’s business!!    The evening ended with cupcakes, “Happy Birthday” and big smiles!!

Birthday Festivities

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Behayelu & Fraol

Behayelu & Fraol

We had a great turnout for the boys’ birthday party in the park today.  It was awesome, with clear blue skies and sunshine (although it got a bit cool after about 4:00 – it is October 11, after all).  Our small local park was the perfect setting for a laid-back and unstructured party.  We played various games, cooked hot dogs, and just generally had a good time (and, of course, the boys rode the bicycles).  There were kids galore and the boys were overwhelmed with gifts (we’ll have to parcel them out over several days so they can appreciate them).  Thanks to all who came; you made it a great afternoon!

The Titus family stayed after all the others had left and Jason broke out his kite, which was a great treat for the boys.  Even though the wind had died down, all the kids had a blast trying to get the kite to fly.  Later, after their bath (playing with new bath toys!), the boys put together the 3-D Lightning McQueen puzzle.

It was a great way to introduce the concept of celebrating birthdays to the boys.

Pumpkin Patch Fun

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Group photo in the corn maze

Group photo in the corn maze

We went to the Pumpkin Patch (at Spooner Farms) with Grammy, MacKenzie, Mason, Kyle, Sarah and Ilaria.  Grandpa stayed at our house with the cats (and, more importantly to him, the University of Oregon game in HD).  We went through the corn maze as a group, finding all six stations in sequence and in record time (especially compared to last year).  We stopped for pictures along the way and just enjoyed it all.

After the corn maze, the kids (including Sary-Jo) each picked out a pumpkin to take home.  Then we hit the snack bar and it was on to the pumpkin slingshot!  The kids needed some help pulling against the slingshots, but we really enjoyed watching when they tried it on their own.  We never hit the bullseye, but we came pretty close and had a lot of fun.  Later this month, we’ll carve the boys’ pumpkins and post pictures of that experience.  We’ll probably see some wide-eyes again!

After the pumpkin patch, the kids relaxed on our bed and watched TV with the cats for a few minutes.

Go Vikings!

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Behayelu & Fraol with the Viking Mascot

Behayelu & Fraol with the Viking Mascot

 

We took the boys to their first sporting event – a Puyallup High School football game.  We had a blast and saw a few long-time friends: the Smithhislers and the Malkuchs.  As we left the stadium we ran into Lauren and her friends!  The boys got their picture taken with the Viking mascot and one of the cheerleaders – both were very kind.  And especially for Sarah, there’s a picture with Mandy Malkuch!

Daniel Fraol’s Birthday

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Daniel Fraol Averill, Age 9

Daniel Fraol Averill, Age 9

Fraol officially turned nine years old today – and what a day it has been!  The boys slept in a bit (because they couldn’t get to sleep last night).  When they awoke, Fraol opened a couple gifts and they came out to watch a movie (The Incredibles).  For breakfast they had their first taste of Eggos.  Then we went on a long bicycle ride from Orting toward South Prairie.  We returned to Orting, had a picnic lunch, and the boys played in the park.  Following that, we returned to Puyallup and our neighborhood park, where the boys continued riding bicycles.  Sarah, Kyle and Ilaria met us there, as did Sarah’s friend Stella and her kids.  What a blessing!

The boys explained that they celebrate the first birthday in Ethiopia, but not really any others.  We don’t know if that applies just to them or if that is the cultural practice.

We had a low key day as birthdays go.  We’ll have a gathering at the park on Sunday to celebrate both boys’ birthdays, since Behayelu turns seven on Monday.  But we all had a great time doing the things that Fraol likes best.  And, of course, we took a few pictures.  Click on the one shown to see more photos.

Life With Boys

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Daniel Fraol and David Behayelu continue to fit in well to the Averill household.  They love to talk and they don’t really care that it takes a while to overcome language barriers.  Since we love to share stories with them, it has been great in that regard.

Biking along the Puyallup River

They also love to ride bicycles (which is rather fun, especially considering they both learned how within the last two weeks).  Behayelu learned two days after Fraol did.  We were visting their cousins Mason and MacKenzie.  Mason was a great motivator and then they (Mason & MacKenzie) loaned us some bicycles.  I think the boys would ride their bikes for hours every day if we let them.  We take them to a local park practically every day and we’ve ventured onto the bigger bicycle trails twice.  They are getting used to riding with other bicycles, scooters, pedestrians, dogs, etc.  (Click here to see pictures of our visit at Julie’s)

At the park with the Titus family

They’ve played with the neighorhood kids and make friends wherever they go.  Nobody can resist their smiles and happy attitude.  We continue to introduce them to friends and family as opportunities arise.  We don’t want to overwhelm with new people every day, but it’s been great for them to meet Margie & Ruli, Mike & Mary, the Titus family, Rebecca and many others.  At Margie & Ruli’s they enjoyed looking at Margie’s photo album and doing jigsaw puzzles.  At Mike & Mary’s they consumed a number of cows (might be exaggerating here) and roasted marshmallows on the back patio (their first bonfire).  We had a great time at the park with Jason, Katie and the kids, as well as Rebecca. 

Their energy level is through the roof, as are their appetites!  They can pack away the protein, whether it’s salmon, beef, pork, chicken or eggs.  Peas and cheese are not favorites at this time, and they’re somewhat picky about fruit juices.  They did share that “In Ethiopia, no full!” meaning they never seemed to have enough food.  “Good morning… eat.  Good afternoon… eat.  Good night… no eat.”

They had their first ever dentist appointment.  They did very well in terms of sitting still, opening their mouths, etc.  As you might imagine, they needed a lot of cleaning but neither had a cavity, which surprised us.  Behayelu needs some baby teeth (and fragments) removed and they both need sealants.  Not bad!

They had school pictures taken and it is clear from that short visit that they will need much more adjustment before they are ready to join in regular school.  They work with Sary-Jo (Momschool) practically every day and they really enjoy learning!  They also started attending the children’s program at Bible Study Fellowship on Mondays (with Randy) and they love it!  One of the leaders said that their first night attending was his best night in over 20 years of BSF!!!  They enjoy memorizing their verse even though they cannot really understand or complete the lesson.  They frequently ask if “Bible Study tonight?  No?  Tomorrow? Tomorrow-tomorrow???”  They love it!

One day as we drove by the fairgrounds they got very excited.  We received some free passes so we took them for a couple hours on the final day of the fair this year.  They rode on a few rides, petted some animals and had a hot dog for lunch.  They seemed to enjoy it a lot and have asked when they get to go again.  We cannot seem to convey that it’s closed until Spring. (Click here to see pictures at the fair)

The kittens just climbed up on the desk to remind us to write about them.  They are adjusting to a noisy household quite nicely.  They love people now (they seemed a bit terrified by us for a couple days) and they are extremely cute.  The boys like the cats now and enjoy holding them and petting them.  The boys laugh like crazy when the cats run through the house at 87.3 miles per hour.  Click on the picture to see more pictures of the cats.

Things continue to progress quite well.  The house and the blog are falling behind as the boys (and the cats) seem to consume a lot of time and energy.  But that’s the way it works with active kids at home.

Priceless Ice Cream Cone

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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)!

We’ve been home a week!!

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Ethiopia & Travel

Daniel Fraol & David Behayelu
Daniel Fraol & David Behayelu

The flight to Ethiopia is L-O-N-G!!  We arrived late and then it took two hours to get our visas, go through immigration, exchange money for Birr, and get our luggage.  Abebe and the drivers had been waiting since 7:00pm and we finally met them at around 11:00pm!!  We arrived at our Guest House sore and tired, but were greeted by lovely Tsebay and her staff, who treated us to a beautifully presented coffee ceremony!!  Awesome!!  We barely went to bed and it was time to get up! 

Off we went to get the boys!!!  As the gate to the Thomas Center opened, we saw all the children lined up.  They were clapping their hands and singing “Welcome, welcome” as Fraol and Behayelu stood front and center holding bouquets of roses for us!!  There are just no words to describe the emotion of the moment – it took our breaths away!  The boys gave us such big hugs and their smiles and eyes spoke volumes.  They gave us a tour of the Thomas Center and we were warmly greeted by all the children and their caregivers.  Then we were off to see Abdissa, sign more papers, and receive a briefing on the following day’s Embassy appointment.  After that we drove two hours to Adama to visit the Orphan and Widow’s Home.  We enjoyed the beautiful Ethiopian countryside and even more, we treasure the special bonding time we had with the boys. 

We had a wonderful visit at the orphanage, although it was very emotional.  We met the two children that our friends, the Butlers, are adopting, and took pictures and video of these precious kids receiving the care packages we brought from their new mommy and daddy.  We met Tezera, the director, and had time to chat with her about the boys.  The boys showed us where they ate and where they slept.  The widows hugged and kissed us.  Two especially touching moments were: 1) comforting and explaining to the little boy the Butlers are adopting (he happens to be Fraol and Behayelu’s BEST friend) that we live very close and we’ll get to see him soon, and 2)meeting the boys’ half sister.  WOW!!  Weren’t ready for either of those!!  It was an exceptional visit – definitely time well spent!  The children just melt your heart.  They are beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! 

Two hours back to Addis Ababa and we went to dinner with Abebe and his sweet wife, Abonish.  It was a full day.  Once back at the Guest House, the boys got their first bath, which left a 3 inch ring around the tub – ugh!  And another short night….. 

Tuesday morning – ready for our Embassy appointment.  The boys looked so handsome in their khakis and blue button-up shirts!  Abebe and Abonish took us shopping for Ethiopian clothing and coffee.  We had a great time watching the weavers and listening to Abebe and Abonish bargain on our behalf.  We dropped off our packages at the Guest House and then they drove us to the Thomas Center.  From there we went with two other adopting families to the American Embassy.  The accumulation of no sleep, altitude, pollution, brutal car rides, hectic pace of our days and the emotional aspect of the trip took their toll on Sary-Jo and she got pretty sick!  The Embassy was hot and crowded with many screaming babies, which didn’t help.  By the time our name was called, she was pretty green, but we made it through the swearing in and all the questions.  We experienced another emotional moment as the lady behind the window turned over page after page after page and we flashed back to all the hours we spent carefully preparing and praying over these papers the last several months. 

We returned to the Guest House late afternoon and Sary-Jo went straight to bed while Randy tended to the boys.  Wednesday we skipped the morning activities (museum and shopping) so we could rest and Sary-Jo could recover.  That evening we went to the Thomas Center and were treated to a concert by the children.  Pastor Abdissa delivered a beautiful message on the importance of communicating cheer, compassion, and Christian love.  Each family had a chance to speak to the children and staff, was gifted with Ethiopian attire, and took turns making three cuts into a freshly baked round loaf of bread.  We ate, visited, and took many pictures.  Then we boarded the van and were taken to a restaurant for an Ethiopian dinner and a fantastic show.  It was a very long night.  We felt so bad for the other two couples who had exhausted babies!!! 

Thursday we met with a doctor and the boys had their exit exam.  We also met with Abdissa at his office and received the boys’ passports and a sealed package of documents for immigration upon arrival in DC.  The driver took us shopping (Sary-Jo wanted a doll and we wanted a flag for the boys) and then it was back to the Guest House to pack.  Tsebay’s mom made an absolutely delicious vegetable soup and we ate a relaxing dinner out on the balcony as Mimi graced us with a parting coffee ceremony and Tsebay gifted us with a beautiful leaf art of a village scene.  Abebe joined us and we visited for a while before departing for the airport. 

All in all, it was an excruciatingly difficult trip in every sense.  We loved meeting all the dear people that took care of the boys and helped us with this process.  That was a highlight for sure!  However, there was little to no time to just relax, given the short duration of our stay and we never really recovered from our journey there so that made it extra difficult.  Add to that the emotional aspect and to that the images, sounds and smells of a populace lacking in sanitation, infrastructure, and a visible plan for improvement.  And did I mention the driving?!!!!  It was rough all around.  Our voyage home was extra L-O-N-G, but also amazing as we completely devoted ourselves to these unbelievably precious gifts from God.  The boys slept off and on during the first leg (Ethiopia to DC with a fuel stop in Rome).  Behayelu got sick before landing in DC, but he quickly got over it.  Fraol hit a wall at DC that had us rather concerned.  As it turned out, he was just exhausted!  Both boys fell asleep at the airport and didn’t wake up until 10 minutes before landing in Seattle.  Sarah and Janel got permission to meet us at the gate and that was the sweetest reunion ever!!!  About two dozen family and friends waited for us at baggage claim with big “Welcome” signs and cheers.  It was just an amazing sight! 

 

First week home

We’ve been home for one week now and the boys are adjusting remarkably well.  Despite serious jet lag, the first few days were spent busily exploring their new environment.  It was fun to observe them using all five senses as they discovered so many new things!  Saturday the boys met our neighbors, the Nielsens, who brought over a balloon bouquet.  Every time the big mylar is hit, it plays “Baby Face”.  The boys LOVE it!  They also gave them a soccer ball which has been a huge hit! 

We went to church Sunday morning and many of our friends met the boys.  They recognized The Ashcraft family, whom they had met at the airport.  Tim taught them thumb wrestling!  Sunday afternoon we had several visitors – Sarah and Kyle, Grammy and Grandpa, Julie and Cindy and MacKenzie and Mason.  We took family pictures in the front yard with our Ethiopian clothes while Janel and Ryan were still here.  Julie was our photographer and she captured several great shots for our Christmas card.  After pictures we went to a nearby community park and had a blast watching the kids run around and climb on the big toys.  They boys just loved their cousins!  Sunday night Joany, Lauren, and Alyssa stopped by, as well as the Forshay family.  It was great to see them!  We were all pretty wiped out by bedtime. 

We seem to be communicating just fine and are amazed at how much the boys understand.  Their English is improving daily.  They are doing great with a fork and spoon and are learning table manners.  So far the only food they really don’t like is peas.  We are working on remembering to flush and wash our hands every time we use the restroom as well as using a tissue instead of our fingers or clothing.  Both boys are extremely sweet.  They are super energetic in the early morning.  Daniel Fraol loves gadgets and was quick to figure out the TV controls as well as a vintage Mattel football game.  He is the more serious of the two and not quite so clingy.  David Behayelu is happy go lucky.  He’ll climb on both of us and smother us with kisses and hugs.  Both the boys are really funny.  Bath time is especially a hoot. 

Tuesday they had their first visit with our pediatrician.  We were very pleased with how thorough she was in asking questions and examining the boys.  They got their first set of vaccinations and their arms were pretty sore for a couple days.  Wednesday morning we started “Mom school”.  Through games, books, and repetition, we’ve worked on a few letter names and their sounds, writing their names, colors, shapes, and reciting their Bible verse.  They are sponges and have responded very well to routine and parameters. 

Wednesday evening we picked up our new kitties from our friends John and Barb and took them to the vet for their first check-up and set of vaccinations.  Daniel Fraol is not interested in them at all.  David Behayelu likes them, but doesn’t go looking for them.  There are still too many other things he’d rather play with.  Meanwhile, Columbus and Isabela are doing great.  They are very cute and cuddly.  We’ve been putting them in our big bathroom at night, but letting them roam the house during the day.  The boys are learning to shut the door when they go out to the back yard. 

Thursday night the Butler family came over and after dinner we went to the African Children’s Choir concert at the Nazarene church.  That was really fun, but we’ll have to get together again so the kids have more time to play.  Last night (Friday) we went to visit the Young family in Gig Harbor.  They adopted Besufecad from the same orphanage.  The boys had a sweet reunion.  They played in the cul-de-sac with all the other children and Fraol learned to ride a bike!!! 

Throughout the week we visited Mom’s nail ladies, Karshner School, the grocery store, and a couple of parks.  Joy stopped by and our other neighbors, the Passmores came over also.  And we’ve had countless phone calls from family and friends.  Thank you all so much for your love and continued support.  It has been a physically demanding and emotionally exhausting two weeks, yet we are filled to the brim with joy and are closing our eyes at the end of each day praising God for His goodness.