News From Awassa

We have been getting positive news from Awassa as Endris, Shemelese and Yenu seem to be adjusting well to their new routine. They are working daily with the tutor in preparation for school beginning on February 13th.  

Their school uniforms have arrived and the kids look smart and handsome/beautiful in them. 

So far so good...

Bob's Short Trip Home

Things have been moving so quickly that I did not have an opportunity to reflect upon my quick but busy trip to the States.  After arriving late on Friday evening, I was able to sleep a bit but the jet lag kicked in with a 3:30am wake-up. My body was reminding me that it was 11:30am in Ethiopia.  After tossing and turning a bit, I got up and worked a full day in preparation for taking depositions on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  

While it was tough to stomach leaving the family, returning home reminded me how fortunate I am to have good friends.  When I unlocked the door to the office and our Philadelphia apartment, it was obvious that Marianne had worked to leave things in perfect condition.  After a long trip back, a clean, warm and organized office and apartment were a welcome sight.  Ed and Ray set aside their own family responsibilities to work whenever needed and help me prepare for a tough week ahead. 

Perhaps the most difficult part of the week was knowing that I was only a two hour drive from my beloved dogs but unable to see them until my work was completed in Philly.  Fortunately, the depositions went well and Friday arrived with me feeling that the trip home was productive and worthwhile. 

I spent Friday morning trying to put out a few more fires at the office while watching the clock closely.  My friend, comrade and coaching buddy, Chris S-----, graciously invited me to assist him coaching the Paupack Power in their championship game against our arch rival, the Pocono Snow, in Scranton at 7pm.  This was an opportunity to see many people (both kids and adults) who we all miss while doing the thing I have missed the most...coaching some of my favorite kids. 

The familiar drive north on 476 gave me an opportunity to reflect upon all that we have experienced since walking through security at Newark Airport on November 2, 2013 and the support that we have received from friends and family back home.  As I drove through Scranton toward the Riverfront Sports Complex, I looked to my left and was greeted by the P---- family who had pulled alongside of me.  A welcome reminder that I was home. 

Wyatt snuck me onto the sideline approximately 5 minutes before game time and the kids gave me an awesome welcome. The warm welcome they gave me was great but the best part of the evening was their performance on the field.  Coach S---- has done outstanding work with the kids.  The game was never close as the Power won 8 to 2.  Congrats to the guys - Andrew, Brett, Dane, Evan, Jack, Jake, Karter, Luke, TJ, Tyler, Wyatt, Zach.

Shout out to Dieter for scoring the game winning goal with only seconds left as Paupack FC won the U12 division.  Great work by Coach Tim and the kids. 

To all of the parents who are like family to us, thanks for a brief but memorable stop home.  It was great to see you guys.  

When I pulled down the driveway of the house, the barking changed to howls as my pooches greeted me with much love.  There is no way that we can thank Amber and Josh enough or properly for the love that they have given the dogs.  It was so obvious that Ella and Zeke are loved and well-cared for.  Seeing how happy Ella and Zeke are made leaving them a second time just a bit easier.  Thanks again Amber and Josh.  

Thanks to the Tonkins for brunch and great conversation on Saturday morning.  

Saturday evening I arrived back in Philly.  Big shout out to Ray for driving me to Newark in the middle of the night.  

By Monday afternoon, I was back in Awassa and ready for the final push to get Endris, Shemelese and Yenu settled into their new home before we depart for India. 

Ghost City of Fatehpur

After leaving the Taj Mahal (Saturday January 18th), we checked out of our hotel and headed toward the city of Jaipur.  On the way to Jaipur, we stopped in the city of Fatehpur Sikiri which is home to a "walled ghost city" built by "Akbar The Great".   The city was founded in 1569 and served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585.  The construction of the walled city took fifteen years to complete.  As red sandstone was plentiful throughout the area, the entire complex was constructed using the dark stone.  The enclosed city included a palace, several large living quarters with separate areas for Akbar's many wives and a huge mosque.  The name of the city comes from the Arabic word Fateh which means victorious.  

Amazingly, the complex was abandoned shortly after its completion due to the lack of water in the area and the fact that the region became home to many rival factions. Because the walled city still stands uninhabited today, it has become known as the Ghost City of Fatehpur.  

The street hawkers were fairly aggressive at this stop.  

Roman and Mabret were convinced to buy a homemade wire puzzle game.  

Since they looked quite flimsy, the young adventurers negotiated a price of 4 toys for 100 Rupees or approximately $1.40USD.  The exchange rate is approximately 60 Rupees to one dollar.  After the first toy broke, Roman set out to resell the item.  He successfully found a buyer who paid 5 Rupees for the broken toy.  There is one born every minute.  A salesman was also born. It was hilarious and rewarding to watch Roman jump in and hawk among the local kids.  We were so enthralled watching him that we both forgot to take a photo.