An Update from Awassa

It is July 4th and we are hanging out with our dear friends Herb and Danielle along with their boys Miles and Daniel.  This is the first that we have seen them since returning from the trip.  Last night, we thoroughly enjoyed sharing memories with them.  The last couple of months have left little time to even think about our RTW adventure let alone reflect upon what it meant to us as individuals and a family.  In fact, the monthly wire transfer to Hagirso for the our Ethiopian children's school, food and shelter has become too routine.  It is amazing how life just sucks you back in and in a moment one becomes absorbed in their own daily activities and anxieties.  We hope that this weekend with friends acts as a reminder to us about just what is most important in life. 

With that said, below are some recent pictures of Endris, Shemelese and Yenu as they continue to progress with their eduction and adapt to life in Awassa.  We miss them and remain very proud of all that they have accomplished in the six short months since we left Ethiopia.  Wow, six months since we were in Mabret's Village.  Fingers crossed that the near future allows us to return and hug these 3 awesome children. 

Home Again, Home Again Jiggety Jig

Approximately two hours from landing at JFK with the boys seated between us in a middle row of four seats, a sudden feeling of sadness and pride swept over both of us. 

The sadness was the realization that our uninterrupted time together as a family was coming to a close.  No more days without definition.  No more days that could begin at 5am for a flight or activity just as easily as they could begin at 8am if the schedule allowed.  No more making it up as we go along...should we do another game drive...should we visit a village...should we hit another museum...

The overwhelming feeling of pride was our collective recognition that Roman and Mabret accomplished things on this trip that are astonishing for people of any age.  They interacted seemlessly with people from backgrounds as different from theirs as night is to day.  They were kind, thoughtful and humble at every turn.  They did not tire of the hard work that comes with travel.  They never complained about the many long days that are a prerequisite to seeing the things and places which we encountered.   

Roman and Mabret, you make your Mom and Dad proud. 

5:30am in London and we are ready to roll. 

Welcome to JFK. 

There were two things that Roman and Mabret were excited to see.  Their beloved dogs...

Ella

And Zeke.

The second thing that kept them smiling on the long trip home is their friends and family.  While we look forward to seeing family in the coming days and weeks, Mabret and Roman's friends live close-by and a few of them were there when the boys stepped out of the car.  This sight brings to mind a favorite movie quote from Stand By Me.

"I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve.  Jesus, does anyone?"  

We are not done blogging yet.   Stay tuned.  

Peace Out!

One More Time

Wow, I cannot believe how much I miss blogging.  I am sitting in JFK Airport waiting to board Kuwait Airways flight 102 bound for London.  While my responsibilities at the office have been plentiful and days have been stressful and long, sitting at an airport bar dreaming about what the coming days will bring is what makes travel so extraordinary.  While I am sad for Kathy, Mabret, Roman and Katie, I am so excited to make the most of the next 4 days and leave London with great memories of our final stop...for now.   

So you ask, "Why am I sad for Kathy, Mabret, Roman and Katie?"  The answer is because they will not appreciate the true freedom of mind and spirit that comes with long term travel until they return to the grind of everyday life.  In addition, they will miss each other as we grew accustomed to spending so much time together.  There is nothing better than time with your best friends. 

Boarding...

Peace Out. 

Thoughts From The States

I cannot believe that I have been away from my family for almost two weeks.  I have enjoyed the blog from afar as so many have since November. The fun that Kathy, Katie and the boys are having sustains me during lonely times. Since returning to the States, the effects of the trip upon me have multiplied.  While I have spent many hours working, I have also reflected upon the gift of spending nearly four uninterrupted months together with Kathy and my boys.  A frequently asked question is, "Was it difficult to spend so much time together?"  I can honestly say that the answer in no.  Particularly for Roman and Mabret who have treated each other with amazing mutual trust and respect. 

Recently, I posted the link to the blog on Facebook with the following thought from Kathy and I:

Although we have learned countless lessons about ourselves and our children, perhaps the one that resonates most is simple...the world did not stop spinning in its axis when we walked away from our everyday lives and responsibilities.  We understand that our trip is extreme and was years in the making, however, the simple lesson for us is put down the electronic devices and shut out work and other responsibilities just for a day or a weekend.  Do an activity with your family that requires your full attention on someone or something else.  We hope that our blog encourages a few of you to turn off the noise the next time that there is a choice between a family activity and working.

We hope to follow our own advice when we ultimately return from our journey as a family.  

On March 4th, I will fly to London where the RTW Adventure Family will reunite and rock it out for a few days exploring the city before returning to the States as a family.  I cannot wait!

First Day of School

We are so proud of the spirit and determination of Endris, Shemelese and Yenu who just one month ago had not been out of their village.  Today, they live in Awassa and have started school in a new and potentially intimidating place.  We are humbled to report that they are tackling the challenge and embracing the battle.  

Below, they walk toward school on their first day. 

Life is short...work hard. 

News From Awassa

We have received many inquiries about the progress of our Ethiopian children. We are pleased to report that they have started school after doing well during the month of tutoring.  Endris is struggling a bit more than Shemelese and Yenu but this is not unexpected as he has more ground to cover because of his age.  We continue to remain hopeful as each day spent in Awassa exposes them to further English and Amharic as well as new social and cultural experiences. 

They have been venturing out for fun.

And returned to the village via the public bus to see their family. 

The next 6 months are critical. We will keep you posted.  Thanks for the love and support of friends who keep the kids in your thoughts and prayers. 

Goodbye For Now

When this adventure began to take shape, we tried to keep our expectations realistic and our goals attainable.  One of the objectives we did discuss was attempting to spend enough time in Ethiopia, and while there live, shop and meander among the local people, that Roman and Mabret would always feel comfortable returning here.  As we journeyed via foot, tuck tuck, bus and taxi from Awassa to Addis, we watched the ease with which the boys moved and feel confident that our mission was accomplished.  

We departed Ethiopia with countless memories and two sons who matured before our eyes as we moved back and forth from Awassa to Dongora Morocho.  The image of walking with Mabret as he moved toward his Ethiopian family and friends who were assembled and awaiting his return is one that will remain frozen in time and stay with us forever.  

While we always planned to bring food and supplies to the village, we had no gameplan beyond those general ideas.  As we came to know Endris, Shemelese and Yenu, they quickly worked their way into our hearts and lives.  Each has obvious physical similarities to Mabret and as we got to know and love them each of their personalities reminded us of Mabret.  

As you know from reading this blog, we quickly found ourselves working to relocate our three Ethiopian kids to Awassa and enroll them in school.  As we spent our last few hours with them, we filled with pride from the sheer bravery they have displayed. 

Endris has naturally taken on the role of leader and quickly tosses a look or word in Sidamo should Shemelese or Yenu require a reminder about the rules governing their new life in Awassa.  Endris shows his emotions more than the other kids, including Mabret.  He was emotional as we reminded them for the final time (for now) that the goal of this move is education first, second and third.  While they should work with Hagirso to learn about and enjoy Awassa, their focus is Amharic and English.  The tears in Endris' eyes told the story as they waved goodbye from their new living room window.

Shemelese always has a mischievous smile close to the surface and will likely be the leader as the kids explore Awassa.  When we walked to the apartment after purchasing some last minute items from the market, Shemelese led the way and we suspect that he has already ventured out on "secret missions".  

Simply put, Yenu is Mabret without the Y chromosome.  

Goodbye for now, Endris, Shemelese and Yenu.  Make us proud!

Happy Anniversary

Twelve years today and look at what we have created together!  

Amazing travel experiences, a thriving law practice, many great friends, a loving family, and most importantly - two wonderful kids.

We do together what neither could do individually. You are the driving force and voice while I quietly make lists and organize tasks.

Thank you for twelve plus years of love, understanding and forgiveness!

I love you and our family to the moon and back.

Kathy