Picking Up Mabret December 2007

As the trip grows near, I cannot help but reflect upon our journey to pick-up Mabret in December 2007.  The deep bond that Roman and Mabret immediately developed was magical.  This is the first picture ever taken of our boys together.  The book in Mabret's arm is a photo album that we sent him in advance of our trip so that he would know what his new family looked like and included pictures of the home that awaited him.  When we walked through the gate of the Horizon House in Ethiopia, Mabret ran the other way and returned clutching the photo album. 

Below are photos of Mabret's family home in Ethiopia and pictures of our Ethiopian Family. 

Mabret's grandfather was a legendary person in the village.  Below is a picture of a monument at his grave.  Mabret's Uncle is standing at the memorial. 

What We Do For Family!

Set the Alarm

      

        

Trying to make reservations in the only "Lodge" in Yirgalem, Ethiopia, the closest town to Mabret's family village.   I emailed repeated for weeks, with no response . I finally called, made the stilted conversation booking, I think ...?  When I asked how to make payment they said I must call a different phone number in Addis Ababa. The next day I tried to do so.....without much success.  Bad connection, halting English and my Amharic is non-existent, we got nowhere ( not even sure the right "connect" person.  Obviously, I was not able to properly reserve the Tutkil ( Ethiopian bungalow) and was kindly asked to call back at 10am Ethiopian time the following day to make the payment.  Hopefully the connection will be better at that time.  Hence the 4 am alarm set.....lets see if I wake up