tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43712146260070079302011-11-26T04:28:38.066-06:00This is how we rollRahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.comBlogger791100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-85985558619102646452011-04-26T15:04:00.005-05:002011-04-26T15:09:32.021-05:00

What? You think I'm being annoying with all of my Facebook/Email and Blog updates regarding our giveaway? You haven't seen anything yet! With five days remaining, my annoying-ness is about to go to be taken to a totally different level! Come on, my friends! Click here and go to the "donate" button. Your donation will enter you into our giveaway which includes AMAZING prizes!5.DAYS.LEFT

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-74859736224221243512011-04-19T09:12:00.003-05:002011-04-19T09:13:58.332-05:00

My good friend is sponsoring an amazing raffle for us as we raise money for our work in Ethiopia. Check it out here

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-8183171967656115622011-04-02T13:37:00.004-05:002011-04-02T13:54:24.465-05:00

(Lemons and my fingers not included)So, I'm not ebay savvy, and I JUST figured out paypal! But I want to unload a bit of Ethiopian stuff that I have collected over the years. Here is the first item, and I have six of them. Shoot me a comment or email if you would like to buy one!Handmade Gambella Baskets made by the Anuak of Ethiopia! $15 and shipping

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-29531935276363710432011-03-24T20:27:00.002-05:002011-03-24T21:01:06.555-05:00

Yup!Uh huh! It's so for real, we can hardly believe it! We are really and truly moving to Ethiopia!Back Story:I first worked in Ethiopia in 2002 after completing undergrad. I worked in a refugee camp with Sudanese refugees. This was my first real exposure to Ethiopia directly, and certainly it was a period of time in my life that shaped me so much! My first experience in life of living alone was

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-73560859045046627822011-03-15T11:04:00.003-05:002011-03-15T11:30:45.253-05:00

(no clue who took this pic, so sorry for stealing it!)Two weeks ago we drove to Atlanta to attend the memorial service for my Aunt Jeanette who battled cancer for 18 years. 18 years.Two weeks before that I spoke with many of my cousins and siblings. The conversations went something like this:"So, things don't look very good with Aunt Net, do they?""I think

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-32098763597438419052011-03-12T15:32:00.005-06:002011-03-12T15:39:39.980-06:00

We took these in October and I am FINALLY posting them now! Maybe I should order some before she turns five, huh???? Thanks to Megan for her mad skillz!

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-68156762948929686612011-02-02T11:03:00.003-06:002011-02-02T11:13:45.462-06:00

Chicago isn't exactly as cool as THE city that never sleeps, but it does feel like a pretty busy place! Yesterday was a welcome gift as our snow finally amounted to something so extreme that the city has actually shut down. Y is out of school, N is out of school, and I am off work. This is better than Christmas (seriously, since I had to work on that day)!There is something kind of peaceful about

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-10625550098087730342011-01-31T11:49:00.002-06:002011-01-31T12:10:06.030-06:00

Yup. It's been six months since I last posted. Doh. I don't think busy can be an excuse when you go that long. Want some updates? Here goes:Y did indeed turn 4, and then she went to school. She loves going to pre-school and we LOVE that she loves going. Getting out the door in the morning is hard enough, I can't imagine what it would be like if she didn't like the destination. She goes five days

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-40730587846575308452010-08-04T21:44:00.002-05:002010-08-04T22:36:07.963-05:00

Y woke up on Tuesday stretched her arms and proclaimed "I'm four. I'm bigger!" (and according to her Dr today, she has grown 2 inches since Jan! Still no poundage...)Wow....is it really possible that we have a four year old? No longer a baby, or a toddler, but a real live preschooler! (Who is starting preschool in a mere two weeks! Still gotta get the 'ol Catholic School uniform...Aagh!) Let me

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-36517095895581271902010-07-24T12:25:00.003-05:002010-07-24T13:11:11.470-05:00

Want a life update from us? Here goes! We have been a family for seven months now, and I gotta say that it occasionally feels like it has been forever. Memories of the struggles of the early days are beginning to fade and a new sense of overall comfort pervades our household. Perhaps it has something to do with a much less stressful job on my part, and a summer vacation from school for N, but a

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-15833727174016992212010-07-02T11:25:00.002-05:002010-07-02T11:50:13.857-05:00

We have our own little "wavin flag" going on over here. Y is obsessed with what is now the World Cup theme song, and has written her own lyrics including such epic lines as "when I get older, I will drink bunna (coffee)." When she saw this Canadian flag at her Great Grandparents house, she seized it and has insisted on running around waving in for days, to the pride of her Canadian relatives.

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-91801773022265337002010-06-06T14:55:00.001-05:002010-06-06T14:56:47.102-05:00

Head over here to see it!

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-31948613375548225582010-06-02T17:21:00.003-05:002010-06-02T18:12:47.384-05:00

(My pictures don't match the post, but here is a description! 1. I went to Prague to visit a wonderful friend and had an amazing time! 2. Y has spent lots of time with extended family lately and loves it! 3. Hark! We have a 2nd family photo! Y wants to make sure you understand that she is almost 4 years old...I think that is why she is holding up her fingers! :)Remember all of those changes I

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-74904784317602109172010-05-27T14:48:00.002-05:002010-05-27T14:52:09.026-05:00

It feels like Spring in Chicago today! Sunny, and the breeze is blowing! A nice day to think about all that is going on! So many changes on the horizon: I have a new job (more info to come soon) Y is getting taller (finally) and has a new school (yikes!!!!), N is about to finish another school year and be home for the summer, and things are just generally good! I know that I haven't blogged in

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-44687822721625554702010-04-29T14:08:00.002-05:002010-04-29T14:12:03.535-05:00

I'm eating Mac n'Cheese while I listen to the sounds of my little one laugh with her bestie and frenemy (half friend/half enemy) from Eritrea. They are screaming and laughing and Y is trying to teach him how to sing a K'naan song. They are running around like mad and kinda making me a little bit crazy, but they are happy so I don't really mind!This is my new life. It is hard and good.The lack of

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-14332691770389405822010-03-14T22:38:00.002-05:002010-03-14T22:53:50.813-05:00

Seriously, I can't get enough of this man. His smoky salsas.His rich moles.Mouth watering guacamole.This man was made for him; and I for him. Here's to you Rick BaylessI checked out this amazing cookbook (and I am providing you a direct link to Amazon so that you can get your own) from the library last week and I can't stop making his food. Yes, you may know him from Top Chef Masters, but he was

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-379137050998355332010-03-04T21:44:00.004-06:002010-03-04T21:57:14.205-06:00

Basking in the Oprah glowI've lived here for twelve years.I've eaten the pizzaI've had drinks on the 95th (Hancock)I've run the marathonI've watched the river turn greenWhat was missing?Attending an Oprah show taping, of courseIt was a blast. While we were standing in line to get in we all talked about how we weren't really even that

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-44044639942876051182010-02-27T17:19:00.003-06:002010-02-27T17:48:36.142-06:00

Y has been home with us for about two and a half months! As I look back over our first weeks together, I realize how each new day brings a greater sense of comfort for all of us. Although we longed to have Y join our family (since August 2008) and we all thought that we "knew" each other well, what we knew that we wanted (to be a family) was still a struggle. We have good days and bad days. We

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-4726238796350225282010-02-08T20:55:00.002-06:002010-02-08T21:11:19.898-06:00

Hey Guys!Small blogging rut going on over here in Chi-town! This post is subtitled "an attempt to just get back on the [blogging] horse." So here goes. It's not pretty, it's not well thought out; it just is.Shall I start with our dear little Y? Ok, she is seriously the cutest kid ever and doing really wonderful! She is a real joker and loves to play tricks and has a lovely imagination. We love

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-29342080501376484422010-01-25T07:34:00.001-06:002010-01-25T07:36:32.457-06:00

It somehow feels personal.http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/africa/2010/01/100125_ethiopia_crash_beirut.shtml

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-65537756487488638072010-01-24T21:21:00.004-06:002010-01-24T21:37:18.618-06:00

I'm pretty sure every parent has the struggles of wondering if they are good enough for their child. I certainly do. I had lunch with super mom and her kids last week and started the mad comparison game of "why can't I roll more like her?" Super mom (certainly not the title she would give herself, but the one that she totally deserves) has three kids. I have one, but feel like I have three. Super

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-45423286370033612102010-01-20T20:07:00.002-06:002010-01-20T20:32:44.396-06:00

In January 2001 I was a college Junior right here in the great city of Chicago. I attended Bible college and certainly spent more time socializing and exploring this fascinating city then studying the Bible. I paid for college with a part time gig at Banana Republic and by being a Resident Assistant to a dorm floor. In my job as an RA (remember: Bible college), I spent my time encouraging people

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-43902577901289401662010-01-12T15:05:00.004-06:002010-01-12T15:17:34.525-06:00

Today marks the beginning of my second full week home (w/o N), or my last week of FMLA. In this situation, I am choosing to go with the sippie-cup half empty approach: this is my last week at home! One week from today I return to the workforce. I so don't want to go.Wanna know what we did today? Met friends for lunch, went to Target in the middle of the day, rode the escalators a million times (

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-40027881631778674642010-01-10T14:45:00.003-06:002010-01-10T14:46:43.704-06:00

Seriously, who taught her this stuff????

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-42357388879739273482010-01-09T10:00:00.006-06:002010-01-09T10:59:37.836-06:00

Y has her first play date!!! ( I actually hate that word and need a new term.....anyone???Whata week.Sheesh!N returned to workTwo trips to social security; one unsuccessful and one victoriousOne Dr's visitOne ER visit (not Y, thankfully....N had a strange freak accident at work, but is fine now!)Lice (minor, really)33 loads of laundrySleeplessnessSome tantrumsY's beloved Aunt Johnna has left the

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-16255874760900397902010-01-05T22:56:00.004-06:002010-01-05T23:43:13.319-06:00

Hair time is a special time....oh, and we learned the Amharic word for "lice."More special hair time. Moments before the tragic finger burn of 2009.... It has been one busy month! Somehow this is our first family photo.....(in Chicago)Wow! I initially had intentions of doing a "decade in

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-84485925884850009522009-12-28T13:29:00.009-06:002009-12-28T14:15:50.923-06:00

First photo with Y and her Babba at Sidist Kilo MT homeIf you are attempting to do adoption travel on the cheap, I will include several points of interest in this post. Here are my tips:1. Fly Turkish Airlines----I had flown Turkish before and totally recommend it for cheap travel. Even at the last minute, our flight was only $1200 per person. (Because Y is

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-8970307896254989922009-12-22T10:18:00.002-06:002009-12-22T10:22:06.620-06:00

I interrupt this otherwise normal blog to discuss the nastiness that has permeated our home----it is ringworm and it is on my face, on my daughter's face and threatening to overtake our life. Not really, but if you ever Google images of ringworm you will get the idea that you will never again be without it. Any suggestions? I'm sure other adoptive families have had it and I want to know what to

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-91320769342857680112009-12-21T05:43:00.002-06:002009-12-21T05:59:39.274-06:00

Photo and joy created by the illustrious Sara BI'm a mom, y'all! And can you believe that I am so lucky as to parent this cutie pie???Y is a living and breathing and RUNNING....oh yes she runs, child in our home! Stealing from the Office a bit in regards to parenting. I totally know what I am doing, but "in a much more real sense, I have no idea at

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-71666837759639011812009-12-07T08:50:00.002-06:002009-12-07T09:08:56.164-06:00

Istanbul, Turkey Airport"Has it hit you yet?"Hmmm, actually.....not really! But it should, right? We are within 20 hours of picking up our daughter and embarking on a new life together. Forever. And that is good and great and wonderful. And I can't wait to see her and hold her and play with her.But something about this seems so unreal. Maybe it is because of all of the ups and downs that we have

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-33653167108032598722009-12-01T22:07:00.003-06:002009-12-01T22:27:32.635-06:00

(Photo repeat, but it's important!)I remember when I first learned about HIV/AIDS. It was scary. It was incurable and people I didn't know got it. Then someone I did know had it. And he lived next door to me, and then he passed away. It was the 80's and no one knew better and I remember his family burning his clothing and mattress "just in

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-27051017221522203712009-11-23T22:14:00.004-06:002009-11-23T22:25:12.098-06:00

Last week I was reading a list of developmental milestones for three year olds. One of the milestones says that at three years of age you should be able to slide down the slide by yourself. Check! Yitayal has been ruling the playground far longer than that! One of my first memories of her was seeing her on top of the slide (all alone) screaming and waving at a friend. Um, she wasn't even two then

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-5207341799375938122009-11-18T06:55:00.007-06:002009-11-18T19:43:22.870-06:00

With great joy Nathan and I are so happy to introduce you to our precious little girl!Yitayal Sofia HainesBorn August 3rd 2006Officially in our family November 18th 2009We will travel to pick her up on December 5th!Her name:Yitayal: meaning "the one who is seen." Given to her by her birth motherSofia: meaning "God sees" (in Amharic) and "wisdom" in English. Given to her by us!With deepest joy,

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-33174133450773455532009-11-17T08:57:00.003-06:002009-11-17T09:38:04.320-06:00

Today is (see above title).Wow.We are almost near to what N and I feel to be the most important day of our married life. Y might officially join our family tomorrow. She has been in our hearts and minds for so long now.I was thinking yesterday about a trip to California that N and I took in January. We had been contacted by Gladney earlier that month. Gladney said that they didn't think that she

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-11400651130015716082009-11-12T08:38:00.000-06:002009-11-12T08:39:45.544-06:00

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-49904696190100335592009-11-10T22:00:00.002-06:002009-11-10T22:16:36.056-06:00

Seriously the best house guest ever! Chantal's family in from France!Here they are! The best couple ever! (Feel free to use this caption for the photo below!)the cupcakes....here is one flavor!PS: Can anyone tell that I don't know how to put captions under photos?

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-7740828548369580742009-11-09T21:44:00.003-06:002009-11-10T21:22:40.678-06:00

That's the weight of our 39 month old child. Wow. I had never thought of her as being tiny until I actually saw that written down. I compared that weight to the 3T clothing that I had bought for her thinking "3 years equals 3T, no?"She is about 10lbs too small for those clothes.My experience with her is that she is not a particularly good eater. Thankfully, she will be in a house with people who

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-28289274729372444302009-11-06T15:44:00.002-06:002009-11-06T15:48:51.705-06:00

Wake up (check)Drink coffee (check)Buy American donuts for French house guests to try (check)Shop for cupcake ingredients (check)Pick up wedding guests from airport (oops--no time, they better meet me at the train)Mani/Pedi (check)CUPCAKES (checking, and will continue to check after the rehearsal dinner)Present state: Scarf in my hair (B-you know the one/style! :), TONS of chocolate on my dingy

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-16338747758949524332009-11-05T21:47:00.003-06:002009-11-05T21:53:31.892-06:00

and not the cheesy family show that I did in fact watch religiously in the '90s!Our great friend Chantal is getting married to our great friend Jermaine this weekend! Don't you just love it when you are totally and fully excited for something wonderful to happen in the lives of people you love?Our house is command central and full of life and madness! Chantal's family is in from France and I am

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-40645206139395831572009-11-04T22:44:00.002-06:002009-11-04T22:47:37.908-06:00

I remember waking up really early. Something that I usually hate to do.I remember that I had a really hard time focusing at work.I remember that it was the most invested I had ever been in the political process.I remember taking a packed out Red line train downtown.I remember that it felt like a holiday.I remember November 4th 2008 when Barack Obama was elected president.

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-38287643258930351422009-11-03T07:33:00.004-06:002009-11-03T07:44:26.712-06:00

I never moved as a child, but because I grew up in a "military town" people were always coming in and out. I remember attending many farewell parties and pot-lucks for families in our church who were reassigned to new places. Towards the end of the gatherings, the family would join together and share about the new place that they were headed. Tears would be shed, but I don't ever remember seeing

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-77032870997264182782009-11-02T19:19:00.002-06:002009-11-02T19:21:08.835-06:00

To pass court on the 18th (duh).AND Travel to Addis before the 2nd week of December.I said it was a dream, ok?Anyone want to dream with me?(Then N gets to spend more time with us b/c he will already be off for the holidays!)

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-8661909225387877712009-11-01T18:09:00.004-06:002009-11-01T21:55:38.660-06:00

I could play it chill and pretend that I am hopeful but not holding my breath for passing court on the 18th, but that would be a BIG.FAT.LIE. This is for sure the hardest wait that we have felt in this process. We have had some other very hard times, but this wait actually has a timeline. And for better or worse I am planning our life of togetherness which I hope will "officially" begin on the

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-23858430755108778932009-10-26T23:54:00.004-05:002009-10-27T00:12:40.664-05:00

Ever since we got our court date, the thought that Y will actually be living and breathing in our house has become so real in our minds that sometimes I am overwhelmed. Our defense mechanism for the last year has been "well, we don't really know when things will happen." While that is still true, at least we have some kind of date (that would be November 18th, 2009 in case you forgot). And that

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-70854212091296646822009-10-22T11:43:00.001-05:002009-10-22T11:44:18.851-05:00

A court date that is! November 18th! Way sooner than expected and we are joyful!

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-61717180249420639222009-10-14T07:15:00.004-05:002009-10-14T07:37:11.547-05:00

During the latter part of our dating "career" N was at home in New Brunswick, Canada and I in Ethiopia. Long before mobile phones and internet hit the rural areas of Ethio, N and I were snail mailing it (Seriously, I still find it strange to be in a taxi with an Ethiopian grandma and her chickens, only to hear her mobile ring and her answer with a "a bait"). I have boxes and boxes of letters that

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-24104912155476455422009-10-05T18:22:00.003-05:002009-10-05T18:39:19.353-05:00

Y was finally and officially referred to us today! (Just to remind everyone we have been patiently waiting for this moment for, um...awhile) It has been a long journey, people. Judging from the looks Y shared with us via her referral photos, things have been tough for her lately too! We did glean some new information from her paperwork:Her birth date is August 3rd (August is THE birthday month in

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-60519181130762669362009-10-01T21:51:00.003-05:002009-10-01T22:00:20.902-05:00

I enjoyed a lovely Ethiopian Easter Sunday in Asco in April. It was the first time in a long time that I have felt a sense of life while being in church. Worshiping (although I did not understand everything) in a congregation of children was a joy to be apart of. I could not help but think that perhaps this was what church truly should be. A place for orphans, the sick (all have HIV, but they

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-70774756268771760782009-09-30T08:06:00.001-05:002009-09-30T08:08:33.627-05:00

Thank goodness for aunties! Y will be stylin!

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-55473276688473552932009-09-29T09:34:00.003-05:002009-09-29T10:31:19.832-05:00

Here is a *lovely* photo to go along with the report! I ran my first ever 10K on Saturday! (59:53) It was a lovely day to run and a wonderful cause (Susan G Komen Race for the Cure). I ran in memory of my Aunt Lizzie who had breast cancer and passed away in 1999. She was a very special lady with a whole lot of class and tons of zeal for life! My cousins and I had talked about doing a race

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-5726484590025035902009-09-28T08:34:00.003-05:002009-09-28T08:43:12.384-05:00

I'm not sure why I haven't posted in several weeks! Y has been through a lot in the past three weeks, and we have been vicariously experiencing what we perceive her emotions to be during this time. Some good, some bad, some blah. Since last posting, she has been moved from one orphanage to another and all of her paperwork should now be complete. We imagine the move was life shaking for her and

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-36296568203182610862009-09-02T18:55:00.004-05:002009-09-02T19:05:09.292-05:00

(My favorite client in the whole world uses that expression to describe EVERYTHING!)Guess what is a total pain in my world?Plantar Fasciitis. I have it. Some kind of rocks-stuck-in-your-foot-and-you-want-to-die heel problem.It is so freaking painful and also apparently my fault, or so the kinda judgemental Physical Therapist explained. Something about not stretching enough, bad running shoes and

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-76160596815361605912009-08-31T23:12:00.004-05:002009-08-31T23:23:15.501-05:00

This post is for you Dr KS!In a phone call yesterday she said "well, you caught the lion. what now? are you going to blog about what's next?"I guess we don't really know what is next. Unless everyone wants the weekly details of which pieces of paper have been moved and signed by whom, nothing really happens until we have a court date. According to my deeply scientific calculations gathered by

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-50352203538977299002009-08-28T01:27:00.003-05:002009-08-28T01:51:36.540-05:00

"When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion". (Der biyaber anbeussa yasser)---Ethiopian proverb (Amharic)We were repeatedly told that the adoption of Y would not work.The Sisters at Asco prayed and worked so, so, very hard for her.We made two trips to Ethiopia.Her smiling face and insane antics kept us going.You all walked with us and thought of us.We have caught the lion!"The" letter has

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-17143383215084208152009-08-20T22:21:00.004-05:002009-08-20T22:36:51.883-05:00

Not since the Mefloquin induced madness of 1995 have I had as many crazy dreams as I have had recently. What appears to be happening is my mind processes 99 million things during the day and then barfs it up when I sleep at night. Last night's was a real doozy:N and I have been thinking about starting to create Y's room. With the impending *good* news of next week coinciding with some vacation

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-33133131404328555942009-08-13T23:13:00.007-05:002009-08-14T00:26:28.073-05:00

I head to DC in the morning (which is a mere six hours away and two more dirty rooms left to clean,but whose counting?). I look forward to a joyous reunion with N as he will be arriving from Ethio after five glorious weeks. We will stay in DC for a few days hanging with our good pals Nicki and Mesfin. Nicki and I worked in Ethiopia together. She, the lovely urbanite to my village inspired life.

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-79138442347224365892009-08-10T18:41:00.002-05:002009-08-10T18:44:47.031-05:00

Relax my readers!News will not be coming today.Or tomorrow.Or next week.Perhaps in two weeks.Our man has decided to extend his annual vacation by two weeks and thus cannot write us the ever important letter.Whatcha gonna do?

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-37302890716873660802009-08-06T22:06:00.003-05:002009-08-06T22:22:38.756-05:00

...we should have some news by Tuesday regarding the present "paperwork issues" related to our darling Y. Trying hard to not get my hopes up, but seriously, how do you do that?Here are this week's juicy tidbits on her ever emerging cuteness: N informed me that she is left-handed. Good to know. She will join the likes of Barack Obama, Oprah, Ringo Star and other left-handed wonders.N said that Y

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-12619783297095838292009-08-05T00:14:00.005-05:002009-08-05T23:37:32.531-05:00

Just back from a three night trip to the Land of Enchantment visiting family! It was a lovely break and a nice rest from what has been a super busy and exhausting (but great) summer season. While visiting with my sister-in-law, three crazy-cute nephews and my super cutie niece, I sadly learned that I am totally addicted to coffee/caffeine and unable to function (ie: play endless games with the

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-78149424492227715682009-07-25T15:26:00.009-05:002009-07-25T16:07:07.700-05:00

When I worked in Bonga Refugee Camp (Gambella, Ethiopia) it is no exaggeration to say that I saw true hunger. The term "feast or famine" became very real, for it was in harvest time that food was abundant and in the dry months of March and April that food was scarce and the NGO food trucks would arrive several days late. When you are hungry, you become resourceful. I cannot pretend that I have

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-22571527854886366152009-07-20T18:24:00.004-05:002009-07-25T15:59:45.852-05:00

No news here!N called this morning with the report that we have no news to report! The good news is that the Sisters have learned some interesting information in regards to Y's situation and they feel very equipped to make the application for her. After receiving additional information on Friday, they are choosing to make the report sometime later this week!I can't say that I am feeling totally

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-53414938207654980232009-07-18T11:49:00.004-05:002009-07-18T12:01:50.551-05:00

N has been in Ethiopia for just under a week now, and I already feel so much more connected to what is going on with Y! I am insanely happy that N is able to see Y everyday and that I am getting so many wonderful updates! They are together on the same compound every day and spend several hours playing together in the evenings. (The story of what she did when she saw N will be saved for the day

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-38790218247011981642009-07-13T22:12:00.004-05:002009-07-25T16:00:43.632-05:00

If anyone can talk about joy amidst suffering, it is Mother Teresa. A women of remarkable grace and love, she cared for the world's orphans and destitute by giving of her time and heart. I have recently started reading this daily inspiration book and deeply appreciate the opportunity it provides me to think beyond myself. N and I both have copies.We often say that Ethiopia is the perfect place

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-73043459682310311062009-07-12T23:50:00.004-05:002009-07-12T23:53:50.542-05:00

Seeing my nephews and niece and their AMAZING mother for the first time in almost a year: priceless.August 1st 2009: May you come quickly.

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-38229289897968779422009-07-11T17:32:00.007-05:002009-07-25T16:01:34.320-05:00

It's confession time: I don't clean the house. I used to pretend that I did, but now I am readily admitting that N does all of the housekeeping. Maybe I've done laundry, say, twice in the last six years. Dishes? Hardly. Toilet bowl washing? Forget about it.I know, I know.How lucky am I, right? Well, N left for Ethiopia today and here I sit wondering how I will learn to do the tasks that I have

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-61198963878540472722009-07-05T20:21:00.005-05:002009-07-25T16:01:46.475-05:00

Busy times around here! But not the kind of busy that we have become overly accustomed to. You know, the not fun kind of busy: work, school, sleep and no play. Nope! Not us, not now! We have left that kind of busyness in the dust for a summer of serious fun! I actually can't remember N and I ever having so much spontaneous fun. This week (give a couple of days) has included outdoor music fun with

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-78416001548047354722009-07-03T11:22:00.003-05:002009-07-25T16:02:05.219-05:00

Thanks for K'naan!...this one is good...so is this onejust buy the album

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-84747533831152940512009-06-27T15:13:00.003-05:002009-06-27T15:26:21.858-05:00

It is more than just legend, it's a fact! People all over the globe (and especially those residing in my household) agree; Ethiopia has the best coffee EVER! So when an Ethiopian coffee shop opened in our neck of the woods, we noticed and drank. And then we drank again. I'm talking about Chicago's very own (and first, I think) Ethiopian coffee house: Royal Coffee (6764 N Sheridan Road). If you

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-5899056310487633312009-06-24T23:33:00.002-05:002009-06-24T23:52:39.463-05:00

What makes you come alive? “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who are alive.”–Howard ThurmaIf the 90 degree weather wasn't enough of a wake up call that summer has FINALLY arrived, the activities of this week are a good reminder! My most beloved employment task

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-9390183576943008812009-06-20T16:56:00.011-05:002009-06-20T17:42:11.160-05:00

Today is a very special day! A day that is devoted to some of the strongest and most resilient individuals in the world: refugees. The legal UNHCR definition of a refugee is(summarized) "individuals who must flee their country due to a well founded fear of persecution." What this definition doesn't define is who these individuals are. To me, they are both clients and friends; black, white, brown

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-58007410515183615192009-06-10T21:44:00.005-05:002009-06-10T22:05:00.150-05:00

Guess what?I have the greatest news eva, eva! My bff has F-I-N-A-L-L-Y let me "out" her on my blog! She's adopting from Ethiopia also! Yup! That's right! Our magical friendship began over eleven years ago when we met in our dorm. She, a beautiful worldy city girl to my Southern accent, overalls and conversations about band camp (I swear...this is what my college roomates remember of me from my

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-9880736790263056202009-06-07T16:01:00.003-05:002009-06-07T16:21:52.248-05:00

The blogging drought has been directly tied to our feelings of sadness lately regarding our adoption. As I mentioned before, we are attempting to adopt a child that we know from Ethiopia. A precious child. A 2.5 year old little girl with a personality to rival all personalities. Loud, bossy (even for a two year old), full of life and curiosity, active and everything we could ever hope for all

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-33919378516743259132009-05-21T17:40:00.002-05:002009-05-21T18:07:55.931-05:00

Although I am not a parent yet, I can imagine that parenting is pretty hard. As adoptive parents, we will share in most all of the joys and heartaches that non-adoptive parents encounter----the celebrations of birthdays and milestones, the sadness over loved pets who have gone on to "a better place" and the process of individuation that seems to happen much to quickly. While the role of a loving

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-64064288249200496212009-05-15T21:34:00.008-05:002009-05-20T21:00:33.176-05:00

Pic #1: N and I acting excited about finding my long lost wedding ring (Dec 2008)5/19/2009UmmmmmmmmmI accidently deleted all of the other pictures......maybe I will add them again later....

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-31064808438140857372009-05-13T23:01:00.001-05:002009-05-13T23:12:57.362-05:00

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-73738794879724763222009-05-13T22:15:00.004-05:002009-05-13T22:38:52.592-05:00

Dearest Friends,Today's tale is one of suspense and shock, and ultimately, a life lesson. After a lovely dinner with my fav pal S in which we celebrated life by consuming fried potato tacos covered in sour cream, guacamole, queso fresco and salsa (it was so worth it!) I bid her goodnight and went to do some "work" (ie: blog stalking, emailing, time wasting) on the computer. "Had it really reached

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-13590802180798104872009-05-06T19:02:00.003-05:002009-05-06T19:37:20.219-05:00

After my mysterious posting on May 1st, which dared my vast ocean of readers to guess what was behind door number one, I know everyone has been in deep suspense waiting for the answer. Special thanks to my friend M who made the sea lion comment after I said to her in frustration "doesn't anyone want to know what is behind the door?" Sigh....one day my blog will be buzzing. Until then, I will

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-38596624204308750592009-05-01T21:20:00.002-05:002009-05-01T21:25:40.363-05:00

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371214626007007930.post-26988495972581095262009-04-28T19:31:00.001-05:002009-04-28T19:52:51.330-05:00

Well, besides the fact that all of the cool cats are doing it, why blog and why now? Having been on the adoption journey for eight months now and having spent many, many nights benefitting from the blogging of others, I wanted to contribute in my own small way. While adoption is just one of our passions and interests, it is the only thing that has brought me to the computer night after night

Rahelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787258900177526001noreply@blogger.com10