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| April 2010 |
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| April 2011 |
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| April 2012 |
Showing posts with label Flashbacks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Flashbacks. Show all posts
Friday, April 20, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
I Remember...
- when sleep dictated every waking moment.
- falling in love with the car seat.
- driving around for 90 minutes hoping for 20 minutes of sleep.
- when nap fail made me a failure.
- tossing cacooning to the wind, in favor of being "out" and visiting as that was SO much easier than the uncertainty/agony of just us home alone.
- the day I fell to my knees screaming at God that I couldn't do it, that He had to, cause I had nothing left.
- the moment he picked me up, and did it all. "Grace. Amazing Grace." And I sang that song for weeks thereafter.
- when walking and holding hands, meant me leaning to the side to be able to reach his.
- how he felt in that ergo.
- when 6 dinner plate sized pancakes was a meal. Every meal.
- when slurping noodles was the funniest thing ever.
- changing that first diaper and how it seemed bad. But not *that* horrible.
- the stink 2 weeks later, that seemed to permeate every pore, cell and air particle.
- wondering if I'd ever be able to smell anything besides that caustic gas and shit.
- trying to stop *behaviors* as being the 'goal'.
- seeing him touch the dog for the first time, without screaming bloody murder in nervous fear.
I remember, still to this day, feeling this post from only 4 weeks home. I'm still scarred by those early weeks and months. Scarred by what I thought I could do on my own. Scared when I realized being a mother to this child was not bringing out the best in me that I envisioned. Scared that I wasn't good enough for him. All those emotions, stirred up, and unable to focus, unable to have any perspective, feeling like a complete failure, and that pissed me off. Truly.
Grace.
A blessing, given, though undeserved.
My son.
A family.
Becoming a mother. Sometimes a good one. Trust me when I say, this would not have been possible without God's Grace.
Amazing Grace.
Thank you.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Looking Forward. Reflecting Back.
As we are winding down from the twinkling lights, Christmas songs and joyful celebrations with family & friends, I’m also reminiscing on this time of year 2 years ago. Two years. My conscious mind held onto little of that holiday season. Emotionally vacillating between completely numb and frantic packing.
I’m blessed that I will never have the opportunity to be so self-indulgent again! Truly.
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| Freshly from the tub Jan 2010 |
This year has been amazing. My beautiful son, is a teacher. He's taught me the value of admiration, joy, trust, security and living exuberantly!! He is diligent. Forthright. Bountiful. He is a kid who knows what he likes when he sees it. He is a child with style. He is growing some real self-confidence and from time to time, shows some leadership skills in his classroom, making sure that kids aren’t pushing each other around. “School is a safe place!” he’ll say.
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| December 2011 |
He is coming up on 5 years old in April. Which is exciting and sad to me all at the same time. Where is my little weeble wobble baby with the big belly that was here just 2 years ago? Then again, I also look forward to seeing more glimpses of the young man he’s becoming.
He’s taken the bull by the horns lately, surpassing some developmental milestones of which I wasn’t sure we’d ever say good bye. He continues to be very diligent in mastering a new skill, task or build. He rarely, if ever gets frustrated, simply requires the time to get it working… and he usually does. He’s extremely fascinated in how things work, where connections happen, and what goes where and why and what happens if…. I think Christmas was surpassed as his favorite day, when the plumber came to the house recently. The plumber did not charge extra for his ‘4 yo apprentice handling”, for which I was most grateful. His exuberant curiosity and lack of self-restraint combine to make the normally unspoken rule of “No going under cars” mandatorily spoken repeatedly. Although he will attempt to trick any unsuspecting visitor by slyly rolling a ball under their car and ‘offering’ to go get it for them. Do not fall for it. You’ve been warned.
We’ve had a really wonderful year! I’m blessed to have some very supportive friends near and far. God sent. Truly. Blessed.
This year, I’ve come to learn that our biggest hurdles lie in me. Learning to be a parent, a home manager, and a single mom.
It seems as if, I’ve been chasing down this ‘place’. This ‘place’ that once we get there, everything else will be easier, calmer and so much more obedient. This ‘place’ is a myth. This myth is hard to let go of. Addicting almost. Cortisol is, I think, involved. Each day I strive to reach some "place" before we have to get to the next "place".
I want to thank you all for indulging my fantasies of there being such a mythical ‘place’ of attachment. Mythical ‘place’ of cleanliness. Mythical ‘place’ of being on time. Yup. Took me 18 months to figure out it doesn’t exist. There is no ‘place’. It all just "Is."
And thus enters us to a new year. A year that only God knows what holds, and we are willing to take what is given. This year will be the year I learn to listen and be. The year to break the addiction of stress and cortisol and stop searching for that damn 'place'. The year I learn to loosen my grip a little. I’m still actively seeking employment and now have expanded this search globally. I literally have NO IDEA what is next for us, but I walk in faith, because God knows. Clearly the glory will be His because I’ve been trying to figure it out for 18+ months and have made no progress. Time to give Him the reigns. I will fail at this almost daily. But this year I strive to give more than I grasp.
I wish each and every one of you peace, joy and exuberant laughter throughout all of 2012. We will be walking forward. Our path can sometimes seem a bit dark, but this year we find peace in walking forward in confidence and faith. Our love to you.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
The First Time, Ever I saw Your Face.....
Eventually I posted this glimpse for you all.... Two years ago.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
A Year Ago...
There was a time, not so long ago, that I worried that his legs weren't growing at the same rate as his upper body.
I no longer worry.
This first one is from May/June of last year. Second one, couple weeks ago. Same shorts. (although I did try to cuff them last year as he kept referring to them as pants)
I no longer worry.
This first one is from May/June of last year. Second one, couple weeks ago. Same shorts. (although I did try to cuff them last year as he kept referring to them as pants)
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| Last May/June 2010 |
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| June 2011 |
Friday, July 1, 2011
Feeding the Spirit...
Two years ago, I wrote this and posted it on June 29, 2009.
2009
Sounds like yesterday.
Two years has gone by.
Two years.
On June 30, 2009 in Hosanna Ethiopia- a man traveled a very long hard distance carrying his sick and dieing child. It's been two years since he's laid hands on his child, but he now knows that his child lives, gives, thrives, loves. That's all I'm going to say about that.
***********
Traumaversary. You've heard it. I didn't recognize it last year until after it was over. And perhaps, given our 'newness' at this, hindsight may be the only way I'll know for sure that's been whats been going on-- but-- things have gotten weird, more inconsistent, shakey, clingy, meltdownapalooza and have been for a while. Months now. Good days and bad - but consistently-- needy. It feels familiar. We've been here before. I'm hopeful and expecting a shift in the wind here any day now. I don't like seeing him in pain, and I need a bit of break from the 'heavy' days in order to enjoy and give him more light, fun, joy and love.
**********
Two years ago, he suddenly had food being thrust upon him often. He had people loving on him. Handeling him. washing him. Kissing him. A man. A tall man. A doctor who kept him by his side many days. Instead of simply giving him is medical check up and moving on- he kept this boy with him as he did his work, as he went about his days. He loved this boy. The boy loved him.
Teg grew 5 inches in the 7 months he was in care. 5 inches. He entered care at a bloated with water 16lbs and 27 inches. He was 2years and 2mo old. Within a week he'd lost the water weight and was down to about 14 lbs. By the time I showed up on the scene- he'd doubled his weight and grown 5 inches. They fed him extra meals and added sugar to his meals to fatten him up. It worked. (AND fed the intestinal bugs). But the height growth. I don't attribute that to feedings. He THRIVED in care. At least for a short time. And lets keep it in perspective- it's institutional living. By the time I arrived, he was also very ready to get the heck out of there.
He thrived, and grew, because he was loved by a constant and consistent caregiver. He was given food and relative safety and warmth and human touch by the nannies. But he was loved and doted on by one person and that - I believe- is the sole reason his body could respond to the nourishment. His body, was preparing to die, until this man took special care of him.
We can feed the body, but until we care for the spirit- we are incomplete and can just prepare to die.
This is my reminder today- to be more than a caregiver to my child. Feed his spirit. Feed my spirit. Food. Safety. Shelter. It only perpetuates the hell if we aren't Loving our spirits.
2009
Sounds like yesterday.
Two years has gone by.
Two years.
On June 30, 2009 in Hosanna Ethiopia- a man traveled a very long hard distance carrying his sick and dieing child. It's been two years since he's laid hands on his child, but he now knows that his child lives, gives, thrives, loves. That's all I'm going to say about that.
***********
Traumaversary. You've heard it. I didn't recognize it last year until after it was over. And perhaps, given our 'newness' at this, hindsight may be the only way I'll know for sure that's been whats been going on-- but-- things have gotten weird, more inconsistent, shakey, clingy, meltdownapalooza and have been for a while. Months now. Good days and bad - but consistently-- needy. It feels familiar. We've been here before. I'm hopeful and expecting a shift in the wind here any day now. I don't like seeing him in pain, and I need a bit of break from the 'heavy' days in order to enjoy and give him more light, fun, joy and love.
**********
Two years ago, he suddenly had food being thrust upon him often. He had people loving on him. Handeling him. washing him. Kissing him. A man. A tall man. A doctor who kept him by his side many days. Instead of simply giving him is medical check up and moving on- he kept this boy with him as he did his work, as he went about his days. He loved this boy. The boy loved him.
Teg grew 5 inches in the 7 months he was in care. 5 inches. He entered care at a bloated with water 16lbs and 27 inches. He was 2years and 2mo old. Within a week he'd lost the water weight and was down to about 14 lbs. By the time I showed up on the scene- he'd doubled his weight and grown 5 inches. They fed him extra meals and added sugar to his meals to fatten him up. It worked. (AND fed the intestinal bugs). But the height growth. I don't attribute that to feedings. He THRIVED in care. At least for a short time. And lets keep it in perspective- it's institutional living. By the time I arrived, he was also very ready to get the heck out of there.
He thrived, and grew, because he was loved by a constant and consistent caregiver. He was given food and relative safety and warmth and human touch by the nannies. But he was loved and doted on by one person and that - I believe- is the sole reason his body could respond to the nourishment. His body, was preparing to die, until this man took special care of him.
We can feed the body, but until we care for the spirit- we are incomplete and can just prepare to die.
This is my reminder today- to be more than a caregiver to my child. Feed his spirit. Feed my spirit. Food. Safety. Shelter. It only perpetuates the hell if we aren't Loving our spirits.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
March. March on....
Last year, when I achingly realized, that I'd be bringing my son back to Maine in the deepest darkest coldest most biting time of the year- I cried. I mourned. Then, as I was quick to look at the "brightside" back then- (sometimes....) I remembered- snowmobiles*. I imagined long days outside, building snowforts, snowmen and enjoying the back woods in the open air of a snowmobile, bonding with my son.
Ah. Yes. Yes. That is what we will do on together. Just us as we get to know eachother. Instill in him a love of the outdoors, regardless of weather... (unicorns, rainbows, lightly falling sparkly flakes, giggles and smiles was what was going on in my head... that and apparently, a lot of memory altering drugs .... ). So I focused on what we'd enjoy together in the snow, dark, cold snow.
Because- January to March- is a BITCH around here. Ya. i said it. November and December are freaking dark. But Man- then you turn the corner to REALLY COLD. Usually somewhere around the middle of April to themiddle of July end of June summer shows up. There is a bit of, what we call Mudseason, between the last of the snow going away and the ground firming back up. But no real spring to speak of. Not really. Not eva hardly.(local speak- stick with me)
In life's attempt to keep me on my toes and mess up any and all "plans". This was what actually happened last year in early March. Ya. Shocker. It was truly a first!!
************
And then.....
This is this year. I'm moving south. I'll let you know where we settle and when. But... having tasted spring---- there's no going back.
*Yes. Despite Sarah Pale-in's remarks- a "snow sled" is still a devise used to slide down hills round these parts.
Ah. Yes. Yes. That is what we will do on together. Just us as we get to know eachother. Instill in him a love of the outdoors, regardless of weather... (unicorns, rainbows, lightly falling sparkly flakes, giggles and smiles was what was going on in my head... that and apparently, a lot of memory altering drugs .... ). So I focused on what we'd enjoy together in the snow, dark, cold snow.
Because- January to March- is a BITCH around here. Ya. i said it. November and December are freaking dark. But Man- then you turn the corner to REALLY COLD. Usually somewhere around the middle of April to the
In life's attempt to keep me on my toes and mess up any and all "plans". This was what actually happened last year in early March. Ya. Shocker. It was truly a first!!
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| Notice, not only are the weeds turning green- there is NO ICE in the stream! WHOA! |
************
And then.....
This is this year. I'm moving south. I'll let you know where we settle and when. But... having tasted spring---- there's no going back.
*Yes. Despite Sarah Pale-in's remarks- a "snow sled" is still a devise used to slide down hills round these parts.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Friday Flashback-
Although I'm still morning the loss of almost a full years growth of his hair (sniffle)- I find myself simultaneously thrilled to see his progress and despondent each time I have to remove more articles of clothing from his wardrobe as he quickly outgrows them. My baby, just isn't a baby anymore. It's time to write his post placement reports and the sadness is compounded by the heaviness I feel in my heart for our Ethiopia family. How do you write, when there are no words?
February- One year Ago...
This year...
One year ago--
This month....
February- One year Ago...
This year...
One year ago--
This month....
Sunday, January 23, 2011
One Year Ago... leaving
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Bole Airport, Addis Ababa
Leaving. Harder than it sounded. Some days harder still.
Bole Airport, Addis Ababa
Leaving. Harder than it sounded. Some days harder still.
Friday, January 21, 2011
One Year Ago- Dr. Abiye...
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Addis Ababa
This man saved my son's life.
Physically.
And likely, emotionally.
It is not a secret that he was sick, borderline, unsure if he would make it sick, when he came into care. Dr. Abiye spent a lot of time nurturing him bringing him back from the brink.
On this day, Dr. Abiye, no longer worked for CHSFS and yet, he came, during Timkat celebrations, as a doctor to look at each of the children, give them another once over and make sure they were healthy before heading out on the arduous trip to the states.
We met privately. I assume he did with each family. When Teg saw him- everyone that saw his reaction was in shock. I think even he was. Unsure of what to do. He clearly recognized him and his soft, modest voice grew loud as he ran to him. Then the first time he pitched any sort of fit. The first any of us heard his voice above a quiet murmering.
They had a unique bond. Dr. Abiye and he stayed close together whenever he was in the care center. It is interesting to me on so many levels- even today- to consider this blessed relationship.
I would so like to find him. He wanted to stay in touch and know how he was. And yet to date there has been no contact. No one at the agency would give me his email. He has pertinent medical info and documents that right now- I would love to have. But mostly- I'd love to show him what his patience, kindness and special attention have brought forth.
If any of you know how to contact him I would most love to. I think he had family or friends in Ohio and all email communication from the agency has been cleaned as to not show any second name or email address. I didn't consider how difficult this would be while in ET. In many ways I am sad that I can not share. In every way I am grateful of what he shared.
Addis Ababa
This man saved my son's life.
Physically.
And likely, emotionally.
It is not a secret that he was sick, borderline, unsure if he would make it sick, when he came into care. Dr. Abiye spent a lot of time nurturing him bringing him back from the brink.
On this day, Dr. Abiye, no longer worked for CHSFS and yet, he came, during Timkat celebrations, as a doctor to look at each of the children, give them another once over and make sure they were healthy before heading out on the arduous trip to the states.
We met privately. I assume he did with each family. When Teg saw him- everyone that saw his reaction was in shock. I think even he was. Unsure of what to do. He clearly recognized him and his soft, modest voice grew loud as he ran to him. Then the first time he pitched any sort of fit. The first any of us heard his voice above a quiet murmering.
They had a unique bond. Dr. Abiye and he stayed close together whenever he was in the care center. It is interesting to me on so many levels- even today- to consider this blessed relationship.
I would so like to find him. He wanted to stay in touch and know how he was. And yet to date there has been no contact. No one at the agency would give me his email. He has pertinent medical info and documents that right now- I would love to have. But mostly- I'd love to show him what his patience, kindness and special attention have brought forth.
If any of you know how to contact him I would most love to. I think he had family or friends in Ohio and all email communication from the agency has been cleaned as to not show any second name or email address. I didn't consider how difficult this would be while in ET. In many ways I am sad that I can not share. In every way I am grateful of what he shared.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
One Year Ago...
Wednesday January 20, 2010
Embassy Day
I remember a few things about this day. It was kinda crazy. First, we needed to leave an hour earlier than planned, and Mr. T did not want to wake up that morning. By this point, I was no longer sweating the small stuff. I got myself ready and figured if he goes in his PJ's so freaking what.
Timkat was the next day and two days of celbration were planned. It was unknown exactly when our papers would be ready. We were already arriving a day earlier than was the normal schedule and now an extra hour had been built in as well.
The host staff including our American guide, the House Manager and bus driver were all - noticeably, shaken. As we got closer to the Embassy- it seemed to get more tangible. Struggling to find a place to drop us off, close to the embassy, the bus finally stopped. We were told to carry our kids and cover their heads if possible. Ato Girma, did not get off the bus. "No. I can not." was the only explanation.
In the crowded waiting area- there were many many many Ethiopian peoples, waiting for their name to be called. Hoping they would be granted an entry visa to the US. As I waited with them, I imagined why each wanted to leave this place? I was torn in going back myself. It was supposed to be this great proud day- that my son comes to the US- and at the same time- I was so incredibly conflicted.
Pushing my own undercurrents aside- we marched forward.
As the Ethiopians all waited. We were escorted one family at a time to a specific window just for us. This is where I first saw a touch of his charming flirty personality. There was no Shyness. He looked at the lady- knew she was in charge and started flirting.
He received his entry visa that day. I only wish immigration in Detroit had been that simple.
It would be poetic to look at this picture and say they were looking back to the care center and yammering away at what they were leaving behind. Perhaps it is what they were talking about but... they were looking at the trucks. There was construction going on in the valley just below us and along with the hand labor there was a digger and a dump truck. And well- boys. They watched this action for days! If any recent travelers have an updated photo of what it looks like now- I'd love to see it!
The other thing I notice- is how 'fragile' they looked back then. They were about the same height, but Mosey had a wider build. He even looked stronger. He was. And he is. Tegs hair lighter. Permanently changed. He carried this big pot belly of infection and sugar milk that his body didn't know what to do with.
But now- Teg towers over his friend. He is gaining strength, but it is a long slow processes. His skin is brighter, no longer tinged yellow. Gone is the fragile look. Only noticeable now when you touch him and joints pop, snap and flesh feels like jello. I am realizing that it will be some time before he has caught up physically with his peers. He may be a teen-ager or young man before the effects of malnutrition and Kwashiorkor are no longer visible with the eye.
Sadly. I'm also learning that the scars, the ones that are not visible, will never completely heal. It crushes me. And now we turn toward learning how to live. LIVE with these things as an ever present part of our lives.
Embassy Day
I remember a few things about this day. It was kinda crazy. First, we needed to leave an hour earlier than planned, and Mr. T did not want to wake up that morning. By this point, I was no longer sweating the small stuff. I got myself ready and figured if he goes in his PJ's so freaking what.
Timkat was the next day and two days of celbration were planned. It was unknown exactly when our papers would be ready. We were already arriving a day earlier than was the normal schedule and now an extra hour had been built in as well.
The host staff including our American guide, the House Manager and bus driver were all - noticeably, shaken. As we got closer to the Embassy- it seemed to get more tangible. Struggling to find a place to drop us off, close to the embassy, the bus finally stopped. We were told to carry our kids and cover their heads if possible. Ato Girma, did not get off the bus. "No. I can not." was the only explanation.
In the crowded waiting area- there were many many many Ethiopian peoples, waiting for their name to be called. Hoping they would be granted an entry visa to the US. As I waited with them, I imagined why each wanted to leave this place? I was torn in going back myself. It was supposed to be this great proud day- that my son comes to the US- and at the same time- I was so incredibly conflicted.
Pushing my own undercurrents aside- we marched forward.
As the Ethiopians all waited. We were escorted one family at a time to a specific window just for us. This is where I first saw a touch of his charming flirty personality. There was no Shyness. He looked at the lady- knew she was in charge and started flirting.
He received his entry visa that day. I only wish immigration in Detroit had been that simple.
It would be poetic to look at this picture and say they were looking back to the care center and yammering away at what they were leaving behind. Perhaps it is what they were talking about but... they were looking at the trucks. There was construction going on in the valley just below us and along with the hand labor there was a digger and a dump truck. And well- boys. They watched this action for days! If any recent travelers have an updated photo of what it looks like now- I'd love to see it!
The other thing I notice- is how 'fragile' they looked back then. They were about the same height, but Mosey had a wider build. He even looked stronger. He was. And he is. Tegs hair lighter. Permanently changed. He carried this big pot belly of infection and sugar milk that his body didn't know what to do with.
But now- Teg towers over his friend. He is gaining strength, but it is a long slow processes. His skin is brighter, no longer tinged yellow. Gone is the fragile look. Only noticeable now when you touch him and joints pop, snap and flesh feels like jello. I am realizing that it will be some time before he has caught up physically with his peers. He may be a teen-ager or young man before the effects of malnutrition and Kwashiorkor are no longer visible with the eye.
Sadly. I'm also learning that the scars, the ones that are not visible, will never completely heal. It crushes me. And now we turn toward learning how to live. LIVE with these things as an ever present part of our lives.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
One Year Later...
January 18th 2010
Addis Ababa
This will be our "family day". The day we celebrate our family, those near, far, passed, and alive. The day I will remember the heaviness of January 17th 2010 and the relief and peace of January 18th.
I do not say this lightly. Each family, in our group (and each family around the world, has), had unique and different experiences. As did each child. Each family had unique and different experiences the day before. It is with respect, and personal honor to say that this, January 18th will be traditionally celebrated as our family day.
I did not really know how he was feeling. This is true today as well. But I sensed it then- and even more so now- that he was relieved. Although he was given special attention by many at the institution he lived in, he was also one of the smallest and likely the weakest of the 2 & 3 year olds. His personality and early illness kept him vulnerable to the more active kids and their running, jousting and excited play. (All of which he now instigates!) He was looking forward to riding on that bus and being out of the fray.
He still holds close to his heart a few of those special friends. Mosey is his one constant. In a world where a 3 year old needs to rectify conflicting worlds, languages, people and family- having a 'constant' - I believe helps him.
Addis Ababa
This will be our "family day". The day we celebrate our family, those near, far, passed, and alive. The day I will remember the heaviness of January 17th 2010 and the relief and peace of January 18th.
I do not say this lightly. Each family, in our group (and each family around the world, has), had unique and different experiences. As did each child. Each family had unique and different experiences the day before. It is with respect, and personal honor to say that this, January 18th will be traditionally celebrated as our family day.
 |
| Setting own pride aside as yes there is food in both sides of my cheeks |
He still holds close to his heart a few of those special friends. Mosey is his one constant. In a world where a 3 year old needs to rectify conflicting worlds, languages, people and family- having a 'constant' - I believe helps him.
 |
| The best shot we get these days |
Monday, January 17, 2011
Saturday, January 15, 2011
One Year Ago...
The day I met my son. The day we met. Even knowing his personality more now- I'm still not quite sure what was going on. What I do know- is that he was keenly aware- hyper-vigilantly so, to what was going on with who, when and where. Even today- if he sees the shirt I wore that day or take out the bag that I carried- he spots it and remembers. Now- he is happy and giddy to remember. That day- hesitant- on guard. Oddly- so was I. I remember saying more than one time- keep the cameras out of his face.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
One Year Ago...
Somehow- this space time continuum shift allowed us a nights sleep in Nairobi airport. Shower. Breakfast. And it was suddenly 2 days later and quick little 1.5 hour plane ride to Addis Ababa.
We landed. Miraculously- And that is the truth as it never made it to Nairobi- our luggage arrived. (not that we were looking for it cause we weren't!!) (someone put a pick post it on the luggage tag that said "Addis" and it arrived. ??!?!
Caught a taxi ride....And then----
I saw what I've seen posted as pictures on a 100 other blogs. Now- in real life- seeing it before my eyes- it felt familiar. "Feels like I've been here before"
Checking into the Hilton- going into my room with a real BATHROOM. Full clean shower and clean bathroom in which no matter how I tried- my head couldn't hit the door while using toilet!! (commentary on airplane toilets) My head hit the pillows and I was out. Somehow when I awoke- it was a new day (at least it felt like it). My legs shaky and wobbly but over charged with energy to get moving. Must be nerves I thought. It took 4- 5 days to get my legs under me. (In hidsight, it was elevation)
Then I opened the window....
And turned on the TV....
Nothing was familair anymore. Everything was all too real
The first 24 hours- my brother and I went through no less than 10 1.5 liter bottles of water. Tired. Dehydrated.
Taxi'ing to the Nat'l Museum, we meandered are way- walking back. Going this way and that, just because. It was a neat experience. And totally not what I expected. The people. OH the people. I think this is when I may have fallen in love. A little unsure of myself and my surroundings, feeling all jittery and weak, loving each and every one who stopped to talk to us, help us, followed us and sold us BERBERE! Bought my first kilo. We walked streets, that I'm quite sure hadn't seen many white ferengi before. Unfamiliar, stunning, shocking, and lovely all at once.
We landed. Miraculously- And that is the truth as it never made it to Nairobi- our luggage arrived. (not that we were looking for it cause we weren't!!) (someone put a pick post it on the luggage tag that said "Addis" and it arrived. ??!?!
Caught a taxi ride....And then----
I saw what I've seen posted as pictures on a 100 other blogs. Now- in real life- seeing it before my eyes- it felt familiar. "Feels like I've been here before"
Checking into the Hilton- going into my room with a real BATHROOM. Full clean shower and clean bathroom in which no matter how I tried- my head couldn't hit the door while using toilet!! (commentary on airplane toilets) My head hit the pillows and I was out. Somehow when I awoke- it was a new day (at least it felt like it). My legs shaky and wobbly but over charged with energy to get moving. Must be nerves I thought. It took 4- 5 days to get my legs under me. (In hidsight, it was elevation)
Then I opened the window....
And turned on the TV....
Nothing was familair anymore. Everything was all too real
The first 24 hours- my brother and I went through no less than 10 1.5 liter bottles of water. Tired. Dehydrated.
Taxi'ing to the Nat'l Museum, we meandered are way- walking back. Going this way and that, just because. It was a neat experience. And totally not what I expected. The people. OH the people. I think this is when I may have fallen in love. A little unsure of myself and my surroundings, feeling all jittery and weak, loving each and every one who stopped to talk to us, help us, followed us and sold us BERBERE! Bought my first kilo. We walked streets, that I'm quite sure hadn't seen many white ferengi before. Unfamiliar, stunning, shocking, and lovely all at once.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
One Year Ago...
One year ago- January 11 my brother and I boarded a plane. We landed in JFK- stretched our legs and got some food and drink before waiting at the wrong gate for a while.
A day later (in some space time continuum lapse) we were in Nairobi Kenya. Ryan looking for our bags for a few hours. Me looking really haggard from the rough flight and almost getting thrown into immigration detention like this poor lady behind me. I had no idea that was happening until she screamed when I took the picture. A half a world away- the world shook. I was in the only place in the world I could be in the dark and oblivious to the happening.
A day later (in some space time continuum lapse) we were in Nairobi Kenya. Ryan looking for our bags for a few hours. Me looking really haggard from the rough flight and almost getting thrown into immigration detention like this poor lady behind me. I had no idea that was happening until she screamed when I took the picture. A half a world away- the world shook. I was in the only place in the world I could be in the dark and oblivious to the happening.
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