moved into my new blog

New blog site

Wed, 4 Jun 2008 00:17:03 -0500

Just wanted to make sure you know that all future blogs will be at

www.joyportis.blogspot.com.

It was taking WAY to long for imac to update.

Thanks for following along.

Zoe & Emme’s photo slideshow

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500

I had pictures of Zoe and Emme made and this is a link to view a slideshow of their proofs.There are a lot so if you want to click on the thumbnail’s you can view them faster.

http://www.kimboxphotography.com/shows/slideshow.php?Slideshow=joy%2Bportis

7 Comments
Katie R.
oh, wow!  Precious!
Saturday, June 30, 2007 - 12:37 PM

Julie
Beautiful pictures!  Hope things are going well for you guys.
Sunday, July 1, 2007 - 11:42 AM

Susan
Gorgeous!!  Love checking into the site from time to time.  Sam and I are always amazed at how you manage to do what you do.  You are an inspiration...
Sunday, July 1, 2007 - 03:47 PM

Anonymous
Your family was / is an inspiration to us.  We have just begun the journey to adopt one or two little girls from Ethiopia. I loved reading your blog from beginning to end - it educated me and filled my heart. Thank you for sharing! What is the name of the song on your slide show of Zoe and Emme? It is beautiful!

Justine
Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 02:15 PM

Susanna
Hello,

My name is Susanna and I am (almost) 16 years old. As the older sister of three, including one from Ethiopia, I just had to say that your children- all of them- are gorgeous! I've really enjoyed reading about your family and seeing the numerous pictures. I look forward to reading more!

-Susanna
Big Sis to two bio brothers (11 and 8) and one sister (18 mos) from Ethiopia
http://www.bigsisdiaries.blogspot.com
Thursday, August 2, 2007 - 12:34 PM

jen
Oh, Joy!  Those pictures are gorgeous!  I just love all of them!
Friday, August 31, 2007 - 03:55 PM

joy portis
The song on the slide show is Keith Urbans Making Memories of us.
Sunday, December 2, 2007 - 04:52 PM

Not much to report .....

Mon, 9 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0500

as far as getting paperwork straightened out. It looks like it could be a BIG mess. Please keep this situation in your prayers and we pray it is all resolved quickly and with ease for everyone involved.

On the home front things are great!!! Life is busy and I am always trying to emerge from the laundry pile, but as long as no one has to go naked I’m trying not to stress to much about it. I have had to make myself accept that one day I will have that orderly and neat house again, but for now I am enjoying every chaotic and messy minute.

My “blog” updates will probably be few, but I do post pictures from every month under photos, so please keep up with us there! When I have some more “adoption” news I will post it here.

2 Comments
Emily
Joy,
Your family is so beautiful! I hope you are enjoying your first summer all together!
Sunday, June 3, 2007 - 01:22 AM

Kimmie
It has been awhile since you posted this, hope your paperwork problem has been resolved. Paperwork can certainly be frustrating and even maddening...trust God, He is able to do above and beyond what we can imagine or think!

Your family is beautiful by the way ;-)

Kimmie
mama to 6
one homemade and 5 adopted (working in paperwork stage for #7 from Guatemala this time ;-)

http://overthemoonwithjoy.blogspot.com
Saturday, June 16, 2007 - 09:56 PM

God doesn’t make mistakes

Sat, 17 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600

Our agency called the Tuesday after we arrived home and told me to sit down. She proceeded to tell me that we were given the wrong child at the care center and that another family expecting 9-10 month old Tarikua has 5 month old Emush and we have Tarikua. That would explain the crawling, pulling up, etc...) I panicked for a minute thinking I was going to have to switch children. She wanted to make sure I was happy with the child I had (Are you crazy?) and reassured me that the other family was happy to.

Apparently both girls were moved from their village in Soddo to the care center in Addis Ababa in the same van. When they arrived at the new care center no one was familiar with them and their paperwork got swapped and the original Emush was called Tarikua and Tarikua became Emush. Obviously the age discrepancy never caught their attention.

So the video and initial referral picture I have posted earlier on my blog is not of MY daughter. Hopefully soon I will get Tarikua’s video and will be able to post it. The picture above is Tarakua’s referral picture “Emme” and the other two group photo’s are from a friend of mine who is adopting the precious little boy in peach. She sent them to me months ago wondering if it was Emush in the blue. We determined that it was not based on the fact that she is sitting up in one picture. Last night these pictures came to mind and I found them and realized that while it was not Emush it did in fact end up being MY daughter. I love God’s sense of humor. The fourth picture is the original Emush with her new brother! They look like they could be biological siblings to me! God is so good.

Emush’s family arrived home a week after me and I talked to them on Sunday. They are precious, and enjoying their baby girl and 2 year old son. These are their first children and she was afraid that I would want to switch back wanting a younger baby. I assured her I LOVE MY Emme and we plan on keeping in touch since I’m sure in the future it will be clear why God wanted these babies in different families than originally referred.

So when we readopt Emush “Emme” in 6 months, we will change her middle name to Tarikua! What a testimony she is going to have!!

The picture of Emush with her brother has been removed per her family’s request! Sorry!!

7 Comments
Anonymous
Wow, Joy!  What a story!  God doesn't make mistakes and you all handled this situation wonderfully.  Can't wait to see what God has in store for your girls and all in your family!  Thanks for sharing your experience in such a wonderful light.
-Chris E.
Sunday, February 18, 2007 - 08:43 PM

Laura
That is such an amazing story and proves that God ALWAYS knows what he is doing -- I love how you got a picture of YOUR EMME but thought it wasn't her at the time.  God is like, um... let me make it clear...!  LOL  He is SO amazing and you have handled this situation with such clarity and grace.  By having you as a friend I am learning how to be a better example of the living testiment of Christ no matter what or when.  Thank you for your unflappable faith. You are the salt Jesus talks about.
Monday, February 19, 2007 - 07:39 AM

Anonymous
Dear Dear Joy!! Your story is so incredible, and God's hand is so evident in it all!  You're right, God doesn't make mistakes and He placed each child in the family He wanted them in!  Bless you for being so open to His leading, for keeping a spirit of grace and mercy toward the agency (whom I assume was just heartbroke and sick), and for being such a Christian witness.  I am so blessed by this testimony!  Just as Laura said, you ARE the salt that Jesus talks about! Blessings!  Rhonda
Monday, February 19, 2007 - 09:40 AM

Emily
Amazing.  Though not entirely that surprising! ;)
I remember exactly where I was when the news of Emme came- because I said, "That's my name!"  I was in Washington DC.  I was so happy for you- I cried.  Then when I saw the first pictures that came streaming from addis...I was just amazed at both of your new daughters...the story gets better and better as we know all of the details leading up to the trip and know how God worked to make this happen.  The fact that you almost did not travel that week and if you had traveled the following week like CWA wanted you to- this might not have happened.  Its amazing.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007 - 09:33 PM

Heidi W.
Wow, thanks for sharing all of that!  What an incredible story.  God bless you!
Wednesday, March 7, 2007 - 08:31 PM

Carrie
What an amazing story!  Everything happens for a reason!  Thanks for sharing your journey.  I just found your blog from the adoption board.  We have a baby girl from Guatemala.  Such a joy!
Friday, March 9, 2007 - 07:54 AM

Jessica
Joy,

I so enjoyed reading about your adventures in ET.  This part of the story is quite amazing!!   Your daughters are beautiful and I know they're with just the right family.
Friday, March 16, 2007 - 09:29 AM

Home

Tue, 6 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600

We are finally recovered from jet lag and a baby in the house again :-) !! Emme is doing great! She is on schedule with 3 meals and a snack each day and goes to bed around 7:30 and wakes up for a bottle around 3-4 and then sleeps till around 7 . She does not like riding in her car seat, but other than that she is great. She is BUSY crawling, pulling up, and loves to play with anything that ISN’T a toy! It’s amazing how she knows what she isn’t supposed to have and that’s exactly what she wants. All of her big brothers and sisters are loving holding and playing with her and they all fight over who gets to give her a bottle. It has been fun having a baby in the house again!

Zoe is Wonderful! She is still smiling! I keep waiting for her to have a breakdown but so far she is just going with the flow and enjoying every new experience. We went to an international adoption clinic in Birmingham and they used an interpreter to ask her some questions about her history, etc. While there they asked about schooling. Did she want to homeschool for a while? They said her answer was immediate... She wants to go to school!!! So we went and visited Halcyon and it was such an answer to prayer! They were so excited to have her and so flexible as to where they place her and moving her as it becomes appropriate. She started on Tuesday, February 13, and was all smiles when I picked her up. She is in a wonderful 1st grade class and her teacher is a blessing and the children have been so welcoming to her! Since she has had no education, we are starting from scratch. Hopefully as she learns more of the language we will be able to move her closer to her appropriate grade level.

Zoe loves playing ball in the yard....soccer, volleyball, basketball, kickball, any kind of ball. She is learning to ride a bike and just loves any new experience. She sleeps well, is at least trying more food options, and is fitting right in!

We are so blessed to have these two sweet girls in our family! I thank my precious heavenly father for calling us to this journey and for guiding our way. Your prayers and words of support have been such a source of encouragement to us!

1 Comment
Jodie
Glad you're home safe! Can't wait to hear update. We will continue to pray for your family during this exciting time.
Monday, February 5, 2007 - 11:55 AM

February 3 & 4th 2007

Sun, 4 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600

We arrived at the airport around 6:30 pm on the 2nd and after a long check in we headed through customs and then to the cloud 9 waiting room since we were 3 hours early. We had to get on an escalator to go to the gates and I wish I had a picture of Zoe’s face when she saw it. She began laughing and shaking her head “no”. Kim and I helped her on on she squealed as she enjoyed this new experience. While in the waiting room we met another family who had adopted a 5 month old boy. We realized they would be on the front row of the plane with us so we enjoyed getting to know them.

    We ate some snacks and then exchanged our money. Zoe went with me to exchange my money and on the way she grabbed my hand and said “I love you”. She had been saying it in response to me, but this was the first time she initiated it. It was a special moment.

    It was finally time to board the plane and Zoe was all eyes. She of course claimed the window seat and looked out of the window pretty much the entire time she was awake during the flight :-) The seating was 2-2-2, so Zoe and I sat with the baby bassinette in front of us and Kim ended up beside us next to an older, large lady who needed her assistance as well as the flight attendants for almost everything (peeling her orange, raising and lowering her foot rest, laying her seat back, holding her food, going to the bathroom (that’s another story in itself), holding her jacket, blanket, she was WAY over her half of the center console...Sorry Kim.....I love you!!!

Zoe was wonderful on the flight!! When we were landing in Washington she looked out the window and asked “Alabama?” Emme was very good, just active. She slept in the bassinette, but wouldn’t play in it when she was awakw. She wanted to stand, jump, crawl, etc all over me. It made it very difficult to eat with her grabbing everything, but considering how long we were on that plane, we had it easy.

    We FINALLY landed in Washington Dulles and thank goodness we had such a long scheduled overlay. Our flight was 2 hours late, it took forever to get our luggage, and by the time we made it through customs and immigration, rechecked our bags, and went to the gate to be issued our paper tickets for the flight to Atlanta... all we had time to do was grab a bite to eat, freshen up in the bathroom, grab a much anticipated Starbucks and then it was time to board the plane for Atlanta!! That 2 hour flight almost seemed as long as the one from Addis because I could hardly wait to see the rest of my family!!

    We finally landed, went to the bathroom to change Emme, and the headed to the luggage area to find the rest of our gang! When I saw them I began crying! It felt so good to all be back together and I had missed their sweet hugs and kisses so much! They couldn’t get enough of Emme and Zoe, who were a little overwhelmed. They just had that deer in headlights look (with a smile). After taking some photos we gathered our bags and headed for the party bus. Elizabeth couldn’t stop touching Zoe. She was so excited to have her finally home! We shared stories and just enjoyed being together during the 2 hour ride to Montgomery. We had planned to go out to eat but I was too tired. Once I got home I didn’t want to leave. The kids began showing Zoe around and mom had made some camp stew that she got dad to bring over and it hit the spot. I was needing some meat and veggies, so it was a perfect mix. Zoe said she was tired, so Kim got her ready for bed. When Zoe got in bed she patted her other pillow and then patted Kim. She wanted her to sleep with her. (Kim will be missed!) Emme went down to bed and then I enjoyed a long, hot shower before passing out:-)

    I had big plans to sleep well into the next day, but my body had other plans. We were all up early so we decided to all go to church. Zoe went with her big sis Sarah Kathryn and then sat with us during big church. I stayed with Emme in the nursyer and then she slept during most of the service. Elizabeth was glowing and was touching some part of Zoe or Emme during the entire service. My body was shutting down after church so I crawled in bed, but Zoe hung with the kids and played in the yard all afternoon! They had a ball! The boys have been great! They love playing with Zoe and they are wonderful big brothers to Emme. They love for me to leave them “in charge” for a minute :-)

Please keep us in your prayers as we continue to adjust to life as a family of 8!

February 2, 2007

Fri, 2 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600

We had the best nights sleep so far and just had a slow morning in the room. I uploaded the video we have taken so far, and Zoe loved watching it. I have not had time to edit it but I am sending it to the web anyway so some mothers at home can get a glimpse of their waiting children.

We ordered room service, plain noodles for zoe, and when they gave us the paper, The Sub-Saharan Informer, the front page headline is:
ETHIOPIA FOILS AU SUMMIT TERRORIST ATTACH;accuses Eritrea of masterminding plot.

THANK YOU FOR COVERING US IN PRAYER!!!
please don’t stop. It’s a long flight home and even then we will have lots of new relations to develop. Thank you all for the support and love you have been to us! We love you all!!

Kim just left with Zoe to go back over to the Hilton to have her hait done. Emme is currently napping and I’m about to hop in the shower. At 1 o’clock Getachew is picking us up to go back to the care center and then we go back to AHOPE at 3 pm. We are very excited about both! I’ve heard 4 older boys were moved since we picked up Zoe and Emme so I’m excited to see who they are.

We will return to the hotel later in the afternoon and will be picked up at 6 to head to the airport. Our flight is scheduled to leave at 10:30 pm (1 pm Friday afternoon back home in Alabama). I can’t wait to see my family and friends at the Atlanta airport when we finally land around 4 on Saturday afternoon (3 pm Montgomery time).

3 Comments
Sandra
Fly safe and God be with you. You are covered here in Washington State!
Friday, February 2, 2007 - 08:56 AM

Anonymous
Joy, Please know that our family is praying for you and your precious family here in Montgomery and the new family coming home with you today. We have been looking at the pictures and the girls are absolutely beautiful. We can't wait to meet them! The DuBois Family (I especially love the picture of Emme with the little white bow tied in her hair) Too cute!!!
Saturday, February 3, 2007 - 10:26 AM

Anonymous
Joy, the girls are just beautiful! I have enhoyed your updates everyday, and can't wait to see you and the girls. You are almost home! I will see you this week.

Love ya!

KImberly
Saturday, February 3, 2007 - 01:53 PM

February 1, 2007

Thu, 1 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600

We didn’t have any plans today other than heading over to the Hilton to play so we were hoping to sleep late. Emme woke up at 2, we gave her a bottle, but I had trouble going back to sleep, so at 3 I took a Tylenol PM and finally fell asleep. During the night Zoe fell off of the bed twice and often had her legs accross me, so it wasn’t a great nights sleep. ( There is NO WAY she and SK could sleep together :-)   Emme woke up at 6 and was playing in her bed, talking and pulling up. She was not going back to sleep. I took her to the bathroom to change her diaper and we playind in there for a while hoping Kim and Zoe could sleep. When we came out, Kim was on the computer. We played for awhile and then Kim was headed down to find some coffee and see if there was was breakfast buffet. She returned with news that there was, so we thought this would be a good option to see what Zoe might choose to eat. When Zoe woke up we got dressed and went down.

    Soon after we were seated Dagne came in and brought the girls Ethiopian Passports with their US VISA’s inside along with the infamous brown sealed envelope that you cannot open but must give to immigration upon entering the US. Very tempting to open and see what is inside...

    We didn’t have much luck with Zoe as far as variety . She ate a banana and some bread. She didn’t even try the pancake, crepe, cereal or muffin Kim had put on her plate. This child needs some vegetables and fruit. Emme on the other hand had just had a bottle, rice cereal and banana puffs in the room, but was still eating her muffin, watermelon, banana, pineapple and peaches when we finally left the table. We walked around the grounds and took a few pictures before heading to the room. They were cleaning it when we returned so we sat in the hall and played. Zoe kets hiding behind a collumns and Emme would crawl around after her. Zoe would tap her on the bottom and they would reverse and do the same. It was fun to watch them together.

    Emme is currently napping, Zoe and Kim are watching Cinderella ....again. This is the 4th or 5th time she has watched it. Kim thinks she is relating to the experience. She is really picking up English though. I am catching up on my journal. It has been a slow and much needed day. Soon we will head to the Hilton to see the Boudros, play on the playground, get massages and have Zoe’s hair done!!

the rest of the day............................

when we got to the Hilton the Boudro’s weren’t back yet from visiting the care center again so we headed on over to the playground. We put them in the swings and I have never seen such joy or heard such a wonderful laugh as when Zoe was swinging. It was obvious this was her first time in a swing and she was taken away with the tickle in her tummy. I think she stayed in the swing today for over an hour straight. It was such a wonderful experience watching her enjoy this simple pleasure. Up until this point she has smiled a lot but I havent heard her really laugh, so it was wonderful to hear!! Emme on the other hand acted like she had done it a million times :-) We showed her how to play on all the equipment and then she took Emme down the slide a few time. She really enjoys helping with Emme. Soon the Boudros arrived and Zoe had a ball being united with her friends from the care center. They ran and played and enjoyed their new life. Kim stayed with the kids while I went for a massage. I was a little worried about what you would get for $10, especially after my $10 massage in China was more like a red light district. The massage ended up being really nice.... a little different .... but good. I met up with Kim and the Boudros so that she could go for her massage. I gave her a heads up about some of the elements of the massage.

    I then headed over to the salon so Zoe could have her braids taken out, her hair washed and conditioned. In the middle of taking her braids out they called me over. I was sure they had found lice..... nope. Poor thing had 3 open sores on her scalp from a fungal infection. We went to the clinic at the Hilton and they gave us a prescription for antibiotic shampoo. I was sitting with the girls outside waiting on Kim’s massage to get over when Eyob (one of CWA’s drivers) called my cell phone. He was at the Sheraton looking to give me something to take back to our agency. I told him about Zoe’s head and they headed over to pick us up. They took us to a pharmacy and ran in and got the shampoo for us and then took us back to the Sheraton. This was such a blessing as I was frustrated to have found this, her hair is half taken out of braids looking crazy, I didn’t know where a drug store was, and I didn’t hire a driver for today from our agency and I didn’t want to take a chance on any taxi driver. God had it all planned out !!! It is obvious we are covered in prayers!! Thank you all. So we got her in the tub, lathered up her haid, soaked for 5 minutes and then shampood her hair. It looked cute when she dried it with a towel. She had an afro with little curls. She wanted a pick, so she combed it all out. It became frizzy but I still like it better than the braids. She picked out a hair wrap and is very happy with her “look” right now. We might co back to the Hilton tomorrow and let them condition it if we have time.

When Yoeb was here today he asked Zoe if she wanted to go back to the care center and tell everyone bye again and she said yes. So we will go there after lunch and then to AHOPE before being picked up at 6 and taken to the airport. Since our flight isn’t until 10:30 we will have a LONG time there, especially with 2 children. Please continue to remember us in your prayers.

Please also remember my husband, Cole, in your prayers. Here is his email from today:
What minions do you have spying on me?

The bad news is that I have a back injury (although this isn't really
something I didn't already know). The good news is that it isn't a
vertebrae problem, but a muscle problem. My back went out yesterday. I
(actually Sloan) called Drs. Bradley/Kendrick's office for an
appointment. I saw Dr. Pirofsky. He diagnosed my inflamed muscles,
sent me to physical therapy (I begin on Friday-what do you know?-the
cause of this muscle tension is my lack of flexibility, which you have
been lax to help me with), and prescribed muscle relaxers. He offered
some shots to relieve the pain, which I declined. I planned to take the
muscle relaxers last night, but as I thought about it, I only need the
relaxers when I stand up, not when I am sitting or laying down.
However, since these relaxers make folks drowsy with the potential to
lose one's balance, I needed to sit down or lay down after I took them.
So, why take them? I have them just in case the pain becomes
unbearable.

It is a blessing that he wasn’t in Ethiopia when this happened! I have seen many reasons as to why it didn’t work out for him to come and my sister is here instead!! With two new kids coming home and the others needing extra attention since they have been at grandparents, I really don’t need him to be on his back!! Thanks in advance for your prayers!!

5 Comments
Anonymous
Hey Joy!
     Lisa and I are praying for you so much.  It has been a joy to walk through all the photos to see where the Lord has taken you and what He has done.  The girls are beautiful and we rejoice as we look forward to meeting them and helping them settle in to life here in Montgomery.  God is so good, and your church family is excited to have you back with us.  See you soon.

The Merithew Family
Thursday, February 1, 2007 - 08:52 AM

Rejoicing with you!
Joy, I have been so touched by tracking your journey to Ethiopia.  When I saw the pictures of your girls, and looked at the joy in their faces it reminded me of what Christ has done in my own life.  I will continue to pray for your safe return and will try to help keep Cole in line here.

Paul Payne
Thursday, February 1, 2007 - 10:59 AM

Ashley Henderson
Joy,

I have so enjoyed reading and seeing the photos of your adventure. Zoe and Emme are beautiful!!! Zoe especially has such a wonderful smile. We will be praying for you, your sister and the two new Portis sisters as you all travel back to the US.

Ashley Henderson
Thursday, February 1, 2007 - 02:14 PM

Sandra
So, Caleb has the same toenail issues. The derm said it should get better, it isn't. I will be curious to see what your doc says.

Your husband and all your family are in my prayers. Thank you for the pictures, it is like we are there. I am so excited for you tomorrow (gee, i wonder why).  Give her a big hug and kiss. Please try to get a picture with you and her. I would treasure that.  You are such a blessing to my husband and me. He has been proudly showing everyone the pictures.

May God give you rest and peace. I want to hear all about the massage. I might try it when we are there.

Love,
Sandra
Thursday, February 1, 2007 - 03:14 PM

Emily
Joy
This entire blog is such a pleasure to read.  We will "chat" when you wake up from your slumber...I know that might be a few weeks...your girls are gorgeous and fit right into the Portis Family!
Saturday, February 3, 2007 - 11:36 PM

January 31,2007

Wed, 31 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600

Too tired to finish my journal for today.... I’ll finish tomorrow! It has been a great day, just long and still trying to catch up on sleep! Please know how much each comment and email means to me. It is such a source of encouragement to know you care and are praying for us. I couldn’t imagine this trip without them (or my sister). Enjoy the pictures!! I really feel like we stepped into an episode of National Geographic! Even the pictures don’t do the reality justice!! I am loving this experience, but I’m ready to come home! I miss the rest of my family terribly!!
January 31, 2007

Last night was MUCH better as far as sleep. I went to bed around 11:30 and crawled in with Tewabech. She talked a little in her sleep and sat up, but it was fine. Soon Emme woke up crying and I took her to the bathroom to try and get her back to sleep. Every time I would lay her back in her bed she would wake up crying so we called to see if we could trade out the baby bed for a roll a way, but they said they didn’t have one. Kim switched with me and slept with Zoe and Emme slept with her head on my stomach most of the night and didn’t wake up until I had to get her up as we were heading out the door at 9 am.

    We had the alarm set for 8 and pastries delivered at 8:15. We grabbed a quick bite and then headed out to meet Getachew. We drove up to the Entoto Mountains. From the top there is a panoramic view of Addia Ababa. Although it was a little cloudy it was very beautiful. This used to be the capital of Ethiopia but the leaders wife could see all the flowers down in the area below so they moved and Addis Ababa means “new flower”. At the top of Mt. Entoto there is a church that we took a tour of called St. Mary’s. The paintings inside were amazing.

    On the way up the mountain we saw many wood carriers, children collecting leaves for their family to burn, metal shacks, children playing in the street, animals roaming the streets and carrying wood/straw, metal shacks as homes….. The words of the song kept playing in my head “Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your blessings, see what God hath done…..”

    As we were driving up the steep hill in first gear these precious children kept running beside the car asking for money. I couldn’t bear it any more and gave one little boy 10 birr. This is only a little over a dollar, but he held it over his head running back and screaming like he had one the lottery. His friend who had given up chasing us earlier saw this and then quickly resumed his chase. I couldn’t help but think of the effects that we as foreigners have had on their culture. They have learned that many tourists come to see the beautiful mountain as have learned to beg for money. If we hadn’t created this environment would he be in school? Be learning some kind of trade?.....

    It has been wonderful to see the reaction from the Ethioian’s to their children being adopted. They are VERY grateful! Some have even cried as they say they cannot express their emotions, what a hard life it is, how they can tell how much we love them ….

    On the way down the mountain we stopped at a local market area. Here there is a weaving factory. We got to go in and see the men making their beautiful wraps/scarves. Its hard to imagine all the time put into such beautiful pieces that are sold for less than $10. They said it took 3 days to make each one. It was amasing to watch them separate the colors and slide another through with ease. Truly amazing. We purchased a few clothing items at this market, which Zoe really enjoyed. Every time I told her to pick one thing out she like best her face would just light up. Every picture I had of her from Soddo , she was wearing the same clothes, so it was a special treat for her to pick out her own Ethiopian clothes. It showed all over her face.

    After we left the market we stopped at the Wood Carriers Project. You can see in my pictures the ladies carrying wood down the mountain. This project takes them and teaches them the trade of weaving so that they can make a living that doesn’t involve such tremendous hard work! For whatever reason the men are who work in the weaving factories. The weaving costs a little more here than prices you can get at the market, but it is worth it after seeing the women carrying the HUGE pile of wood on their back. I cannot imagine their back pain.

    We then stopped at the Christian bookstore where we got a few Bibles and I let Zoe pick out 4 cd’s for less $10. She put one in her cd player and started singing loudly. It was really funny. She really enjoys them! In the room I tried to get her to dance with me but she just held my hands. Kim and I showed her how to spin each other and then she tried. Elizabeth will have to teach her some moves when we get home

    We had not been able to find any nativity scenes or prayer sticks, the last two items on my “things I want to buy” list so we stopped by the Hilton to see if their gift store had them. We also called the Boudro’s room while there and she brought down some Zithromax for Emme. She will have had three of the five doses by the time we get on the plane, so I hope she will not be in pain!! We then found the gift shop and the nativity’s. It took forever for her to wrap everything up individually, so we got a fruit smoothie and shared it. I also found the massage room and made Kim and appointment for tomorrow at 3 and me one at 4. We have plans to come back tomorrow and play with the Boudro’s daughters as Zoe LOVES seeing them. Finally we were able to pay and leave. We were tired! On the way out we stopped at their salon and made an appointment to have Zoe’s braids taken out, her hair washed and then straightened. I can’t wait to see what her hair looks like with the braids out. I really have no idea how to care for her hair, so I look forward to returning, going to our normal hair salon and learning proper care.

    When we got back to the car Getachew told us he had found some prayer sticks, so we stopped at a small street shop and bought 2. I’m still not sure how I’m getting them home, but I’m going to figure out something. They look kind of like a crutch and a walking stick combined. Their prayer time and church services last for so long that they use these under their arms for support. We start looking at our watches if the pastor goes over his allotted hour and we are in soft comfortable seats…..

    We returned to the hotel, rested and tried to decide what to do about dinner. Kim went down to check out our options and nothing was open until 6 and the Italian restaurant that really sounded good to us didn’t open until 7. It was only 5 so we all just rested. Everyone fell asleep except me but I was too tired to do anything other than read emails. Please know That I am reading EVERY one and hope to eventually respond to everyone individually, but I just can’t right now.

    I woke everyone up at a quarter till and we went down but it still wasn’t open so we walked around the grounds of the Sheraton and saw the pool and children’s play area which both looked very nice, but we have not been able to use since they have been closed due to security for the African Summit. I still can’t figure what the threat is in having them open, but I’m not in charge. When we first walked outside and Zoe saw the tall building lit up she gasped! She had never seen such a sight. It’s fun experiencing everything wit her for the first time. Fortunately she hasn’t seemed to be scared by anything, just shocked! (She did tell Getachew that she was scared on the drive up the mountain when we could see down, but she didn’t want to stop). So we headed in at 7 to eat. We ordered her spaghetti with Marinera sauce (Kim and I ordered the same), but when it came she made an ugly face and shook her finger no. The waitress tried to get her to atleast TRY it but she refused. We got them to ask her how she liked her spaghetti and her version is macaroni noodles with butter only. We asked for an order of that and they brought it along with a creamy mushroom sauce on the side that they were also trying to force her to eat. Kim and I were like… just let her eat what she wants. They had also told us they would bring an order of fries for her. We told them we had orderd some for her yesterday at lunch and she didn’t like them, but they brought them anyway. Emme loved them though! We got Getachew to try and ask her some other things that she likes to eat but all she said was rice and spachetti (macaroni noodles and butter) and only water to drink. She has eaten our peanuts, peanut butter crackers, and a banana. Hopefully we can get her to try a few more things.

    After zoe was full she was about to fall asleep at the table so Kim took her to the room to bathe and get ready for bed while I paid and finished feeding Emme. She on the other hand will eat most anything… formula, pedialite, water, crackers, fruit, pasta, small veggies out of my soup….I don’t think she has turned anything away. I’m assuming this is due to her lack of food for a period of time. Everyone we meed continues to say she is not 6 months old but close to 9 or 10. She is pulling us and crawling all over the place but if their records are correct she weighed 6 pounds in September so if she is 9-10 months old that means she was 6 lbs when she was 4-5 months old. We will probably never know, but I haven’t seen any serious effects of malnutrition. She is very alert, babbles a lot, very hands on and inquisitive, good small motor skills picking up food and feeding herself ( and the floor) … I can’t wait to get back and see what the pediatrician says!

    When she finished eating we returned to the room and got ready for bed. It is so fully to see/listen to her when she sees her bottle. She makes this growling noise and cannot even be patient enough while you shake the bottle up even though she had just eaten. I thing this is a part of her that helped her survive her circumstances. She is a fighter and has some animal instincts   She fell asleep drinking her bottle and I crawled in bed with Zoe hoping for a good and long nights sleep!!!

7 Comments
Laura
What a journey and I love how you say that you miss the REST of your family which speaks volumes to the intense and immediate bond to your daughters Zoe and Emme.  What a blessing for your family -- all of you.  I cannot wait to meet the Portis family on Saturday.  Your daughters are beautiful (love match for Max perhaps?) and you look so full of (pardon the pun) JOY!

We are covering you in prayer for the remainder of your journey and we will see you Saturday... even if for a moment, a photo, a hug.... all worth it.

XOXO
Laura :)
Wednesday, January 31, 2007 - 02:04 PM

Cristie
Your girls are just beautiful!  It sounds as though your trip has been life changing.  When we returned home from China I realized that we live a life of complete abundance.  Our minds are so naive to what the rest of the world overcomes each day and yet the same people who have nothing seem to have more than most here in the states .... contentment!  I pray that your time in Ethiopia can be used to help open the eyes and the hearts of many more to follow you!  I pray more and more of those precious children find the home they dream of!  The Lord has used your journey and your children for a bigger plan .... to show that love knows no color, circumstances, wealth and reason.   When it is sifted through the hands of the Lord it is pure and lovely!  May you be overflowing in blessings in the years to come as you watch your children grow!  May the Lord shine his face upon you!
An AWAA friend in Christ!
Cristie Martine
Wednesday, January 31, 2007 - 01:54 PM

KT
Joy! Your photos are incredible!!! You are great at capturing small details and emotions! Thanks so much! They make me want to go back as a tourist!
God Bless You!
KT
Wednesday, January 31, 2007 - 04:43 PM

David
Joy,
Thanks so much for taking the time to keep us all updated on your journey.  The pictures are really just stunning.  Please know that we continue to pray for all of you and can't wait to meet the girls when you arrive back in the states.  It is so incredible to see how God continues to work to move our church family toward adoption!  Thanks for being faithful!

In His Mercies,
David and the Hardgrave Family
Wednesday, January 31, 2007 - 05:41 PM

Anonymous
Joy,  Your girls are amazing!  You can SEE that Zoe is so happy and feels so loved!  Emmie is a doll!  I'd love to get inside that Zoe's head--you know she feels like a princess!  Just wait 'til she meets Dad, siblings, and the rest of her family, as well as her home, etc...WOW! Blessings to all of y'all!  Our prayers are with you and the attachment, bonding, etc. continue to strengthen!

Love,
The Kemp Family
AWAA Fellow Adoptive Family
Wednesday, January 31, 2007 - 08:46 PM

Anonymous
I'm going to ignore the fact that Laura is already trying to two time Max - who is betrothed to Zion, if I recall - and tell you how happy I am for you and your precious family!  I get homesick when I travel without David, too, and it is especially hard to experience so many neat things without your husband seeing them with you.  What a wonderful blessing it must be to have your sister there.  We are praying for you both and for the girls.
Love,
heidi
Wednesday, January 31, 2007 - 09:29 PM

Sandra
Joy, I love your updates. Could you come back with me to be my scribe? Haha.  Wrap the nativity scene well in your luggage. You might want to rewrap them somehow. We had 4 items break. If you bought a coffee ceremony set, rewrap that cuz our broke too.  We saw the same scarf shop! And we bought most of our Ethiopian clothes from those stores next door. May God give you peace!
Thursday, February 1, 2007 - 03:03 PM

January 30, 2007

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600

Well after Emush cried for about an hour we got her to eat some little fruit puffs to calm down and then we made her another bottle and she finally fell asleep.   I am sleeping with Emme on a cot they brought into the room for us. The center in caved in so we both roll to the middle. After a long day and no sleep last night, I was sure a Lunesta would guarantee me a good nights sleep. After I woke up with my back hurting, due to the angle I’m sleeping in, I layed there for awhile and decided it HAD to be almost morning. I went to me computer so I could see the time on my watch......2:15. UGGGGG! Now I’ve been playing on the computer so long that it is 4:20 AM. Between the barking dogs, religious singing (which began at 2 am) and the street traffic (our guest house is right off of a busy road with bad street condition, which results in lots of bumpy trucks) there is no way I’m getting back to sleep.

I cannot wait for 9:30 to come so we can head to the Sheraton. We will drop off our luggage for them to store until we can check in after our Embassy Appointment

Well I decided to crawl back in bed and used the time to pray and actually be still and listen for a change. It’s rare I get many of those opportunities at home :-) During that time I was praying about their attachment, etc and God brought to mind our time in China with Samuel. The first day I was so busy with paperwork and Samuel became attached to his sister, Sarah Kathryn. A day or two later he became sick and vomited for and entire day. While not exactly something you would hope for, in hind sight I was able to realize it was a blessing as far as our bonding was concerned because I took care of him and he wanted his momma ( don’t we all when we’re sick).
I’m also not one who believes in the theory that when you adopt you stop your normal life, stay home, no others hold/take care of your children for an extended period of time, yada, yada, yada. They are joining our lives and whether by birth or adoption we will continue on in our daily interaction and be blessed by their addition to it.

When Kim went to the bathroom I got her to check the time and when she told me 6:15 I told her I was getting in the shower. I couldn’t lay there any longer. When I got out Zoe asked for some water. I was brushing my hair while she drank it in bed and then she quickly got up and was headed for the bathroom holding liquid in her hand.....could it be she drank too much and some came out and she caught it in her hand (fingers crossed).... nope. She got sick a few more times (all clear liquid) and then cuietly washed her hands and Got back in bed. I got her a ziplock bag (just in case) and I am currently in bed beside her.   I’m not sure how the day will end up since we are checking out of here at 9:30 and can’t check in to the Sheraton until 3 (actually later because we will be at our Embassy Appt.). So I hope I can get this posted this morning so that my wonderful prayer warriors can lift us all up. She is currently sleeping and I hope she wakes up feeling 100%.

Kim is currently changing Emme’s diaper. She slept until 7 am. If she’ll keep that up I might give in to that bottle in the bed idea :-)

Kimberly has been a wonderful travel partner. We’ve shared many laughs, and the kids love her. I think she missed her calling as a speech therapist. She has taught Zoe a lot of words. She repeats them with clear English, but has only retained a few. Repetition will be the key, but I think she will catch on quickly. The Driver told me he had driven her from Soddo to the care center in Addis and that she spoke Wolita and not Amharic, but she has learned it at the care center (I wish they would have taught English instead). So far it has not been an issue. God has truly blessed us on this journey.

UPDATE..... 1 pm
We hung around the room this morning trying to get Zoe to keep something down. We quartered a phenergan tablet and the water she used to swallow it came up soon after. Eventually she ate a saltine cracker and it stayed down. I asked her if she wanted to brush her teeth and get dressed and she raised her eyebrows (this means yes). So we decided to go ahead with our plans for the day. Getachew picked us up at 9:30 and we loaded up our bags, grateful to have had the guest house, but desperately needing a quieter and roomier place to sleep. We first headed to the Ethiopia Airlines center to reconfirm our reservation as they often mix things up. Emme and I went in while Kim & Zoe waited in the car with Getachew. Zoe loves listening to her CD player! It took quite a while but everything was fine so we headed to exchange some more money. We have an appointment to visit AHOPE on Friday at 3 because we wanted to make sure we would be able to see our sponsored kids as well as the children of some friends of mine. We really were tired of hauling a huge suitcase around so we decided to drop by today and drop it off so we would be traveling lighter. It was a quick but emotional trip. We look forward to returning on Friday. SANDRA...I was able to take pictures of N. today. She was upset with a friend and we had trouble getting her to smile. Then she was mad because she wanted to go to the Kindergarten room, so they let her and we followed. She got a little happier, but I will try for a smile on Friday again. LISA....... They first told me K. was there but then we couldn’t find her. As luck would have it she was at a medical check up. I WILL see her on Friday!!

Then we headed to the Sheraton to check our bags until we could check in. Due to heightened security you are not allowed to drive up to the hotel. You have to be dropped off at the gate, which was not a short walk. Fortunately did come and help with the luggage. I decided to try our luggage and see if our room happened to be ready and they said we COULD check in!! I thought we were going to start crying, we were so excited. So we are in our room, we just got room service and now we are headed to our embassy appointment.

Zoe has been great since we left the guest house, no more vomiting.
Emme has an infection though, I believe. She has had 2 UNBELIEVABLE dirty diapers and her right ear smells horrible and has green mucus in it as well as her nose. Somehow I managed to leave without antibiotics for children. I have a drawer full of medicine but no prescriptions. We gave her tylenol and vitamins and she is doing well. She is very content so I can’t wait to see her when she feels 100%

No one we meet however believes she is 6 months old. they all say “no, older” so who knows, but she is a doll!

When we got in the elevator to go up to the 2nd floor Zoe was really checking the square room out. And to her little body I guess it gave quite a strange feeling because she grabbed both our hands and squeeled upon take off and landing :-) It was too funny. Then Kim said when they were on the way down she did the same thing and grabbed a strangers hand who was in the elevator with them.
We are blessed!!!

Thank you for your love and prayers. We feel it and know it has made this journey the blessing that it has been so far. I look forward to the rest.......

UPDATE__________________________________________________________________
Our Embassy appt went off easily ( not necessarily quickly) We were there from 3 to a little after 5. Then they took us to our hotels for a quick rest After one night at the YEKA the Boudros went in search of other rooms and got one at the Hilton. We all got picked up again to head to a traditional Ethiopian meal. The animals I recognized I tried and liked (chicken in spicy sauce and bean mixture. Emme at the flour bread and Zoe’s favorite was the spinach beef . Everyone sits, they come and clean your hands, then serve the food. The eat with only their right hand, since the left is is used for something less sanitary. The parts I ate were very good. I need to learn a few more things Zoe likes. The guide keeps asking her for us and so far we have she likes spaghetti and rice , only water to drink, and Ethiopia food...which we have none of in our next of the weeds so we will have to take the kids to atlanta and meet some friends for this dinner. We also had some live entertainment playing their musical instruments. After our time together we headed back to the hoten and it was PORING rain. Unuallu not a problem when you SHOULD be able to be dropped off. So now we are in the room, I am so tired but almost to the point that is painful to close my eyesWe got a crip for Emme and two twin beds, one of which I will be sharing with her. SK I don’t think you will be a good team for her as far as sleep. She has sat up twice saying something and moving to another spot on the bed. Maybe she and Elizabeth could talk in their sleep together :-)

The bathe is so nice here. we all took one except Emme. She was so tired she needed to go straight to sleep.

Now I’m beginning to worry if we will get sleep here as well. These must be serious memple from the African regions. Every time we enter we gave to go through bag and people scanners. Then when we god off on the second floor there were cameras angled there. Then in front of two rooms wires come out to a table where to men are always monitoring the people and their screen. It must be someone important! I must be changing with the environment... he asked if I was from south Africa?!?!

Everyone is in bed and I’ve talked to Cole and the girls and Mom and the boys so that will hold me a few hours until they will call again.

Goodnight!!

12 Comments
Sandra
Oh my dear Sister in Christ. Praise God for your journey. I am so excited for you.  My memories are flooding back and I can't wait to get our sweet girl. Ask Dagne or someone to take the girls to the doctor. They will check for giardia and any other infections. Medicines are cheap and it will help you keep things at bay until you get home. If Emme has an ear infection you want it to clear before the plane trip.  Thank you for the update. I am rejoicing, crying and thankful. I love you!
Tuesday, January 30, 2007 - 08:22 AM

Nancy Arrighi
Joy and Cole,

I have been reading your site since your family was blessed with Samuel.  Hi SK, Elizabeth and Jon Cole, we miss you.  I love being able to keep up with the kids.  This is too cool.  I have been praying that the girls would adjust well.  They are beautiful and you have a beautiful family.  Wow, what an awesome GOD we serve... Love all of you.

Nancy Arrighi
Tuesday, January 30, 2007 - 08:30 AM

Heidi W
Oh, Joy.... thank you for journaling all of this.  I'm sooo happy for you, and excited for Sandra and Lisa.

Blessing!  We are praying for you here at home, and love you!
Heidi W.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007 - 08:37 AM

Anonymous
Joy, I can't thank you enough for the way you have blessed me with reports of Eby and Wogayu!  To wake up and find not one picture but MANY pictures on my email was so amazing.  My heart just melted and I began to cry.  Thank you, thankyou.  Your girls are so beautiful and I am so happy for you.  I am praying you will get some sleep and you will all be healthy.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007 - 09:24 AM

KT
We prayed together as a family for you last night. I am SO glad to read how well your trip is going! Your girls are beautiful!! To be honest, I think Zoe looks a bit like her mother:)
KT
Tuesday, January 30, 2007 - 09:31 AM

Jen
Joy,

Thanks for the updates.  Your children are so precious.  You are in my prayers.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007 - 10:26 AM

emily
Joy,

Continuing to pray for all you girls in Ethopia!  We can not wait to meet Zoe and Emme in person!  PRAISE GOD!  they are doing so well..and you and Kim are too!

~~em
Tuesday, January 30, 2007 - 01:04 PM

Anonymous
Joy...Praise the Lord! He is so Awesome! I have checked your site everyday to keep up with your journey. I have just cried and cried. The girls are absoluetly beautiful and Zoe's sweet spirit is evident in her eyes and captivating smile. I am amazed at how smooth your trip has gone and that you still have all your luggage. : ) God's hand is so clear. We will continue to pray for your safety as well as the girls' health. Thank you thank you for taking all of us at home on this journey with you. It is incredible to be able to read your daily journal and see pictures. Keep it coming. I can't wait to meet the girls. : )  God's speed, Jodie
Tuesday, January 30, 2007 - 02:34 PM

heidi m
What an emotional and beautiful story.  It is such a joy to be able to share this with you. Thank you!  I can see you passing for a South African, easily.  If you can, try and get the anti worm meds while you are there, it is much easier.  Zion had the same thing from how you describe it - phew!
Tuesday, January 30, 2007 - 08:01 PM

Amy I.
Joy - Definitely try to see a doctor if you can for Emme...Sara had an ear infection in China and Linekar said she had one if there was an odor...got home and told the doctor...she said the odor only comes if the ear drum has ruptured...ugh.  Sounds painful...poor thing.  We'll be praying for her health (and Sweet Zoe's)!!  Blessings to all of you!
Tuesday, January 30, 2007 - 09:35 PM

Jennifer and Robert Martin
Joy,

We are so excited that you finally have your beautiful girls!  Ya'll have been in my thoughts since you left.  I hope the rest of your trip is blessed and that you have a safe journey home.  We can not wait to meet them.

God Bless!

Jennifer and Robert MArtin
Tuesday, January 30, 2007 - 09:45 PM

Melissa Carter
Joy, I caught up on your blog and am so glad you are in Africa picking up your girls!! We just returned from China with Eli and he is doing great.  Hope you have a safe trip home.  Melissa Carter
Tuesday, January 30, 2007 - 09:44 PM