Trip journal - Day 3

Tuesday, June 22, 2010, 8:30 pm

I was awake at 4:15 this morning -- got seven hours of sleep (not too bad!). -- Was nice to have some quiet time to myself.  But by nap time, I was very sleepy.

This morning's event was the Lion Zoo.  I have to say, it was a little unusual: a circle of cages with a male and female in each.  No tree, no dirt for the lions, just cement and bars.  They even let you walk close enough that you truly could put your hand in the cage -- scary (?!).

This afternoon's event was the National Museum, with many artifacts from Ethiopia's history.  Ficker played tour guide for us, and made it much more interesting than it would have been on our own.  The displays were very plain, but the artifacts represented key parts of Ethiopian history.  It was obvious that there is much national pride in the bones of Lucy (the oldest human remains ever found).

I felt crummy upon stepping into the building, and wonder if it was from the mold/leaking ceiling on the third floor.

We started Abel on antibiotics last night (for a phlegmy cough), and today in the car, he seemed much more alert (feeling better?).  Overall, he seemed more open with us, as well.  He gave us more sly grins and reached for one of us when we put him down.  He likes connecting with us by tapping something near him, while saying, "Buh," and inviting us to do the same with his eyes.  Of course, we do, and the game continues.

At dinner, he pretended to hide from me in the high chair (putting his face in the side), and letting me call him and tickle his back.  He responded with quick little glances and his happy "Oh!" lips.

We woke him up after a two-hour nap for the museum, and again, he slept for 12 hours last night -- great sleeping so far.  It actually took him 15-20 minutes to fall asleep in our arms tonight (usually 2-3 minutes), and when we put him to bed before he was totally asleep, he stood up to be held again.

Abel went potty on his little toilet this morning!  We have to figure out how to get with his schedule, because he obviously knows how to go.  He even had a dry diaper all night.  We heard the other families say that at House of Hope, the nannies have the kids go after each meal, but so far we have had a hard time getting the timing just right.

We took two vans to the outings today, and the other van actually hit a goat that was crossing the road.  The animal limped away, and when the families expressed concern, the driver said, "Don't worry, you don't have to pay for them in the city!"  -- Not surprised that it happened; some sheep graze right on the medians!

Some sights from driving... * One man has his sewing machine out by the street, and does his work right there.  * Most of the people are under six feet tall -- most small-boned and slender.  Even the slender women have beautiful curves.  * The neighborhood children (after being given granola bars by some of the families) are demanding "choc-o-lat."  They are so cute and friendly, it is hard to resist giving more to them!  * The school children must have a uniform to be able to attend school; the uniforms cost about $7, but some are unable to go to school because of lack of $7.  * Seeing the crippled and sick begging, I am reminded of how people brought the sick to Jesus with such desperation.  The crippled/injured here have little hope for help except by miracle, just as in Jesus' time.  * There are, indeed, stoplights (actually saw one working today!), but most do not work.  In the huge intersection, there are traffic directors, but they do very little to lessen the chaos of the drivers.  The main roads are paved (many pot holes!), but the side roads are dirt, and because of the rain, are very rutted and muddy.  * Most of the store signs are in Amharic and English.  Ficker says the kids all learn English throughout their school years, but the success depends on how well the teacher knows it.