News from Addis Ababa
Jul. 17th | Posted by Ena
16 comments
I had the pleasure this morning to speak to my Mum in Addis for the first time since she and Nicky left. It was evening there, and Nicky was putting her girls to bed for the very first time. How wonderful! So here is the news…
First of all, the news regarding the situation in Addis and the transition house. According to Mum, Martha is now working independently to get paperwork completed for the families who have been through court and those with referrals. They have shut down the baby room in order to keep costs down. Children without referrals are being sent back to their original orphanages, but they are not transferring children with referrals. At the moment, it looks as though they have the money to keep running for about a month, thanks in large part to Martha’s contingency fund and some money donated by Sue.
For those wishing to send donations to the transition house, thank you but no thank you is the message at the moment. The house is not accepting donations at this time, as they are being very careful to set up with an accountant to make sure everything is kept above board. They are concerned that if they start accepting donations, the Ethiopian government may pull their liscence. So once again, thank you for the thought, but please help in other ways.
The main issue is still getting the paperwork processed for passports and visas as quickly as possible. Please continue to write letters and emails and contact your local MPs, MLAs, Jason Kenney and Deb Matthews. As Nicky put it, we need to think not only of the parents and children in Ethiopia, but those who have the hardest time of all right now, the parents here at home. Jrock did a wonderful job on the radio this morning, and his stoic and well-spoken manner makes it easy to forget how very hard this is for him – that he’s missed being there when his wife meets their children for the first time. It’s important that we work to make sure that parents like him get to be with their children as soon as possible.
Okay, enough serious stuff! Here’s the news as it pertains to Nicky, Sugar and Spice! As I said, when I was speaking to Mum, they were getting ready for bed. They were brushing their teeth for the first time – they weren’t too sure about the toothpaste, but they were thrilled to have their own toothbrushes, a different colour for each of them, so they could tell whose was whose.
Here is the other stuff that Mum had to say about them:
They are tiny! They are wearing a size two, but it’s very big on them. Mum was congratulating them on climbing up onto the bed by themselves while I was on the phone.
Their teacher says that she figures they are about 3 1/2 years old (about 6 months older than we thought), and very bright.
They can count to 4 in English.
They are being very quiet right now (big changes!), but are apparently normally very chatty.
They are very strong-willed, as Nicky discovered today when they were afraid to come into the Weygoss.
Nicky is in love. 
More updates as I get them…
Ena
This is such an awesome story (except the kids link part)We received a referral in June for a beautiful 2 yr old girl and are also caught up in this mess. It is good to hear a happy story.
woo hoo! Wonderful news. Disappointing for Jrock that he can’t be there, but he’ll have his own wonderful story to tell about how he participated in his childrens’ journey and it’s every bit as meaningful as Nicky’s. I’m so happy that things are going smoothly so far.
So exciting, so wonderful! I can imagine the giant hugs on the small girls and the even bigger ones once they get home to Canada. Way to go on the radio Jrock, my mom heard it (I was still asleep). Thanks for all the news Ena – my thoughts have been constantly with them all week.
J/N – a colleague of mine in your town has his brother and family visiting next week. They live in Kenya and work for the UN. Will see what they can do to help?!
Much love and can’t wait for the big download of photos and all the good news to come –
Lisa (with best wishes from Peggy who is visiting)
well it is sooo good to hear some light, beautiful words about the girls and their mama!!! as well as the update on the situation from the “front lines”.
xo
jenn
Thank you for the updates. It’s so great to hear from those who are there right now. Mark leaves Monday but won’t arrive there until Wednesday so I guess he’ll be meeting Nicky and Sugar and Spice there.
Awwwww… that is such sweet news!!! So, if they figure they’re 3.5, does that mean their birthdates are not known????
Anyways, still crossing my fingers and can’t wait to see pics!
This is BEAUTIFUL to read!! Congratulations Nicky and JRock. I am so glad your children are now in your care. JRock, this must be so excruciating for you, but you will be receiving big hugs from your daughters soon!
The best news all day!! Happy day for Sugar and Spice
shirley
*cranbrook/castlegar
Yeah, how can you not be in love with Sugar and Spice! They sound wonderful
I’m glad to see an update from Ethiopia with the good, the bad and all the others thrown in the mix.
Nicki,
We hope you have a good night tonight with Sugar and Spice! Don’t worry, they will soon be very chatty and running you off your feet – just keep loving them! Sylvie gained 2 lbs the first month we were home, I’m sure they will too.
J-Rock,
If you need any help getting ready for your trip, let us know! Cory is great at mowing lawns while you are away if you like!
Joyanne, Cory, Sylvie
I couldn’t be more happy for Nicky that she is finally being a Mum and getting to do Mummy things with her two girls! JRock, you will be doing Daddy things soon.
Lots of Love and Good thoughts to you and your family of 4
Alicia
Joyanne
If cory was willing to mow our lawn, that would be really helpful. I am very good at growing grass!
thanks for keeping the informqtion flowing. I am en route to Addis – court date was July 15 – looking forward to putting names to faces after 2 years — Tina aka Justice aka Bliss
JR – Let me know what you need and we will make it happen. I am in town every day so we can stop by and take care of your yardage. I can whip even the best growing grass into shape…
Cheers!
Cory
Wonderful news!!! So glad Nicky is with the girls. Could you do me a favour and pass on some info about Adama that she might like? We were in Ethiopia 10 months ago with 4 children and found our time in Addis very stressful and extremely difficult. We went to Adama(about and hour away) and stayed at the German Adama Hotel. It was and still is the best place I have ever stayed. Tons of grass for kids to play on and a pool nearby to swim in. The staff were great and it was very quiet(which helped when Selam was tantrumming) I highly recommend it. If Nicky is interested she could talk to Solomon. She can pay him to take her there and pick her up. He could also call and book a room. For our family of 6, the room was between 50 and 60 a night. Very good price. Plus there is a restaurant downstairs and you can order food to your room. Can’t say enough about it.
Take care and all the best.
Natasha
Thank you so much for the update! It is good to hear where our children are at in the transition home, and that Martha is working on papers. And it is great to hear that you finally have your girls!