It's official!

Out to lunch with Wass.

shopping

 This morning we had to be up early for our court appointment, so we ask the front desk for a wake up call.  There was no wake up call--perhaps the concept was lost in translation--but it didn't cause a problem as we never slept anyhow.  For those of you who know me, my 8 hours of shut eye are crucial for my sanity.  This getting 2-3 hours a night is killing me!!!  Nonetheless, we were picked up by Wass and headed for court around 8:30am.  We had to wear our "Sunday clothes"  for our court appearance and fitting my swollen feet into my church shoes was rather unpleasant!  Both Shawn and I were feeling nervous as we had heard that you may not be approved by the court system on your first attempt.  The 20 minute car ride where we were bounced around and inhaling bad diesel fumes didn't help calm our nerves!  I won't bore you with any more details other than to say my salesman of a husband turned on the charm and the court approved our dossier.  They declared "Mekdes is yours" as we exited the court house!  As if Shawn and I didn't stick out enough as the only white people in the streets of Addis, the fact that we were smiling from ear to ear really made people stop and stare!   We celebrated by going out to lunch with Wass and then doing some shopping.  Wass was impressed with my ability to barter with the merchants.  I told him it runs in my family and I fine tune the skill at our flea markets.  He about fell over laughing over the thought of a flea market!  We didn't get to see Mekdes today and both Shawn and I feel  a sadness over missing her.  I cannot imagine how heavy our hearts will be when we have to leave her for the next couple of months.  We do find some comfort in knowing that Hannah's Hope is such a wonderful place full of such special care givers.