Monday, December 2, 2013

Book - Page 4 & 5

Alexa proving she can “sleep anywhere.” The kids somewhat enjoyed the first 8 hours – playing cards, watching movies, etc. After that, they were ready to get off!
We literally rode into the sunrise. We landed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia at 7:45 AM on Wednesday, November 13. The flight time was 13 hours and 30 minutes.
Africa from the plane looked like a beautiful patchwork quilt.
Ethiopian Air: They fed us so many times we lost count of what meal it was supposed to be. They had a blanket, eye mask, socks, toothbrush and headphones in each seat. We felt like royalty!
After the harrowing experience of getting off the plane and finding our driver, we made it to where we were staying – The Bethel Guesthouse. It is in a neighborhood directly in Addis. Our driver beeped and the guard came and opened the gate door.
After unloading and making it inside, it began pouring rain. We had no idea what that pounding sound was! All the people who worked at the guesthouse were so shocked. Apparently, it very rarely rains outside of the rainy season. This our view from the surrounding sides of the guesthouse.

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Book Page 2 & 3

4:OO AM – We are heading to the airport!
We got to the airport at 4:30 AM. We had 8 bags and 5 carry ons. Everyone had their backpack and a couple of suitcases to drag along!
Saying goodbye to Aiden’s bag for its first trip. This trip, it was filled with humanitarian aid for the government orphanages. Next trip, it will be filled with clothes and supplies needed for Aiden’s homecoming!
Ian taking “Emily” through her favorite part – security!
Owen and “Emily” on our first flight. We had to fly from RDU to the Dulles/Washington airport. We left RDU at 6:00AM and were in DC by 7:30 AM.
Taking the shuttle in DC to our next gate to get ready for the “big” one. Our flight left DC at 10:15 AM.
Our first meal with Ethiopian Air. The meals going were much better than the meals on the return flight home.
The monitor was very cool. It told us how many miles, the time, the elevation, etc. We were all a bit obsessed with them.