We just spoke with Honeybee and our friends in Ethiopia. Signe described Honeybee’s visit to her family as an Ethiopian version of My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Everybody came to her grandmother’s house to see her, aunts, uncles, cousins, and neighbors. They were so excited to have her visit and everyone wanted to hug her. Signe said Honeybee was shy and reserved, which was difficult for her family, but hopefully they understood. We laughed when Signe told us that Honeybee’s grandmother brought out a large photo of Honeybee as a chubby, naked baby, and Honeybee was mortified. I can completely imagine it.

They had just finished breakfast at the hotel, but Honeybee’s family served a large meal and did a coffee ceremony. Two hours later they visited Signe’s son’s family and were served another meal. When that visit was complete, the driver asked if they wanted to have lunch and they all answered, “NO!” You just don’t turn down a meal prepared especially for you when visiting in Ethiopia, so three meals in three hours was plenty.

The trip to Jimma was good, with exciting hair pin turns on narrow roads, people and animals walking in the middle of the road, and one lazy cow that was actually sleeping in the road. They stayed in a hotel that Signe described as “interesting”. They were on the third floor, so they had no water the first day, except a bucket that was filled at the well outside the hotel.

Today they are going to the German Embassy to get Jubilee’s transit visa, then they are off to visit our friend Hanna and her ministry, Children’s Heaven. Tomorrow they plan to visit Dimples’ family. They are going to be exhausted when they finally get on the plane to fly home.

For those of you who know Jubilee (Beautiful M. from Big AHOPE), it sounds like she is doing great. She is very eager to get to America and begin school with her brothers and sisters.

~Lisa

Honeybee’s Travel Update #1

Honeybee’s Travel Update #2

I attempted to comfort Honeybee at her AHOPE farewell party – August 2008. She hardly knew me and could not speak English, yet she clung to me. She knew she wanted a mommy and was willing to accept my attempts.

I spoke with Honeybee again last night. We have been using Skype to call the Ritmo Guest House cell phone, and other than a slight delay, the connection has been good.

I asked her about the AHOPE farewell party for Jubilee and L. and she said it was sad. Everybody cried…”except me”. They sang songs and had treats like biscuits (cookies), and kolo. When I asked if the grown ups cried too, she said yes, “everyone cried, Mom”. I clearly remember Honeybee’s farewell, which was so sad, and I had such mixed feelings about taking her from the people who loved her.

Michele later told me that Honeybee was very reserved at the party, which was difficult for some of her nannies. She is uncomfortable because she can’t speak Amharic and she is afraid she won’t understand them – or that she won’t be able to respond. She finally warmed up after the party when she went into her old room with a group of girls. Heather managed to follow and get some pictures of her with her friends. She also noticed that they were eagerly speaking English with her.

I talked with Michele and she feels that although Honeybee is reserved about trying to speak Amharic, she honestly may not be able to do it. I had such hope that the Amharic would come back to her, but perhaps at this stage in her English language development, that isn’t possible for her.

Honeybee told me that she enjoyed shopping with Aunt Michele and Heather, and bought a beautiful scarf. Aunt Michele also added that Honeybee took many pictures on their outing which included Holy Trinity Cathedral and museum.

She was looking forward to having doro wat for dinner, and had some good tibs the night before.

They leave on their journey to Jimma tonight (Friday morning for them). Please pray that they will be safe and the trip will fulfill many hopes and dreams.

Honeybee with her nannies – August 2008

~Lisa

Honeybee’s Travel Update #1

Honeybee’s Travel Update #3

I just got off the phone with Honeybee and Michele. I got a lump in my throat when I heard my girl’s voice; I miss her. Honeybee sounds good. She was happy to see her friend, Jubilee and her other special friend, L., who is being escorted to the US. L. will be leaving Ethiopia tonight.

When they went to AHOPE to meet Jubilee the nannies and other staff were very surprised to see Honeybee and exclaimed over her. She was a little shy because she couldn’t understand their Amharic – which is so sad and difficult to imagine after only 16 months – and I’m sure the nannies were completely baffled by it. Gail, with AAI, did some interpreting and I think it all went well.

I haven’t heard much about Signe’s first meeting with Jubilee, which is the entire purpose of this trip!

The three girls got their hair braided yesterday, and the other two girls were quite tough, but Honeybee didn’t tolerate it too well. Michele told her that there was no turning back…her hair had been unbraided and it had to be done. Honeybee also wasn’t very happy that the power was out, which meant only cold water for hair washing. She has grown accustomed to some American comforts, and I’ll admit, I’m partial to hot water. L.’s hair had been cut short, so they had extensions put in, which I’m sure delighted her. Jubilee and Honeybee opted for matching braided hairstyles. Honeybee requested to have the ends of the braids left loose for a puff, but Michele but the nix on that. Combing out snarls is no fun, so her hair is braided right to the ends.

Today Signe, Jubilee, and L. are at the U.S. Embassy. Michele, Heather, and Honeybee are going shopping. This afternoon there will be a special farewell party at AHOPE for the two girls. I clearly recall how emotional Honeybee’s farewell was. She cried, I cried, the nannies cried…but there were happy moments too. We still laugh about the “bompolinos”, huge doughnuts (I have no idea how to spell it,) Honeybee requested as a special treat for her party.

Friday morning they will travel to Jimma and return Saturday evening, or possibly Sunday. The social worker is going to contact Honeybee’s family today to let them know she is coming.

How I wish I were with them…but I am content and happy that Honeybee is having this amazing experience.

Thanks for following along on Honeybee’s journey to Ethiopia.

~Lisa

Honeybee’s Travel Update #2

Honeybee’s Travel Update #3