Itinerary

I can't believe it. I didn't think we'd be at this point for at least another week or two. We'll get to leave for a week of ministry at Scioto Hills Christian camp with just about everything for our trip to Africa on July 8 in order.

7/8 Depart GR –gate & plane change in Detroit
7/8 Depart Detroit arrive Amsterdam on 7/9
7/9 Depart Amsterdam arrive Addis 8:45pm (1 stop in Khartoum,
Sudan but no plane change)

*Arrive in Ethiopia Thursday, July 9

*Sightsee in Addis from Friday, July 10 - Sunday, July 12

*Leave for Ambo on Monday, July 13, meeting with birth family or caregiver (depending on your child's situation) either Monday or Tuesday

*Leave for Kunkeet to receive your children on Tuesday, July 14 and head back to Addis that day

*Spend time in Addis, at the lodge on Wednesday, July 15

*US Embassy appt. on Thursday, July 16

*Pick up visa at US Embassy on Friday, July 17

7/18 Depart Addis arrive Amsterdam 6 on 7/19 (1 stop in
Khartoum, Sudan but no plane change)
7/19 Depart Amsterdam arrive Detroit
7/19 Depart Detroit arrive GR 4:19pm—Taye gets to meet his brother and sisters!

We have our plane tickets, travel insurance, passports, shots, malaria meds, Z-packs & anti diarrhea meds, an English/Amharic phrase book, size 2 clothes & shoes and a few toys for Taye, a dependable camera to record all the memories.

Most important to me is that we have the most wonderful caregivers lined up for the three kids we're leaving at home. I know they'll be so loved, well-taken care of, and have so incredibly much fun that they won't even miss us. And will probably want us to leave again after we get home so they can go have more fun with Lou & Aunt M!

We are currently gathering the gifts we are supposed to take to give to all the people associated with Taye's orphanage and all of his caregivers, gathering things the orphanages need like formula, ointments, and, of course, some Discovery Village beach balls!

Closer to departure we'll have to go to the bank and get the correct cash to take with us--all the bills have to be dated a certain year and newer for some reason.

I've got to decide whether or not to pack diapers...I just have no idea what Taye's "pottying" situation is like. I think I'd rather be safe than sorry...and have no idea how easy it is to get diapers over there or how expensive. (I was hoping he'd come potty trained, but we'll take him no matter what his status is in that department...)

I have a few more items to order, think about, ask for, etc. But we've got a GREAT start on getting ready to go.

Then we can start to think about packing for ourselves! I can't go without a chapstick, some heavy-duty sunscreen, prescription sunglasses, my all-purpose shawl from the Dominican, and my red Crocs. And...and...and...oh dear. Time to make a list.

During all the driving to and from camp next weekend, I'll be re-reading our travel packet and making mental as well as lots and lots of written checklists to make sure we don't forget anything!