Leaving soon/Departure reports

We are getting so excited. I am leaving on Friday for NYC. And will meet Mark very early on Sunday in DC to fly all the way to Ethiopia. In the past few days we have received departure reports, letters and a note about Kidist. The letters from Ejigayehu came on the HELLO KITTY stationary that we had sent for them. The kids sent their love and let us know how excited they are to see us. The departure reports let us know that all the kids like yellow, want to ride bikes, and skateboards (we are in trouble...don't have enough bikes or helmets). The kids like water. Kidist like to dring "a refreshing Coca Cola". Ejigayehu likes pizza "with lots of meat". They all like to sing. It says that Kidist is popular and that Ejigayehu has a welcoming presence and that Yared is quiet and smart.

We received a note from a woman who knew Kidist who told us this story. One boy had said to this woman "Family-yes"...pointed to another boy and said "family yes" and then pointed to Kidist and said "family no". Kidist became indignant and said "family yes"..she stormed off and came back with our picture which apparently she was very proud of but looked very worn.....AWWWWW....

we are so happy and excited. We may not have many posts until we come back because we have to send email via an internet cafe....so not sure how often we will be there. We appreciate prayers for safe travel, good health, protection over our family here and there and that we bond very quickly...
Deanna