5 days to go

Only 5 days to go until we leave for Ethiopia to pick up the girls. Must finish packing. We have all the necessary paperwork ready. So now it's just to relax and rest up before the long haul from the West Coast to Ethiopia.

We're wondering how the dog will take to the girls, and how they will take to him. He's been around many people and children with the fair trade shop, so he's pretty well socialized. But, dogs in Ethiopia are not the pampered, spoiled dogs of the US. Rebel is a lovable, large, loyal Shephard/Rott/Lab mix with a lot of energy who didn't mind the blustery wind and rain of today's walk. Will he be jealous? Of course. We hope to channel that into walks and play outside.

So now the realization is just that our lives are changing. And, that breathless feeling comes and goes throughout the day. We've taken care of everything we can for now. But, I guess next week I will be taking care of two little girls, all their needs/wants, and their hair! That will be the most challenging as it grows out. Any advice is surely welcome. I'm a fair and fine haired woman. My hair dries in 5 minutes...and it never has held braids. Time will tell how well I, and my husband, are able to braid.

Until then, we'll keep reading up on what we need to do. And, right now, we'll just try to contain our excitement!