Visa day started out with Adam going to visit the Christian School with Peter who was introduced to us by the owner of our guest house. I think I mentioned that we had been given some money from our Sunday school class to donate to something, but we hadn't been able to find what to do yet (we wanted to do a swing set originally, but that just didn't work out). Adam was very impressed with the school. The kids were awesome and it offers a completely free education (public schools in Ethiopia require kids to buy a uniform as well as all of their books and supplies, this is out of reach for most children there) and a free lunch and snack (the only food most of the kids will get all day). Peter made plans to pick us up on Monday so that I could see the school also. I hope to post a video of the Kids, but it's on Adam's work computer right now.
After Adam returned we went with the other families to the House of Hope (HOH) and had a yummy Ethiopian lunch before heading to the Embassy. As we entered the Embassy we passed a long line of Ethiopians waiting to get in and had to go through a very rigorous security check. Very few things were allowed in, so we had to check anything electronic at the door (I accidentaly left my extra camera battery in my bag, they didn't like that). The waiting area was kind of dingy and had a small play area for children, but I wasn't too excited to let Elias tear into those toys. After waiting a short time, they stared calling families from our agency. We were the second of the five families to go up. It was very quick and very simple. We stood at a window, answered a few questions and were given all of Elias' papers and his passport (baby passport pictures are too fun). All of the families got done with no problems, a family from another agency was having issues due to some of their papers, but I guess things turned out for them.
Once we finished there, Adam and I had to return to the HOH to do our German Transit Visa paperwork. This needed to be done so that Elias could travel through Germany on the way home, but it's not a fun process. The paperwork is very confusing and non-specific and they needed copies of everything. We were assisted by our agency, but this story gets very fun tomorrow!
The rest of the evening I spent doing laundry and dishes in the sink while Elias and Adam played. I really missed my dishwasher and washer/dryer by the end of the week! Here are some pics for your enjoyment.
Adam with School Children
Waiting to Leave for the Embassy
Napping at the HOH
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