We just got into the KLM lounge at Schipol airport. What a contrast from where we have been over the last 8 days! We are currently enjoying all the comforts of KLM hospitality. We can have almost anything we want in here without any cost (would love to take pictures but don't want to appear completely out of place). We slept well in a soft, quiet and dark room. We enjoyed a morning out on the town in Amsterdam. Thought I would share some pictures.
A great big cheese store. The cheese was delicious!
Lots and lots of house boats.
Rows and rows of houses.
We decided it was a nice place to visit but we wouldn't want to live here.
Our plane is set to leave in 3 hours. Our boarding passes have cleared so God willing we will land this evening at 7:30pm in Toronto. It has been a great trip. ..
but we are ready to be home.
I just read through a bunch of your posts. I was trying to remember the name of the hotel in Soddo and searched google. Found your blog that way.
ReplyDeleteAs an adoptive parent, I want to say congrats!!! And happy travels to get your girl!!!
I commented on this post because I remember well our time in Amsterdam prior to arriving in Ethiopia in April 2010. My husband's Dutch relatives joined us in the city. They were wonderful tour guides but like you, we wouldn't desire to live there.
While in Et in 2010, we went to Durame and met Judah's birth mom. Just 13 months later, we returned to that area (and were able to meet up with Judah's birthmom again). This time to give back. We served in the veterinary and crops areas with an organization called Friends of Orphans and Vulnerable Children. We stayed in Soddo each night but travelled to a small town where we worked each day. Ethiopians are wonderful people. Because I'm developing the crops program for FOVC, I plan to go back. Little did I know I'd be going back so soon. I'll be returning to Soddo/Shanto in late October. While FOVC has a campaign to raise $30k to feed those communities for the 4 months of expected famine, I'll be working on crops development with the locals. Teaching them to grow a crop that will survive drought conditions. From my experience, it's a privelege to give back in such a small way.
All that to say that I'm excited for your journey. Having D home will be well worth all the wait and paperwork!!! Happy 2nd travels!
Tamara B
www.journey4hope.blogspot.com