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This is just a test post to see if we can email to our
blog.

(This is a picture of our parents eating at the Ethiopian restaurant in Tampa.)

John

Mostly Pictures- my mind's too mushy to write

More blackberry picking!
Sometime ago (probably a couple of months ago) I posted that I was going to do custom candy bar wrappers for gifts for the workers at the orphanage. Someone asked to see a picture of the wrappers. Well, I didn't have them done at the time. I'm a crunch time kinda gal. Well it's crunch time so they are finally getting done. The pictures aren't the best, but you get the idea.

Front- says "Thank you for caring for our boys."
Back- says"Feromsa and Bereket With their forever family July 8, 2008"
By the way- if anyone is interested in the template and where to get the supplies, shoot me an email. I'd be happy to share. We are going to print some this year to give out to our congregation at Christmas. (If you're a church member, act surprised this Christmas!)

I Love Friday Updates!

Above is a picture of Feromsa sharing pictures of his family in America with a pastor that is visiting the Transition Home.

Below is a picture of Bereket. Doesn't he look like a fun kid?!

We'll be there soon boys!

(8 days until we leave!)

So Much to Blog- So Little Time

Have I mentioned how much I love Goodwill? I got these today. We are going to use them next school year with Feromsa and Bereket. I got them for $1.49 each except for the numbers, it was only $.69. If you have never checked out Goodwill, you really should but keep in mind, some are better than others!

Aren't these cute? Aunt Amy (John's sister) got these for the boys. They'll come in handy on the plane ride home and I'm sure they'll love them! Thanks Aunt Amy!

OK- any guesses on what these are? BLACKBERRIES! We picked them in our back yard. John loves going out there each evening and picking them. Blackberry cobbler anyone?

Backpacks

Before

(I can't figure out why it's sideways- it's not on the computer.)

After

I wanted to get a couple of backpacks for the boys to keep their goodies and activities in. However, I didn't want to spend too much money on them since I'm not sure how much they will be used once we get home. So I found the backpacks (new) at Goodwill for $1.49. I'm assuming they were samples for some printing company. I wanted to cover the logos. It's not the prettiest stitching ever done but I was pleasantly surprised at how they turned out. Total spent for both backpacks? $6.00- gotta love a bargain!

An Update

Here's our update from Rachel-

Bereket and Feromsa LOVED the care packages from their family! It was very exciting, and all the other boys were jealous. Of course, they are very good about sharing, so everyone has enjoyed the goodies. They love to look at the pictures of their family in America!
Bereket went to the doctor and is being treated for an ear infection. Feromsa has been coloring up a storm, and there are lots of pictures for his new family when they arrive. Feromsa is also quite the story teller. The nannies describe him as a good and honest boy.

Here at home we have been getting quite a few questions lately. Maybe this will help:

1. When will you travel?

Not sure, but we think we will find out this week.

2. Are the boys related?

Now they are.

3. Can they speak English?

Very little- a teacher works with them 4 times a week at the transition home

4. Are you nervous?

No, not really. The plane ride makes me more nervous than bringing our boys home.

5. Are they black?

See above picture

(By the way, there is nothing wrong with Bereket's mouth- he's just making a weird face.)

We Passed Court!

Introducing the 2 newest members of the family:

Feromsa Malachi Raymer (left)

Bereket Isaiah Raymer (right)