Day 9 in Ethiopia (Lori)

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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Day 9
 
Entona Park
 
Today was a day of fun. 
 
We started with breakfast at Elmos Hotel. Tom, Daniel and Tamenech are really enjoying all the coffee and tea. Breakfast was good and we got to sleep in a bit. I think we have finally gotten used to the 8 hour time difference, and now it is time to go home. 
 
We left our hotel at 10 and headed to Entoto Mountain. They have built a really cool park there. It is a lot different from when we came for adoptions. It was about an hour drive to the mountain. Daniel's Mom and her friend met us at the park. They spent the day with us. My watch is telling me we walked over 6 miles, but we had to take our watches off for a few activities. 
 
When we got to the park, we walked down hill, to get a good view of the city. It was really nice but cloudy. Yonas told us that usually you can see much further. We took some pictures by the view of the city. We also got pictures by a sign that says Ethiopia, without the T. You are supposed to stand there and be the T.
 
The park is so beautiful and peaceful. We walked quite a ways, Daniel's shoes were bothering him. Every step made a popping noise and he was really bothered by it. He kept taking his shoe off and trying to get it to stop. 
 
After a while we came to a Kaldis coffee shop. I grabbed a water, while Tom and Daniel had chocolate milk shakes, Tina had coffee, and Yonas, Daniel, and Tamenech had caramel macchiatos. Tamenech was thrilled to get this drink. 
 
I am finally feeling better but Tamenech is not feeling well. She was a trooper today. We are all starting to show some tiredness. It had been a long, emotional but great week. 
 
Tom, Daniel, Tamenech, and I went horse back riding. Just a short ride, but we enjoyed it. We then kept walking. We came to a big rope course. I had thought about doing it, but I am glad that I didn't. Even though I am feeling some better I am still having trouble with my asthma. 
 
Tom, Tamenech, and Daniel all went on the rope course. There are some long videos of them completing it. Daniel went through the course behind the guide, he made it look easy. Tamenech was up next, she did a great job, but it was a little tougher for her. There were times when she was struggling and a whole group of spectators were cheering her on. I don't know why the guide was picking on her, but the guide would shake the ropes and make it harder for her. The guide only did it to her. They did a great job completing it. This could be a competition for the Amazing Race. 
 
We kept walking, until we came to the zip lines. I was scared but said I was going to do it. Tom, Tina's friend, Daniel, Tamenech, and I all went. The first zip line was 150 meters and the second was 300 meters. It was amazing flying through the air and the view was spectacular. 
 
I am really glad that I did it. There are some videos of this too. What am amazing experience. 
 
We then walked to lunch. It was a beautiful setting. We all ordered and while we were waiting on our food, Tina and Daniel went to jump on the trampolines. It was nice for them to have some time together. Yonas snuck in to sneak some pictures and videos. We had a great lunch. 
 
Next to where we had lunch were go karts. We each took a turns on them. We could only go 2 at a time. We walked from there to ice cream and then back to the van to head to our hotel. 
 
Tomorrow is our last day and we start our adventure home about midnight here tomorrow. 
 
Words can't even begin to describe how amazing of a trip we have had. We have learned so much. Our family has grown. We have made new friends. We are truly Blessed to be able to give Daniel and Tamenech this opportunity to learn more about themselves. 
 
I really wish we had another trip like this planned. 
 
I can not begin to tell you how amazing Yonas and Mr Gold have been. They have gone out of there way for us. We have always felt safe and taken care of. I can't believe we first met Yonas in 2010. If you are ever wanting to come to Ethiopia or want a birth family search, Yonas is your man and Mr. Gold is your driver. 
 
Tina thank you, for everything you have done for us this week. We have loved getting to know you.

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