April 12, 2009 Happy Easter from Ethiopia, although they do not actually celebrate Easter until next week. Today is their palm Sunday. Today Erin and I got to go to church at an Ethiopian Baptist Church. As we were going there, we saw hundreds of people walking in the streets with palm leaves (palm Sunday). It was a very nice service. We did not understand a whole lot, but they sure can worship there. Pastor Dean--we left after 2 hours, and their service was still going on! Next we went to the transition home, which is where the boys have been staying since the middle of March. They were awakened from their nap and were a little shy and quiet for about 15 minutes, but that did not last for long. Before long they were sitting in our lap and playing soccer with us. We sent the boys each an album a month ago with everyone in the family in it. The directors at their orphanage told us that they ask for it every day. They got it for us, and sure enough they know all of our names already. They point to each of their brothers and sisters and can say their names: Trevor, Haley, Seth, and Lydia. They know who each of them are. We got to bring the boys back with us tonight, which usually does not happen until they have their visas from the embassy (Tuesday) so this has been a treat. Bartukan made us a special Easter/congratualatory dinner for us tonight, and it was very special. Trevor, we found out that Dagem likes meat just like you. He says that it is the best, and I have never seen a chicken bone picked so clean! He sent his veggies all back. The other big thing for them tonight was that they each got their own toothbrush, which was a big highlight. They have been busy coloring and playing with match-box cars tonight. They have not quite grasped the idea of living in America yet (they were looking for Lydia at our guest house), but they will figure it out soon enough. This has been a great day; a wonderful Easter. The only thing that could have made it better is sharing it with the rest of our kids, but know that you are in our thoughts and our prayers. You're all going to love your new brothers. Practice up on your soccer, Seth, they are pretty good.   The church that we worshiped at on Easter (Ethiopia's Palm Sunday)     The church that we worshiped at on Easter (Ethiopia's Palm Sunday)   Dad and Mom meeting Dagim and Mintesnot for the first time at their transition home     Ackler family with O'Conner family and their new son as well as some of staff of transition house and Bethany Adoption Agency   Boys showing mom how well they know their new siblings names with their picture books       Dad and Dagim playing soccer         This page hosted by