Before bed last night Tsion came downstairs crying and said she didn't want to go to school today. She said her teacher was talking to another teacher and said she had a "bad attitude". Knowing this was possible I said "Did you?" "No." She cried some more and I said I would ask her teacher tomorrow.
Finding the way to ask a teacher you have known for a week about a "she said, she said" comment is a little tricky. But I asked her this morning and right away she know what I was talking about. Her and another teacher were talking about Tsion...in semi-close proximity, thinking she wasn't paying attention (ha!). She went on to say how "bubbly" she was. As she said that she had seen Tsions' face change....but was sure she had not heard. But, Tsion had heard "Bad Attitude".....do I use that too much at home?? (I was proud cuz she made the link in her head as they both started with "b"). :) Anyway, her teacher went on to say how much she liked her and how infectious she was.......yada yada.....This afternoon she got of the bus and said "My teacher said I am Buboly".
Friday, September 28, 2007
An Apology on its Way???
Sherri Shepard on the View this week was quoted as saying:
Paris Hilton wants to go to Rwanda. Sherri said, “Oh, those poor babies. People used to get Chinese babies, now everyone gets African babies. It’s a Louis Vuitton bag.”
If you want to write the show and share your VIEW, click here.
Enough said!
Paris Hilton wants to go to Rwanda. Sherri said, “Oh, those poor babies. People used to get Chinese babies, now everyone gets African babies. It’s a Louis Vuitton bag.”
If you want to write the show and share your VIEW, click here.
Enough said!
The Lost Boys and Christmas
We just watched God Grew Tired of Us this week. We have seen the Lost Boys of Sudan as well as reading the book. What struck me in this movie was Dau's reaction toward Christmas. We have toned down Christmas in our family considerably in the last couple years...and gone are the days when I worked at Nordstrom, and on the 24th would still be purchasing gifts up until 6pm!!
After a few months in America for Dau and the Lost Boys....they are shocked by the focus and commercialism. He is confused by the Christmas tree, and one of his comments is ""Is Santa Claus in the Bible? Christmas is the birth of Jesus. Why is this Santa Claus?" He talks about Christmas in his village saying “People marched in the street, to prepare for Jesus Christ to be brought into our hearts.”
I can't wait to spend Christmas in Ethiopia! :)
**Disclaimer~Although Zach and Josh do not believe in Santa, we do have Santa pix from the last 10 years, and will continue the tradition with Sami and Tsion and the "multi-cultural" Santa at Nordstrom. I do not hold a grudge toward Santa. ;)
After a few months in America for Dau and the Lost Boys....they are shocked by the focus and commercialism. He is confused by the Christmas tree, and one of his comments is ""Is Santa Claus in the Bible? Christmas is the birth of Jesus. Why is this Santa Claus?" He talks about Christmas in his village saying “People marched in the street, to prepare for Jesus Christ to be brought into our hearts.”
I can't wait to spend Christmas in Ethiopia! :)
**Disclaimer~Although Zach and Josh do not believe in Santa, we do have Santa pix from the last 10 years, and will continue the tradition with Sami and Tsion and the "multi-cultural" Santa at Nordstrom. I do not hold a grudge toward Santa. ;)
Etiop'iya
That is the phonetic spelling in our new book! Our curriculum finally arrived today. We ordered from WinterPromise, Children of the World. Right when we opened a handful of books we found Ethiopia, and we couldn't wait to start. One of our books is Material World, which highlights 30 countries. We filled out a Statistics Chart, Sami did his sheet for Ethiopia and Zach did America. They were shocked to see the contrast such as life expctancy, 48 ETH and 75 (avg) US. We also read about the percentage of people who do not have safe drinking water (89%) and the % of their annual income which they spend on food, which is 50%. If that is the case, it is another 18% or so to uniform their kids (each child!) to go to school. It is easy to see how the families are stuck in a cycle of poverty. We have so many great books and are looking forward to learning together. :)
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Tsion's First School Report
Every week her teacher sends home family/teacher two-way communication. This is what Tsion's said last week.
"Tsion is SO enthusiastic at school (hmm.....) She gives her best effort in every way. She has learned the system of our classroom (i.e. discipline?) and seems happy." And our response is......
It reminds me of when our social worker came, and all she could say was "wow".
"Tsion is SO enthusiastic at school (hmm.....) She gives her best effort in every way. She has learned the system of our classroom (i.e. discipline?) and seems happy." And our response is......
It reminds me of when our social worker came, and all she could say was "wow".
Funny Comments
It has been awhile.......
*Today Tsion got off the bus after school. I noticed that she had a substitute bus driver. The first thing she said was "My bus driver died". Evidently that is what her and her new friend decided, as they say in the back of the bus together!
*I told Tsion to ask Zach to help her with something today.....Zach rolled his eyes and as he got up said, "No one can say no when she looks at you with those big eyes...."
*Josh was trying to tease his sister and yelled up the stairs....."oh Tsion, it is so depressing....." Then looked at me and said "I don't even know what depressing is...what is it?!" We both were cracking up. :))
*Sami~on the first day of Fall..."I hate Winter" It is just beginning! It is a hard concept for them with 2-3 months of rain in Addis, we only have 2-3 months of sun!
*Today Tsion got off the bus after school. I noticed that she had a substitute bus driver. The first thing she said was "My bus driver died". Evidently that is what her and her new friend decided, as they say in the back of the bus together!
*I told Tsion to ask Zach to help her with something today.....Zach rolled his eyes and as he got up said, "No one can say no when she looks at you with those big eyes...."
*Josh was trying to tease his sister and yelled up the stairs....."oh Tsion, it is so depressing....." Then looked at me and said "I don't even know what depressing is...what is it?!" We both were cracking up. :))
*Sami~on the first day of Fall..."I hate Winter" It is just beginning! It is a hard concept for them with 2-3 months of rain in Addis, we only have 2-3 months of sun!
Love This Entry From Livesay Haiti.....
Thanks to Shell for pointing this blog out to me! This is a family of soon to be 7 from MN who have been serving in Haiti with Children's Lifeline. I loved this entry form her husband, describing a close friends living situation in Haiti. You can read more here....... (Sept. 26)
"On my way home, I started crying thinking about Peter's family of four living in this one room. I still at this moment can't comprehend having the joyful spirit that Peter usually has. If we can get a box of cornflakes to them or a jar of peanut butter, it is practically an occasion to celebrate in their household. Gotta stop, it's crying time again.
God is in there. God is showing us so much from our lives here... showing us how much we have to be thankful for, and showing us people who are thankful and joyful while having absolutely nothing by the standards we are used to.
Peter has God-sized joy, and for that I am thankful and sometimes envious. Please pray that he would also have wisdom and love and all the other fruits of the Spirit so that he can take care of the mission and all the responsibilities here while we're away."
"On my way home, I started crying thinking about Peter's family of four living in this one room. I still at this moment can't comprehend having the joyful spirit that Peter usually has. If we can get a box of cornflakes to them or a jar of peanut butter, it is practically an occasion to celebrate in their household. Gotta stop, it's crying time again.
God is in there. God is showing us so much from our lives here... showing us how much we have to be thankful for, and showing us people who are thankful and joyful while having absolutely nothing by the standards we are used to.
Peter has God-sized joy, and for that I am thankful and sometimes envious. Please pray that he would also have wisdom and love and all the other fruits of the Spirit so that he can take care of the mission and all the responsibilities here while we're away."
Monday, September 24, 2007
Malaria Africa's #1 Killer
This week in the Seattle Times they are focusing on Malaria, Africa's #1 killer.
"In 1999, the richest man in the world set out to defeat a parasite that kills 1 million people a year. Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates and wife Melinda are not the first to try to eradicate malaria. But will their foundation's billion-dollar initiative be enough?"
Click Here for stories, audio slide shows, and a photo gallery.
"In 1999, the richest man in the world set out to defeat a parasite that kills 1 million people a year. Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates and wife Melinda are not the first to try to eradicate malaria. But will their foundation's billion-dollar initiative be enough?"
Click Here for stories, audio slide shows, and a photo gallery.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Seahawk Game
Lance got the opportunity (i.e. free front row tickets) to take the boys to the Seahawk game today. Josh wanted to stay home, so Zach's friend CJ went. When the game was over and their back was to the field, Zach was tapped on the shoulder by (Lance says) a famous ref Ed H., and was given the game winning ball! Zach was so excited, as you can tell. Lance thinks it was the Ricky Watters vintage jersey that I had bought at goodwill. :) 
Sami was just glad they actualy went to the game. When we were at Disneyland the boys left to go watch the game at ESPN, and Sami had misunderstood and had thought they were going to the game. He spent the afternoon looking for $$ on the floor by the video games. :)
Go Seahawks!
Sami was just glad they actualy went to the game. When we were at Disneyland the boys left to go watch the game at ESPN, and Sami had misunderstood and had thought they were going to the game. He spent the afternoon looking for $$ on the floor by the video games. :)
Go Seahawks!Friday, September 21, 2007
YL Africa/Ethiopia Update and Prayer Requests
The following is from the YL Africa prayer page:
From Moges Berassa, Debra Zeit, Ethiopia
Here is the news from Addis Ababa and Debra Zaite young life ministry…………….. for every one who were with us the whole year in battle of prayer to rescue kids life for a kingdom of God.
We spend an incredible year starting October, we had a wonderful clubs, campaigners small group bible study, discipline potential new volunteer leaders, organizing prayers groups, area committees.
We are certain that God was with us the whole time, because of his fever we were accepted by kids, kid’s family, and community also with the connection we have with local churches.
Our camp were greats we took all new kids whom never being at camp before, Muslims kids, orthodox kids, from a family who are worshiping evil spirit, which crafts…etc.
cherenat came to me with broken heart eyes filled with tears and an amazing testimony.(cherenates parents are one of famous which crafts worshiper in their town) he said “I came from a family who worship evil spirit and very known in the community where I live, in our family there is a custom to scarify ox or got or lamb to the spirit every year and I remember because of my parents forget to scarify in one occasion ,the spirit burned full of one hectares farm and killed some of our animals. This really were disturbed me and took my joy forever I never smiled before and have no friends I was living in a darkness but, now I realize and acknowledge every thing you said about Jesus, I found my savior Jesus. I’m released. Later on he continue and side I want my parent to deny Satan and believe in Jesus and free from the bondages of worshiping evil spirit. “
In this camp out of 119 kids more than 90 kids made personal commitment with the lord through the help of our leaders, they prayed together.
We are now doing follow up teaching many of them are because of their choice we are connecting them with local churches while we are doing bible studies every week.
Please keep praying:
-As we are helping them to grow in Christ likeness.
-As we connect them with local churches.
Finally I want to thank Jesus, friends, staffs, volunteers’ leaders whom were ministering kids with compassionated love the whole year. And wish the best for my best friend and a man of God who brought great impact in kids life and volunteered the last two and half years in our area KASSAHUN ESHATU (kassye) may the lord be with you as you going to live and work at DUBAI and hope you will keep praying for the ministry. You’re our hero.
May the lord bless you all!
With love and respect
Moges berassa
Young life Ethiopia
From Moges Berassa, Debra Zeit, Ethiopia
Here is the news from Addis Ababa and Debra Zaite young life ministry…………….. for every one who were with us the whole year in battle of prayer to rescue kids life for a kingdom of God.
We spend an incredible year starting October, we had a wonderful clubs, campaigners small group bible study, discipline potential new volunteer leaders, organizing prayers groups, area committees.
We are certain that God was with us the whole time, because of his fever we were accepted by kids, kid’s family, and community also with the connection we have with local churches.
Our camp were greats we took all new kids whom never being at camp before, Muslims kids, orthodox kids, from a family who are worshiping evil spirit, which crafts…etc.
cherenat came to me with broken heart eyes filled with tears and an amazing testimony.(cherenates parents are one of famous which crafts worshiper in their town) he said “I came from a family who worship evil spirit and very known in the community where I live, in our family there is a custom to scarify ox or got or lamb to the spirit every year and I remember because of my parents forget to scarify in one occasion ,the spirit burned full of one hectares farm and killed some of our animals. This really were disturbed me and took my joy forever I never smiled before and have no friends I was living in a darkness but, now I realize and acknowledge every thing you said about Jesus, I found my savior Jesus. I’m released. Later on he continue and side I want my parent to deny Satan and believe in Jesus and free from the bondages of worshiping evil spirit. “
In this camp out of 119 kids more than 90 kids made personal commitment with the lord through the help of our leaders, they prayed together.
We are now doing follow up teaching many of them are because of their choice we are connecting them with local churches while we are doing bible studies every week.
Please keep praying:
-As we are helping them to grow in Christ likeness.
-As we connect them with local churches.
Finally I want to thank Jesus, friends, staffs, volunteers’ leaders whom were ministering kids with compassionated love the whole year. And wish the best for my best friend and a man of God who brought great impact in kids life and volunteered the last two and half years in our area KASSAHUN ESHATU (kassye) may the lord be with you as you going to live and work at DUBAI and hope you will keep praying for the ministry. You’re our hero.
May the lord bless you all!
With love and respect
Moges berassa
Young life Ethiopia
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Brothers and School
Mom......
*Does she have her Dora lunch?
*Where is her backpack?
*What if she gets on the wrong bus?
*What is she forgets to get off?
*Did she bring her jacket?
*Are we late?
And to see Josh get out of the car with his hand on his sister's back leading her to her class, makes it all worthwhile!
*Does she have her Dora lunch?
*Where is her backpack?
*What if she gets on the wrong bus?
*What is she forgets to get off?
*Did she bring her jacket?
*Are we late?
And to see Josh get out of the car with his hand on his sister's back leading her to her class, makes it all worthwhile!
Tsion and Soccer?
If that is what you would call the game..... :) Today she hopped/ran around the field and Lance guessed they lost 20-2. Needless to say, the Sharks will hold a practice next week BEFORE the next game. I finally had to put the camera away, cuz everytime I would try and take a picture on the field she would POSE.
**Keep in mind, this pix was taken during the game. What is she doing????
Soccer Saturdays
It begun at 8 am and finished at a 7:00 youth football game in Gig Harbor (We watched a Jr. high game, at the end I decided my boys would never play, no matter what my grandpa had to say!)Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Great Article
HERE is a great article about Ingida Asfaw, an Ethiopian Cardiac Surgeon and how he is helping serve his country.
Interesting Facts About Ethiopia
See HERE for the article.
*3rd country in the world for Groundnuts, Cashew nuts, Walnuts and Chestnuts. The ranking is based on all of nut crops.
*6th in the world for timber
*3rd for beehives (Ethiopia has the world's third largest beehives with more than 4,300,000 beehives)
*6th for Cattle ( Ethiopia has the largest cattle population in Africa and ranks number 6 in the world right below Argentina with more than 38 million cattle.)
*9th for Horse (Ethiopia is also home to one of the biggest horse population in the world. With more than 1,500,000 horses, Ethiopia ranks number 9 in the world in horse population and number 1 in Africa)
*Ethiopia is also thought to have the second largest donkey population in the world after China.
*Ethiopia is Africa's largest coffee producing country and the second largest producer of cut flowers in Africa.
*9th Most Undernourished
*9th Most Births~2,879,751 (Estimated births 2008)
*8th Least Liveable....**Ethiopia is the 8th least livable country according to Human Development Report from 2005 (HDI rank is from 2003). The UN Human development Index ranks countries by their quality of life. Life expectancy, adult literacy, school enrollment, educational attainment and per capita GDP are all factored in.**
*3rd country in the world for Groundnuts, Cashew nuts, Walnuts and Chestnuts. The ranking is based on all of nut crops.
*6th in the world for timber
*3rd for beehives (Ethiopia has the world's third largest beehives with more than 4,300,000 beehives)
*6th for Cattle ( Ethiopia has the largest cattle population in Africa and ranks number 6 in the world right below Argentina with more than 38 million cattle.)
*9th for Horse (Ethiopia is also home to one of the biggest horse population in the world. With more than 1,500,000 horses, Ethiopia ranks number 9 in the world in horse population and number 1 in Africa)
*Ethiopia is also thought to have the second largest donkey population in the world after China.
*Ethiopia is Africa's largest coffee producing country and the second largest producer of cut flowers in Africa.
*9th Most Undernourished
*9th Most Births~2,879,751 (Estimated births 2008)
*8th Least Liveable....**Ethiopia is the 8th least livable country according to Human Development Report from 2005 (HDI rank is from 2003). The UN Human development Index ranks countries by their quality of life. Life expectancy, adult literacy, school enrollment, educational attainment and per capita GDP are all factored in.**
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Thoughts on School......
**Very high maintenance. You need to be on time, fed, and dressed in nice clothes that actually match! THEN our teacher requests that you pack a HEALTHY snack/lunch, (i.e. nothing easy) for a 2.5 hour class.
**You have the potential to be roped into many other activities that you do not have time for. Especially if you happen to be acquainted with the PTA President, and are introduced as her...good friend???
**If you want to maintain a low-profile, do not drive the car with the Young Life sticker on the back.
**AND........do not leave your car, unless you have a lot of time on your hands!! :)
**Just kidding....I think........
**You have the potential to be roped into many other activities that you do not have time for. Especially if you happen to be acquainted with the PTA President, and are introduced as her...good friend???
**If you want to maintain a low-profile, do not drive the car with the Young Life sticker on the back.
**AND........do not leave your car, unless you have a lot of time on your hands!! :)
**Just kidding....I think........
Monday, September 17, 2007
First Day of School
Tsion had her first day of Kindergarten today. Yes, I am the lame home-schooling parent who put the family vacation first, over the first day of school. She had a great time, and when I came to pick her up (all too short 2.5 hours) all she could say was "can I take the bus home." No hug or "I missed you mom". Quite different from the boys. :)
Compassionate Youth Ministry
We have started a new blog to help raise funds, awareness and prayers for our YL friend Peter's ministry. Please check it out and let me know if you are interested in helping. Here is his last update:"By now the kids need school uniform and note books,pencils, pens and other school supplies. So I am looking for money to purchase those stuffs. It must be done within 15 days. Pray for this fund." ~Peter
Here is all the CYM updates and the new blog: cymethiopia TIA for your prayers as we help Peter expand his ministry!
Friday, September 14, 2007
Ethiopian Breaks World Record
I thought this was so cute. Ethiopia's Meseret Defar sets the world record in the 2 mile, she won a car, but now has to get her drivers license!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Home!
After 2998 miles, two bouts of swimmers ear, one 24 hour flu, and one child throwing up the last 12 hours in the car we are home! The first thing the kids did was run out in the dark with flashlights to check their gardens. One of our garden posts was knocked down, we are assuming by a bear, unless the deer tried to hop over the deer fencing. We insisted they wait until morning to pick the fruits of their labor. :)
Then it was into the kitchen to make salsa!!
After swearing off another 24 hour road trip for awhile, I realized that we were heading on a 24+ hour plane ride in 3 months back to Ethiopia! At least we won't have any bathroom stops. ;)
Then it was into the kitchen to make salsa!!
After swearing off another 24 hour road trip for awhile, I realized that we were heading on a 24+ hour plane ride in 3 months back to Ethiopia! At least we won't have any bathroom stops. ;)"Enkuan Aderesachu!"
Happy 2000 in Ethiopia! They are approx 7 years behind the gregorian calander.
This is a note that we revieved from Peter after the celebration in Addis. "Happy Ethiopian Millennium. We are celebrating the New Year and Millennium in funny ways. Last night I can say no body stayed at their home alot of people were stay out side shouting jumping, sinning and still the city decorating in beautiful waythe night time looks like the day time."
Here are some videos of the celebration, and you can click here for an explanation about the Ethiopian calander! Enkuan Aderesachu!
This is a note that we revieved from Peter after the celebration in Addis. "Happy Ethiopian Millennium. We are celebrating the New Year and Millennium in funny ways. Last night I can say no body stayed at their home alot of people were stay out side shouting jumping, sinning and still the city decorating in beautiful waythe night time looks like the day time."
Here are some videos of the celebration, and you can click here for an explanation about the Ethiopian calander! Enkuan Aderesachu!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
9/11
This morning we were watching the ceremony for the 9/11 fallen heroes. As they were reading the names and ringing the bell, the kids all sat and watched very quietly. There were no questions, just silence. Then they started playing Amazing Grace, and Josh started singing along quietly. It was so sweet, the moment ended, and they returned to the craziness. It was such a peaceful time I will never forget.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Disney
Splash Mountian.......
Waiting in line for the princesses, by far the longest line at Disney!
Waiting in line for the princesses, by far the longest line at Disney! 
But worth it! :)Thursday, September 6, 2007
Happy Back to School Day!
**We discovered a way for some peace and quiet, just keep sticking them on the same ride....over and over again. "Can we go again??" "Oh, I suppose!" :)
Hmmm.....Gotta love home-schooling. There has got to be a math lesson here somewhere. Actually, we are REALLY here so I can go to the Women of Faith Conference in Anaheim on Saturday with my mom and sis-in-law. ;))
Anyway....While their friends went to school, we went to Disneyland. What a perfect time, the parks are empty and most of the rides have 5 minute waits. Sami and Tsion are afraid of nothing, the biggest, fastest and scariest rides are the best. Bring it on! The only problem we have encountered is that Tsion is 6" to short for California Screaming. She was not happy to have been left out!
These are a couple of my favorite conversations in the last couple days........
**Sami, on "stuff": "Why is there so much Mickey Man stuff here?"
Me: "Honey, it is mouse, Mickey Mouse"
**Sami, on "stuff": "Why is there so much Mickey Man stuff here?"
Me: "Honey, it is mouse, Mickey Mouse"
Tsion and I were riding in the back together in the boat on Splash Mountain today. After it started I asked if she wanted to slide up behind Dad (yes, it was safe, but I was thinking of the water factor as well!) She patted me on the arm and said "Will you be okay??" And kept checking on me the rest of the ride.
At home we are not big on the Disney Princess', in fact she hasn't seen any Disney Princess movies. So when I was telling her she would see princess' in the parade she was excited. But at the end of the night, she was talking about a princess she didn't see, and was very disappointed when I explained that Gigi, was not a Disney princess!
As we were watching the parade, a princess blew a kiss at Josh. He turned to me embarrassed and said "she just blew me a kiss".......then a few minutes later turned around....."promise you won't tell anyone??" Please promise! Or I am in big trouble!
The boys were thrilled to take this picture! Looks like Zach and Josh are looking for the quickest exit, Sami is stuck! Stay tuned........Maybe I should order that curriculum.......
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Finally.....Cousins!
Here are the pix of the cousins that Sami was convince that he didn't have becuase they had never met!!
Monday, September 3, 2007
You Know it is 115 Degrees Out......
*When you wait 20 minutes in the drive thru line at Starbucks and the temperature rises from 99 to 104 degrees, at 10 a.m.
*Your $14 sunglasses crack in the heat
*All the pool chairs are empty and everyone is standing in the pool
*You still cannot cool off with the A/C on high
*You cannot wait to get to L.A. cuz it is only 105!
*Your $14 sunglasses crack in the heat
*All the pool chairs are empty and everyone is standing in the pool
*You still cannot cool off with the A/C on high
*You cannot wait to get to L.A. cuz it is only 105!
The Day Trip That Wasn't
Someone suggested that we take a trip up to Big Bear Lake to escape the heat of another 115 degree day. Of course the kids were thrilled to jump in the car for an unspecified amount of time. We drove about an hour, and cut off to the "short-cut." We should have wised up after seeing miles of cars lined up coming the opposite direction......but we kept going. Then we arrived at the base of the mountain, and a sign that said 49 more miles......we kept going. As we were driving the temp was dropping, quickly. The final straw was the BUCKETS of rain falling, and when the temp fell to 62 degrees. No thanks! We turned around. This was the adventure that we left behind....We can do that hike at home!
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