Success at the embassy

Sorry, no pictures today. We were at the US Embassy and pictures are
not allowed, so the camera has been in the safe all day. All five
families got approval for their Visa today. The only small hurdle
left to get over is that the Wempe's and us need the visa tomorrow (it
normally takes two days). Rachel made sure they knew this, and I am
confident it will work out fine.

Getting into the Embassy is an ordeal, two metal detectors, an x-ray
machine, and MANY MANY guards. Tip for families coming later, only
take what you NEED to the Embassy. Of course, you never know how long
you will need to wait in the reception, so you may need baby supplies.
Dietrich concerned the guard with his small roll of Charmin. It was
pretty funny when the guard pulled it out and asked him what it was.
At first, Dietrich didn't know, then he had some trouble explaining.
Thankfully, it did not get as far as a demonstration.

After the Embassy, we had a short shopping trip to get soccer jerseys
and some jewelry. Back to the hotel for room service dinner and some
packing and hopefully an early night.

Benaiah is doing GREAT still. He slept well last night although Susan
and I were up a lot checking on him. He took a nap and had some
snoozing in the van. When in the room, he crawls around and plays and
even laughs a little. We are all doing really well, and I just pray
it keeps up for the plan ride tomorrow.

Susan and I have been calling him Meteku (his given name) since that
is how he is known here. At the transition home, and the court papers
and the visa all have Meteku William Schmidt as his "official" name.
We need to work on transitioning him to learning that Benaiah is him
as well.

One person in a shop today asked Robel (our Ethiopian guide) if
Benaiah was Susan's child. He explained that we adopted him. The
shop-keeper apparently saw a resemblance, and we already treat him
like our own child loving on him and interacting with him.

It's raining today which everyone says is quite unusual for late
October. In fact, we had thunder and lightening which Rachel said
never happens. It's a bit depressing and makes it no fun to be out to
shop.

I am more then ready to come home although there is a lot more "loot"
I would have liked to get before we leave. I just want to get back to
NC and get on with the next stage.