We Have Arrived in Addis!

As I'm finding that the internet connections I've used in Addis disallow me
to get on to the Blogspot page, I wanted to try this, as well as email
family to let everyone know we have arrived safely!
We went from 100+ temps to a beautiful 70s (or so it feels). When we
deboarded the plane, there were Ethiopian men wearing stocking caps, so it's
nice to be back in comfortable weather.
We so loved our time with Rachel and the kids. It will certainly go down as
an adventure of a lifetime. I will miss our time with them, but have to be
honest, the weather is AWESOME here.
We landed, went through immigration with a breeze, the man holding the AWAA
sign was there and picked us up and we arrived at the Addis View Hotel.
IT'S SWEET!!!! It's honestly better than the Hilton Addis... by a long
shot! Our room is sweet! Has a sitting room, tv, bedroom, safe, bathroom,
and a balcony overlooking the city of Addis.
And FREE internet! This is AWESOME!!!!
It's now 9:22pm and we are going to head up to the restaraunt to get some
grub. I'm now ready for solid food and hope I don't eat like a pig.
The flight was uneventful apart from the landing that was a bit more
"bouncy" than most I've been on. Not like the one when we came down on one
wheel and then slammed down with the other before dropping the nose. I
forget what country that was in (Guatemala, I believe).
Kathee and I are doing wonderful. We are so excited to be here. The lady
at the front desk was a bit puzzled why it was we flew through Djibouti.
She said that the man picking us up called to say we weren't coming from
Washington, but from Djibouti. She said, "most certainly not. Why would
they fly through Djibouti? No one flies through Djibouti on their way
here." She laughed when we told her why and then translated to the driver
and said, "now we understand."
That's it for now. We are here and relaxed. GOD IS SO GOOD! We meet
Gideon in just a few days. He's in the same city as we are in right now.
Ahh, we are so pumped!

Love to all,
Isaac T

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Another Day in Djibouti!

Well let's here it for being sick in Djibouti! Hip, hip, hooray!!! That's right ladies and germs, this guy got the poops! However, I'm already feeling like I'm on the other side of it. It started yesterday in the early afternoon, just before heading to the Embassy. Nothing like a little welcome home to the ambassador and his wife! So I was in bed pretty much all day today! Haven't really had another other than the Nutrigrain bars we brought (in case your's truly got sick) and a bunch of Sprite. Aside from that it's all good. I'm waiting to eat anything of substance until we return to Addis as they will have flushing toilets in the hotel (we do water pour into the bowl here to git-r-down). It's also a bit touchy when you are sharing the biff with family not your's and don't want to be in there all the time! Just gets a little touchy.
So due to a storm that happened somewhere in Djibouti last night, the camping trip was off for tonight. The road washed away I guess, so none of the families went. However, I still had my speaking engagement tonight with the teenagers. HOW FUN!!!!
One teen from the Democratic Republic of Congo, another from Yemen, a couple from Djibouti, couple from Ethiopia, one from Kenya, and two from the US (although one of the two was actually born in Djibouti). So it was quite the eclectic group. And I had an Englishman translating for me. You should have seen it.
We went to the house around 7pm. Met the hosts, a couple of their friends, and the teenagers. I went into another room with the host and discussed what we were to do. I had a three-part sermon series literally typed up on the prophet who parted the Red Sea. Then yesterday, I tightened it up to be a time for the youth to focus on things above. So I was ready to go. Then tonight as we met with our host, he said he'd like it to be discussion-based and about 20 minutes (including translation). So that was a bit of a last-minute curve. We went through our song list and his to come up with songs that they knew in French (as everyone there but Kathee and I speaks French- among other languages). We came up with 2 songs that we had chords for they knew in French. Then we decided on an acapella song that we'd sing together.
We sang for a while, then I led a discussion, and a very, very lively one at that. Our hosts were very surprised and encouraged by the sort of discussion. I think they were also surprised at how much the teens knew and held dear. It was a great night.
Then we came home, put on the movie the Translator, and just finished now.
Tomorrow looks to be another day of healing for me and then heading to the airport to head back to Addis. I just checked before come to blog and our bedroom temp was sitting pretty at 91 degrees and 11:32pm. The ac will be on when I get there and will be down to around 80 to 85... which believe it or not, seems and feels awfully chilly. I am super-excited to be back into weather that is around 85 at the highest during the day. The days of 105 to 108 just get to you after a day or two.
However, the bucket bath taken today was top-shelf. It felt SOOOO good to be clean and away from sweat for the few minutes. Ahhh, so nice.
We also received our itinerary for our time in Addis! Everything starts Monday morning at 10:00am in our hotel. We will then head to the transition home and meet Gideon (and the others their children). On Tuesday we will go to the transition home and pick Gideon up and bring him with us. Wednesday will be US Embassy meetings and whatnot. Thursday will be last minute paperwork and doing last minute stuff around the city. And Friday we fly back to the US (I'm really looking forward to being back on US soil).
Kathee and I are having dinner with Tekle, an Ethiopian man who has been a sort of quasi-uncle for Kathee's cousin Lisa Wicklund's husband Dave. We are really excited about meeting him and spending time with him. He knew Kathee's grandpa, Doctor Bob Smith, as well as, Kathee's father Karl. So that ought to be a fruitful time as well.
We are planning on going to the International Evangelical _ in Addis on Sunday (which, we believe, are the type of meetings of the body like Kathee's dad leads in Dehli). We are looking forward to that, as well.
I spose this ought to be it for now. I'll post more once we return from Djibouti to Addis!

Isaac T

A Good But Trying Day

Well, the water pump broke yesterday, which means there is no water being pumped upstairs (where they live) until at least Saturday. So that meant no shower today. In 108+ degree temps, with ac only coming at bedtime, I must smell like a real winner.
We also had the opportunity of a lifetime. We were invited to the US Embassy compound in Djibouti City (due to Rachel and Tom being NGO's). We drove to the end of the barricades and parked and got out to head in to the embassy. Greeting us was a Marine Humvee with a soldier standing at the ready on the 50 cal. A man at the gate had a large machine gun (in the literal sense, I believe). And more Marines standing guard alongside the Hummer. It was so cool seeing our guys in full dress (which makes me wining over the heat pale in comparison to fully-dressed in military garb men and women. It was a sight for me to see.
We went in to the compound, gave our passports over for a red visitor tag saying something meaning "this person must be ushered around the grounds." It started with a halloween trick-or-treat party for the children. So we walked around from office to office with the kids getting candy at each place. The USAID office, the security for the DOD, some State Department stuff, the medical area, etc. It was so cool! It made me proud to be an American.
While the party was going on Kathee and I were able to spend some time chatting with the new US Ambassador's wife. She introduced herself to us and we chatted for 10 or 20 minutes. We talked about our adoption, why Africa, why Ethiopia, and the other things of them moving here on Monday (with twins who will turn 4 in a few months). What an opportunity. As I needed to use the bathroom, surprise, she took us in to the Ambassador's residence where Kathee and I took turns chatting with her while the other used the facilities. It was so fun!
As the party drew to a close, all the other people with NGOs and all the Americans in Djibouti met in the Ambassador's living room to meet him and here from he and others about the state of Djibouti, his tenure, and some updates on issues facing Djibouti and the surrounding countries.
The head of security talked with us about security issues in the city and within the region, and shared some things about events occuring in neighboring countries today. We heard from the head of USAID here Djibouti, the Consolur General, the head of media and publicity, etc. It was VERY cool! I was just wide-eyed.
Afterwards, there was a sort of meet-and-greet time. Before leaving I went before the Ambassador, and told him that I didn't know if he to be a believing man or not, but that when I think of him I will ask for wisdom, discernment, and the peace of. He thanked me and said he very-much needed it. WOW!!! What an opportunity.
As we left, I couldn't help but feel this was one of the great opportunities of my life! How cool!
After spending time at the embassy, we headed out to a nice place for supper, just Rachel, Kathee and I. It was really, really good!
I had one of those cultural moments tonight that we had a good laugh at the table. I asked our waiter where the tooalet is, to which he showed me the door and said, "straight back, sir." So I did, only to find a big room with three sinks for washing hands, and two small trash cans in diagonal corners. I looked at them and thought, "you've got to be kidding me. Seriously? No doors for privacy and you go in the trash cans. This cannot be right." So I looked and looked, nothing. As I walked back down the hall, I saw a door that looked like an office/manager's door. The kind that look like the glass has been frosted. So I propped the door, thinking certainly a man would give me a dirty look as he hovered over his papers. Nope. That was the bathroom. A total relief, in more ways than one.
And now we are home.
Tomorrow we head to the beach to camp out till Friday. We will come back early, get packed, and head to the airport to head back to Addis on Friday evening. So I doubt I'll be able to check in until we check in at the hotel in Addis.
In the meantime, please keep us in your thoughts.

Isaac T

A Quick Note to Families Traveling to Ethiopia Next Week!

Kathee shared with me tonight that we may have caused a gentle stir among the AWAA families. We decided to leave a week early to come and visit friends we have who are living in Djibouti (the country kinda northeast of Ethiopia). We "happened" to meet up with the group traveling the week before us, but parted ways once we arrived in Addis. We were not given a special privilege to come early, nor have we met or intended to meet, our Gideon. We are eagerly awaiting our time to meet you as you arrive in Addis. No need to fuss, we just added an extra trip on the front end of our adoption trip. We will see you when you arrive in Addis!

Isaac T.

Gallo! Gallo! Gallo!

Well how is everything today? Aside from the 108 degree weather here, everything has been great. No lie, 108 degrees by 9:30am this morning. So I don't know what it was up to at the hottest point today. It was smoken hot. And I just love wearing pants on warm days. However, it was honestly not all that bad. That said, whoever says, "yeah, but it's a dry heat," I'd like to smack in the mouth. It's now 10:35pm and our bedroom is 93 degrees. I believe last night, with the ac on, we got it down to 85 or so, and it was incredibly comfortable sleeping weather. Crazy huh? And Rachel said that the weather is cooler now than even a few weeks ago.
Today was another fun day in Djibouti. This morning, after dropping of the children at school, we headed over to a lady's shack to buy injera (the Ethiopian bread/pancake thing) for lunch today. We went over for Ethiopian food at a family in the body's house today. It was very cool. And, as usual, the food was fantastic. I'm growing in like for Ethiopian food. Our discussion today was very fruitful and was a joy to talk and discuss with them. As they are members of the body, it was fun to hear about things they are doing.
We also went to the market again today. I found two hats I wanted and Kathee found some other goodies. And she did mighty fine today, too! She purchased a pair of goat shoes that the bushmen wear. honestly, they are made of goat fur. Very cool. She also bought two scarves and had them made into dresses. It was awesome. She picked out two scarves, gave them to the man, who turned around and gave it to the seamster (a man seamstress) and had them made into dresses. It was so cool! Both cost a total of $4.50. Crazy!
Here's where the Gallo! in the title comes in. I asked Rachel if people were saying things to us and about us that were a bit...shall we say.... questionable. I told her than during my time in Moldova, I knew people were doing that, but the translators refused to tell me what they were saying. So I asked Rachel what was being shared (as most don't know that Rachel is fluent in English, French, and Somali- which most speak Somali). She said that most are yelling out, "Gallo!, Gallo!, Gallo!," which means "infidel." However, Rachel did say that infidel is more nicely translated "white person." So, Adam Jones, "Pick up the phone, Gallo, it could be _______ calling!" The best story of the day was when Rachel was bartering for some flax from a woman. They started the discussion in Somali. When Rachel asked if the flax was clean or not, the lady, forgetting the discussion was in Somali (and not in French) said, "I do not know your language" in Somali under her breath. When Rachel heard her say that, Rachel asked, "You mean to tell me you don't speak Somali?" The lady just about lost it as she had forgotten that Rachel spoke Somali! I guess maybe you had to be there.
I'm finding that many are trying to use the little english they know. They say hello first in Somali, then French (as there are tons of French people here due to the military base), then English. As I'm walking by, when they say it in English I wink at them and they go light up. It's almost a game for them (let's figure out what kind of people these white people are).
I LOVE going to the market. And I'm finding I love going to them in each country I've been. They are so fun, to see, to listen, to take in. Ahh, even in 108+ temps!
This afternoon we went with Rachel and another person in the body to go run at the national track (which ironically was built by the Chinese). For those of you freaking out, Kathee and I just sat and watched. Not only because it was as hot as it was, but even if the conditions were perfect, I'd still pass out before I completed 1 400. Kathee and I had a marvelous time. We sat and talked about issues facing Somali. We talked about how those issues effect the Horn of Africa (basically Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea, Djibouti). And we talked about how the US interacts with those. I'd write more but don't feel this is the time to do it, maybe after we return home from the Horn. So we had a great time.
One of the runners came over and played the, "what type of white person is this" game with us. And after figuring out we are American's they asked us if we'd ever been to Djibouti, what we thought, etc. As they were on the track team, we talked a bit about how old they were, etc. They seemed to thoroughly enjoy speaking and conversing with me/us.
The need for English speakers here is out of this world! As Ethiopia speaks Amharric and English, and as the port in Djibouti is shipping all of Ethiopia's good, the people need to speak Engligh. However, in Djibouti, everyone speaks Somali or Afar. So Tom (Rachel's husband) is in high demand as he teaches English at the University in town. Yesterday he was teaching at the hotel that the Somali peace deal was struck from as it's the high-end hotel in Djibouti. As more and more business is coming here, Enlish is needed all the more. So, as they say, the fields are white for the harvest, but the workers are few!
Today was had an awesome time of singing and prayers. As the body can't meet together, I think it was very special tonight for Rachel. We sat in the living room singing songs together and was in incredibly moving time. I was able to play the guitar which even added to the intensity. It's so good to be here to encourage and be encouraged! he is doing mighty things!
Tomorrow we are going to a children's halloween party at the US Embassy. Then we are meeting with the new US Ambassador for a townhall meeting for the expats. I'm getting pretty excited about this. Karl (Kathee's dad) was able to get me into the US Embassy in Guatemala because I thought I'd never get the chance to be in one again. However, I'll be in the US Embassy in Djibouti tomorrow, and the US Embassy in Addis Ababa next Tuesday or Wednesday. So this is just too much fun!
In closing, I ask that you lift up Rachel's husband Tom. He is headed to Lagos, Nigeria, right now for a meeting and some training with other people in the body from all over Africa and the Middle East. After he flew out of Djibouti to Addis yesterday, he found out that he had to have a visa to get into Nigeria (after the group hosting said they'd "take care of each participant's immigration). So Tom headed to the Nigerian embassy in Addis Ababa to see if they'd give him an expedited visa (as their are no visas offered at the airport in Lagos). If he wasn't able to get that today, he was to return to Djibouti tomorrow. However, if they granted it, he'd head to Lagos and be a day late. Please keep this in your thoughts as you go throughout your day.
Things are well here. We are safe and loving our time. We are still itching (we'll be united with Gideon one week from today!). I continue to think much about being joyful in this opportunity we have this week to be in Djibouti and not to waste a second by pining for Ethiopia. His timing is best!

Praise to Him,
Isaac T

THIS IS SO COOL!!!!!!!!!

Okay, we knew this was going on. Actually, we flew on the plane with these guys from Addis Ababa to Djibouti (we knew something was big when we got off the plane there tv cameras and MANY official lookin people on the ground glad-handing them as they got off the plane). So today, we were at the hotel where these guys we working out these issues. While Kathee was taking her cappicino, Rachel her hot chocolate, and me my Peach Ice Tea, these men were working out the peace deal in the same hotel. How cool!!!

Somalia: Govt, Opposition Alliance Finalize Ceasefire Agreement
26 October 2008
Posted to the web 27 October 2008

Djibouti

Somalia's Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the main opposition group, the Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia (ARS), finalized a peace agreement Sunday after formally signing a ceasefire deal that called for the withdrawal of Ethiopian forces.

In a ceremony attended by international observers, including UN Special Envoy Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, TFG and ARS delegation leaders signed the comprehensive peace pact in the face of ongoing armed hostilities in many parts of Somalia.


The agreement called on "supporters of the two parties and the Somali population to adhere and support this cessation of armed confrontation for the interest of Somalia."

An official ceasefire will formally go into effect on November 5, 2008, and Ethiopian troops will begin withdrawing from different parts of Somalia, starting on November 21, 2008, the agreement read.

The Ethiopian army pullout will be centered on Mogadishu and Beletwein, with the army relocating from bases such as Mogadishu Stadium, the ex-pasta factory and the former headquarters of the Ministry of Defense.

The second phase of an Ethiopian withdrawal will last for 120 days, the signed document read.

The agreement indicated that a joint TFG-ARS security force will be promptly established to work with African Union peacekeepers in Mogadishu to maintain order, following the eventual withdrawal Ethiopian troops.

Somali Deputy Prime Minister Ahmed Abdisalam, who led the government delegation at the peace talks, pledged that the government will implement its responsibilities under the ceasefire deal.

ARS Chairman Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, who is also executive head of the Islamic Courts movement, welcomed the agreement and urged insurgent fighters to "stop the bullets" since the Ethiopian army will soon begin to withdraw from Somali soil.

The historic peace agreement coincides with ongoing violence in many parts of Somalia, including Mogadishu and Baidoa.

Relevant Links

East Africa
Conflict, Peace and Security
International Organizations and Africa
Peacekeeping and Conflict Resolution
Somalia



In September, Ethiopian troops withdrew from the central town of Beletwein, which is now under the control of Islamic Courts fighters.

We are LOVING Africa!!!!

I'm not sure what day it is, but we sure are having a blast here. The flight over the pond went splendidly. It was a long 8 hours to Rome, an hour stop in Rome for new crew and some gas, and then on to Addis Ababa. We arrived in Addis around 10am or something, headed downstairs, got our visas, walked through customs without stopping (thank you Karl Smith for teaching me the unspoken rule of third world living: "98% of life in the third world is acting like you know what you are doing"), and headed out to the Hilton desk to catch our shuttle to the Hilton.
A pretty neat event occured while waiting for our baggage in Dulles (Washington DC). I saw a bunch of Rubbermaid containers with the name Ray VanHutten. In the video we got of the transition home Gideon is living in, the woman videoing kept talking about Mrs VanHutten. So Kathee followed the Rubbermaids, found Teresa, met her, and we chatted a bit. We actually flew over with 3 families who are picking up their children this week, so that was fun to spend time with them.
However, we departed at the airport, which went swimmingly. We jumped the shuttle to the Hilton, got to our room, settled in a bit, and then headed out. We walked up the street a couple miles to visit Lucy (supposedly our nearest common ancestor) at the National Museum, went out for Ethiopian food at the Lucy Restaraunt, stopped at an internet cafe that ultimately didn't work (after I tried emailing family, I found out it didn't work). We walked back to the hotel, and paid a man to drive us to Entoto Mountain so we could visit the scenic overlook of Addis Ababa and visit a rock-hewn church I wanted to see. It was very, very cool, and we had a GREAT TIME!!! It was so fun!
Then the next morning we woke up, jumped the shuttle back to the airport and flew to Djibouti! Getting off the plane....uffdah!!! It was over 100 degrees. It reminds me very much of scenes from the movie Black Hawk Down (which is a movie about the situation back in 1993 in Mogidishu, Somalia). Sand EVERYWHERE and hotter than fire here. We got off the plane, headed into the airport, stood in immigration, got in line for our visa, and had another answer to prayer. The rule has been that you turn your passport over to the Djibouti government, and then you get your visa within the next day. I was pretty worked up about that, but after hearing from our friends Tom and Rachel, and reading about the process in our Lonely Planet book, we decided to come and visit our friends here. I was the third person to go into the visa office (while Kathee waited outside). I told him how long we were to stay, gave him $40 USD, he put the stickers in our passports and stamped our visas then and there... VERY COOL!!!!
So we went to baggage check, which our bags were checked through from Dulles, and our bags weren't there. So a Somali man came up and chatted with me a bit, and after finding out I'm an American, he was all "Washington, Washington." So I kinda made a friend, who then took me to the Ethiopian Air lady to report my bags not arriving. After showing her our itinerary, and immediately after seeing the name Terwilleger, she said, "Oh, your bags arrived earlier. Come with me." So out we walked on the tarmac so she could get the key to the office, then back inside and down some hallways, to our bags. And after our friend Rachel spoke Somali to some of the airport workers, she was able to get back where most aren't allowed, and was able to meet us and help us get our bags.
One porter took each back and took it to the truck, we got in, and drove to their house. It was very, very exciting. What an adventure. Last evening we went to the market which is a very large market! And very neat things. Currently we have purchased nothing yet, but I'm searching for just the right skull cap to go along with the one I have from India.
This morning we went with Rachel's husband Tom for coffee, and then he dropped us off at the internet cafe... which wasn't open yet, so we walked around downtown Djibouti City. In both countries, we are the only white faces around. However, we do not feel threatened AT ALL! Many are trying out their English on us as well.
This afternoon I spent time with a fellow who has lived here for 14 years. While Kathee was with Rachel and her three daugthers at Monday School, the man invited me to come along. So I went. We dropped off his son on one of the Frech military bases for rugby practice and then went to his three storage containers. He runs an NGO (non government organization) that works a lot with the sports teams here in Djibouti. So I stood in a storage container counting t-shirts, hats (which happened to be Oklahoma Sooners hats, yuck!), Nike shoes, and one other thing. So that was very fun. He was very interested in my work back in the states and my insights into how to do what I do overseas. It appears that the Lord has been using me to invest in the lives of those overseas who are interested in doing what I do better... although in a cross-cultural basis.
We were also invited to meet the United States Ambassador on Wednesday, so that should be very cool! We will be camping on the Red Sea on Thursday-Friday, where I will speak to the teenagers about what is on my heart. I will be speaking to english and french speaking teenagers, so will have to be translated like in Moldova! I know to what I'm going to share, but won't share it now. I guess we are all sleeping out under the stars, too, so that should be fun! And although, I'm afraid of the water, I've been told that Djibouti has some of the best snorkling in the world, so I'll do that from the shallow end. Eels, hammerhead sharks, angel fish, and others I guess. So we'll see how that goes.
Today it was again well over 100 degrees. Luckily, they have given us the room with the air conditioning, so at night we turn it on with the ceiling fan to cool off. The temps here are out of this world. I asked Kathee today if there is a hotter place on earth?! However, it is bearable, and the joy of being here outweighs the heat.
Being here in Djibouti is going to another world. The women are all behind the veil, with most of the men wearing skirts as it's so hot. The women are mostly in black, but also wear incredibly beautiful patterns as well.
I'm not sure what else to say really. He is good and steadfast. It is so joyful to be here, and jet lag doesn't seem to effect us much... only when we are sitting down not doing much.
We drove by the port many times today, which is bulging at the seams. Due to Ethiopia's war with Eritrea over the border demarcation, all of Ethiopia's good are now going to and through Djibouti's port. IT IS AMAZING to see all the stuff. I've never seen so much goods!
And, our culture shock is not present, either. The poverty is NOTHING like India, it is MUCH cleaner, people are less stressed, and seem to be more joyful. The beggars do not accost us like in India and Guatemala. There are many living on the streets (both in Djibouti and Ethiopia) but both countries don't touch the squallor of India. We have both been amazed at how well things work in both countries, the airports in Addis and Djibouti were efficient, and everything has gone great so far.
Our time with Rachel and Tom and their three children has been wonderful as well. I won't write here much about our time, but we SO LOVE spending time with them, encouraging them (we hope) and them encouraging us (which they are). It's been awesome to meet and speak with Tom about his work here and the many things he's doing to bring meaning to lives here in Djibouti! Rachel (who is Kathee's best friend from childhood) and Kathee are having much fun, and we are loving tagging along with her/them as they go through their daily lives. We got to see the French school their children attend (which is a huge school with MANY children) and meet some of their brothers and sisters in the body.
Kathee and I are doing well and are flat-out LOVING this adventure. We have not spent a ton of time chatting about Gideon as we don't want to work ourselves up too much (although I would say we could measure the time we've spent speaking about him in the hours range).
We are trying to live this as an adventure of a lifetime, as well as, coming to build our family. So far, this has been the adventure of a lifetime. However, on the way over the ocean, I believe this is the fourth of fifth "adventure of a lifetime" we've taken. So this is all just cool stuff.
Oh yeah, Sally, I assume you are reading this. I already got your Christmas present for this year. For those of you (like everyone) who don't know, each time I go overseas I try to get a picture with me standing next to a man with a huge gun. While we were up on the top of Entoto Mountain, a man who was guarding the overview was carrying what I believe was a Kalishnikov. I asked our driver if he'd ask the man if I could get my picture with him. The man obliged, took the 6 bullets out of the gun and handed the gun to me. So Sally, I got your picture... only this time with me holding said gun. However, if you aren't into the "variation on a theme" I did also get a picture with him holding the gun.
I spose I should cut it off here. By now it's probably down to the mid-90s in the house and I'm excited to get to bed with the AC.
As the internet is not the most reliable thing, I'm not sure the next time I'll be able to write. I'll try to post at least once more before we head back to Addis on Friday evening.
Keep us in your thoughts as you spend time with him and please speak to him about us as you think about it. We covet them very much.

Safely in his grip,
Isaac T

Well, We're Outta Here!!!

It's now 11:09pm and my sister-in-law Jenn Terwilleger and nephew Elijah are coming at 7:30am tomorrow to drive us to Chicago. From there we'll fly to Washington DC and stay overnight at a hotel. Then Friday we'll wake up, head back to the airport, and get on the 15+ hour direct flight to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We'll stay overnight at the Hilton Hotel in Addis Ababa. Then we'll wake up, board another plane and head to Djibouti to spend time with Kathee's best friend from her childhood. Then on the 31st of October, we'll jump on a plane and head back to Addis Ababa. And then we'll fly back to the States on the 7-8th of November. So it's quite the long haul.
And before I turn in for the night I thought I'd share two INCREDIBLY cool events that have occured the last two days. On Tuesday night our good friends Adam, Maharah, Anavah, and Asher came over to pray with us. That was a VERY cool time of them praying over us before we leave.
Then tonight was youth group, and after I got done teaching (surprise, I went over by 5 minutes...again), Matt Williams, who is one of my adult youth leaders and an elder of the church asked Kathee and I to "Get in the middle" and then the teenagers (about 30 or so tonight) laid hands on us and they prayed over us. SO COOL!!!!
Well, that's it for now. I'm not sure if I'll be able to blog while in Africa, but we'll see. If not, I'll post when we return home.
Thanks for reading.

Safely in His grip,
Isaac T

Isaac and Angelina

Well, I got another one of those comments you just don't know how to appropriately respond to yesterday. Someone asked me how long "you and Angelina...errr Kathee are going to be in Africa." For those of you living under rocks, Angelina Jolie is currently hitched next to Brad Pitt (although surprise, not married), is the voice of the UN for adoption, and seemingly adopts a child from every country she visits (which is why we've also been asked by other people, "so you are going to build a managerie like that Jolie lady, are you?" However, this was the same person who equated adopting with "going to the pound and choosing which dog to buy, it's like, there's so many and after a while they all just look the same... sorta like buying a house, right?"). She adopted Zahara from Ethiopia a few years ago.
Okay...I'm back, I just sat and "zoned out" for like a minute thinking about that statement. Why does it make me angry? Why do I find it offensive? Why do I even let it bother me?
I don't know, it just does!

Well, It's Sunny In Djbouti!

I'm not trying to offend our friends we are going to be visiting in Djbouti. However, as I looked up what the temps will be this is what I found. Are you kidding? The "comfort level" of 105? Anything about 70 or above we are tettering at or above my comfort level. THIS IS GOING TO BE AWESOME!!!!

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Low temperature: 80 °F 81 °F 84 °F 81 °F 78 °F 80 °F 79 °F
High temperature: 95 °F 97 °F 95 °F 94 °F 94 °F 93 °F 94 °F
Comfort level: 97 °F 99 °F 100 °F 103 °F 105 °F 105 °F 103 °F
Wind Speed: 7 mph 8 mph 10 mph 14 mph 5 mph 12 mph 2 mph
Humidity: 33% 34% 44% 54% 76% 57% 68%
UV Index: 7 (High)7 (High)7 (High)7 High) 7 (High)7 (High)7 (High)
Chance of Rain: 0% 0% 0% 0% 30% 0% 30%
Amount Rain: - - - - - - 0.0 "

Psalm 139

Today as I'm finishing up my study of Amos, I read Psalm 139. I believe this to be an encouragement to those "staying back Stateside" who may find themselves worried about our safety. In reflecting on this this morning, I brings a quiet and inner contentment. Enjoy.

PSALM 139
God’s Omnipresence and Omniscience.
For the choir director. A Psalm of David.
1 O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You understand my thought from afar.
3 You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, O Lord, You know it all.
5 You have enclosed me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high, I cannot attain to it.
7 Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.
9 If I take the wings of the dawn,
If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea,
10 Even there Your hand will lead me,
And Your right hand will lay hold of me.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me,
And the light around me will be night,”
12 Even the darkness is not dark to You,
And the night is as bright as the day.
Darkness and light are alike to You.
13 For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
16 Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.
-NASB

The Names of Gideon's Buddies

So Kathee shared with me some of the names of the other children who were just adopted today through the Ethiopian courts.
We have a Daniel, Josiah, Malachi, and Jonas. So tie in our Gideon and 4 of the 5 are Biblical names. How cool (and the Scandinavian-sounding Jonas sounds pretty tight, too!)!

Meet our Son!!!!

Our adoption of Gideon has been finalized in the Ethiopian court system. That means we passed! We are now legal parents of Gideon Markos Terwilleger. We are also now able to upload pictures of our son. Enjoy!!!!

Gideon's October Update Picture


Gideon's September Update Picture


Gideon's August Update Picture


Referral Picture #2


Referral Picture #1

Commentary on Prayer

The other night I blogged about waking up and praying for the court case. Currently, like right now, I'm studying for my Bible study I lead with the teenagers each week. I'm prepping 1 Timothy 2. As I'm now to the point of checking commentaries, here's a bit of "With the Word Bible Commentary," by Warren Wiersbe, on 1 Timothy 2:1-2:

1 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,
2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity (NASB).

"What is the most vital ministry of the local church? According to Paul, it is prayer. Prayer moves the hand that governs the world. We must pray for government leaders, that the doors of ministry will be kept open and souls will be won to Christ. Because God’s people do not pray for people in authority, wars close mission fields, officials do not grant needed visas, and the work of the Lord suffers."

Man, how cool! And what an encouragement!

Isaac T

Today was NOT the day

Well, I woke up at about 3:00am this morning wide awake, pretty much for sure that today was the court date. I spent a lot of time in prayer while lying in bed. As it was 11:00am in Ethiopia, I assumed that the court case might have been going on at that time. So, not knowing how the situation works, I prayed for His name to exalted in the court proceeding, for the judge (Lord grant him wisdom and discernment of the Lord's will... and us his favor), for our representative (grant him the words to speak and the needed court documents with all the I's dotted and T's crossed... which happens to be my initials... but I digress), for anyone else involved who I don't know that needs to be there. And so I prayed, and prayed, and prayed.
I was pretty sure that today is the day... and it's now 11:07pm, and I'm thinking that we are NOT going to be receiving a phone call or email in the next 53 minutes. So maybe it's tomorrow.
I'll let you know.

Isaac T

Our Court Date is This Week!

This week, we believe on Wednesday or Thursday, Kathee and I will be presented at the Ethiopian Courts of MOWA (Ministry of Women's Affairs) to become Gideon Markos' mom and dad. We ask that this week you keep the court case in your prayers.
This past week (or it may have been two weeks ago now), there were 7 families that had court cases. Due to a new Ethiopian law that was enacted over the courts being closed, coupled with the courts not telling the adoption agencies, 3 of those adoptions were NOT approved. The issue deals with children who are abandoned and those who are relinquished. The new law/enactment only effects those children who are relinquished, not those who are abandoned. And we believe Gideon was relinquished (due to his mother and deceased father's names on the referral information). In our conference call last week, we were told that necessary changed will be made for these next set of cases (of which our case will be) so that the cases will be approved. The discouraging thing is that those cases not approved were moved back until November 8, a full month from their court case.
So please be in prayer in all of this. If our case is approved by the court on the 15th or 16th (we will be notified after the court date) we will leave for Djbouti on the 24th, and then back down to Addis by the 2nd of November (although I believe we are planning on being back to Addis on the 31st.
I spose that is it for now. This is a HUGE week for the adoption and beg of your prayers. We ask that you pray for the Lord's will to be done in this. Certainly, we want this to go through, however, we don't know His timing or desires for what is best for us. Pray for Kathee and I to have the faith to endure, to be joyful in whatever outcome of the court, and that we will glorify Christ in the process.
Thanks.

Because He is worthy,
Isaac T

A Call To Pray

Good morning everyone. Yesterday was the court date for 7 families waiting to adopt their children. They are in the exact same boat as we are, although they were given a for sure court date. 3 of the 7 families court dates didn't go well. The four that got approved (so they leave next Friday-Saturday to head over) were all for infants. However, the three that didn't are all waiting to adopt older children. During the court shut down, the laws were changed without notifying the adoption agencies. So they went to court yesterday for the families only to find that there was more (and different) paperwork needed. So now the new court date for those families is now November 8 (one more month). This MUST be INCREDIBLY painful and disheartening news (especially since they were hoping to get their court date and finalization BEFORE the courts closed in August. Please pray for them right now.
And, as we have not been told our court date, we know that it is coming up (we think it must be in the next week sometime). Please pray for us that things would go well and that the Lord's great hand of providence and protection will be on Gideon's time before the judge (and all the children/families).
As you can see, just when one sees the depot in sight, there are miles of twists and turns before the train arrives. And so we eagerly await.

Safely in His grip,
Isaac T

A Great Ending to a Really Tough Day

Today was a pretty rough day for Kathee and I. It seems like this rollercoaster ride-journey is full of the continued unexpected. Along with being angry, confused, discouraged, and sad comes along a great encouragement and touch of love.
As I'm finding that more and more people are reading this blog who I don't know and haven't met, I'll share that I serve as the Director of Youth Ministries at a Presbyterian Church. And I absolutely love it. And it's October, which means Pastor/Clergy Appreciation Month. Now, I'm not ordained, so one would assume that Pastor Appreciation Month does not include me, which it doesn't. However, this year, Kathee and I have been getting encouragements, notes, gift cards, etc, from people in our church, just about everyday. It's crazy. And such an encouragement.
So this afternoon, at 4:00pm, we received an email from our adoption agency with some pretty upsetting news. And isn't that just about how it is? As a pastor, Satan loves to divert attention at just the opportune time--- so in my line of work, Wednesday afternoon is just about the worst time to receive news like this.
However, we were given a gift box from a family in our church tonight. This family has been INCREDIBLE supporters of Kathee and me, and my ministry, for years and years.
So tonight when we got home, we opened the box. Inside were the things you see in the picture above. The first thing I pulled out was the Husker pacifiers. Are you kidding? Husker game day is going to rock now! And the Husker sippy cup? Yeah, Gideon is most definitely going to need that to make sure he doesn't spill on his brand new Husker t-shirt! And then, they threw in two bottles of Emeril's Essence (which I put on just about everything). Along with that the popcorn that I make A LOT (and Emeril's go on that, too!). Throw in the Dorothy Lynch salad dressing (which is made in Columbus, Nebraska, and is a sponsor of Big Red Football radio to top it all off) and they just about have ALL my favorites.
So in a day that I assumed was going to end in a pretty rough and discouraging way, God still brings about His glory and shows us His goodness.
And to that I am joyfully content!

Isaac T

He'll Be Home in A Month (Tentatively)

So, based on the tentative plans our agency has given us, we will be either flying out of Addis on Friday, November 7, or Saturday, November 8. That's one month from today. And oh yeah, Gideon is 5 months old today.

You Look Great

Kathee got a fantastic compliment from a person at our church. In passing during fellowship time he said, "Kathee, you look great for being 8 1/2 months pregnant!" We had a good laugh at that one!

Why a Boy?

My friend Mindy has been asking this question for months. And today I literally promised her I would sit down and write about why Kathee and I chose to adopt a boy instead of a girl (I believe the actual question was, "How did you decide to adopt a boy?". And so here we go.
I certainly know that our reasons are subjective. I also know that some may (and most likely will) disagree with our assessment. Others may have completely different realities with their children. So at the beginning of this entry I say "simmer down now." However, this is our reasoning.
Although these are not in any set order, these are the first that came to my mind. And so we are all on the same page, I asked Kathee to look at my reasons in order to make sure these ideas and opinions are representative of her as well (which they are).
So the first thing that came to mind is that in our opinion, boys seem to have better coping skills. In reflecting on our own lives growing up, how we responded to issues needing coping skills, and viewing teenagers over the past 10 years in youth ministry, it is out assessment, that on the whole, boys seem to cope better than girls dealing with watershed and identity-defining moments in life. And Gideon will have much to cope with in his life. Issues like: being adopted (Why was I adopted? Why to you specifically? What was wrong with me that my biological parents didn’t want me? Why did you take me from Ethiopia? Etc.); having Caucasian parents (that don’t dress me like the other black kids, that don’t do my hair like the other black kids); going to church (whether in Moline or anywhere else He calls us) in a predominantly white church; having siblings biological to us and not him (am I still your son? Do you love me as much as you do your biological children? Etc)are all issues he'll be forced to deal with and work out. And these issues are just the tip of the iceberg. He will have many “watershed” moments in his life that can serve as a crisis of identity (which is why we will be teaching/modeling that one’s identity is always in Christ) where he’ll have to have great coping skills.
Now certainly, there may be just as much proof that girls actually have better coping skills than boys. However, one of the ways I’ve seen an opportunity to help coping skills with boys is that boys tend to be quicker to get angry and blow up and share things than girls (who tend to bottle it up). In dealing with the first time he’s called an N-word, we want to know when that happens (rather than find out years later). When he’s made fun of for being adopted, we want to know about it. It seems to us that boys will blow up over things and get things out on the table faster than girls, who often bottle it up and one only finds out about it through other sources. With this tendency to blow up quickly and get things out on the table, it’ll help us in helping him develop coping skills in forming his identity and whatnot.
Another reason for choosing to adopt a boy is for the responsibility he will have for his younger siblings. In studying the book of Ruth with kids from my ministry, I was greatly struck with the idea of the kinsman-redeemer. The idea is that if a person gets into trouble and finds themselves in a bind (by either having to sell their property to make ends meet or by selling themselves into slavery to make ends meet) that the kinsman-redeemer will come to their point of need and redeem them. That redemption came from the closest male blood relative. In the context, the closest male relative had a huge responsibility in caring for, watching out for, protecting, and bringing help and salvation to those whom they served as kinsman-redeemer. And I was really struck with that idea. And so, as we raise our son, we will raise him with the unique opportunity, privilege, and responsibility he has for his younger siblings. That when they need help, when they get into trouble, when they need protection, that their elder brother Gideon will be there for them (note I'm not abrogating my responsibility here). And what a great and awesome responsibility for him. And what a special role for one adopted/grafted in to the family to understand his special call and responsibility. What a special role for a son to have. There is honor in that position, and we desire him to look out for his siblings in love, etc.
We also believe we have a great opportunity to help build a strong African man. In a culture where many/most African men don’t stay (married, at home, etc) but end up in prison, we believe that by raising Gideon, we can help build a strong man of God with a desire to be a great Christian man, husband, father, and role model in his church and community. It appears to us that there are many examples of good African’ women in our culture. And we’d like to raise him in such a way that he naturally develops into a strong African man.
Another reason is that I am more familiar with boys. Having 3 brothers, I kind of have a pretty good knowledge and understanding of boys. Being the product of a fantastic father who raised the three of us boys, and an amazing mother who did the same, I am more comfortable raising a boy (considering all the other things we’ll be dealing with as a family through adoption, this is one area we could control).
And finally, Kathee said she didn't care. She, along with me, would have been pretty happy, content, and pumped about whichever child the Lord brought into our family to raise as our own! When Kathee deferred to me and said it was my choice, in prayer and self-study, I discerned a boy for us will be the best to begin our family. And lest you think, I don’t care about “passing on my family name.” The Lord knows who I am. My name is written in His book. And I already have hundreds of spiritual children through ministry, and so am content with that. However, God is good and has blessed us with the desire to pour our love into a son, and hopefully will bless us with other biological children later.
I know that this is potentially inflammatory. I know that many of you may have studies that prove my idiocy. Many of you have the exact opinions I do, except that you have surmised that for daughters. Some may view me as a sexist pig who enjoys living in the stone ages. If for nothing else, being a good 5-point Calvinist, I believe that God ordained and predestined Markos ___________ to be Gideon Markos Terwilleger. That he be our first child. That he come into our home in Moline, IL, and live with us and be raised into Christian maturity with Kathee and I as his parents. To that, there is no arguing. And to that, I say Amen!


Isaac T

PS- Mindy, how was that?

We will also visit Kathee's childhood friend in East Africa before heading to Ethiopia!

This is the email we just got from Kathee's childhood friend who is living in a neighboring country. We are going to visit them for a few days before heading back down to Addis to finalize the adoption.

Hi there,

Too bad about Tom (Rachel's husband) being gone, but what can you do? Would you be flying on Ethiopian Airlines? It isn’t too much time for me (we asked to stay four or five days), not at all. You might actually be in town for the annual overnight camping trip to the beach with the few other families who actually live here, which would be a lot of fun. Helpful to have you around for that too, if it does end up falling when Tom’s gone.

Love

Rachel

Isaac's thoughts: How fun it will be to visit them, hopefully be an encouragement to them (and not a hindrance/stress), and see the many ways they are serving there in their country and the many people they are impacting there.

Our Time with Olivia and Flannery

What a joy it was for us to get the call yesterday that our friend from college was in town with her daughter for her grandfather's funeral and needed a place to stay. With all pleasantries, for us it was a joyful occasion, but not so much for Olivia.
Olivia, along with her husband Brad, was a fellow youth ministry major with me at Bethel, was one of Kathee's roommates her junior year of college, and along with her husband Brad was part of our couples Bible study we all started our senior year at Bethel for 4 of us couples that were newly married (Andy and Dani Schurman, Brad and Olivia Carpenter, Clint and Leah Kuipers, and Kathee and I).
And although Olivia begs to differ, I'm pretty sure we haven't seen her since we moved from the Twin Cities in 2001 and they moved to Sacramento to do youth ministry at a Presbyterian Church in America church out there (which they both served until Brad headed to seminary at Trinity, and then they headed back to their church after seminary where he still serves and Olivia serves an another capacity).
Here's some of the joys I observed for the few hours Olivia and their daughter Flannery had with us.
1. It was so fun being around another "young" couple who are in the ministry that have a great marriage. It was obvious to Kathee and I by the way Olivia talked about Brad (in his absence as he had umteen things to do this weekend for his church). They are in love, deeply committed to one another, know the seriousness of working in the church and finding (and sometimes struggling to find) ways to bring balance to marriage and ministry. But they are joyful and have a godly marriage.
2. It was so fun being around Olivia whose family is now pretty well seasoned in operating as a ministry family. The joys, demands, opportunities, and contentment in serving Christ through serving His church was outstanding. There was just a rekindled connection for Kathee and I with her/them in that.
3. It was so great having yet another example of a young parent who is intentional about the way she/they raise their child. Figuring out the balance of giving freedom within boundaries was great to discuss and share. It was obvious that their daughter Flannery is much-loved, is being raised in the fear of the Lord, with parents who are yoked to Christ, each other, and are making intentional decisions about the way they raise their beloved daughter.
4. It was also great to see how the Lord has developed spiritual maturity within her (and Kathee and I). I remember our Bible studies and at the kind of spiritual level we were then compared to now. What a joy it is to see the great amount of work Christ has committed to doing in our lives to bring about a deeper spiritual maturity and desire to know Him and make Him known.

It was too bad Brad was unable to come, too bad we only got a few hours with Olivia and Flannery, but what a joy.
As a side, and just for fun, we found out some other things we are honestly super-excited about. Flannery was crawling, so we found out what things will need to be moved up higher, what things (as Olivia's dad told us) just become a "NO," and what things just don't matter. The second thing we learned today, which is fun (right now because it's not our child) is just how quickly a kid can/will make a mess. It was great! One could almost the movements of the child based on the things on the floor. It was great! And we got some sage advice from Olivia, "we try to pick up the things in one room before moving to the next, as we know that whatever room she goes into that that room will be destroyed shortly."
How fun.

In Him,
Isaac T

The Tentative Word on Travel

Okay, we received the email today about potential travel dates. Tentatively, we need to be in Addis on November 1st. If that's the case, then we'll be heading out around the 26th of October to head to a neighboring country to visit friends of ours for a few days before we fly back down to Addis.
The reason it's tentative is because our flight dates and plans are contingent on our court date, that will happen prior to us arriving. As we have signed over power of attorney to our AWAA representative in country to appear for us in court. And that court date is subject to change, and often does. Once that is solidified (I'm assuming that we'll know when the court date happened after the fact), AWAA will have firm dates for us to travel.
We were told in the email that they will have firm dates by October 23rd. So, if you are checking your calendar, that gives us 2 days from the time of firm date to the time we leave for Africa! Wow! That would seem to me to be a bit hectic! However, keep in mind that the earliest we will need to be in Addis is November 1st.
We have been told to expect to be in-country 6 days to return home on the 7th of November. So that's tight.
Oh yeah, and just an update. We sent this past month's update to the University of Minnesota's International Adoption Medical Center and found out that Junior's isher issue is normal for children in that part of the world, and that the medication given is also normal and should have cleared it up right nice-like.
Man, he is sure a handsome child. And we are so excited to meet him and bring him home!

Because He is worthy,
Isaac T

The Kid in Husker Clothes

The following is an email we received yesterday from Rachel, the director of Gideon's transition home. If there was any question about his level of care (which they has never been any from the start), we now know he's getting the utmost care (proven by the second-to-last sentence about what he'll be in when we get our next picture).

Hey Issac and Kathee!
I just picked up your package yesterday....it had been at the post office for awhile, but i had been gone. so, ive brought it with me to the office today and i'll give _______ all his goodies. I'll get a picture for you in his Huskers outfit!!!!
thank you for all of these things!

Rachel

The New Update Just Came

Holy cow is my son handsome. And I say that knowing full well I'm a dad, and a bit biased! He is a sharp-looking kid. And growing like crazy!
He's still on formula, continues to be a good sleeper, and as the report says, "_______ has the CUTEST little face! His skin is a beautiful shade of brown. His bald head is just starting to show signs of hair, and it's growing in very soft. _______ is so happy and fun. He still smiles all the time."
We found out he had a case of the green-apple two step, but after heading to the doctor and getting some meds, that's gone away (he's already taking after his dad and he doesn't even know it yet). The little fella now tips the scales at 12.3 pounds.
Wow, what a sharp looking son!

It's October!!!

Hey everyone, aside from my brother Nathan's birthday (on the 13th) and Reformation Day (on the 31st), I've never really looked forward to the month of October...UNTIL NOW!!! I woke up this morning and said to Kathee, "It's October Kathee, welcome to October!" That means the Ethiopian courts are opening sometime soon! That means we'll at least have our travel date. That means we'll at least know when we are traveling. That means we'll at least know when we'll meet our son. That means we'll at least know when we'll be able to bring him home. Man, I love October!

Isaac T