Melkam Ken!

Good day! and good news too, they have our bags at the airport! Thank goodness, Max can finally get a fresh pair of clothes, we're all thrilled.

With Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's funeral processional happening just down the street, most roads and shops are closed down for the better part of the morning. We can hear chanting and the gun shots prior to his burial from our hotel room. You need a special pass and invitation in order to attend so we didn't attempt to get a glimpse. There is heightened security and military people in blue camo on every street corner. Instead, we went over to Rick's house nearby. We were greeted by the friendliest and dare I say cutest security guard dogs. They're not used to physical affection so they loved us paying them attention.

Max has new best friends

We sat around the tv and watched the funeral with some of the kids who were home. Rick's home is warm and welcoming. Doors and windows open, everyone welcome.

The city stopped to watched PM Meles Zenawi's funeral today

We walked over to Bialen's new home with a group of amazing people. All past or present patients, good friends, or assistants to Rick. Bialen is very proud of his new home. Max is thrilled to keep learning that everyone's favorite team is Manchester United. We knew they liked soccer but who knew ManU would be their team and Rooney their player?! Max is immediately welcomed like family once the connection is made. Our visit was cut short as the rain came in and we walked down the way to find one of few places open for lunch. We sat with Bialen, Menachem and Antenay while sipping ginger tea (me) and a cocoa cappuccino (Max) and sharing fresh bread and jam. Max and I got a thorough Amharic lesson that we jotted on paper, we're learning slowly. It's wonderful to be welcomed so warmly by everyone. A friend of Rick is a friend of his children is a friend of everyone we have met thus far.

Max with Bialen and friends

Elizabeth with friends at Bialen's new home