Rock To Wind A String Around

It’s been a busy, busy, morning.  I was really super hungry, so I’ve dined on eggs, toast, hot dog, MEAT!, catsup, applesauce, juice, milk, rice, tomato and nectarine in the last few hours.  Sometimes I eat from a plate, sometimes from a purse, and in a fit of inspired whimsy, my hot dog was served on a bus.  At 22 months, Astrid Mekit seems to have mastered pretend play.  At this moment, she’s asking me to eat (again) while she plays the piano “like ray-e-o.”  Earlier, as I tried to check email and important websites, like Gofugyourself, she shook her finger in  my direction and said, “no toys table” something she hears a million times a week when Elliott sits down to dine.  While there are a dozen other things I ought to be doing, there’s nothing I’d rather do–sliced A’rine ala purse is served in such limited quantities–I want to savor every bite…

Happy to be in Chicago, even with sick little beasties, I mean children.  I was eager to meet some Ethio-Chicago families this trip, but am afraid to spread the plague around, so I haven’t gotten in touch (maybe Thursday in the open air?)  Both peeps actually seem fine, except for a cough–I thought it was allergies on Elliott’s end, but AM has the same ragged hack, so I think it’s safe to assume it’s a cold.  We visited with Aunt Brandy, Uncle Erik and baby Jacob yesterday, but Jake was in the throes of a similar illness, so we decided (or maybe it was fervently hoped?) that the two diseases would cancel each other out.  There was no avoiding a get-together anyway.  Aunt Brandy is loved by AM almost as much as she is loved by Elliott, plague be damned!

Fuses are short and energy is low, so we’ve kept close to the hotel today.  This stretch of State (near the old Marshall Fields) is beginning to feel like home.  Meklit started asking for ‘Al Navy’ (Yes, that would be Old Navy–she likes to dance in there) as soon as we crossed in front of the Chicago Theatre this afternoon.  Elliott is particularly adept at remembering where all of the snack food is located.  Garrett’s, Dunkin Donuts, Wow Bao–he can find them all.  After a long nap for Meklit, and a long rest for Elliott,  I think we might be on the mend–so maybe we still have a chance to meet fabulous people.  If not, maybe we’ll have the chance to do some fabulous fall shopping (my rotten children have gotten larger in the last few months–the nerve!).  Either way, we’re delighted to be here in Chicago–land of so many modes of transport, Meklit’s head is spinning!

On the road to Chicago for one more glorious week before we return to the  busy schedule of fall.   One of my favorite things about homeschooling is the flexibility of our schedules, but now that Elliott is older, he’s got a full complement of homeschool activities as well as the work we ask him to do.  I’m glad he’s a busy dude, but it does make it hard to sneak away for trips, so one more lovely week in the city by the lake.  We’re eager to visit our friends, Brandy & Erik, with their sweet boy Jacob, and we’re hoping to meet some Ethio-pals, like Nancy.

 
It should be noted that both Nancy and Zufan’s mama were kind enough to link to the excitement that is EOR, so they both win fabulous prizes.  i hope I can deliver Nancy’s in person, Zufan’s mama email me so I can mail you your gifty!

Yes, it’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for.  The store,   Ethiopian Orphan Relief’s  wonderous, thunderous, fantabulous store (apologies to Dr. Seuss) is open for business.   Our goods are gorgeous, 100% of the profits will benefit Ethiopia’s orphans, and most items are one of a kind.  If you see something you like, buy it now, because it may be gone before you know it.

As a special incentive, I will send an extra little gift in the first completed order.  That’s right, buy a knapsack or a necklace, (or whatever you like–there are dozens of things to choose from) and get a present.   Really,  who wouldn’t like a present?    It might not be a roundtrip ticket to Addis, or a ‘Voldemort for President’ bumpersticker (again with the apologies,  this time to JK Rowling) but it will be almost as terrific.

Shop soon, tell your friends–I am eager to ship a package to you!

The scarf, not the girl!  You know where to get it, soon, soon, soon!

Like the outift above?  Its just one of the many items we will be selling through Ethiopian Orphan Relief’s webstore.    As the official ‘Picture-taker-of-items’ I’ve had the chance to sort through, iron, photo, catalog and enjoy dozens of the beautiful things that we are selling from Ethiopia.  It’s hard not to keep it all for myself, especially the jewelry–each piece is prettier than the last.    EOR’s store will help Ethiopia more than once–while all of the profits will fund programs in Ethiopia, most of the inventory was bought in Ethiopia, much of it from the AWARE Project–a vocational training program for adult orphans in Ethiopia, so the money comes back to the country we all love again and again and again.  In addition, we’ll be sellling products made by local vendors who support the work of EOR.  I hope you’ll shop with us soon, and tell your friends too.

More fabulous news from the Bird’s Nest.  Bekele wins gold!!!

Just thought you all should know…

So, as I mentioned before, I was fortunate enough to spend 11 amazing days with my Ethiopian Orphan Relief compatriots.  At the end of the first week, the entire board, (minus Jane who was on her way to Ethiopia to meet her son a few days later) met for our first face-to-face board meeting.  We discussed what we’ve accomplished thus far (much, in just a few short months) ongoing projects, and new opportunities for growth.    EOR is working on both a small and a large project for each orphanage (currently 5) that we have partnered with.

All of these projects require funding of course, and while we fervently hope that kind friends of Ethiopia will contribute significant funds, there are lots of little ways to help as well.  One of my favorites is www.iGive.com.  A online shopping mall, it provides a percentage of funds (and a first time shopper bonus) to EOR every time a member shops.  It’s just a few dollars here and there, but it can add up quickly.  In the past month, I’ve ordered flowers for my mother-in-law’s birthday, a  regular drugstore.com order, shoes for Meklit, and a baby bed for a visiting Evan.  All shopping I’d do anyway, I just happen to be generating funds for EOR at the same time.

IF you are an internet shopper, would you consider joining iGive.com on behalf of EOR?  Help us meet our goals in Ethiopia.  Your pennies, along with mine, and those of dozens of others will do much for many.

THANKS!!!!

http://iGive.com/EOR

Look at this exciting news!  I’m so proud, I feel like I was the one who laced up for this.