Just Six Days More

Hard to believe that we have just a little more than six days before we leave for Ethiopia. We have gotten all Roscoe's shots and exams done. He now has his official Puppy Passport, just a pile of forms really, for United, Lufthansa, Ethiopian Airlines, the Ethiopian Government, etc. He's healthy, rested and ready. In fact he's in Doggie Daycare because of all the moving out that went on yesterday.
     We had all the stuff we're keeping in storage moved out. Not much really, just the basics for whenever we return and need to set up housekeeping in the states again. The rest is going in a big sale on February 17-18. To be honest, we're glad to see it go. After a while the stuff you own begins to own you. You can't make decisions quickly because of all that stuff. I think we like traveling lighter a lot more now that we've finally done it.
     We're getting the final packing for Ethiopia done today and tomorrow and will take it to the freight carrier then. A favorite coffee maker and grinder, some books and clothes--that's about it.
     Eyasu, our employer, has told us he's seen our house and it's very nice. We're eager to see what very nice means in Ethiopian. But whatever we find, I'm sure it's more than adequate for two senior citizens and a very small Yorkie.
     The first full day we spend in Addis Ababa is Timket, the church holiday celebrating Christ's baptism and God's statement of affirmation on his behalf. Apparently in all Ethiopian Orthodox churches, it's the one day that the replica Ark of the Covenant is removed from the church and paraded around the outside of the church. It's wrapped in fine fabrics for this event, so I'm not sure you see what it looks like. In the evening it's returned to the sanctuary for another year.
     Since our hotel is just one block from the biggest cathedral in Addis, I expect we're get a chance to see things up close. Stay tuned for an update.
     Lots to do today, so I'll sign off to get some of it done.