Since we received and accepted our referral for "K" we have been patiently awaiting news of court dates. I asked our coordinator today if we were in the court system in Ethiopia yet. She says our case is open with MOWCYA (Ministry of Women, Children, Youth Affairs) and the court system, and there is definitely still a possibility that we may travel before court closes for the rainy season (August 6 - October 1).
If we will indeed travel soon, we would like to collect donations to take over there while we still ahve a little time.
We will each be able to check (2) 50 lb. suitcases which we'd like to fill with donations (the things we need for ourselves we will pack into our carry-ons).
Below is a list of priority needs for our agency's transition home where our little guy lives:
- Vitamin D drops
- Coloring books
- Crocs for children and nannies
- Shoes and clothing (gently used are ok) for children ages 3-14
- Foam/Rubber (lightweight) soccer/playing balls for toddlers
- Diaper cream, specifically with zinc oxide (Desitin or Boudreaux's)
There are also other
general donation needs and medical/medicine needs for the
transition home and the local orphanages we will be visiting while we are there.
See the blog page titled AWAA Donations for a complete list.
Please know, although formula is on the list, it is bulky to travel with and can be purchased in-country. So if you'd like to make a cash donation for formula, we will be happy to collect that and purchase as much as we can when we get to Ethiopia.
Regarding diapers, the orphanages prefer to use cloth diapers and there is a huge need for those that some recent traveling families have noticed. So, if you'd like to donate diapers, please donate cloth. Thanks!
Also, if you are a medical/dental professional or work for one, please consider asking for donations from those offices -- oftentimes, these offices are willing to donate boxes of sample medicines or toothbrushes/toothpaste.
We will place a large box in the church lobby for donations - open hours are 9a - 3p Monday through Friday if you want to drop those off outside of service times:
Calvary Chapel Columbus
6075 E. Livingston Ave.
Columbus, OH 43232
We are also able to receive donations here at our house. If you need directions, please feel free to email me at talesoftherogi@gmail.com
Thanks so much for all your love and support throughout our adoption journey!
Blessings,
Khris, Michelle, KK, Lily, Reese and "K"