Melkam Gena!

Merry Christmas, Ethiopian style!  Jews, Muslims, & Christians in the capital city of Addis Ababa celebrate Christmas (Gena) in Ethiopia on January 7 (which is actually December 29 on the Ethiopian calendar).  The holiday begins at sundown on January 6, when they attend a very long church service.  Christmas signals the end of a 40 day fasting, which begins on Advent and ends on Christmas Eve.  Ethiopians fast, but are able to eat vegetarian meals and bread during their fast. After the church service, they go home with their family and friends to a feast of chicken, lamb, or beef. Often small gifts are exchanged. Many Ethiopians are unable to buy gifts, so the gifts are usually in the form of a new sewed school uniform, soap, etc. They holiday is to celebrate the birth of Jesus! 

At this time, there is nothing new to report with our paperwork.  Were waiting for our caseworker with Christian World Adoption to approve the remaining paperwork before we are able to Authenticate the required documents with the state of Ohio!  Getting so close to being done with our Dossier!!!