Nutella

So, we Howletts are nothing if not impulsive.

Meet Nutella. Abby's new cat. He's a very handsome guy, and he is really the color of his namesake, which is also Abby's favorite Euro snack.

God Sighting

So....Allison (our biggest Big) has been away at CIY Camp this week. She left Sunday, June 27.

Later that same day, we got word about EOR's investment in FOVC. The next day, we decided to get serious about a trip to Ethiopia, and starting contacting people about it. If you read our blog, you know the trip became a "go" over the course of this week, and we are on our way!

Allison got home from camp tonight. As we were having dinner together, she shared that she believes God has called her to do missions work with her life. Her experience last night was apparently very powerful for her, and she shared her heart with everyone at camp last night.

She has a friend from church who was also at camp. He shared, too, that God has called him to missions work. He said he wanted to serve in Africa. She and "Anthony" apparently talked and prayed together, and decided they will go to Africa together. Someday.

The scary part is this:

Neither of them had ANY IDEA that we are taking this trip in just six months.

Now that they know we are going to Ethiopia so soon, they are basking in God's direction over their lives and pretty much just crying because they are so happy. It's very sweet, and very confirming.

Of course, the parents of these two young missionaries are pretty stunned and overwhelmed, too.

(And, Anthony and Allison are really, truly, simply good friends!. Really, I mean it.)

Fundraising and...MEN!

It's Friday. Just since Monday, nine people have committed to joining this trip! And several more are very seriously praying and considering coming, too. Wow!

We are still "in the market" for a bookkeeper/accountant type.

Also, we are sort of "low" on men....are there any men out there who want to join us?

It would be helpful to have someone like an architect, or a builder, come, too. Or someone who is generally handy...?

This is such a rare opportunity--in fact, Desalegn at FOVC emailed today that EOR's huge gift, and our trip, are by far the biggest events in the history of Shanto Village--we are hoping to truly make the most of it. It would be just so incredible if we could encourage the people who live in Shanto AND help FOVC make great progress on building the orphanage, even as they build systems for tracking expenses and expenditures, and even as they are provided with some good health care, and even as the children realize they are not alone....and even as, and even as, and even as....

Most of our potential travelers have to face the dreaded topic of....FUNDRAISING.

I have a few ideas.

• Do you have any skills you can provide in exchange for a donation? For example, a friend of mine is a very talented artist. I suggested she hire herself out for decorative painting jobs, and use the money she earns to fund the trip. (I would happily hire her!)

• Another idea is to send a letter to friends and family. We know a young woman who is in Ethiopia right now. She needed to put together $3400 for her trip. Well, she was able to raise over $4000 by sending a fundraising letter to friends, family and co-workers. Our dear friend who is joining us on the trip just emailed a fundraising letter this morning....and he has already been contacted by people who want to support him!

• Our "Bigs" raised over $200 dollars, on one Sunday morning, for our 2008 trip, just by setting up a table in our church lobby, and asking people for pocket change. They called it "Change 4 Change."

• On EOR's blog, there is a post called "Make A Stand." Apparently, people will spend a fair amount of money for lemonade, especially when they know it's for such a good cause!

• Our Bigs also raised over $2000 by organizing at fundraiser at our local Chick-Fil-A.

• What about scheduling a fundraiser, or a lemonade stand, or a "Change 4 Change" campaign, and asking your local newspaper to do a human interest story? Our daughters really raised awareness for their fundraiser because it was featured in our newspaper.

I believe that people WANT to help. Because I believe that people WANT to change the world. For any possible trip-goers who are concerned about the finances, I'm going to be praying for you!

Can any of you in the blogosphere share additional ideas for fundraising?

love,
Lory

The Next One

Turns out, we really need someone who is skilled in accounting and finance to join us in Ethiopia!

Since Desalegn's and FOVC's dream of building an orphanage for the children is becoming a reality...they need training and encouragement in bookkeeping and accounting. The FOVC staff wants to be fully transparent and accountable with the great financial gift that EOR have given to them. Some training in bookkeeping/accounting would be most beneficial.

So.....are YOU the next one?

More About Shanto Village (home of FOVC)

Hello!

Please take a few minutes to read this eloquent post, and enjoy a few pictures, from our friend Stacey P.

Stacey and her husband are fellow IAN adoptive parents. They just came home with their new son! While they were in Ethiopia, they traveled to Shanto to deliver supplies and love to the children of FOVC. I think Stacey's words are beautiful, objective and haunting.

Stacey is serving on FOVC's board, too. Even as she adjusts to being mom to a new son, she is working on obtaining 501(c)3 status for FOVC. Thank you, Stacey!

So, please read, and let me know what you think!

love,
Lory

The Incredible News Keeps Coming!

So much joy and confirmation in one day! See email below from Lauren A., who is Ethiopian Orphan Relief's Partners and Projects Chair.

Desalegn,
I am so proud to inform you that parts 1 and 2 of phase one will be financed  by EOR. We have your banking information and will be wiring the sum of  $21,800 USD to your account. Time to start building Desalegn. We are so excited and proud to be a part  of your dream.

What does this mean? When we travel to Shanto, we can help build an orphanage!

If our group moves fast, I have identified flights on Lufthansa for under $1300--a rate that is truly unheard-of. Of course, nothing is locked in until we reserve flights.

Do you want to come and change the world?!

Hi, Friends!
Things are happenin' with regards to this FOVC trip! Today, I heard from an actual DOCTOR who is very interested in joining us. His wife is a nurse, and she would come, too. This man has experience doing medical missions to Haiti. I just can't believe how valuable it would be to have a physician with us--both for our group and especially for the villagers on Shanto.

We received this email (below) from Desalegn last night.

It looks like this trip is going to happen. Who is with us? I believe if we have hearts to go and serve and help and love and change the world, God will help us work out the details of the finances and logistics. I will be doing my best--for God, for our group, for FOVC, for the children and for Shanto.

love,
Lory

(This is a photo of Desalegn with Dave.)

I have a huge thanks to you all on behalf of the poorest children, FOVC’s staff, the community of Shanto and myself. When FOVC wasstarted in August 2006, the only things I had plenty was faith, hope and love and five/six impoverished orphans. But today those three things have become food, clothing, education and medical supply for my children. These all happen due to the help of mighty God and you all. I thank you so many times for these all uncountable things.

Today I am writing this email to you all because I have received anamazing email from Lory (our Promotion, Mobilization and Fundraisingwing Director) which tells that over twenty farenges will going to visit our children, and villagers. It is really miracle for me and my community!

Yesterday I was discussing the issue with my staff and we agreed all the dates considered for the trip are good. However, the first option that is December 25(29), 2010 to January 8(9), 2011 is the best time for our children and community. Because in this time we have our own annual festival on Dec 24/25 (which is called Mother’s Day for our children) and national festival (“Gena” or Ethiopian Christmas) on Jan8/9. I believe it will be three and four fold happiness for my children if that team visits us on this time. But every time which is good for the team and you is good for us.

The other thing what I want to inform you is “What would the team do then?” question: (It is still free and you can moderate it for the convenience of the team and you.)

•Some of the team members can help and train our Finance and Administration workers with accounting and finance skills and help External Auditing of the organization and prepare Annual External Auditing report to the Board.

•The Board members (I think the Board will be fully structured at that time) can have its meeting and evaluate every performance of the organization and forward its comments and prepare future plan for the next year.

•Some members of the team can help us with our orphanage building construction .

•Some can teach the kids and staff English Language and other moral and Environmental Science subjects.

•Some others can help us providing skill trainings for our staff and community members

•And so on.

For the question related with Motel, I will check whether it hasenough rooms for the team or not and forward it to you. I think I have provided you with all the necessary information.

If you have any instruction, comment and etc please let me know it. Thank you once again for the great works for our organization and the children!

With great Regard, Desalegn Daka

FOVC trip?!

Here is an email I just sent out. Are you interested in coming, too?

Hi All,
You received this email because you have indicated a possible interest in traveling with us to visit Friends of Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Southern Ethiopia.


I am not yet free to share details, but HUGE things are happening at FOVC! It's amazing! And it's time to start planning!


If you want to read/learn more about FOVC, then please visit their blog at http://fovcethiopia.wordpress.com/. Desalegn Daka, our friend and the founder of FOVC, is also very active on Facebook.


At this time, we are looking at potential dates to travel. The options currently under consideration are these:

• December 29, 2010 to January 8, 2011
• January 2, 2011 to January 12, 2011
• March 10, 2011 to March 20, 2011

We expect to be gone for about 10 days. Currently, airfare is running about $1500 per person for all of these dates. I do not yet have in-country travel, food or lodging costs, but I have reason to believe the trip will run approximately $2500. A board member is working on getting 501c3 status for FOVC, which--I believe--will make our expenses tax deductible.


"What would we do in Ethiopia?" you ask.
We expect to spend the first couple of days in Addis Ababa. This is the capitol city of Ethiopia. We will stay at a guest house there, rest up and do some sight-seeing. There will also be opportunities to visit Children's Heaven (http://www.childrensheaven.org/), the leper community that is located in Addis, the world-renowned Fistula Hospital and possibly a service opportunity or two.


Next, we will travel approximately 5 hours south to the small city of Sodo. I am hoping we will stay in the new motel there. During our time with FOVC, we will be based in Sodo.


FOVC is located in the village of Shanto, approximately a 30 minute drive from Sodo. At the time of our trip, FOVC will be working on building its new orphanage facility. We will help with this project. We will also deliver much-needed supplies to the children there. Finally, our presence will provide life-changing support and encouragement to the orphans, vulnerable children, FOVC staff and villagers of Shanto.


In addition to the things we hope to accomplish for FOVC and the village of Shanto, I know the children and the villagers desire to welcome us with a festival, cultural dancing, street races and etc.


After three or four days in Shanto, we will travel back to Addis via the beautiful lake country of Ethiopia. You can expect to see hippos, monkeys, baboons and more.


And, or course, wherever we go in the country, you will see the beautiful, warm, welcoming people of Ethiopia.


If you decide to join us for this adventure, you will never be the same!


Please let me know if you have questions, and if you are interested in the possibility of traveling with us. Once we learn who is interested, we will need to set the dates for our trip.


I am praying that we will find a "medical type" person to travel with us. This could be a nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, etc. Based on our family's travel experiences, it would be very beneficial to have a medical professional on our team. Also, a "medical type" could really serve the people we will meet in Shanto, too.


I look forward to hearing your thoughts, insights and questions! For those of us who travel together, I look forward to planning and preparing for this trip.


With love,


Lory

Overheard...

...as Bereket and I walked upstairs to get Amelia up from her nap:

BEREKET: I'll tell Amelia I went swimming today.

ME: No, don't tell her you went swimming while she was taking her nap, it'll hurt her feelings.

BEREKET: Amelia, I went to TARGET!  (With a big smile, he whispers in my ear that he is teasing her.)

And he shops at Target? I guess he really is becoming an American.

A few of our favorite things

Nephew Evan, Cousin River and Grammy came to town last week to take part in our annual trek to Grand Lake. (Dave was at a conference in Michigan for brainiac theologians/academicians.) Grand Lake is just about my favorite place in the world....love it there! (So basically, Dave and I were both in our own little corners of heaven. Just not together. Not that being together would be hell or anything. Just sayin' last week, we had our separate versions of heaven. And that's ok.)

Cousin Riv and Meels at Winter Park.

Sister Abs and her favorite Brother at Winter Park.

These two really do love each other!

The Big Boys of the Park.

A hug along the hike.

All the kids! (What a fun mini-van full....some of the time, at least...)

Every year at Grand Lake, we take a picture of all the kids on this old-fashioned farming thing-y. This year, we had a couple new kids in the group--Cousin Riv and BEREKET!

Abs and Ev.

Abs and Meels in front of our favorite cottages in the world.

La Piece de Resistance: A Moose! Every night, after dinner and before dessert, the tradition is to hop in the mini-van and go moose hunting in the park. This night, we found ELEVEN ELUSIVE MOOSE--a record!

Sister + Brother

Somewhat unrelated photo: Dave's favorite part of Father's Day!

Hittin' the Bowen Trail!

A Mama Bear and a few of the cubs.

A Mama Moose...calves (fawns? moose-lets?) hiding in the brush behind her.

Then and Now

Bereket "then":

(Kinda pale, kinda sad, looks a bit lost.)

Bereket "now":

(Same sassy sense of style, right down to shoes on the wrong feet.

But TOTALLY different kid!)

Mr. Handsome

And he lost a tooth!

Home

Taking a cruise was a fine vacation solution for our family: The Bigs were able to have some independent fun. The Littles were happy to go to the kids club while Mom + Dad + The Bigs explored and snorkeled. Dave and I read a few books! And we were all happy to be together while enjoying the too-many-to-count activities.

The only draw-back: we were super-busy and it was hard to get good pictures of all of us together! Nonetheless, here are a few pics...

Grand Cayman.

Grand Cayman.

Getting ready to swim with stingrays in Grand Cayman.

Bereket sitting in the window of our room, "looking for dolphins."

After our stop in Cozumel.

Goin' to Belize.

More goin' to Belize.

The Howlett Men...goin' to Belize.

Dave Howlett, International Man of Mystery.

Our Bigs are beautiful!

The patriarch and matriarch of the clan.

Cruisin' Along

Surgery recovery? Check!
Middle Schooler out of middle school and heading for high school? Check!
Grade Schooler out of grade school and heading for middle school? Check!
Four Year Old Preschooler out of four year old preschool and heading for kindergarten? Check!
Two Year Old still a two year old? Check!
Husband traveling and stressed? Check!
Mom overwhelmed? (But what's new, right?) Check!

Packing and ready for get-away cruise this weekend? Um, not yet. But we'll get there!

What a time of beautiful, stress-filled, crazy, wonderful blessing! School will be done for everyone at noon today! Our yard is decked out in green grass, leaf-filled tree branches, pots of flowers and comfy seats....ready for summer!

After a snafu with Amelia's passport (not Bereket's passport, but Amelia's! Who knew?), Boulder County did a one-day-turn-around court proceeding, completing her adoption validation and allowing us to get a new passport for Amelia. (Otherwise, local friends would have been sharing the caring for Amelia while the rest of us vacationed?)

The happiest news of all? IAN friends Stacey and Stephen are heading to Ethiopia in a few weeks to meet their new son! They are going to travel to Shanto, and they will spend a day with Desalegn and the children at FOVC. We are able to send a few donations with Stacey and Stephen....and they are taking TONS of donations that they have put together. What a wonderful day it will be for the children, Desalegn, the staff and Stacey and Stephen. Oh, how I wish we could be there, too.

On other FOVC-related news: It looks like Stacey will be able to get 501C3 status for FOVC. Yea! A U.S. charity is about to partner with FOVC, which will be so life-changing for the children servced by FOVC. Yea! And we are still praying and planning to return soon. Yea! Let us know if you want to come, too!

Attack of the Killer Fallopian Tube

This week, I am recovering from spur-of-the-moment major surgery. (Note: This is a blow-by-blow account! Not very interesting to anyone but me! That said, take comfort in the fact that I have decided not to share the ACTUAL PHOTOGRAPHIC (emphasis on graphic) evidence of the situation!)

The fun started Sunday, when I developed really bad pain in the lower abdomen and lower back. After several hours, I told Dave I needed to see a doctor and asked him to take me to an urgent care clinic. Lacking the ability to really do diagnostic testing, the doc there said I "should" go to the E.R., but that I "could" take pain meds and follow up with my family doc the next day. After all, "maybe" it was just gas pain!

Fearing a night of unbearable pain, we went on over to the E.R. I laid on the floor until I was seen. I got an IV, and some pain med, and that helped. When that first pain med wore off, they gave me two full doses of morphine and two full doses of something much stronger, before the pain started to subside. (The nurse said it was enough drugs to knock a horse down. I'm not sure exactly what she meant.....?)

Ultrasound showed that I had a couple of big ovarian cysts...not too terribly uncommon, right? But the weight of the cysts caused my fallopian tube to wrap and wrap and wrap around the ovary, cutting off the blood supply and killing it. Exciting! Painful! Dramatic!

The on-call surgery people came in and operated around 12:30am Monday morning.

Dave, aka Mr. Compassion, had been seen doing a moderate amount of eye-rolling when I tried to describe the extent of my pain.

However, he developed some compassion when the surgeon described the pain like this:

The nerves affected are the same nerves that end in a man's, um, groinal nether-regions (complex medical term mine). A man's version of my situation would be like attaching a steel clamp to afore-mentioned groinal nether-regions. And twisting. And twisting. For hours. Without stopping.

'Nuff said. Dave got really nice.

I came home late Monday night. Grammy screeched into town to save us all early Tuesday morning. It's not fun to have surgery, but recovery totally trumps the pain before the surgery!

I read this and it made me so sad!

There are so many children still waiting.

The Waiting Child

by Debbie Bodie

I saw you meet your child today

You kissed your baby joyfully

And as you walked away with her

I played pretend you'd chosen me.

I'm happy for the baby, yet

Inside I"m aching miserably

I want to plead as you go by,

"Does no-one want a child of three?"

I saw you meet your child today

In love with her before you met

And as I watched you take her out

I knew it wasn't my turn yet.

I recognize you from last year!

I knew I'd seen your face before!

But you came for a second babe.

Does no-one want a child of four?

I saw you meet your child today

But this time there was something new

A nurse came in and took MY hand

And then she gave my hand to you.

Can this be true? I'm almost six!

And there are infants here you see?

But then you kissed me and I knew

The child you chose this time was me.

Kiddos (and a bit of parents, too)

Does This Make You Wanna Come?

A note we just received from Desalegn and FOVC. Let's change the world!

DEAR DAVID AND LORY,

WE ARE DELIGHTED TO HEAR FROM YOU THAT YOU ARE GOING TO COME BACK TO ETHIOPIA TO SEE US AGAIN IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

WE ARE GOING TO ARRANGE SOME PROGRAMS, CARNIVALS, STREET RUNNING, ETC.FOR THE CEREMONY THEN. I AM VERY MUCH SURE YOU WILL BE VERY HAPPY AND BLESSED WITH THAT ALL.

IN ADDITION TO THAT WE WILL HAVE A BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING WITH YOU AND PRESENT ALL REPORTS ABOUT FOVC.

MAY GOD KEEP ALL OF US SAFE!

YOURS IN CHRIST,
DESALEGN DAKA
ETHIOPIA

Happy Easter, He is RISEN!

Today, we give all thanks for the reason for our hope:

 The Risen Jesus Christ!

Silly Easter Sissies, er, Easter Bunny!

Cool! Sunglasses! Cool sunglasses!

It's a very Bob Easter for Amelia. (Shhhh, don't tell Amelia that Tillie the Schnauzer absconded with Bob and ate him under the kitchen table!)

More Bob!

Shades.

Mom serves up a healthy breakfast of Easter candy. (Well, I did add deviled eggs later for a bit of protein.)

That Easter Daddy, er, Easter Bunny--Bereket got a bike!

Bereket has been dreaming of a bicycle since we met him in Ethiopia! I told Dave he will always remember learning to ride his bike on Easter Sunday with his Daddy.