Annual Ethiopian Picnic

Yesterday was the annual picnic for our local Ethiopian adoption group. There were over a hundred RSVPs and it was so good to see all of the beautiful Ethiopian faces there.

We've gone to events in the past where Macy was afraid to actually talk to any of the other kids. I'm sure it's a combination of wanting to assimilate fully into the American culture and still being slightly afraid that the other Ethiopians might just be there to bring her back. I've spoken with other adoptive moms whose children were very much the same.

On the way to the picnic we discussed how one of the older girls, Kidist, would be there to braid hair and Macy was convinced to have hers done this time. When we got there she backed out though. Trying not to show my frustration I assured her that it was okay and we could always have it done another time.

As everyone was packing up to leave, Macy said "But what about my hair?" This girl has some timing, doesn't she? Luckily Kidist was kind enough to do some braids for us at the last minute...in the dark...being eaten alive by mosquitoes...while Macy cried her eyes out. She has a sensitive head, which is why we wanted braids in the first place, because we'd be able to go a few weeks without having to wash and brush her hair. She's also a bit melodramatic.

I think it turned out so cute! She looks like a completely different girl to me.

The kids had an amazing time running around with new friends, painting, eating Ethiopian food, treats, drinking lots of lemonade and swinging until they threw up. (Yes, literally.)