Hopefully, next year, we will have two little girls in this picture!
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
A Brother's Reaction
When my family was over for Christmas they all wanted to ask questions about the adoption and clarify things they had not asked before. This was nice as I have not had a lot of involvement shown by all members of my family.
At one point, I was telling of a dream I had had on Christmas morning. It was kind of interesting cause I don't usually remember dreams, but this one I remembered vividly. In the dream I got a call from our agency asking, 'Am I right in thinking that the reason you don't take three children is because of logistics, like the seating in your van?' (Strange question since we are already over the number of seats with just two children!)
I responded (probably with a little hesitation and thinking), "Pretty much, but I will have to ask my husband."
To which the caseworker replied, "Oh, this is getting exciting!" I was getting the message that she was just the mediator and there was some information that was coming to her from Ethiopia and our reply (whether it be a yeah or nay) could alter the course of our history. It was something she said that I can't remember how to say.
So I go to Ray to ask him what his thoughts are.
Now at this moment, as I am telling my story I had everyone's attention, cause they all wanted to know what Ray would say!! *laugh* Ray is the most calm person and a way I have always used to describe him is the following analogy I shared with them all, "Ray's reaction was funny cause he is usually the most unshakeable person. I could tell him I was pregnant with sextuplets and he would just say, "Well, we better buy a bigger stroller.""
To this comment you can imagine the laughter and the comments from the guys as to what Ray might have said/done instead. *grin*
They bust a gut when they found out Ray's reaction.
"As I told him what the caseworker had said, Ray kind seemed to physically look like he was wobbling. He went all queasy looking and turned a sort of creamy/light green colour. *grin*"
And that was the end of my dream.
So at this point my brother said, "Well, then I guess you know the answer then." (Meaning -Ray was clearly a No.)
To which I then explained. "I am very happy with having two. Actually three is more than I am hoping for. I feel complete with two... But then, when recently two families received referrals of 3 kids - one got a 2,3,4 year old and the other got 2 - 4 year olds and a 1 year old baby, I thought to myself: "Oh!!!! How wonderful!!! I wish that were me!!!!" And I now think that if the girls had a brother it would be awesome - a real connection for our boys! All I know is I just love raising my kids and having lots of little ones is great! "(the last sentence is paraphrased as I don't remember exactly what I said.)
And my brother - you have to know him, to understand why his response meant so much to me. He has always wanted the simple/organized/perfectionist life. He wanted one child - he got one child. A little quiet girl. He has the life he wanted. When he comes to our house he is a little overwhelmed (to be polite) by six noisy boys! *grin* But his heart is good!
Anyway, when I said the last statement, he (who was sitting right beside me) reached over and immediately gave me a side hug (not a big hugger!) and this smiling look that I can only describe as pride and love and said, "You're doing good!"
Coming from this one child father, who expects this super calm life - to be proud that his sister is thrilled to add more and more kids to her household, was so rewarding. It was not like he was proud that I was having more biological kids - I read it as a guy who was so proud of his sister for being able to keep adding kids to her home and consider it all a joy and not be overwhelmed, and I also think because we are talking about Africa here.
I don't care how old you are, you still want the approval and even better, the support and belief of the ones you love!
Postscript: My brother asked what I would do then - if I was called about a third (given the dream reaction of Ray). I replied that all big decisions Ray and I make together. So we would decide when we were in that situation. But I know Ray - if we got a call on a third - brother or sister we would be thrilled and embrace it.
At one point, I was telling of a dream I had had on Christmas morning. It was kind of interesting cause I don't usually remember dreams, but this one I remembered vividly. In the dream I got a call from our agency asking, 'Am I right in thinking that the reason you don't take three children is because of logistics, like the seating in your van?' (Strange question since we are already over the number of seats with just two children!)
I responded (probably with a little hesitation and thinking), "Pretty much, but I will have to ask my husband."
To which the caseworker replied, "Oh, this is getting exciting!" I was getting the message that she was just the mediator and there was some information that was coming to her from Ethiopia and our reply (whether it be a yeah or nay) could alter the course of our history. It was something she said that I can't remember how to say.
So I go to Ray to ask him what his thoughts are.
Now at this moment, as I am telling my story I had everyone's attention, cause they all wanted to know what Ray would say!! *laugh* Ray is the most calm person and a way I have always used to describe him is the following analogy I shared with them all, "Ray's reaction was funny cause he is usually the most unshakeable person. I could tell him I was pregnant with sextuplets and he would just say, "Well, we better buy a bigger stroller.""
To this comment you can imagine the laughter and the comments from the guys as to what Ray might have said/done instead. *grin*
They bust a gut when they found out Ray's reaction.
"As I told him what the caseworker had said, Ray kind seemed to physically look like he was wobbling. He went all queasy looking and turned a sort of creamy/light green colour. *grin*"
And that was the end of my dream.
So at this point my brother said, "Well, then I guess you know the answer then." (Meaning -Ray was clearly a No.)
To which I then explained. "I am very happy with having two. Actually three is more than I am hoping for. I feel complete with two... But then, when recently two families received referrals of 3 kids - one got a 2,3,4 year old and the other got 2 - 4 year olds and a 1 year old baby, I thought to myself: "Oh!!!! How wonderful!!! I wish that were me!!!!" And I now think that if the girls had a brother it would be awesome - a real connection for our boys! All I know is I just love raising my kids and having lots of little ones is great! "(the last sentence is paraphrased as I don't remember exactly what I said.)
And my brother - you have to know him, to understand why his response meant so much to me. He has always wanted the simple/organized/perfectionist life. He wanted one child - he got one child. A little quiet girl. He has the life he wanted. When he comes to our house he is a little overwhelmed (to be polite) by six noisy boys! *grin* But his heart is good!
Anyway, when I said the last statement, he (who was sitting right beside me) reached over and immediately gave me a side hug (not a big hugger!) and this smiling look that I can only describe as pride and love and said, "You're doing good!"
Coming from this one child father, who expects this super calm life - to be proud that his sister is thrilled to add more and more kids to her household, was so rewarding. It was not like he was proud that I was having more biological kids - I read it as a guy who was so proud of his sister for being able to keep adding kids to her home and consider it all a joy and not be overwhelmed, and I also think because we are talking about Africa here.
I don't care how old you are, you still want the approval and even better, the support and belief of the ones you love!
Postscript: My brother asked what I would do then - if I was called about a third (given the dream reaction of Ray). I replied that all big decisions Ray and I make together. So we would decide when we were in that situation. But I know Ray - if we got a call on a third - brother or sister we would be thrilled and embrace it.
Happy Christmas (Oprah in Africa)
A beautiful uplifting video of children receiving gifts and happinesss. Prepare to become teary-eyed!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Letter to Santa (updated)
Our sweet 8 year old still believes in Santa. He is on the cusp of unbelief, but when we were in Kamloops and St. Nicholas found him THERE, he knew Santa must be real. I mean, their stockings were at home when we left and then they appeared at our hotel!!!!
Briton - Oblivious to St. Nicholas Coming
No matter what the boys at Cubs told Austin, he believed!! It was a delight to see his pleasure in the magic of St. Nicholas Day.
We try to keep St. Nicholas away from Christmas Day, as our boys know the real reason for Christmas Day. But still... last night he wanted to leave a snack out for Santa, in case as he passed over (knowing he had already been to us on St. Nicholas Day) he popped in. Austin knew he had not given Santa a snack in our hotel room... *smile* So he asked me if he could write a letter.
Writing to Santa
This is the letter he wrote:
Dear Santa,
I hope you like the cookies and the milk. How can you fly over the world in ten thousand minutes? Are you really Santa? Thank you for eating the cookies and milk. When you are going around the world can you go to Ethiopia and ask my sisters if they are going to come home soon and tell them hello.
From, Austin
Oh, the precious love of a child! Next Christmas we are praying his sisters are home and he can show them the letter he wrote to St. Nicholas about them!
Leaving His Snack and Letter
Update: Santa *did* stop in and eat his snack and he left the children an extra present (over what they were left on St. Nicholas Day).
A Loving Dad
Merry Christmas, Everyone!!!
I am up in the early morning, while everyone is sleeping, because I had to put the turkey in the oven. I thought I would write something of what happened to me this month because to me, it is a miracle!
About a month ago, I encountered a "concern". A concern that was so huge that in normal circumstances it would have flattened me emotionally, and as many of you know, when you are brought down emotionally, you are often brought down physically, also. Simply made ill with worry. That would be me! A blithering mess! *smile*
But, I truly felt the hand of God this month. I have ridden through this entire month with an absolute sense of overwhelming peace and certainty that all would be well. *But*, at the same time, I had a calm that if all was not well, I was *cool* with it! How radical is that?!! *smile*
This morning I got a devotion that speaks exactly what happened to / through me this month.
"Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me." John 16:32
No bird is as solitary as the eagle. Eagles never fly in flocks; one, or at most two, ever being seen at once. But the life that is lived unto God, however, it forfeits human companionships, knows Divine fellowship.
God seeks eagle-men. No man ever comes into a realization of the best things of God, who does not, upon the Godward side of his life, learn to walk alone with God.
Moses, skilled in all the wisdom of Egypt, must go forty years into the desert alone with God.
Let God isolate us... In this isolating experience He develops an independence of faith and life so that the soul needs no longer the constant help, prayer, faith, or attention of his neighbour...
It was this for me this month. For some unknown reason, as I waited to know the results of my concern and utmost hearts prayers, I was not relying on friends. Without even trying to be strong, I didn't *need* my friends and family, as I have in the past. I was held in the palm of God's hand. I had an absolute sense of peace, *no matter* what the end result of my concern would be!
We yield to God and He takes us through something, and when it is over, those about us, who are no less loved than before, are no longer depended upon. We realize that He has wrought some things in us, and that the wings of our souls have learned to beat the upper air.
It does make a difference! Because now I know I am at peace with however my future plays out. Even during my wait I knew I was at peace. That is *not* like me!! Thank you, Lord for carrying me through this. And you know, it was not *anything* I did. I always read about people who went through things and relied on God and I always felt, "Well good for you. I try to lean on God but my fear always comes through and I never feel God holding me up."
This time it was different. God was there *immediatley* in a physical sense, in the way He allowed appointments and circumstances to line up befote I could worry. Where I would have waited normally, I didn't. He showed Himself by arranging things in my life to show me He was in charge - no matter the outcome!!
Praising God for His Holy Presence this Christmas. May you all experience the overwhelming self of love and compassion of a God that loves *you* - He didn't just create the world. He created *you* and He loves each and every one of us. He cares about all the small things in our lives and all the big things. I hope that you will take a step of faith and reach out to a God that loves you just like a daddy loves a little girl.
With love this Holy season, Justine
P.S. All *is* well. My concerns were unfounded; I found out yesterday!
I am up in the early morning, while everyone is sleeping, because I had to put the turkey in the oven. I thought I would write something of what happened to me this month because to me, it is a miracle!
About a month ago, I encountered a "concern". A concern that was so huge that in normal circumstances it would have flattened me emotionally, and as many of you know, when you are brought down emotionally, you are often brought down physically, also. Simply made ill with worry. That would be me! A blithering mess! *smile*
But, I truly felt the hand of God this month. I have ridden through this entire month with an absolute sense of overwhelming peace and certainty that all would be well. *But*, at the same time, I had a calm that if all was not well, I was *cool* with it! How radical is that?!! *smile*
This morning I got a devotion that speaks exactly what happened to / through me this month.
"Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me." John 16:32
No bird is as solitary as the eagle. Eagles never fly in flocks; one, or at most two, ever being seen at once. But the life that is lived unto God, however, it forfeits human companionships, knows Divine fellowship.
God seeks eagle-men. No man ever comes into a realization of the best things of God, who does not, upon the Godward side of his life, learn to walk alone with God.
Moses, skilled in all the wisdom of Egypt, must go forty years into the desert alone with God.
Let God isolate us... In this isolating experience He develops an independence of faith and life so that the soul needs no longer the constant help, prayer, faith, or attention of his neighbour...
It was this for me this month. For some unknown reason, as I waited to know the results of my concern and utmost hearts prayers, I was not relying on friends. Without even trying to be strong, I didn't *need* my friends and family, as I have in the past. I was held in the palm of God's hand. I had an absolute sense of peace, *no matter* what the end result of my concern would be!
We yield to God and He takes us through something, and when it is over, those about us, who are no less loved than before, are no longer depended upon. We realize that He has wrought some things in us, and that the wings of our souls have learned to beat the upper air.
It does make a difference! Because now I know I am at peace with however my future plays out. Even during my wait I knew I was at peace. That is *not* like me!! Thank you, Lord for carrying me through this. And you know, it was not *anything* I did. I always read about people who went through things and relied on God and I always felt, "Well good for you. I try to lean on God but my fear always comes through and I never feel God holding me up."
This time it was different. God was there *immediatley* in a physical sense, in the way He allowed appointments and circumstances to line up befote I could worry. Where I would have waited normally, I didn't. He showed Himself by arranging things in my life to show me He was in charge - no matter the outcome!!
Praising God for His Holy Presence this Christmas. May you all experience the overwhelming self of love and compassion of a God that loves *you* - He didn't just create the world. He created *you* and He loves each and every one of us. He cares about all the small things in our lives and all the big things. I hope that you will take a step of faith and reach out to a God that loves you just like a daddy loves a little girl.
With love this Holy season, Justine
P.S. All *is* well. My concerns were unfounded; I found out yesterday!
Monday, December 24, 2007
They Listened...
As some as you may be aware, about a month ago two wonderful mums from within our Ethiopian Yahoo group worked night and day researching and writing a Proposition letter to Immigration Canada. Then, some of you joined with us in signing the Support letters. Thank you to those that helped!
We got some interesting and exciting news today. We have yet to hear what exactly it is going to mean to our timeframes in bringing our adopted children home, but we do know they *heard* and are *listening*. Today, in the Canada Gazette they talked about the whole deal including the parents that worked to change things!! YEAH! Thisi s the full article. I have posted below it the stuff that pertains to us. We are still praying to hear in the New Year that the time frame will be short!!!
http://canadagazette.gc.ca/partII/2007/20071226/html/sor281-e.html
Some stakeholders have expressed that requesting a medical declaration is unreasonable and discriminatory in the citizenship context and since there is no authority for the Department to look behind a signed declaration from the adoptive parents, the effectiveness of the declaration was questioned.
After considering all comments it has been decided to remove the medical factor in the assessment of the citizenship application.
Some stakeholders request that the processing delays be set at a maximum of four weeks, and that a "temporary citizenship" be issued in order to accelerate the return to Canada.
A group of approximately 140 adoptive parents raised specific concerns regarding processing delays for Ethiopian adoptions and requested that service standards be set to a maximum of four weeks in order to minimize the time spent by a child in institutionalized care. These submissions highlighted the undesirability of such care when the alternative is being quickly welcomed in a Canadian family. The processing of applications can be delayed by the need for officers verifying that the province or territory in Canada where the adoptive parents reside does not object to the adoption; that the adoption severs all pre-existing ties with the child's family; and that it is in accordance with local law. In the case of Ethiopian adoptions, local law can differ from region to region adding to the time required to review some applications. Citizenship applications under Bill C-14 will be processed with a high priority. However, the citizenship officer must continue to verify with that the adoption conforms to local legislation; that it severs all pre-existing family ties and that it satisfies other Canadian statutory requirements.
The Department has considered this recommendation and has identified applications for a grant of citizenship by adopted persons as a priority. Specific service standards for adoption cases are under development. The Department will ensure that service standards are created and processing times are minimized and monitored.
We got some interesting and exciting news today. We have yet to hear what exactly it is going to mean to our timeframes in bringing our adopted children home, but we do know they *heard* and are *listening*. Today, in the Canada Gazette they talked about the whole deal including the parents that worked to change things!! YEAH! Thisi s the full article. I have posted below it the stuff that pertains to us. We are still praying to hear in the New Year that the time frame will be short!!!
http://canadagazette.gc.ca/partII/2007/20071226/html/sor281-e.html
Some stakeholders have expressed that requesting a medical declaration is unreasonable and discriminatory in the citizenship context and since there is no authority for the Department to look behind a signed declaration from the adoptive parents, the effectiveness of the declaration was questioned.
After considering all comments it has been decided to remove the medical factor in the assessment of the citizenship application.
Some stakeholders request that the processing delays be set at a maximum of four weeks, and that a "temporary citizenship" be issued in order to accelerate the return to Canada.
A group of approximately 140 adoptive parents raised specific concerns regarding processing delays for Ethiopian adoptions and requested that service standards be set to a maximum of four weeks in order to minimize the time spent by a child in institutionalized care. These submissions highlighted the undesirability of such care when the alternative is being quickly welcomed in a Canadian family. The processing of applications can be delayed by the need for officers verifying that the province or territory in Canada where the adoptive parents reside does not object to the adoption; that the adoption severs all pre-existing ties with the child's family; and that it is in accordance with local law. In the case of Ethiopian adoptions, local law can differ from region to region adding to the time required to review some applications. Citizenship applications under Bill C-14 will be processed with a high priority. However, the citizenship officer must continue to verify with that the adoption conforms to local legislation; that it severs all pre-existing family ties and that it satisfies other Canadian statutory requirements.
The Department has considered this recommendation and has identified applications for a grant of citizenship by adopted persons as a priority. Specific service standards for adoption cases are under development. The Department will ensure that service standards are created and processing times are minimized and monitored.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Can Anyone Tell Me....
why when I post photos I cannot double click on them when I enter the website from http://sixboysandalittlelady.blogspot.co and have them enlarge? Is there something in the way I am loading the pictures? Everyone else's pictures on other blogs can be clicked and enlargened. I don't want my faces so small so want the option to enlarge. Thanks! You can reply on the comments if you are a technical genius!!
An Exciting "Walton's Style" Morning...
Our morning was very exciting!! After a sleepless night - who knows why?! Seriously, I wasn't worried about this interview or anything!! Anyway, after a sleepless night, I stumbled bleary eyed down to my computer to read my morning email with my coffee. What nicer way to wake up than to 'get together' with my adoption friends!
There in my In Box was an email from the Assignments lady at CBC. We hadn't heard back from them the day before and so weren't even sure the interview would take place. It was 8:15 am and she wanted me to call her as they had lined up a cameraman and needed to coordinate times. So I did.
She confirmed we were still good with it and said she would get back to me. She asked what time I thought would be good and I told her that I did NOT want to go on camera with a bedhead and sleep voice!! *grin* She laughed and said she would give me an hour and a half!!!! Whoa. I had to hustle. We went into overdrive and finished tidying up right before the man arrived.
In the meantime, the reporter called me and she was awesome. She was so thankful that we would let them come and spend time with our family. She told me what questions the camera man would be feeding us and we knew it wasn't going to be so scary!!
I was worried they would get into the legalities and politics, and I know nothing about that. I just know we hope that Bill C-14 will bring our girls home sooner! That is all we care about. Plus the fact that it is breaking news - moment by moment, right now. Nobody really knows what this is all going to mean until Citizenship and Immigration Canada tells us. We are just hopeful.
I was sending three of our boys off to Church. I figured I would send the busy bee 8 year old and the big brother to keep an eye on him, plus our 11 year old wanted to go see his friends. I knew I would keep the 2 year old here, and the four year is just so darned cute that I told him all he had to do was *smile*. And our 14 year old was kept home so that he could take the toddler when we needed to do our personal interview.
Well, that plan went out the window!! *laugh* It turned out that the reporter wanted to do a Christmas Family Story for the News Hour and wanted all of our family doing all kinds of fun family Christmas activities!! The funny thing is everything you see in the pictures is what we do in our normal life - just not all within two and a half hours on a Sunday morning!! So here you will have a glimpse of what life is like in a family of six children!
They enjoyed the busyness of it all and were very cooperative.
When the cameraman arrived the boys were outside on our skating rink. They were having a country boy came of hockey. He thought that was a great way to begin. Well, the mother that I am, of course I was out there taking pictures of him taking pictures, so that I could put them in our daughters' journal! He liked that, so at one point he videoed me taking pictures of them. Obviously don't have a picture of that as I am holding the camera! *grin*
Biggest and Littlest Boys (Colt 16, Briton 2)
Briton is Learning to Skate Already!
Hockey on the Home Rink
After he filmed the boys playing hockey for a while we all came in and got on with some Christmas gingerbread house decorating. Our boys thought that was wonderful!!! They had already been given their allotment of sweets for their house (on Friday) and now they were being asked to add more candy to their houses!! *LOL*
Camera Set Up - Boys Decorating
Now you can't see this, but it was fun to watch this camera man at work. Dane (14) decided he did not want to be an actor this year. He had gone out for some auditions and decided it was not for him. Cassidy (11) loves to be in the camera and actually, Chasing Christmas (his Christmas movie debut) was shown on tv again today. The funny thing was the camera man would decided on a part of the action and zero in on it. Poor, good natured Dane. He got to be the centre of attention at one point and the camera zoomed right in on him building his house!!!
Speaking of this boy - he came downstairs in his camo pants and an old grey t-shirt. I said to him, "You're not going to wear that, are you?" He said, "Support our troops!" LOL!! Colt comes down later and says, "Mum, can I come down in my cadet uniform? The cadets would LOVE that!!" LOL! I *think* he was joking?!
While he was filming the boys (re)decorating their houses Ray was in the livingroom reading to the little ones and so he decided to make that his next stop.
Daddy and His Little Boys
During the course of his filming, obviously life had to keep happening, so he took advantage of seeing the kids in their elements - doing stuff that is regular to us, but 'nice' for their Christmas story. The little boys were working on a Christmas puzzle. We try to buy a St. Nicholas puzzle every Christmas, so they have something new to work on during the holidays.
When the camera man was filming the little ones were arguing as to who could put the puzzle pieces in. I told them they had to 'act' for the cameraman. To which they both replied, "But I don't want to be an actor." I then said, "Don't you want to see yourself on tv?" Cooper then looks at Austin and said, "I want to be on tv! Austin don't you want to act? Then you can be on tv. " So off they went. Perfect little boys, happily sharing the building of the puzzle. *smile*
We told the reporter that we didn't have a referral for our girls yet, but we did have a beautiful reminder of what we had to look forward to - our rug of the African children. It is a constant reminder to us that God will be faithful and our girls will come home. He loved the picture.
Colt and Cooper Showing 'Our Girls'
Dane and Cassidy Checking Out Christmas Presents
The funny thing is our boys have a lifelong rule that "you don't touch the presents under the tree or the Grinch will take them." We have this rule because we want Christmas to be about when we hand out the presents, not shaking and rattling and ruining the suprises that someone planned for another person. Our children *know* this law!! *laugh* And yet, they were asked by the reporter to discuss and handle and talk about the gifts!!
Now obviously the general public will see this footage and not know anything about how it was filmed, but you all do!! *grin*
After the reporter had finished talking to the boys they went off to play, nap, or watch a Christmas show, and then Ray and I had our interview.
Our Interview
So we sat at the table and there were questions he asked us: How long had we been waiting to adopt; why did we choose to adopt; what were some of the hoops we had to jump through; what were the difficulties in the process; who were our girls and what were their names; how would the new legislation change things for us - how would it affect us; where would our children be next year?
The only thing I focussed on when it came to what were the difficulties in the process was the waiting. I explained that when we got a referral picture of our girls it would be up to another eight months before we could bring them home. The hardest thing in this whole process would be the waiting once we had seen the girls.
As far as who our girls were: we told them what our request was for and that we hoped to incorporate our names with the names they already have.
Regarding the new Legislation - we are sincerely hoping that the time lines will be shortened. We have read that no medical will be required and we can only pray that this will mean less paperwork and quicker processing.
He asked us what was the holdup. I said that adoptions from Ethiopia were picking up since China was taking longer to complete adoptions. I knew that to bring home a child from China to Canada was much quicker, once the referral had taken place. This could be because they have so many children coming from there that the process is more streamlined. As Ethiopia becomes more popular we can only hope that things will become quicker. I also stated that children coming from Ethiopia to America were coming home shortly after their court dates.
How long would it be before our children are home with us? We believe by next Christmas, but are hoping that with this new legislation it will be even sooner. We can only HOPE!
Overall, it was a very good interview, and he said that out of all the footage he filmed there will probably be a 5 minute segment. The reporter told me that our story was the main part. We shall see. You know how those cutting room floors go!!! Now let's hope that this coverage does good things for us all!
Saturday, December 22, 2007
The Beauty of Adoption
Steven Curtis Chapman - All I Really Want For Christmas - Don't forget to pause the music at bottom of my blog before listening to the video.
Pray Please - re CBC Broadcast
Please pray that they can get a camera crew for us here. I talked to the producer about 3 hours ago and she was trying to find out if they could get a crew. They were trying to get a local crew, but I am not sure what they can find around here.
Pray that if this is meant to be done that they will be able to get a crew from SOMEWHERE!!! We really want coverage of this. Anything that will help bring our kids home sooner!
Pray that if this is meant to be done that they will be able to get a crew from SOMEWHERE!!! We really want coverage of this. Anything that will help bring our kids home sooner!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Me on Television? Nah!
Today, I was reading my email when I got a real shock. I saw an email in my In Box with the subject: Interview request.
I glanced into the email and felt I was in the twilight zone. There was an email from a woman working with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in Toronto. The letter said they were looking to do a story with a reporter on Sunday about the implementation of Bill C-14. If I was willing to go on camera and talk about my experiences, please let them know.
You know, there is all this Bill C-14 stuff going around and we adoptive parents are waiting anxiously to hear what this might mean to us, but I am just one of the parents. I am not one of the brains!! LOL!!
For all of those who are not aware of what is going on, we have been waiting anxiously for December 22. On June 22, 2007 Bill C-14 was passed and it will be put into place on December 22, 2007. This Bill will change how things are done for children that are adopted abroad. Instead of having to apply for an Immigration Medical Exam and then the Permanent Resident Visa, it would mean that the children would be started on the road to being Canadian Citizens before they come home. They would not enter Canada any differently than if they were born to us out of the country. The other method was found to be discriminatory.
We are still waiting to see what the Bill will mean to us all. At this moment the CIC website says that there will be no medical required for our children to come home, but we don't know how this will affect our waiting timeline. At this moment we are expecting to wait 4-6 months after a court date before we can bring our kids home. During those months they are legally our children and yet, still sit in orphanages waiting for government paperwork to be passed, so they can come home. This is not good.
Up to this point, the families waiting for the Medical to come through for their children have been waiting for up to 18 weeks post court date!! That is too long!! From there, they then are waiting an additional 3-4 weeks for the Visa to be issued.
We had been told that the new method would take a similar time frame (4-6 months), but we are very hopeful. There was some very good news on the CIC website and we are all cautiously hopeful that the New Year will bring some clear good news and the timelines might shorten. We can only hope!
In the meantime, I replied to CBC's email and asked where they found me!! I mean, goodness! There are about 300-500 people (at least) adopting from Ethiopia right now, and hundreds and hundreds from China and other countries!!! She said she did a Google search for Foreign Adoption - well, I tried that. My name never came up!! *laugh*
She said she would like to send a camera crew to our house on Sunday, and the reporter will be in Ottawa. It will a different type of interview given the reporter will not be here. Should be interesting!
They have contacted adoption agencies, but they wanted a personal story and so want our thoughts on how this new Bill will affect our family. Really only time will tell. But we can certainly share our thoughts on seeing our little girls photos and then not being able to bring them home for a further eight months!!! Lord willing this new Bill will bring them home months sooner!!
I quickly emailed my good friend, Corrie, and asked her what I should do?
Her reply? "God led them to you!
You have to go! You could be used as an instrument in decreasing the travel times to our children!
GO GO GO !!!!"
I glanced into the email and felt I was in the twilight zone. There was an email from a woman working with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in Toronto. The letter said they were looking to do a story with a reporter on Sunday about the implementation of Bill C-14. If I was willing to go on camera and talk about my experiences, please let them know.
You know, there is all this Bill C-14 stuff going around and we adoptive parents are waiting anxiously to hear what this might mean to us, but I am just one of the parents. I am not one of the brains!! LOL!!
For all of those who are not aware of what is going on, we have been waiting anxiously for December 22. On June 22, 2007 Bill C-14 was passed and it will be put into place on December 22, 2007. This Bill will change how things are done for children that are adopted abroad. Instead of having to apply for an Immigration Medical Exam and then the Permanent Resident Visa, it would mean that the children would be started on the road to being Canadian Citizens before they come home. They would not enter Canada any differently than if they were born to us out of the country. The other method was found to be discriminatory.
We are still waiting to see what the Bill will mean to us all. At this moment the CIC website says that there will be no medical required for our children to come home, but we don't know how this will affect our waiting timeline. At this moment we are expecting to wait 4-6 months after a court date before we can bring our kids home. During those months they are legally our children and yet, still sit in orphanages waiting for government paperwork to be passed, so they can come home. This is not good.
Up to this point, the families waiting for the Medical to come through for their children have been waiting for up to 18 weeks post court date!! That is too long!! From there, they then are waiting an additional 3-4 weeks for the Visa to be issued.
We had been told that the new method would take a similar time frame (4-6 months), but we are very hopeful. There was some very good news on the CIC website and we are all cautiously hopeful that the New Year will bring some clear good news and the timelines might shorten. We can only hope!
In the meantime, I replied to CBC's email and asked where they found me!! I mean, goodness! There are about 300-500 people (at least) adopting from Ethiopia right now, and hundreds and hundreds from China and other countries!!! She said she did a Google search for Foreign Adoption - well, I tried that. My name never came up!! *laugh*
She said she would like to send a camera crew to our house on Sunday, and the reporter will be in Ottawa. It will a different type of interview given the reporter will not be here. Should be interesting!
They have contacted adoption agencies, but they wanted a personal story and so want our thoughts on how this new Bill will affect our family. Really only time will tell. But we can certainly share our thoughts on seeing our little girls photos and then not being able to bring them home for a further eight months!!! Lord willing this new Bill will bring them home months sooner!!
I quickly emailed my good friend, Corrie, and asked her what I should do?
Her reply? "God led them to you!
You have to go! You could be used as an instrument in decreasing the travel times to our children!
GO GO GO !!!!"
*Laugh* Well, I am shaking in my boots, but so excited to be given this opportunity that might help shorten the future orphanage stays of all our children!
Please pray that I can explain clearly what this will mean to the hearts of all the families waiting for their children to come home. This is not a political stand; it is supposed to be personal, but I have never spoken to a television reporter before. I will need prayer coverage for sure!!
We are Officially in Ethiopia!
Well, I received word this morning that our file arrived in Ethiopia on December 11!! I am so glad to hear it has arrived, and now we can relax knowing it is just a matter of time before our girls are referred.
Last night, I was telling Ray that I just have this feeling that our girls are 2 and 5. I've been feeling this for a couple weeks now. Odd, cause they could be any ages. And to tell you the truth, I am not sure if 2 is the age I would 'choose'. I think if you lined up a bunch of babies in an orphanage I might just choose a littler one cause they are so darned cute and you have longer to raise them. So if I am feeling drawn to a 2 year old there might just be a reason. Five is a perfect age for fitting right between Austin (8) and Cooper (5). Those two are my Dennis and Menace. Two peas in a pod. Just need to add one more pea to the pod!
Just want to write that down in case it happens. *smile*
Here is our email from our agency:
Hi Justine,
I just received confirmation this morning that your dossier arrived in Ethiopia on December 11th!!
Thanks,
Last night, I was telling Ray that I just have this feeling that our girls are 2 and 5. I've been feeling this for a couple weeks now. Odd, cause they could be any ages. And to tell you the truth, I am not sure if 2 is the age I would 'choose'. I think if you lined up a bunch of babies in an orphanage I might just choose a littler one cause they are so darned cute and you have longer to raise them. So if I am feeling drawn to a 2 year old there might just be a reason. Five is a perfect age for fitting right between Austin (8) and Cooper (5). Those two are my Dennis and Menace. Two peas in a pod. Just need to add one more pea to the pod!
Just want to write that down in case it happens. *smile*
Here is our email from our agency:
Hi Justine,
I just received confirmation this morning that your dossier arrived in Ethiopia on December 11th!!
Thanks,
Court Dates and Things Slowing Down
I am on two Yahoo groups with a bunch of other expectant adoptive parents. They are both groups for people adopting from Ethiopia. We all SO celebrate when anyone has any of their steps accomplished or move through various areas of government. About a month ago there was a flurry of referrals and visas and medicals being issued, for which we were all so happy. When these things happen it gives the waiting parents HOPE! All of those of us waiting can 'see' more children moving into the orphanage, which in turn gives us hope that maybe our referrals will come sooner.
When things are quiet for too long it is disconcerting. There have not been court dates for so long and some families have waited 4-5 months. One poor family, due to some unusual circumstances, has been waiting since last May!!! When we first signed on with Kidslink we were told 4-6 weeks (mayb 6-8 weeks) for the court date. Now we are being told 2-3 months. Things are taking longer for a variety of reasons. Just one more area in this long game of waiting.
The reason all these families had to wait so long was an unusual one and hopefully will not happen again. Seasonally, the Ethiopian courts close for the months of August and September and if you don't get seen by August 5th (thereabout) you will have to wait until October, when they reopen! To add to this two month delay, the government decided to inspect all the orphanages and Kidslink received an *excellent* review. Not that I am surprised due to all the parents who are coming home and reporting on all that they see while picking up their children. Hopefully, this was a one time procedure.
Kidslink decided (who knows why) not to put any families through court during this inspection process, so this put an even longer delay on those families waiting.
But I am thrilled to report that yesterday was a *wonderful* day for our Yahoo groups families!!! FIVE families made it through court!!! Five sets of children (at least 9 children) now have mummies and daddies that are officially theirs!!! YEAH!!
Kidslink says that now things will pick up again. So I am hoping that the New Year brings good news for lots of waiting families!!
Update: Gee, before I even finished writing my next post I have to edit this one!! YEAH!! Another family made it through court yesterday!! Make that 10 kids in new families!!! Merry Christmas!!
When things are quiet for too long it is disconcerting. There have not been court dates for so long and some families have waited 4-5 months. One poor family, due to some unusual circumstances, has been waiting since last May!!! When we first signed on with Kidslink we were told 4-6 weeks (mayb 6-8 weeks) for the court date. Now we are being told 2-3 months. Things are taking longer for a variety of reasons. Just one more area in this long game of waiting.
The reason all these families had to wait so long was an unusual one and hopefully will not happen again. Seasonally, the Ethiopian courts close for the months of August and September and if you don't get seen by August 5th (thereabout) you will have to wait until October, when they reopen! To add to this two month delay, the government decided to inspect all the orphanages and Kidslink received an *excellent* review. Not that I am surprised due to all the parents who are coming home and reporting on all that they see while picking up their children. Hopefully, this was a one time procedure.
Kidslink decided (who knows why) not to put any families through court during this inspection process, so this put an even longer delay on those families waiting.
But I am thrilled to report that yesterday was a *wonderful* day for our Yahoo groups families!!! FIVE families made it through court!!! Five sets of children (at least 9 children) now have mummies and daddies that are officially theirs!!! YEAH!!
Kidslink says that now things will pick up again. So I am hoping that the New Year brings good news for lots of waiting families!!
Update: Gee, before I even finished writing my next post I have to edit this one!! YEAH!! Another family made it through court yesterday!! Make that 10 kids in new families!!! Merry Christmas!!
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Trust Also In Him
I love the word I got this morning. I still have things on my heart, for which I asked prayer, about a week ago. But the amazing thing is, I have absolute rest. I have absolute trust. My mind doesn't even wander. It just has faith that all that I desire will come to pass, no matter what obstacles the world or the enemy throw up at me.
I know a few dear families that are in a place where hard times are happening.
One friend, Tami, and her hubby are in the Ukraine, right now, trying to follow God's leading as to which is their child. Can you imagine how hard that must be!! They have already been there over a week and have three children at home. Overall, they will be in the Ukraine for over 6 weeks, so they need to make a decision soon.
Another friend Courtney, and her family, are waiting to see their file make it through IBESR. That is the Haiti system. And they are in a place where big families are getting turned down. They are trusting that God will bring them through. I am believing for them.
I got this wonderful devotion this morning. I think it pertains to all of us.
The word trust is the heart word of faith. It is the Old Testament word, the word given to the early and infant stage of faith. The word faith expresses more the act of the will, the word belief the act of the mind or intellect, but trust is the language of the heart. The other has reference more to a truth believed or a thing expected.
Trust implies more than this, it sees and feels, and leans upon a person, a great, true, living heart of love. So let us "trust also in him," through all the delays, in spite of all the difficulties, in the face of all the denials, notwithstanding all the seemings, even when we cannot understand the way, and know not the issue; still "trust also in him, and he will bring it to pass." The way will open, the right issue will come, the end will be peace, the cloud will be lifted, and the light of an eternal noonday shall shine at last.
"Trust and rest when all around thee
Puts thy faith to sorest test;
Let no fear or foe confound thee,
Wait for God and trust and rest.
Trust and rest with heart abiding,
Like a birdling in its nest,
Underneath His feathers hiding,
Fold thy wings and trust and rest."
So to you dear friends, let us REST and TRUST and know that HE will bring these adoptions to pass!!!
I know a few dear families that are in a place where hard times are happening.
One friend, Tami, and her hubby are in the Ukraine, right now, trying to follow God's leading as to which is their child. Can you imagine how hard that must be!! They have already been there over a week and have three children at home. Overall, they will be in the Ukraine for over 6 weeks, so they need to make a decision soon.
Another friend Courtney, and her family, are waiting to see their file make it through IBESR. That is the Haiti system. And they are in a place where big families are getting turned down. They are trusting that God will bring them through. I am believing for them.
I got this wonderful devotion this morning. I think it pertains to all of us.
The word trust is the heart word of faith. It is the Old Testament word, the word given to the early and infant stage of faith. The word faith expresses more the act of the will, the word belief the act of the mind or intellect, but trust is the language of the heart. The other has reference more to a truth believed or a thing expected.
Trust implies more than this, it sees and feels, and leans upon a person, a great, true, living heart of love. So let us "trust also in him," through all the delays, in spite of all the difficulties, in the face of all the denials, notwithstanding all the seemings, even when we cannot understand the way, and know not the issue; still "trust also in him, and he will bring it to pass." The way will open, the right issue will come, the end will be peace, the cloud will be lifted, and the light of an eternal noonday shall shine at last.
"Trust and rest when all around thee
Puts thy faith to sorest test;
Let no fear or foe confound thee,
Wait for God and trust and rest.
Trust and rest with heart abiding,
Like a birdling in its nest,
Underneath His feathers hiding,
Fold thy wings and trust and rest."
So to you dear friends, let us REST and TRUST and know that HE will bring these adoptions to pass!!!
Friday, December 14, 2007
Turning Down the Audio
Don't forget (if you are new to this) to turn down the audio at the bottom of the page, before you listen to the music videos on the page.
Point of Grace - How You Live
I have waited for three months to post this song. It came out after we decided to adopt but wasn't available online. My good friend sent it to me and I knew this song spoke Ray and my hearts.
"Don't spend your life looking back."
"Take a few chances!"
"You won't regret it looking back from where you have been. It's not who you knew and what you did. It's how you lived."
Butterflies
Today, I woke up with butterflies in my stomach. I know it was adoption related, as I woke up and immediatley began thinking about the adoption. But I have not had butterflies before. So I wonder? Hmmm... Could something wonderful have happened today? Perhaps our file arrived in Ethiopia today. (it had to go half way around the world by courier) Or maybe it has gone through the translation process in Ethiopia. Or perhaps the girls arrived at the orphanage. Or maybe a decision was made to give them up by extended family.
I don't know. I just think it interesting that today I woke up with butterflies. Not significant, perhaps. But you never know....
Monday, December 10, 2007
My Rainbow - A Promise
On Saturday, we drove to Kamloops, to take the boys Christmas shopping. Our plan was to take them to a hotel with a waterslide and let them have some fun. We try to do this every year. It is an inexpensive 'short' holiday. We usually only do a night or two but pick the hotel with the waterslide and nice breakfast. Of course, with a family our size we end up with two rooms, which the boys love as it means they get their space.
On the way there, it was a beautiful crisp sunny winter day. Cold! But not a drop of moisture in the air.
All of a sudden, while we are driving through our town, I look up and see a rainbow. Actually it was a piece of a rainbow.
I said, "Do you see that rainbow?"
Everyone said, "No."
"Right there! In front of us. Can't you see the rainbow?"
I could hear them shifting in the backseats to see if they could see the rainbow, and one by one, they all said, "No," again!!
"What do you mean you can't see it! Ray, can't you see it?" In desperation (was I seeing visions? *grin*) I asked my hubby.
"Nope."
What was with these people. I peered more closely. Squinted my eyes. As I looked at it it seemed to fade in and out. Maybe they were right. Maybe it wasn't there and I was imagining it. I mean, after all, it wasn't raining! And it wasn't even a whole rainbow. Just a slice hanging down in front of me like a vertical dash.
But then I stubbornly knew I wasn't imagining it!! I looked at my hubby and beamed. "Well! If you all can't see it, then maybe it's just for me!"
He looked at me with that "isn't she cute, when she gets excited" look on his face and grinned and said, "Okay."
Then I said, "Doesn't it have to rain to have a rainbow?! Look it's not even raining! How can we have a rainbow and not even a normal one, when there is no rain?!!"
Ray continued to grin at me like I was losing screws one by one. He said, "Oh it's just a change in the atmosphere. It's just a ring around the sun."
It was my turn to look at him like he was losing it. There was no ring around the sun!!! It wasn't *near* the sun and it wasn't a ring. It was simply a 'dash' that had no other parts. Just what we could see in front of us.
So I bugged him and said, "Are you serious? You sound like the scientists that can't see what is right in front of their faces! That's a rainbow! Man, people miss out on all the miracles in life because they see a practical reason for it, instead of seeing it for what it is!"
A rainbow is a sign of God's promise. God uses the rainbow to remind us of His promise not to flood the earth again.
When I saw that rainbow I was so excited because I knew it was weird to see a rainbow on a sunny rainfree day. I think this was a reminder to me that He is going to fulfill His promise to us to be able to adopt!"
Suddenly, after I had come to this realization, one of the kids said, "Oh, I see it!" One by one everyone saw it and it and I knew I wasn't delusional! *grin* And my sweet, considerate hubby pulled over to the edge of the road a few times so I could get the best picture of *my* rainbow.
Those that know me well, know why this particular rainbow, on this particular Saturday, was so important to me as a sign of a dream coming true.
On the way there, it was a beautiful crisp sunny winter day. Cold! But not a drop of moisture in the air.
All of a sudden, while we are driving through our town, I look up and see a rainbow. Actually it was a piece of a rainbow.
I said, "Do you see that rainbow?"
Everyone said, "No."
"Right there! In front of us. Can't you see the rainbow?"
I could hear them shifting in the backseats to see if they could see the rainbow, and one by one, they all said, "No," again!!
"What do you mean you can't see it! Ray, can't you see it?" In desperation (was I seeing visions? *grin*) I asked my hubby.
"Nope."
What was with these people. I peered more closely. Squinted my eyes. As I looked at it it seemed to fade in and out. Maybe they were right. Maybe it wasn't there and I was imagining it. I mean, after all, it wasn't raining! And it wasn't even a whole rainbow. Just a slice hanging down in front of me like a vertical dash.
But then I stubbornly knew I wasn't imagining it!! I looked at my hubby and beamed. "Well! If you all can't see it, then maybe it's just for me!"
He looked at me with that "isn't she cute, when she gets excited" look on his face and grinned and said, "Okay."
Then I said, "Doesn't it have to rain to have a rainbow?! Look it's not even raining! How can we have a rainbow and not even a normal one, when there is no rain?!!"
Ray continued to grin at me like I was losing screws one by one. He said, "Oh it's just a change in the atmosphere. It's just a ring around the sun."
It was my turn to look at him like he was losing it. There was no ring around the sun!!! It wasn't *near* the sun and it wasn't a ring. It was simply a 'dash' that had no other parts. Just what we could see in front of us.
So I bugged him and said, "Are you serious? You sound like the scientists that can't see what is right in front of their faces! That's a rainbow! Man, people miss out on all the miracles in life because they see a practical reason for it, instead of seeing it for what it is!"
A rainbow is a sign of God's promise. God uses the rainbow to remind us of His promise not to flood the earth again.
When I saw that rainbow I was so excited because I knew it was weird to see a rainbow on a sunny rainfree day. I think this was a reminder to me that He is going to fulfill His promise to us to be able to adopt!"
Suddenly, after I had come to this realization, one of the kids said, "Oh, I see it!" One by one everyone saw it and it and I knew I wasn't delusional! *grin* And my sweet, considerate hubby pulled over to the edge of the road a few times so I could get the best picture of *my* rainbow.
Those that know me well, know why this particular rainbow, on this particular Saturday, was so important to me as a sign of a dream coming true.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Totally NOT related to Adoption - But FUNNY!!
Gotta find some good interludes during the upcoming LONG wait!!
Friday, December 7, 2007
Prayer Coverage Needed
I just wanted to come before all my Christian friends and ask that you cover me in prayer. Especially tomorrow. I not at liberty to explain, but please know that God knows exactly what you are praying for, if you hold me up in prayer!!!!
Thank you all so much!
Blessings, Justine
Thank you all so much!
Blessings, Justine
Thursday, December 6, 2007
The Sweet Innocence of Children
Tonight, when I was tucking our sweet little (very mischievious) 8 year old into bed, he and I were discussing the girls. We talked about the fact that other families might be waiting before us and so we wouldn't know how long it would take to get a referral.
His thoughts were that the people might choose the 'stylish looking' (his words) girls because they looked so nice, and they wouldn't be as nice on the inside, as they looked on the outside.
He figured we should choose the ones that weren't so pretty because they would be the ones that would be nice on the inside! He wasn't concerned how they looked; he just wanted his sisters to come home.
I told him that all the children would be beautiful and that all the parents who are waiting for their little ones to be referred weren't thinking about looks; they were thinking about how wonderful it would be to bring home the little girls they had always wanted. I also told him that God knew exactly which ones were our girls. We didn't need to worry about making the right choice. He smiled - content that the right ones would come our way.
When we next talked about the ages, I reminded him of the ages we were open to. He beamed at the thought of a baby. (A funny aside: while I was tucking him into bed I noticed his 2 year old brother's overalls hanging out of his bedside chest drawer. I opened the drawer and found it full of his clothes. I told him that I had been *looking* everywhere for all these clothes!!! He told me that he was playing that Briton was his baby! *smile* This little boy would *love* a baby sister. )
Anyway, as I told him the ages, he said I should get a tiny, new baby and then people would think that I had been pregnant and had a baby.
I *love* the sweet innocence of children!!! It didn't even cross his mind that people would notice that I gave birth to a black child!! *grin* Love it!
His thoughts were that the people might choose the 'stylish looking' (his words) girls because they looked so nice, and they wouldn't be as nice on the inside, as they looked on the outside.
He figured we should choose the ones that weren't so pretty because they would be the ones that would be nice on the inside! He wasn't concerned how they looked; he just wanted his sisters to come home.
I told him that all the children would be beautiful and that all the parents who are waiting for their little ones to be referred weren't thinking about looks; they were thinking about how wonderful it would be to bring home the little girls they had always wanted. I also told him that God knew exactly which ones were our girls. We didn't need to worry about making the right choice. He smiled - content that the right ones would come our way.
When we next talked about the ages, I reminded him of the ages we were open to. He beamed at the thought of a baby. (A funny aside: while I was tucking him into bed I noticed his 2 year old brother's overalls hanging out of his bedside chest drawer. I opened the drawer and found it full of his clothes. I told him that I had been *looking* everywhere for all these clothes!!! He told me that he was playing that Briton was his baby! *smile* This little boy would *love* a baby sister. )
Anyway, as I told him the ages, he said I should get a tiny, new baby and then people would think that I had been pregnant and had a baby.
I *love* the sweet innocence of children!!! It didn't even cross his mind that people would notice that I gave birth to a black child!! *grin* Love it!
So What Happens Next?
The way things go from now is this:
Child Proposal: The next step is waiting for a child proposal. That is when your name hits the top of the waiting pile for your specific age request and the matching child(ren) enter(s) the orphanage. What generally happens is that the children go to the little orphange that our agency deals with. They go there for only a few hours, to be checked in and then a few hours later they are transported over to the Transition Home, which is modeled after a North American home, so that the children can begin their adjustment towards the lifestyle that they will eventually be immersed in.
How long the child proposal takes all depends on the age you are asking for. Because our referral is open to two girls age 0-48 months and 0-7 years, we fall into two different catagories.
The first catagory is Siblings or twins under 3 years of age. These proposals take from 6-10 months. The second catagory we are in is the Siblings or twins over 3 years of age. These proposals take from 2-6 months.
After the proposal we then have to wait 2-3 months for the Court Date.
Then the powers that be have to issue the Passport and Birth Certificate. Not sure how long this takes.
From there it is waiting for the Medical/Permanet Resident Visa - about 4 months. This is going to change when Bill C-14 comes into effect. Then it won't be the Medical/PR Visa we are waiting for - it will be something else. I am not yet sure how to explain it.
Overall, once the child proposal has been given to us, we can expect 6-8 months til travel. So we are praying that we get a quick child proposal, and then that the new rules will make things quicker, also.
Child Proposal: The next step is waiting for a child proposal. That is when your name hits the top of the waiting pile for your specific age request and the matching child(ren) enter(s) the orphanage. What generally happens is that the children go to the little orphange that our agency deals with. They go there for only a few hours, to be checked in and then a few hours later they are transported over to the Transition Home, which is modeled after a North American home, so that the children can begin their adjustment towards the lifestyle that they will eventually be immersed in.
How long the child proposal takes all depends on the age you are asking for. Because our referral is open to two girls age 0-48 months and 0-7 years, we fall into two different catagories.
The first catagory is Siblings or twins under 3 years of age. These proposals take from 6-10 months. The second catagory we are in is the Siblings or twins over 3 years of age. These proposals take from 2-6 months.
After the proposal we then have to wait 2-3 months for the Court Date.
Then the powers that be have to issue the Passport and Birth Certificate. Not sure how long this takes.
From there it is waiting for the Medical/Permanet Resident Visa - about 4 months. This is going to change when Bill C-14 comes into effect. Then it won't be the Medical/PR Visa we are waiting for - it will be something else. I am not yet sure how to explain it.
Overall, once the child proposal has been given to us, we can expect 6-8 months til travel. So we are praying that we get a quick child proposal, and then that the new rules will make things quicker, also.
We're Expecting!!!!!
I Love the Expression!Today I received the most wonderfully anticipated and impatiently waited for news!! Our file left today for Ethiopia!!! We can now say we are 'officially expecting'!! Mind you, it will be the longest pregnancy of all time, I am sure!
I just had to put these beautiful pictures on my blog!!! I can't wait to have little girls that look like this!!! These amazing paintings come from It's A Black Thang. They have the most wonderful art, sculptures, ornaments, everything, in African Art!!
How Adorable!
I just dream of the day when I have little girls to dress up in dresses, instead of little boys in dungarees! And ballet classes, and fixing their hair into cornrows, and all that wonderful stuff that I thought would never be a part of my life!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Just a Melancholy Moment (or two)
I just had something odd happen. Odd to me. I am not usually an emotional person. We spent the morning decorating our house for Christmas. I always make a point of decorating it before the 4th of December, as we have a child born on December 4th and another on December 5th. Those are *their* birthday decorations.
I had finally finished decorating and was walking upstairs to get a little treat, so I could sit and munch while reading my email. As I walked upstairs I glanced up at our beautiful rug hanging on the wall. The rug of our girls.
As I looked up I thought to myself, "This wall looks rather bare. I should hang up a garland for the girls." And then my mind just wandered to the girls in Africa - possibly alone in an orphanage this Christmas and it just brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. I am not a weepy person at all, but for some reason it just hit me.
I have been very analytical about this whole adoption - keeping the girls at arm's length. This was mainly to protect myself from getting emotionally attached. But for some reason today I felt they are 'our girls alone in an orphanage' and I just pray that God is with them and they feel loved - whereever they are. Hopefully we will have them home by next Christmas.
Now, for all those little ones stuck in an orphanage this Christmas and all those mummy's and daddy's waiting to bring their little ones home - this song's for you. (next post)
Turning Down the Audio
Thought I would just mention (in case you don't know) that to hear the videos I have posted on my blog, you need to go to the bottom (scroll down) and hit the pause button. I think you have to hit it twice to stop the song. Then you can hear the videos. Hope you enjoy them.
Merry Christmas
It doesn't matter where your children are; they are either with you or they aren't...
Band Aid - Do They Know It's Christmas Time?
This song so makes me cry - this Christmas. I remember when this song hit the charts. It was an amazing to see the world's response. Can't they do it again?
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
A Little Bit of Fun
As a bit of fun I decided to find out what kind of pie I am!! LOL! I am happy to say I am Good Old Fashioned Apple Pie! *smile* You know, I find when I do these things that they are scary accurate!!!
You Are Apple Pie |
 You're the perfect combo of comforting and traditional. You prefer things the way you've always known them. You'll admit that you're old fashioned, and you don't see anything wrong with that. Your tastes and preferences are classic. And classic never goes out of style. Those who like you crave security. People can rely on you to be true to yourself - and true to them. You're loyal, trustworthy, and comfortable in your own skin. And because of these qualities, you've definitely earned a lot of respect. |
Monday, November 26, 2007
Just Curious
I am watching my visitors and seeing who visits from where and I am curious about something. The Canadian and American visitors can be accounted for cause I know lots of people on both sides, but I am wondering about the 'somewhat' regular visitors from Norway, Germany and United Kingdom.
I wonder if any of you want to stand up and be counted. I am wondering if you are different random visitors or if I know you. Are you people who are adopting from Ethiopia yourselves? Or are you family (U.K.) or friends (Germany)? Got me really curious and I wonder if you would help me out?
You don't need to divulge who you are if you want your privacy, but if you feel like telling if you are an adoptive parent or a friend that would be great! You can leave a comment in the comment section or email me privately through the My Profile near the top on the right hand side.
Thanks!
I wonder if any of you want to stand up and be counted. I am wondering if you are different random visitors or if I know you. Are you people who are adopting from Ethiopia yourselves? Or are you family (U.K.) or friends (Germany)? Got me really curious and I wonder if you would help me out?
You don't need to divulge who you are if you want your privacy, but if you feel like telling if you are an adoptive parent or a friend that would be great! You can leave a comment in the comment section or email me privately through the My Profile near the top on the right hand side.
Thanks!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Gratitude: My Driving Force
I thought I was done on this topic. *grin* - But God keeps giving me more that is shaping my heart. I write these words because they are *my* thoughts and I have always been a journaler. I am also (if you hadn't already figured it out!! LOL!) an analytical person, and I am always trying to suss things out and second guess God!!
This morning, I was determined to get some quiet time in before the troops arose. Like that is possible in my house!! We have a 2 year old that has never slept in; he is usually the one that wakes me up. So this morning, after I settled him in front of his babysitter. Yes, I the person who does not like the television and restricts my kids greatly, uses the tv as a personal nanny in the wee hours of the morning! It is either that or have him bouncing off the walls, and I figure tv is less destructive to the sleeping gang and my sanity!
So I got my Bible and my devotions and relaxed with my coffee. I *love* the devotions I use. I am not one for the devotions of today. I find them too airy fairy. I like meaty devotions. Devotions that make you think. Devotions of today are usually related to how the car pool is an analogy for something spiritual. I just don't feel like I am getting the meat and potatoes when I read that stuff! LOL!
My favourite devotions do have stories in them, but they are weighty stories:
The copyright dates are not in the books (just reprints)
Oswald Chambers - My Utmost For His Highest - before the 1930s
Mrs. Chas E. Cowman - Streams in the Desert - 1925
Robert Schuller - Daily Power Thoughts - 1970s
Before I did my devotions, I had been praying and remembering what I was saying yesterday about having an attitude of praise while waiting. I was looking for things to be thankful for, and trust me, it is not easy when you know it is not simply a wait that you are on. I prayed on these things and then, as I was praying, the enemy let slip into my mind the looming adoptive family size restriction that could come into place.
Oh, waiting is not so hard when you know you have a sure thing. But try being peaceful when you know that each day you wait puts you closer to the government meeting that is going to happen sometime, when they are going to decide if they should limit adoptive family sizes.
The further into this adoption we go, the riskier it gets. The longer we wait, the more money we invest, the more our hearts are wrapped up - the tougher it gets.
Last night, my husband and I, and our older two boys were playing a wonderful board game. It is called "10 Days in Africa" - a must buy for anyone adopting from that continent. It is so simple and fun and a game lasts about 20-30 minutes - very doable in any busy family's lives!
As we were playing and discussing various countries and things we knew about them, one of our sons said, "Our girls are from here," as he pointed to Ethiopia. The other replied, "Look how close our girls live to Egypt."
As they said these words, a part of me loved the fact that our boys already love their sisters. Sight unseen they are their sisters, and they are simply waiting for them to come home. But another part of me felt - Stop! What if they don't come home? What if the restriction comes into force. How many hearts will be broken?
My negative thoughts disappeared quickly as I have great faith that all will be well. But still...
So this morning, as I was praying and those negative thoughts crept into my mind, I prayed against them. I prayed that God will NOT stop all these families that love children so much that they want to add one, two, or three more to their already large brood. I know the Lord blesses those who trust Him, and we certainly trust Him to provide for us - food, clothing - he brings it all and more, and so abundantly. Our cup truly runneth over!
After I prayed, I picked up my Daily Power Thoughts and it was so in target with the journey I am on. It was just a confirmation of the prayer I had prayed:
"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57
Robert Schuller tells the story of himself as a boy, when a tornado ate up his house and all five outbuildings.
That night our family gathered. We held hands and prayed. My father prayed, "Oh, God, I thank you for not a life was lost! Not a human bone was broken. We have lost nothing that cannot be regained. And through the storm we have kept everything that would be irreplaceable - especially our faith."
My father's attitude of gratitude gave him driving power. He went into town and bought an old house that was to be demolished. We took it apart board by board, nail by nail, and rebuilt it over the empty hole in the ground that was the basement of our previous house.
Driving power - the ability to make bold decisions and move forward confidently in the face of tremendous odds!
Wow!! That gives my stomach butterflies. For the next 3, 6, 9, 12 months that is where we will be - facing tremendous odds - odds of being rejected after all we have gone through - simply because our family is too big.
"Whatever you wish will happen! And the light of heaven will shine upon the road ahead of you." Job 22:28
The attitude of gratitude releases dynamic power! Gratitude releases arriving power. You make it!
And when you arrive, you will have also developed the great qualities of character - humility and unselfishness. Humility because you realize you did not arrive through your efforts alone. It took team work. Unselfishness because gratitude is nothing more than saying, "I didn't really do it. Thank you for your help!" Gratitude is saying thank you to this person, to your friends, to your community, and to God.
It is impossible to become a vain, egotistical, selfish person if you maintain an attitude of gratitude!
I will believe for the best - I will have an attitude of gratitude for this adoption and all that has happened and is happening because of it. That will be my driving force through the upcoming unknown months.
This morning, I was determined to get some quiet time in before the troops arose. Like that is possible in my house!! We have a 2 year old that has never slept in; he is usually the one that wakes me up. So this morning, after I settled him in front of his babysitter. Yes, I the person who does not like the television and restricts my kids greatly, uses the tv as a personal nanny in the wee hours of the morning! It is either that or have him bouncing off the walls, and I figure tv is less destructive to the sleeping gang and my sanity!
So I got my Bible and my devotions and relaxed with my coffee. I *love* the devotions I use. I am not one for the devotions of today. I find them too airy fairy. I like meaty devotions. Devotions that make you think. Devotions of today are usually related to how the car pool is an analogy for something spiritual. I just don't feel like I am getting the meat and potatoes when I read that stuff! LOL!
My favourite devotions do have stories in them, but they are weighty stories:
The copyright dates are not in the books (just reprints)
Oswald Chambers - My Utmost For His Highest - before the 1930s
Mrs. Chas E. Cowman - Streams in the Desert - 1925
Robert Schuller - Daily Power Thoughts - 1970s
Before I did my devotions, I had been praying and remembering what I was saying yesterday about having an attitude of praise while waiting. I was looking for things to be thankful for, and trust me, it is not easy when you know it is not simply a wait that you are on. I prayed on these things and then, as I was praying, the enemy let slip into my mind the looming adoptive family size restriction that could come into place.
Oh, waiting is not so hard when you know you have a sure thing. But try being peaceful when you know that each day you wait puts you closer to the government meeting that is going to happen sometime, when they are going to decide if they should limit adoptive family sizes.
The further into this adoption we go, the riskier it gets. The longer we wait, the more money we invest, the more our hearts are wrapped up - the tougher it gets.
Last night, my husband and I, and our older two boys were playing a wonderful board game. It is called "10 Days in Africa" - a must buy for anyone adopting from that continent. It is so simple and fun and a game lasts about 20-30 minutes - very doable in any busy family's lives!
As we were playing and discussing various countries and things we knew about them, one of our sons said, "Our girls are from here," as he pointed to Ethiopia. The other replied, "Look how close our girls live to Egypt."
As they said these words, a part of me loved the fact that our boys already love their sisters. Sight unseen they are their sisters, and they are simply waiting for them to come home. But another part of me felt - Stop! What if they don't come home? What if the restriction comes into force. How many hearts will be broken?
My negative thoughts disappeared quickly as I have great faith that all will be well. But still...
So this morning, as I was praying and those negative thoughts crept into my mind, I prayed against them. I prayed that God will NOT stop all these families that love children so much that they want to add one, two, or three more to their already large brood. I know the Lord blesses those who trust Him, and we certainly trust Him to provide for us - food, clothing - he brings it all and more, and so abundantly. Our cup truly runneth over!
After I prayed, I picked up my Daily Power Thoughts and it was so in target with the journey I am on. It was just a confirmation of the prayer I had prayed:
"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57
Robert Schuller tells the story of himself as a boy, when a tornado ate up his house and all five outbuildings.
That night our family gathered. We held hands and prayed. My father prayed, "Oh, God, I thank you for not a life was lost! Not a human bone was broken. We have lost nothing that cannot be regained. And through the storm we have kept everything that would be irreplaceable - especially our faith."
My father's attitude of gratitude gave him driving power. He went into town and bought an old house that was to be demolished. We took it apart board by board, nail by nail, and rebuilt it over the empty hole in the ground that was the basement of our previous house.
Driving power - the ability to make bold decisions and move forward confidently in the face of tremendous odds!
Wow!! That gives my stomach butterflies. For the next 3, 6, 9, 12 months that is where we will be - facing tremendous odds - odds of being rejected after all we have gone through - simply because our family is too big.
"Whatever you wish will happen! And the light of heaven will shine upon the road ahead of you." Job 22:28
The attitude of gratitude releases dynamic power! Gratitude releases arriving power. You make it!
And when you arrive, you will have also developed the great qualities of character - humility and unselfishness. Humility because you realize you did not arrive through your efforts alone. It took team work. Unselfishness because gratitude is nothing more than saying, "I didn't really do it. Thank you for your help!" Gratitude is saying thank you to this person, to your friends, to your community, and to God.
It is impossible to become a vain, egotistical, selfish person if you maintain an attitude of gratitude!
I will believe for the best - I will have an attitude of gratitude for this adoption and all that has happened and is happening because of it. That will be my driving force through the upcoming unknown months.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Praising and Enjoying the Journey
Funny how things work out!! Last Saturday, I posted on "Waiting. Could it be construed as a privilege?" Then on Thursday night, I went to my ladies Bible study. There are about 5 of us that get together and watch and discuss an ongoing dvd seminar by Joyce Meyer. We are a laughing crowd. We have so much fun, but at the same time so many deep spiritual conversations happen. A real unique group.
So when we got together this week we were watching a 7 minute clip from her seminar when she was discussing praising during waiting. Or another part was enjoying the journey. How appropriate was that!! There were such nuggets of information that I had to keep saying, STOP!!! So I could write things down. That woman talks fast, (almost as fast as me! *grin*) but she sure packs it in!!! And she is FUNNY and REAL!! If you can watch her sometime, do! She is on tv a lot, also.
So here are some of the nuggets I got:
You are not going to hurry God anymore, so you might as well settle down and enjoy where you are at!!
Enjoy the thing you are doing while on the way to where you are going - She reminded us that we have children - enjoy them. Yes, we are looking forward to our referrals and children coming home, but in the meantime, be *sure* to focus on what is happening in your own life!! I am thankful that I am already there on that one. It crossed my mind a few days prior to this that in this next year my 'baby' Briton will grow up one more year! That would be a tragedy if I was so busy focussing on bringing the girls home that I 'missed' that year, by just watching the calendar to when the next important adoption thing happened!
Be more thankful for where we are at. Be thankful for what we have - not what worry about what we want to have.
God wants to bless a thankful people. Murmuring, grumbling, and complaining doesn't move God to help us - be thankful. There are so many things we can be thankful for: indoor plumbing, running water, the van we have. If we don't have shoes, be thankful we have feet to walk on. If you need a new van, thank the Lord for the one you already have. You could be walking!!
We are not born with a thankful, contented heart. We learn it.
Philipians 4:11 - I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to content whatever the circumstances."
She then said that contentment doesn't mean that we don't want change - that would be passivity. She is suggesting that we find a way to be goal-oriented visionaries, while enjoying every step of the journey.
Because life is not really about the arrival. It's about the journey we take to get there. We have to enjoy the journey. Amen!
1st Thessalonians 5:18 "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
So, during my waiting for my papers to *finally* get sent to Ethiopia - 27 days, but who's counting *grin* - I am reminded to not just be at 'peace' with it, but to be *thankful* for it!! So what am I thankful for? My beautiful healthy boys, that Christmas is coming, that my husband agreed to add two more kids to our already full household, that I have met friends through this adoption process, that God has provided the funds for our adoption and on and on!
On Thursday, after I came home from the meeting I decided to read my devotions. I *never* read devotions at night. It is weird, but God just seems to know how and when to get my attention, and whenever I read my Bible or devotions at a time I would not normally do it, I find I get a reading I need to hear at that time.
My devotions that night all related to one thing: An attitude of praise during the wait. Talk about timing!
"How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly!" Psalm 139:17
The attitude of gratitude releases the dynamic power that helps you survive. Gratitude also releases reviving power. You can find the power to start again when you feel like quitting. You can pick up the pieces and bounce back to make a come back.
So when you feel like quitting next, think about the situation and what the pressures are. Then think about what in that discouraging situation you can be thankful for.
Now over this last week I have gotten to a place of absolute peace about our file and the wait. Total rest. So it was almost *funny* when I discovered that another adoptive parent was running neck and neck with me! I discovered she was waiting for Foreign Affairs, also.
Seriously, I was at peace with our file taking longer than expected to come back from Foreign Affairs, and I was at peace with other families getting to Ethiopia before us. BUT.. BIG BUT... at that time there were no families that were actually asking for the same age girls as we are. So was I really at peace, or was I just not in competition? *smile*
Well, I am happy to say I passed the test! Yesterday, I got an email from another mum and she told me she is also asking for sisters in the age bracket we are asking for. I immediately thought, God is goooood. He is allowing me in my 'restful' place to see if I really am restful. LOL! And I am.
I told our boys that God so know who our girls are that if we pushed our file on and got to Ethiopia before we were intended to, we might end up with the wrong girls!! Imagine if we got girls that didn't like boys! ACKKKK *grin*
So it doesn't matter that there is someone else who might be a day ahead or behind us in the running. Our girls are our girls. I was just pleased to see *how* I reacted to this new news. *smile*
Today though, I was pleasantly surprised to find I am not in competition, as I had thought. This mum's file is not at Foreign Affairs yet; it is on it's way. But that doesn't matter. What does matter is I am growing. Inch by inch, one situation at a time, God is working on my heart. I love to see my own attitude improvements!
Until next time....
So when we got together this week we were watching a 7 minute clip from her seminar when she was discussing praising during waiting. Or another part was enjoying the journey. How appropriate was that!! There were such nuggets of information that I had to keep saying, STOP!!! So I could write things down. That woman talks fast, (almost as fast as me! *grin*) but she sure packs it in!!! And she is FUNNY and REAL!! If you can watch her sometime, do! She is on tv a lot, also.
So here are some of the nuggets I got:
You are not going to hurry God anymore, so you might as well settle down and enjoy where you are at!!
Enjoy the thing you are doing while on the way to where you are going - She reminded us that we have children - enjoy them. Yes, we are looking forward to our referrals and children coming home, but in the meantime, be *sure* to focus on what is happening in your own life!! I am thankful that I am already there on that one. It crossed my mind a few days prior to this that in this next year my 'baby' Briton will grow up one more year! That would be a tragedy if I was so busy focussing on bringing the girls home that I 'missed' that year, by just watching the calendar to when the next important adoption thing happened!
Be more thankful for where we are at. Be thankful for what we have - not what worry about what we want to have.
God wants to bless a thankful people. Murmuring, grumbling, and complaining doesn't move God to help us - be thankful. There are so many things we can be thankful for: indoor plumbing, running water, the van we have. If we don't have shoes, be thankful we have feet to walk on. If you need a new van, thank the Lord for the one you already have. You could be walking!!
We are not born with a thankful, contented heart. We learn it.
Philipians 4:11 - I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to content whatever the circumstances."
She then said that contentment doesn't mean that we don't want change - that would be passivity. She is suggesting that we find a way to be goal-oriented visionaries, while enjoying every step of the journey.
Because life is not really about the arrival. It's about the journey we take to get there. We have to enjoy the journey. Amen!
1st Thessalonians 5:18 "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
So, during my waiting for my papers to *finally* get sent to Ethiopia - 27 days, but who's counting *grin* - I am reminded to not just be at 'peace' with it, but to be *thankful* for it!! So what am I thankful for? My beautiful healthy boys, that Christmas is coming, that my husband agreed to add two more kids to our already full household, that I have met friends through this adoption process, that God has provided the funds for our adoption and on and on!
On Thursday, after I came home from the meeting I decided to read my devotions. I *never* read devotions at night. It is weird, but God just seems to know how and when to get my attention, and whenever I read my Bible or devotions at a time I would not normally do it, I find I get a reading I need to hear at that time.
My devotions that night all related to one thing: An attitude of praise during the wait. Talk about timing!
"How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly!" Psalm 139:17
The attitude of gratitude releases the dynamic power that helps you survive. Gratitude also releases reviving power. You can find the power to start again when you feel like quitting. You can pick up the pieces and bounce back to make a come back.
So when you feel like quitting next, think about the situation and what the pressures are. Then think about what in that discouraging situation you can be thankful for.
Now over this last week I have gotten to a place of absolute peace about our file and the wait. Total rest. So it was almost *funny* when I discovered that another adoptive parent was running neck and neck with me! I discovered she was waiting for Foreign Affairs, also.
Seriously, I was at peace with our file taking longer than expected to come back from Foreign Affairs, and I was at peace with other families getting to Ethiopia before us. BUT.. BIG BUT... at that time there were no families that were actually asking for the same age girls as we are. So was I really at peace, or was I just not in competition? *smile*
Well, I am happy to say I passed the test! Yesterday, I got an email from another mum and she told me she is also asking for sisters in the age bracket we are asking for. I immediately thought, God is goooood. He is allowing me in my 'restful' place to see if I really am restful. LOL! And I am.
I told our boys that God so know who our girls are that if we pushed our file on and got to Ethiopia before we were intended to, we might end up with the wrong girls!! Imagine if we got girls that didn't like boys! ACKKKK *grin*
So it doesn't matter that there is someone else who might be a day ahead or behind us in the running. Our girls are our girls. I was just pleased to see *how* I reacted to this new news. *smile*
Today though, I was pleasantly surprised to find I am not in competition, as I had thought. This mum's file is not at Foreign Affairs yet; it is on it's way. But that doesn't matter. What does matter is I am growing. Inch by inch, one situation at a time, God is working on my heart. I love to see my own attitude improvements!
Until next time....
Thursday, November 22, 2007
No News ....
Well, here we are entering our fourth week of waiting for our authentication from Foreign Affairs. It is rather ironic because I was concerned about our dossier sitting on someone's In pile, getting forgotten, and it actually happened!! What chance of that! So now we are two weeks behind where we could have been. Time is ticking, ticking, into the future... *grin*
Just an update for y'all! *smile*
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
One Laptop Per Child
This is the coolest thing I have seen!!! This little laptop is an XO laptop. It is made by the company One Laptop Per Child. I have been to their website and read every piece of information on this amazing laptop. It is truly amazing! What is the best thing is if you donate $399 US - they will send a lap top to a child in a developing country, send you another computer for your child, *and* give you a $200 tax deductible receipt!! And if you don't want a computer, for every $200 you donate they will send a computer to a child in a developing country. Or $400 will send two computers! How cool is that!!
As to the quality of this computer - it is incredible!!! It is wireless, has a battery that charges 2000 times (4 times the life of a regular laptop), durable, weather resistant for all terrains, neat programs within, so many features!
This is a quote from their website:
OLPC’s mission is to provide a means for learning, self-expression, and exploration to the nearly two billion children of the developing world with little or no access to education. While children are by nature eager for knowledge, many countries have insufficient resources to devote to education—sometimes less than $20 per year per child (compared to an average of $7,500 in the United States). By giving children their very own connected XO laptop, we are giving them a window to the outside world, access to vast amounts of information, a way to connect with each other, and a springboard into their future. And we’re also helping these countries develop an essential resource—educated, empowered children.
Between November 12 and November 26, OLPC is offering a Give One Get One program in the United States and Canada. This is the first time the revolutionary XO laptop has been made available to the general public. For a donation of $399, one XO laptop will be sent to empower a child in a developing nation and one will be sent to the child in your life in recognition of your contribution. $200 of your donation is tax-deductible (your $399 donation minus the fair market value of the XO laptop you will be receiving).
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Waiting. Could it be Construed as a Privilege?
Yesterday, I was chomping at the bit. I was certain that my letter from our agency would be in my inbox confirming that our dossier was sent to Ethiopia. But, I was also a bit nervous of checking, so I held off opening my email until about 12:15 - right before I had to leave the house for town.
As you may remember, our file got to our agency, on October 30 and should have been sent off to Ottawa, on October 30/31. A friend on the exact timeline had her file sent off and returned and then off to Etiopia, by November 8. So that should have been my dates, too.
Unfortunately, due to error, our file sat on the WAITING pile for a 'missing' document for eight days before it was discovered. This document was not actually even missing. It was in the file. At this point it was rectified and sent to Ottawa. It was rather frustrating to say the least.
Then this week, I heard of another family that truly were missing two documents and their file was sent off to Ottawa, anyway! This made me (to be polite) frustrated! This is my blog, so I will be honest, (like I'm not always?! LOL!). I am thankful that they were *not* requesting the same child request as we are, or they would have been bumped ahead of us on *our* pile. As it is, their request was for a single female, so it won't affect us.
But all the same, I felt like - Why did our caseworker wait for a document before sending our dossier, and her caseworker sent her dossier, while waiting for her documents to arrive - "saving us a couple weeks", to quote her.
So that was kind of what was going on in my head this week. A little (lot of) unrest. Wondering where my file was. And wishing *I* hadn't had the 'luck' to get held back. And of course, I *want* to have my file in Ethiopia when my friend, Corrie does cause I would *love* to fly with her to ETH to pick up our kids together. How cool would that be?!
So back to yesterday - I waited til 12:15 to open my email - right before I had to be out the door. It was now 16 days that our file had been at KL and eight days since it was finally sent to Ottawa. I really hoped it would be back, and didn't really want to wait til Monday to call or email. I checked my email and felt such a let down when I saw there was no letter....
I then saw an email from my friend, Corrie. Her email had a subject of - Be not discouraged - I quickly opened it but didn't have time to read it, as I wanted to savour it because at the top it said, "Let me tell you a story," and I knew it would be encouraging.
I have to say that God is awesome in how He puts people in your path when you are on a journey!! This has happened twice in my life!!
When we made the move from the coast to here, I met a girl over the internet - I was very new on the internet at the time. We met in April of 1998, and in June both our families made radical decisions to move from surburbia to the remote rural areas of the Interior of BC and Tennessee!!! Only another person who was packing their stuff up and heading out (with no jobs or houses lined up -carting a handful of children), like the pioneers and settlers of old, would understand that it *wasn't* crazy - it was a God ordained decision - and it would be SO like Him to send a friend to make the journey with!
That friendship is the dearest one to my heart and we are kindred spirits to this day!! We have had three trips to Florida and Tennessee to stay with them, including a six week trip last year where our whole family drove and flew down. And they have been up to our house last winter! God is GOOD!
I have to tell you though, when I saw the subject - Be not discouraged- I had such a warm rush. It was just what I needed, and I know God knew this at the time when He inspired Corrie to write to tell me her story.
At this point, I thought it wouldn't hurt to send a quick email out to our agency asking IF our file had come back yet. I knew they had a couple hours to answer before the end of the week.
I left the house right after this (knowing I would read the email from my friend later) and went to our homeschool group meeting and then came home about 5:00pm. Our children were doing a "Fall Fun Day" all that day, as we don't do Halloween, and so our Fun Day was continuing as the evening wore on. Finally, after I had all the young ones in bed and the older ones were watching a video, I opened my email. I hoped against hope there was a reply from Jill.
No such luck. I was so discouraged. I just felt tired.
Truly, a person has to experience an adoption to understand 'waiting' - especially when you *shouldn't* be waiting!! I then read Corrie's email and I have to tell you, it was such an uplifting message. It just showed me that God CAN move things on faster if HE wants to, but He is in charge and as many roadblocks as He allows to come up - or actually PUTS up - might the very roadblocks that bring us to OUR girls rather than to someone else's girls.
Then this morning, I was reading my devotions and kind of just 'back in the saddle again' - I had let go of the 'Man, why is our file held up!' attitude. My wait might seem small and the devotion might seem 'too big' for such a small wait, but God knows our hearts and what specifically we need to be working on!!!
I know from the past - while I was worrying about the family size restriction coming into play, that God was working on my faith that He was in control there. My faith in that grew, and I have stopped worrying about the proposal coming into force. My other thing was while waiting a needless 3 weeks for a social worker to call (while waiting to start our homestudy), while others were getting a call in days! Again, God showed me He was in charge - when He arranged for the social worker to take us through our complete homestudy and approval process in 27 days!! WOW!!!
This, what I am going through now, is another kernel in my heart. It is not "trust in God". It is "resentment and me wanting to be in control of this adoption".
My thinking is rather: Hey! I have done my job. Right? So why can't the others do their jobs in just as organized a fashion?
Well, God needs me to see that HE is doing the job - I just *think* I am!! And by me being made to wait, it is giving me time to *learn* this point!!! You don't go from being a piece of clay to a piece of beautiful pottery without the Refiner's fire!! The fire just seems to burn a little too hot, sometimes!! LOL!
"The very hardships that you are enduring in your life today are given by the Master for the explicit purpose of enabling you to win your crown.
Do not wait for some ideal situation, some romantic difficulty, some far-away emergency; but rise to meet the actual conditions which the providence of God has placed around you today. Your crown of glory lies embedded in the very heart of these things - those hardships and trials that are pressing you this very hour, week, and month of your life. The hardest things are not those that the world knows of. Down in your secret soul unseen and unknown by any but Jesus, there is a little trial that you would not dare to mention, that is harder for you to bear than martyrdom.
There, beloved, lies your crown. God help you to overcome, and sometimes wear it.
"It matters not how the battle goes,
The day how long;
Faint not! Fight on!
Tomorrow comes the song."
The funny thing is, I am different to the person in the devotion. I *am baring my soul* when I tell you all what the kernel in my secret soul is!!
From last night to this morning this is what has changed. From feeling so let down... to reading Corrie's email.... to God working on my heart through the night... to reading that devotion this morning.... I feel different.
This morning I suddenly feel *privileged*. How odd is that!! I feel privileged to be waiting and to be 'held up' by human hands!!!
Why?
Because God is personally working on *my* case - He knows our girls, and He is orchestrating their arrival at the orphanage for when He knows we will be ready! This is not just a random choice of orphanage staff choosing girls that fit in the wide age catagory that we have given!! Though I am sure the staff thinks *they* have chosen - I know God knew who our girls were even before we knew we would be adopting!
God *knows* the desires of our hearts and He will fill those desires.
So now, though I will still wait, and yes, even if more dossiers pass ours who were supposed to be 'behind' us, I will, "Trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding. In all my ways I will acknowledge Him and He will direct my paths." Proverbs 3:5
God in His infinite wisdom is in charge and knows best!!!
I just need to remember that!!
As you may remember, our file got to our agency, on October 30 and should have been sent off to Ottawa, on October 30/31. A friend on the exact timeline had her file sent off and returned and then off to Etiopia, by November 8. So that should have been my dates, too.
Unfortunately, due to error, our file sat on the WAITING pile for a 'missing' document for eight days before it was discovered. This document was not actually even missing. It was in the file. At this point it was rectified and sent to Ottawa. It was rather frustrating to say the least.
Then this week, I heard of another family that truly were missing two documents and their file was sent off to Ottawa, anyway! This made me (to be polite) frustrated! This is my blog, so I will be honest, (like I'm not always?! LOL!). I am thankful that they were *not* requesting the same child request as we are, or they would have been bumped ahead of us on *our* pile. As it is, their request was for a single female, so it won't affect us.
But all the same, I felt like - Why did our caseworker wait for a document before sending our dossier, and her caseworker sent her dossier, while waiting for her documents to arrive - "saving us a couple weeks", to quote her.
So that was kind of what was going on in my head this week. A little (lot of) unrest. Wondering where my file was. And wishing *I* hadn't had the 'luck' to get held back. And of course, I *want* to have my file in Ethiopia when my friend, Corrie does cause I would *love* to fly with her to ETH to pick up our kids together. How cool would that be?!
So back to yesterday - I waited til 12:15 to open my email - right before I had to be out the door. It was now 16 days that our file had been at KL and eight days since it was finally sent to Ottawa. I really hoped it would be back, and didn't really want to wait til Monday to call or email. I checked my email and felt such a let down when I saw there was no letter....
I then saw an email from my friend, Corrie. Her email had a subject of - Be not discouraged - I quickly opened it but didn't have time to read it, as I wanted to savour it because at the top it said, "Let me tell you a story," and I knew it would be encouraging.
I have to say that God is awesome in how He puts people in your path when you are on a journey!! This has happened twice in my life!!
When we made the move from the coast to here, I met a girl over the internet - I was very new on the internet at the time. We met in April of 1998, and in June both our families made radical decisions to move from surburbia to the remote rural areas of the Interior of BC and Tennessee!!! Only another person who was packing their stuff up and heading out (with no jobs or houses lined up -carting a handful of children), like the pioneers and settlers of old, would understand that it *wasn't* crazy - it was a God ordained decision - and it would be SO like Him to send a friend to make the journey with!
That friendship is the dearest one to my heart and we are kindred spirits to this day!! We have had three trips to Florida and Tennessee to stay with them, including a six week trip last year where our whole family drove and flew down. And they have been up to our house last winter! God is GOOD!
I have to tell you though, when I saw the subject - Be not discouraged- I had such a warm rush. It was just what I needed, and I know God knew this at the time when He inspired Corrie to write to tell me her story.
At this point, I thought it wouldn't hurt to send a quick email out to our agency asking IF our file had come back yet. I knew they had a couple hours to answer before the end of the week.
I left the house right after this (knowing I would read the email from my friend later) and went to our homeschool group meeting and then came home about 5:00pm. Our children were doing a "Fall Fun Day" all that day, as we don't do Halloween, and so our Fun Day was continuing as the evening wore on. Finally, after I had all the young ones in bed and the older ones were watching a video, I opened my email. I hoped against hope there was a reply from Jill.
No such luck. I was so discouraged. I just felt tired.
Truly, a person has to experience an adoption to understand 'waiting' - especially when you *shouldn't* be waiting!! I then read Corrie's email and I have to tell you, it was such an uplifting message. It just showed me that God CAN move things on faster if HE wants to, but He is in charge and as many roadblocks as He allows to come up - or actually PUTS up - might the very roadblocks that bring us to OUR girls rather than to someone else's girls.
Then this morning, I was reading my devotions and kind of just 'back in the saddle again' - I had let go of the 'Man, why is our file held up!' attitude. My wait might seem small and the devotion might seem 'too big' for such a small wait, but God knows our hearts and what specifically we need to be working on!!!
I know from the past - while I was worrying about the family size restriction coming into play, that God was working on my faith that He was in control there. My faith in that grew, and I have stopped worrying about the proposal coming into force. My other thing was while waiting a needless 3 weeks for a social worker to call (while waiting to start our homestudy), while others were getting a call in days! Again, God showed me He was in charge - when He arranged for the social worker to take us through our complete homestudy and approval process in 27 days!! WOW!!!
This, what I am going through now, is another kernel in my heart. It is not "trust in God". It is "resentment and me wanting to be in control of this adoption".
My thinking is rather: Hey! I have done my job. Right? So why can't the others do their jobs in just as organized a fashion?
Well, God needs me to see that HE is doing the job - I just *think* I am!! And by me being made to wait, it is giving me time to *learn* this point!!! You don't go from being a piece of clay to a piece of beautiful pottery without the Refiner's fire!! The fire just seems to burn a little too hot, sometimes!! LOL!
"The very hardships that you are enduring in your life today are given by the Master for the explicit purpose of enabling you to win your crown.
Do not wait for some ideal situation, some romantic difficulty, some far-away emergency; but rise to meet the actual conditions which the providence of God has placed around you today. Your crown of glory lies embedded in the very heart of these things - those hardships and trials that are pressing you this very hour, week, and month of your life. The hardest things are not those that the world knows of. Down in your secret soul unseen and unknown by any but Jesus, there is a little trial that you would not dare to mention, that is harder for you to bear than martyrdom.
There, beloved, lies your crown. God help you to overcome, and sometimes wear it.
"It matters not how the battle goes,
The day how long;
Faint not! Fight on!
Tomorrow comes the song."
The funny thing is, I am different to the person in the devotion. I *am baring my soul* when I tell you all what the kernel in my secret soul is!!
From last night to this morning this is what has changed. From feeling so let down... to reading Corrie's email.... to God working on my heart through the night... to reading that devotion this morning.... I feel different.
This morning I suddenly feel *privileged*. How odd is that!! I feel privileged to be waiting and to be 'held up' by human hands!!!
Why?
Because God is personally working on *my* case - He knows our girls, and He is orchestrating their arrival at the orphanage for when He knows we will be ready! This is not just a random choice of orphanage staff choosing girls that fit in the wide age catagory that we have given!! Though I am sure the staff thinks *they* have chosen - I know God knew who our girls were even before we knew we would be adopting!
God *knows* the desires of our hearts and He will fill those desires.
So now, though I will still wait, and yes, even if more dossiers pass ours who were supposed to be 'behind' us, I will, "Trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding. In all my ways I will acknowledge Him and He will direct my paths." Proverbs 3:5
God in His infinite wisdom is in charge and knows best!!!
I just need to remember that!!
Monday, November 12, 2007
What Can We or You Do to Help?
I had a friend feeling very sad today, due to the deplorable conditions of some of the orphanages in Russia. These poor sweet children are left sitting in cribs for days on end - using their fingers to amuse themselves - fed through bottles with large holes so they can be fed in *five* minutes - 15 month old babies left to spoon feed themselves.
This is HEARTWRENCHING!!! But at the same time, I am sure these caregivers in the orphanages don't have much choice. There are only so many staff and oh, so many children!!!
The question that some make is "Why does God allow this??"
These are my thoughts on this:
This sadness at these conditions is what took our thoughts from being about adopting two little girls to doing all that we can for Africa. There are so many ways we can help the children that are there right now, without even taking one of the children out of the country:
Christmas boxes - Operation Christmas Child - each of our children buys one for another child. It probably costs us $10 per box to put together a wonderful box filled with pencils, pads of paper, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, balls, cards, Matchbox cars, craft supplies, hair brush, markers, colouring books, stickers, hard candy, and gum etc. Do you know how much joy your child will have as *they* help pack these boxes full of love? Then our children write a little note to be inserted. We know that often the children will not be able to read the note, but I am certain whoever is giving the boxes, does speak English and there is someone to translate. They also include a photo of our family. These boxes give such hope of the love that someone across the world feels for them. On top of this - the best thing of all is that the know of God's love for them!! They are given a tiny Bible of their own and shown that God loves them through the love of others.
Small farm animals through World Vision - Buying chickens and roosters - one set $55 and it sets up a family! For Christmas this year each of our children is going to buy chickens or a piglet or a rabbit and set up a family. There is a program through World Vision and my dad is going to get a pig for Christmas, and will he be surprised!! LOL!! His name will be sent as a donor and he will receive a card telling him that he gave. That will be a present from us to him, via another person. Seriously, for about $40 we can buy a piglet and do you know how far that goes??
One little boy, who is a 9 year old orphan and living with his uncle received a piglet, from World Vision. It was bred and he sold 5 of the piglets to support his family and his schooling; two he gave back to World Vision to help another child. The sow is still living and producing for him. That $40 gift has changed the life of this child and his uncle. He has a future now. $40!
Through World Vision when we sent $400, it multiplied into $2000 by corporate Canadian sponsors and fed many, many children for a month! They often have these deals where whatever you send will be multiplied by 4, 5 or even 10 times!!! How easy is that!!!
Sponsoring a child through World Vision - actually helps the whole family, plus more goes to the community. That is only $33 a month! Plus your children have the privilege of writing and getting to know a child in another country. The child will write back as frequently as you write to them.
When I was 19 years old and living in Banff I saw an ad on TV advertising World Vision and fostering a child. Seeing as I always wanted children I immediatley signed up. I received the picture of the sweetest little 2 year old Thai boy, Wasupon. I sponsored Wasupon until he was 18 years old!!! At that time his community had become self-sufficient and no longer needed sponsors for the children in that area. It was the coolest thing to see him grow up. By then I was married and our family moved onto another little boy - God even sends male foster children!! LOL! And he has been with us now for 9 years.
Then when we get to Ethiopia we intend to pour some concrete floors in some huts and maybe build some beds, or even put up some tin houses.
There is so much we can do.
The most important thing to remember is that God gave man *free will* and man is ultimately the reason for these people's suffering!! Corrupt governments and poor choices.
Ethiopia for instance: a lot of their drought problems comes from noone stopping the clear cutting that was going on and they lost all the trees etc that was holding the soil in the ground. This in turn stopped anything from growing. Drought followed. It is hard to explain. Read "There is No Me Without You" - an amazing book about one woman's odyssey to save Africa's children - it will open your eyes to man's choices and how these people suffer because of it!
For instance - did you know the Insulin patent was sold for $1 - ONE DOLLAR - so that poor people could be helped and afford care?! The Aids - antiviral medication has been patented also, but by rich greedy people and the cost is EXHORBITANT!! and because of it millions continue to die - and there are MILLIONS of orphans!
God WEEPS as He sees His children die from hunger and disease!! He gives US the *choice* to help where we can. And if each of us helps a little bit, the hunger and pain will be eleveated!
Due to corrupt governments and man's free choice, there will always be pain and suffering in the world - we do what we can, and pray for God to move others to do the same. Bono and ONE is helping in extraordinary ways - wonderful. But GOD gave EACH OF US the chance to help! What are YOU going to do today to help?!
This is HEARTWRENCHING!!! But at the same time, I am sure these caregivers in the orphanages don't have much choice. There are only so many staff and oh, so many children!!!
The question that some make is "Why does God allow this??"
These are my thoughts on this:
This sadness at these conditions is what took our thoughts from being about adopting two little girls to doing all that we can for Africa. There are so many ways we can help the children that are there right now, without even taking one of the children out of the country:
Christmas boxes - Operation Christmas Child - each of our children buys one for another child. It probably costs us $10 per box to put together a wonderful box filled with pencils, pads of paper, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, balls, cards, Matchbox cars, craft supplies, hair brush, markers, colouring books, stickers, hard candy, and gum etc. Do you know how much joy your child will have as *they* help pack these boxes full of love? Then our children write a little note to be inserted. We know that often the children will not be able to read the note, but I am certain whoever is giving the boxes, does speak English and there is someone to translate. They also include a photo of our family. These boxes give such hope of the love that someone across the world feels for them. On top of this - the best thing of all is that the know of God's love for them!! They are given a tiny Bible of their own and shown that God loves them through the love of others.
Small farm animals through World Vision - Buying chickens and roosters - one set $55 and it sets up a family! For Christmas this year each of our children is going to buy chickens or a piglet or a rabbit and set up a family. There is a program through World Vision and my dad is going to get a pig for Christmas, and will he be surprised!! LOL!! His name will be sent as a donor and he will receive a card telling him that he gave. That will be a present from us to him, via another person. Seriously, for about $40 we can buy a piglet and do you know how far that goes??
One little boy, who is a 9 year old orphan and living with his uncle received a piglet, from World Vision. It was bred and he sold 5 of the piglets to support his family and his schooling; two he gave back to World Vision to help another child. The sow is still living and producing for him. That $40 gift has changed the life of this child and his uncle. He has a future now. $40!
Through World Vision when we sent $400, it multiplied into $2000 by corporate Canadian sponsors and fed many, many children for a month! They often have these deals where whatever you send will be multiplied by 4, 5 or even 10 times!!! How easy is that!!!
Sponsoring a child through World Vision - actually helps the whole family, plus more goes to the community. That is only $33 a month! Plus your children have the privilege of writing and getting to know a child in another country. The child will write back as frequently as you write to them.
When I was 19 years old and living in Banff I saw an ad on TV advertising World Vision and fostering a child. Seeing as I always wanted children I immediatley signed up. I received the picture of the sweetest little 2 year old Thai boy, Wasupon. I sponsored Wasupon until he was 18 years old!!! At that time his community had become self-sufficient and no longer needed sponsors for the children in that area. It was the coolest thing to see him grow up. By then I was married and our family moved onto another little boy - God even sends male foster children!! LOL! And he has been with us now for 9 years.
Then when we get to Ethiopia we intend to pour some concrete floors in some huts and maybe build some beds, or even put up some tin houses.
There is so much we can do.
The most important thing to remember is that God gave man *free will* and man is ultimately the reason for these people's suffering!! Corrupt governments and poor choices.
Ethiopia for instance: a lot of their drought problems comes from noone stopping the clear cutting that was going on and they lost all the trees etc that was holding the soil in the ground. This in turn stopped anything from growing. Drought followed. It is hard to explain. Read "There is No Me Without You" - an amazing book about one woman's odyssey to save Africa's children - it will open your eyes to man's choices and how these people suffer because of it!
For instance - did you know the Insulin patent was sold for $1 - ONE DOLLAR - so that poor people could be helped and afford care?! The Aids - antiviral medication has been patented also, but by rich greedy people and the cost is EXHORBITANT!! and because of it millions continue to die - and there are MILLIONS of orphans!
God WEEPS as He sees His children die from hunger and disease!! He gives US the *choice* to help where we can. And if each of us helps a little bit, the hunger and pain will be eleveated!
Due to corrupt governments and man's free choice, there will always be pain and suffering in the world - we do what we can, and pray for God to move others to do the same. Bono and ONE is helping in extraordinary ways - wonderful. But GOD gave EACH OF US the chance to help! What are YOU going to do today to help?!
Invisible Children of Uganda
This amazing video will open your eyes to some of the children of Africa. It will break your heart. Then go and watch Blood Diamond and see what it is all about. That was what moved my husband to adopt.
They are CHILDREN not soldiers.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Other Family's Good News
This last week, there have been so many referrals. It is so encouraging!!
One family got their referral for a 3 month old baby; another for a 2 1/2 year old boy - they had only been waiting for 2 1/2 weeks since their dossier arrived in Ethiopia!
Another got a baby girl. And the most cool one of all was a sibling group of three! This lucky family have just been referred 4 year old twins - boy and girl, and their 1 year old baby brother. How beautiful is that!!
With our file so close to getting to Ethiopia (days away) , I find it so encouraging to hear of these referrals; especially the quick ones!! Lately, there have been at least two families that received their referrals within a couple weeks of their file being sent!
As well as all the referrals, there have been two families that have just returned this week from picking up their children and also lots of Visas and Medicals in the 'mysterious' POUCH.
The pouch is something that travels from the High Commission in Nairobi to Kidslink. This pouch always has good news in it. When children's visas or medicals are issued they are put into the pouch and then delivered to KL, where it is then opened. Believe me, the people who are waiting for good news are waiting with baited breath for this pouch to be opened. It is usually opened on Fridays, but once in a while (like the last two weeks) it has not been opened until Monday. At that time there are squeals of excitement or sighs of disappointment, depending on whether a waiting parent's child's visa or medical came in or not.
So here is to hoping that our file gets AUTHENTICATED this week and is off to Ethiopia SOON!
One family got their referral for a 3 month old baby; another for a 2 1/2 year old boy - they had only been waiting for 2 1/2 weeks since their dossier arrived in Ethiopia!
Another got a baby girl. And the most cool one of all was a sibling group of three! This lucky family have just been referred 4 year old twins - boy and girl, and their 1 year old baby brother. How beautiful is that!!
With our file so close to getting to Ethiopia (days away) , I find it so encouraging to hear of these referrals; especially the quick ones!! Lately, there have been at least two families that received their referrals within a couple weeks of their file being sent!
As well as all the referrals, there have been two families that have just returned this week from picking up their children and also lots of Visas and Medicals in the 'mysterious' POUCH.
The pouch is something that travels from the High Commission in Nairobi to Kidslink. This pouch always has good news in it. When children's visas or medicals are issued they are put into the pouch and then delivered to KL, where it is then opened. Believe me, the people who are waiting for good news are waiting with baited breath for this pouch to be opened. It is usually opened on Fridays, but once in a while (like the last two weeks) it has not been opened until Monday. At that time there are squeals of excitement or sighs of disappointment, depending on whether a waiting parent's child's visa or medical came in or not.
So here is to hoping that our file gets AUTHENTICATED this week and is off to Ethiopia SOON!
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