Britton's Adoption Journey

A little then and now

2012-01-09T20:06:00.000-08:00

Posting about Kira's first day of school here in America, it dawned on me that I don't think I ever talked much about the school that she was in.

800 kids in once school. 80 kids per classroom. Uniforms. Kids walk 1 1/2-2 miles to get to the school. (Uphill both ways.... kidding....sort of.)

Now that you saw the "now" with the last post, here's the "then".

kira's classroom

random signs all over the walls. africa and their signs. :)

this was the attendance board for the entire school

kira saying good-bye to her teacher.

classmates

just taking it easy on the school grounds during lunch break.

First day of School!

2012-01-09T19:51:00.000-08:00

Kira had attended school in Uganda, and had just started Primary 2 when we got there. (Primary 2 is about the equivalent of American first grade.) We were unsure what grade we would enroll her in here at home. We finally decided that because of the language barrier alone, and all that first graders know here (and especially because most first graders would be fairly solid readers half way through the year), we decided to place her in Kindergarten. We wanted her to be home for a while before sending her off to school, and we are thankful for that choice. It really helped her and us all connect with one another, and also prepare her a bit through language, security, and schedule before sending her off during the days.

The big day finally came! Kira was beyond excited. She tells us she enjoyed school in Uganda, and was very excited to go here. Her response was cute when we told her she would be in Kindergarten. She piped up and said, "I in P2"! She didn't hold too tightly to her previous grade level, she was just excited to go. She is in afternoon kindergarten, and on her first day, all morning long kept asking if it was time to leave yet. We finally headed out the door and she could not stop grinning from ear to ear. She was skipping and singing and shooting me the happiest little glances I've ever seen her give. I stayed with her for about 15 minutes, and it was obvious that she was going to be more than okay, and that I was free to leave. There was one little girl who was so very welcoming to her, which I'm very thankful for. At the end of the day, she came running up to me with the same grin on her face. She had had a wonderful first day! YAY! And every day since, about 30 minutes after breakfast, she begins asking if it is lunch time ... she knows that school comes right after lunch. :)

I'm so thankful for yet another smooth transition for her here in this strange land. I'm thankful that she felt secure to leave our little nest and know we were returning for her. I'm thankful that she truly has a love of learning, and that adventurous spirit of hers.

Oh...and she's smart! We had received a list of 40 sight words that the kids had learned so far. We had Christmas break to begin studying them. (Remember, Kira is still learning all of our strange English words (like their, they're and there). She has not really begun to read yet. Some sounds here, especially vowel sounds, are very different to her.) They tested her on the sight words on her very first day. The teacher was impressed and proud to report to me that Kira got an 85% !

Anyway....enough story telling. The pictures, as always, tell a better story than I could!

so we begin the 15 minute walk to school. compared to the mile and a half she used to have to go to get to school, i think she didn't mind. :)

we got there early, so kira had plenty of time to try out the playground equipment.

sitting on the alphabet rug first thing. kira took her spot and joined right in on the topic of the day - Your favorite Christmas present! (She told the class about the new puzzle she got.)

"really mom, you don't have to stay." :)

the kids move from rug time to "movement". super cute. kira joined right in with the crazy dancing and motions!

after school she spotted Eden waiting for us. she ran to her sister with such joy.

walking home with the girls.

Kirabo Dorcas Linda BRITTON !!!

2011-12-28T11:53:00.000-08:00

Today was our final step in the adoption process....our court date in the US to finalize the adoption of Kira. This was amazing on two fronts. One - the court squeezed us in today....3 days before the end of the year. And two - the Court made an exception for our family to be seen before the 6 month mark that is normally required in the state of Colorado. (You adoption folks understand WHY this is amazing!)

It was such a great time. The Judge started by telling us the proceedings were very casual and informal. The kids got to sit in the Jury chairs the entire time. The Judge asked Kira and all the kids questions about if they are nice to each other (of which I am now using to remind them that they swore before a Judge to be nice, so they better not break the law!). Aaron and I were then asked a handful of questions about if we are able to provide for Kira. One of the questions was if we had the financial, emotional and mental ability to care for Kira ..."and the energy". To which I replied, "most days". :) My favorite question though was when he asked if we realize that if he is to grant a favorable ruling - Kira will be our child AS IF BORN UNTO US ... "even when she's a teenager". YES! YES! and even then... YES!

Upon giving our resounding yes - he stated that it was then his pleasure to grant our petition of adoption. Kira is now a US Citizen and legally a Britton !

When we were done, he asked the kids to take their seat at his bench. :) He began to interact on a personal level with us as well, telling us he has 3 Internationally adopted children, and 2 bio. We thanked him for allowing us to be seen today, to which he responded that it was his pleasure. And I kid you not - tears were in the kind Judge's eyes, and a few streaming down his cheek.

We know that none of this was coincidence. From the moment we asked for the Courts to make an exception to see us before the end of the year until we had the decree in our possession - we know the hand of God orchestrated this all. Even our Agency Director stated she had never seen them wave the 6 month rule, and told us we must have "special favor". I don't know about any special favor - but God certainly answered our prayers over the last year regarding the entire adoption process.... Some the way we asked, others the way He willed (of which we also asked). To God be all the glory!

This picture includes our amazing social worker and agency director. If you live in CO and need a good agency, CAC is the best!

Fall Dayz

2011-11-02T16:27:00.000-07:00

After Malachi's haircut at Precision Kutz and Sytlz, I decided to always spell with a "z" instead of an "s". It just seems right.

Welcome to Colorado, Kira! Cold, lots of blood work (I won't make you endure the picture again for those of you who saw it on Facebook, but basically imagine 15 viles of blood - yes, that was it), scary costumes and strange decorations, snow ..... oh wait .... a break in the snow! Quick! This is what we call "fall".

We weren't sure how to explain trick-or-treating to Kira, but hey, what kid doesn't enjoy playing dress up and walking around getting free candy. It was quite the delightful evening after all!

The Barber kept singing Lionel Richie songs. Nice.

Dinner at Chili's before trick-or-treating. (The treat was for the parents - kids ate free!)

All dressed up, so pretty in pink. Is she a fairy? A ballerina? A butterfly? (She has wings on the back)

Oh no! Here comes the Storm Trooper! ("Corn trooper" if you ask Malachi)

Kira would stand at the door before anyone answered saying trick-or-treat. It was really a bit funny...

"Many candies!", she would exclaim after every house. The final loot was more than enough.

Quick ... time to play in the leaves before it snows again!

Snowing leaves are as much fun as snowing snow.

Sweet joy - jumping in leaves for the first time ever.

Doesn't get much cuter....

Kira really liked the raking part when we were all done playing. Malachi decided to "help".

A Ugandan Snow Princess

2011-10-26T20:11:00.000-07:00

Here we are, 2 days back home, and the snow has begun. Welcome to Colorado, Kirabo! The day passed with us all warm and cozy, just staring out the window at the snow .... until the other kids came home from school and asked to play in said snow. Sigh. I'll admit, along with my friend Angie, that I sorta loathe getting the kids ready to play in the snow. So.Much.Work. And now that we have 5 kids to bundle up .... oh my. It is quite the production that quickly sends my mood in a downward spiral. But we'll forget about that and focus on how much fun the kids had....including Kira.

For a Ugandan Sweetie who has never seen snow, you'd think she was born on the ski slopes or something. She LOVED it! It didn't take her long to understand the joy of throwing snowballs (and the pain of being hit by one). It didn't take her long to realize you can fall completely backwards into the snow and not get hurt. It didn't take her long to realize that you can fall face forward into the snow and your face gets really cold ... but that didn't stop her. She couldn't get enough of face planting into the snow. I thought for sure that once she felt the sting of hats coming off and gloves coming loose, she would be DONE. But nope. She would just walk over and ask for help re-adjusting and then return to face planting.

The other kids had a blast introducing their new sister to the joy that is snow. (And the yumminess that is hot chocolate afterwards!)

Finally I realized that frost bite must be setting in, and seeing how Kirabo wouldn't recognize the feeling, I called them in. Aaaaand then I made them all help each other get out of the snow gear, because I was still recovering from getting them in it. And sorry Angie - I gave up having them pile it by the back door inside, because like you - that drives me nuts. Nope, all the wet stuff is out in the garage growing icicles until tomorrow when it will be 60 degrees.

Watch out, Malachi!

Daddy getting some snow balls in.

Snow Angels

Eating more snow.

Friday Market

2011-10-26T09:41:00.000-07:00

Every Friday in Kampala, the "Friday Market" is in business! This is a group of vendors who come together to sell their local treasures at unbeatable prices. True African finds, and bargaining to boot! (I don't even know what "to boot" means, but I wanted to say it there.)

The atmosphere is fast and furious. Every booth you walk by, you are greeted with the traditional greeting of, "You're Welcome. Come see." And just about every booth, I couldn't say no.

I went two Friday's in a row, and left both times with my arms weighed down with items. Top finds? Maybe the drum for 30,000 shillings. (Um, $10 US Dollars!) The scarfs, as beautiful as they come. And my favorite??? The beaded jewelry, purse and wallets that are handmade by the women there. To think that many women make their living on wrapping and stringing paper beads blows my mind. And after learning more about Kirabo's mother, these beads hold an extra special place in my heart. She was one of the women who did this for a living....and she didn't just keep the talent to herself, she would teach other women how to provide for their families through this amazing gift.

Friday Market was one of the highlights of my trip!

The bead-makers!

So many to choose from!

Bargaining away!

I'm supposed to pack this how???

First days home

2011-10-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

**Warning, this post may be a bit scattered. My eyes won't stop crossing and the world is spinning.**

Thank you everyone for the kind messages and checking in on us. Kira and Malachi finally stopped moving long enough to watch an episode (or two) of DORA, so I'm going to get out as many posts as possible now. (Hopefully you caught the pictures in the previous post!)

So here's a little update:

I couldn't have imagined our first moments home to be any better than they were. After the long, annoying flight delays .... we finally arrived at DIA around 10pm on Monday. We were greeted by the 5 most beautiful people I know. What a sight. Lots of hugs, lots of giggles, and everyone trying to talk Kira's ears off. She would just laugh - probably because this foreign language sounds a little ridiculous coming from 4 little mouths all at once. In fact, just about every time Malachi talks to her in his sweet little voice - she laughs. So cute.

We got home and the feeling that came over me was that it was RIGHT. All of us in one place, under one roof, about to sleep in our own beds. Aaron had done an amazing job getting the house cleaned up, and some friends hired a cleaner for the deep cleaning. Clean sheets and everything! Oh, my husband and friends love me! It was so peaceful to walk into MY HOME all clean and lovely! After introducing Kira to our house, her new room (which she LOVES the Zebra bedding) and the dog... it was off to bed for everyone.

The dog. Oh the dog. She wasn't super excited at first about him. We'd talked a lot about him, and I had been warning her that he would try to lick her. He did. I'm not sure she could fathom the size of his head or tongue in all our talks, so it was a bit much. She would run away from Gunther, in which he of course thought she was playing a game and would chase her. A short 24 hours later though, and she goes in search of him. She loves to pet him and play the game of chase now. This morning she ran into our room at 7 am asking where Gunther was. So thankful that went as smooth as it did. We have heard horror stories of families bringing kids home from Africa who just can't ever get used to the inside dog thing. I think Gunther even likes his new pack member.

Yesterday we heard the forecast of snow. WHAT?!?!? I only saw those red leaves for one day, and really? Snow. So off we went to stock up on hats, gloves and boots for our new little African Sweetie. Eden stayed home from school to spend some much needed time with mom, and her new sister. The giggles and the wonder went on all day. I could barely keep up. Correction, I couldn't keep up.

The cold weather has been interesting, to say the least. Yesterday afternoon as the storm was thinking about moving in, the kids were outside playing. Kirabo had on 3 coats .... but refused to put on her new warm shoes and kept the flip flops on. She wears her hat inside. Poor thing can't stop being cold!

Between 8 loads of laundry (nothing says welcome home like that much laundry), unpacking, chasing after Kira and the others as we introduced her to her new Village (aka - the park up the street), and jet lag - I began to shut down fast. By 7 pm, it was all I could do to stand up. I took a hot bath, fell asleep in the bath (shh, don't tell Aaron - it's his biggest fear) and headed to bed by 9 pm fighting a fever and some kind of cold/flu thing that I'm sure I picked up on one of our 45 plane trips. Or maybe just exhaustion. (Does that cause a fever though?) (No Mom - I don't have malaria.)

On to day 2. We will stare out the window and stay warm inside. There is more laundry to do. And I'm feeling a little better - but not much. So I'm thinking that laying around and watching the wonder of my two little African babies sounds like it will make for a fantastic day!

A picture is worth a thousand words

2011-10-26T08:03:00.000-07:00

So excited to be on the plane! (Until the second flight, when she began to say, "no more plane.")

New sisters are the best!

Everyone trying to talk to her at once, and she just would laugh.

LOVE !

The Britton Bus is filling up!

SNOW?!?!?! She decided to eat it. We told her to stay away from the yellow stuff.

"COLD!!!", she exclaims, but can't stop sticking her hand out the door. Yes, yes we were in the jungle 3 days ago.

Taking in all the white stuff for the first time ever!

I finally had to tell her to shut the door. :)

Delta, meet Satan.

2011-10-24T14:01:00.000-07:00

I need to re-read my words that I wrote prior to leaving Uganda, because right now I'm feeling pretty defeated. 48 hours on 4 hours of sleep probably isn't helping. But seriously, when I mentioned that the Enemy doesn't like adoption (I mentioned that, right?) .... apparently Delta Airlines is now the anti-Christ. This is unreal.

We made it through our first 2 big flights without a glitch. So thankful! Kira slept for the first flight (for about 6 or 7 hours of it). She too has been awake since. She and I are walking Zombies at the moment. We got to Detroit with a little over an hour to make our connection. I kinda want to go on a big rant and complain about every failure Delta has had - but why? The point of the annoying story is that we made it to our gate with 3 minutes to spare as the man at the ticket counter told us to RUN because there were no other direct flights available today to Denver. So like Forest Gump, I ran - w/ 80 lbs of carry on luggage and a Kirabo. When we arrived, they were just pulling the walkway away from the plane and would not let us board. We tried to go standby on a 3:00 flight, but it didn't happen.

All that to say - I would like to fall in a heap on the floor, but then someone would probably put something in my luggage when I'm not looking, and the man overhead keeps telling me that is bad.

Kira is a little traveling trooper. She has had her share of "moments" during our travel, but all in all - she's amazing. I took advantage of our time in Detroit and had dinner at Chili's. 4 weeks without Chili's is not right! It was so yummy! (Oh, and I'm also sitting here with a Pumpkin Spice Latte to get me through the next 7 hours. Mmmmmm......) At Chili's, it was perhaps a bit too much too soon for Kira to be knocked up side the head with the reality that her world is about to change - big time. She took a chip, stuck it in the Salsa (of which they DO NOT have in Uganda) and bit into it. Her eyes got huge, she spit it out and began to cry. Oh my. I of course thought it was funny until I realized she wasn't joking. Fail. She bit into the chicken strips though and got a big grin and yelled, "YAY"! So, good - Chili's will be somewhere she won't cry at upon remembering the salsa. This is necessary since we eat here about once a week.

She's having a hard time understanding why we have two more planes to ride on when she and I have been talking for the last 2 days that we had 3 planes. Now it is 4. She has made it clear that she is not happy about the change of plans. I guess I have too.

So, there you have it. What I do know is that at the end of today - we will STILL be home, and we will all be together. I'll take it!

****After posting this rant, I remembered something to be thankful for in the midst of this. The kindness of one woman toward me was a breath of fresh air. She offered to the people at the counter to give up her and her 2 sons seats so that Kirabo and I could get home. They wouldn't let her - but the fact that a woman who doesn't know me would offer up such kindness was unreal. You don't see that often. (She saw me miss the flight and crumble into tears.) So....there's one to remember! I pray that God blesses that sweet woman.****

We're coming home!

2011-10-23T08:56:00.000-07:00

Tonight is my last blog post from Uganda. Tonight has actually been bittersweet for me. I've been gone exactly 4 weeks. That is too, too long. I miss my kids more than I can express. I miss Aaron. I miss the dog. I miss my bed, my shower, my tap water, my car. I've made new friends here. I've lived in the birthplace of my new daughter, I'm taking her away from her birthplace. Bittersweet.

In the last 4 weeks, God has revealed Himself to me in ways that I think he needed to get me to Africa for me to see. (Yes, that is just how thick-headed I am.) I honestly did not think I had what it took to get through 4 weeks in a foreign country, with a new daughter, and without my husband for half of it. There were moments I thought I would crumble. But here I am, a short four weeks later (when it could have gone much longer) and I realize I did have what it took - God.

This morning we went to church again, and I'm so glad that I did. It was only the second time I've gone here....and this morning was amazing. God gave me a little gift in this morning's service. The song, Our God is Greater, has been one of "my songs" throughout this adoption. So many times during adoption, it feels like nothing is going right, and the Enemy is winning. There is a line in this song that would always remind me of truth...."and if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us. And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?" Hearing it sung (with soul) here in Africa brought me to tears. A special going away present from the God who has been with Kirabo for 6 1/2 years. The God who brought us through another adoption. The God who has been with me for the last 4 weeks. Nothing stopped us!

We said good-bye to our home from the last few weeks, I said goodbye to new friends, and we are on our way!!!!

Praying for safety, rest, and joy on the long journey home. (Oh, and connections to be made.)

Thanks for hanging in there with us on this ride!

Signs, Signs, everywhere Signs.

2011-10-20T22:54:00.000-07:00

If I don't laugh, I might just cry. So everyday here in Uganda I allow myself to find humor in some of the things around me, despite all the sorrow.

The signs posted throughout town have proven to be my source of comedic relief. The thing I love about the signs here, are how blunt they are. Right to the point of what you should know. I appreciate that.

Some signs are as simple as ZEBRA CROSSING. This one took me by surprise, as I of course thought it meant we might see Zebra crossing the road. My driver laughed at me, explaining that it was to tell you that the stripes on the ground are for people crossing the street. I laughed in return, explaining that in America, we call it a Crosswalk....and at the humor in there being a sign posted telling people where to cross - um.... the lack of signs everywhere else in the country don't seem to stop anyone from crossing whenever and wherever. (Oh, and BTW - pedestrians DO NOT have the right of way here. Scary!)

Then there was the shop we passed called, China Home Furnishings and Furniture (meaning, made in China, not Chinese decor...). Oh the clarity of it all. In America, we call it Walmart.

The gas station called MoGas. Why yes, I do need mo' gas, please.

The rest I was actually able to catch on my camera. Enjoy.

Okay, so maybe this one isn't FUNNY - but it's still something you wouldn't see in the US. Although, it is very true!

Beyond this sign was a cliff into the swirling waters of the Nile River. In the US, it would read something like, "For your safety, please do not pass this point." Then all the teenage boys would dive in head first.

Love this one. Really? I can't urinate ANYWHERE? Then what is the key for? In America it would simply read, "Private Restrooms available. Please ask attendant for key."

I would probably be granted some form of Political Office in Boulder if I managed to get this sign back to the US with me. Oh wait, maybe Uganda stole this sign from Boulder.


Preach it! I'm going with this one, considering all 3 of those medical issues run in my family. I'm good to go! **WARNING. THE FOLLOWING SIGN MAY BE INAPPROPRIATE FOR YOUNG VIEWERS (or those who will judge me for posting it). ***

I have no words. I'm sure it is some legitimate warning having to do with the spread of HIV or something, but I'm sorry..... it was just funny to see this huge sign on the side of the road with absolutely no understanding of what it means. Judge away.

What's in a name?

2011-10-18T11:40:00.000-07:00

Some of you know that we have wrestled with if we should change Dorcas' name or not. Dorcas, while a pretty name, is not popular amongst cruel school-aged children in America. We were hoping to be able to call her Tabitha - which is the Hebrew translation of her name. We decided to let her decide.

So since being here with her, we have offered up many different name suggestions. Dorcas, D, De-De, Akiki (her nickname at the Orphanage, which apparently she really dislikes), and even Linda (her middle name). She always says, "No, Dorcas". Aaron and I threw out the possibility of "Kira". Her last name is Kirabo.(Well, it's not really a last name, but I'm not exactly sure how to explain how it is part of her name. They tried explaining it to me several times, but I still don't get it myself.) So we thought Kira would be a cute shortened name off Kirabo. (Because also, if you know us - we shorten all the kids names somehow. It's a must.) But she continued to say, "No, Dorcas".

Until today.

Today she told me she wants to be called Kirabo, not Dorcas. So I'm going with it. She was referred to by any of her 3 names (4 if you count, Akiki) - Dorcas Linda Kirabo - at the Orphanage. So it isn't unusual for her to respond to Kirabo. I keep teasing and shortening it to Kira, and she just grins. (Good sign, right??) We may be on to something.

So what is in her name???

DORCAS was an amazing woman in the Bible. She was also referred to as Tabitha. The name itself means, "gazelle".
Acts 9:36
Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity.

Powerful, huh?

LINDA means "beautiful" (or "snake" if you are German. ha!) The other fun tidbit about Linda, is that is also my Mama's name!
*****I just found out that the name Linda in Africa is in no way connected to the name Linda in the US (or in Germany - thankfully!). The name Linda in Africa means, "to wait".****

KIRABO is perhaps becoming my favorite after all. Who knew. It means, "Gift from God". Could it be any more perfect?

We are a family that names our children based on the meanings. Some names came to us easily, and some not so much - but in the end, each name has become so fitting for each child. And while Dorcas seems fitting because that is how everyone now knows her and it will be difficult to change, I can't help but fall in love with the name Kirabo.

Providence - The goodness and sovereignity of God.
Eden - Delightful
Samuel - God hears
Malachi - Messenger of God
Kirabo - Gift from God

I like! (I also like that she will keep her given name(s)....just with one more last name!)

(oh - and here is how you would pronounce Kirabo - Key-Ra-Bo..... Roll the "r" if you really want to sound official)

*****I just clarified what Kirabo is, if not a last name. A family of 7 kids will not share a single name. There are no "family names" in Africa - like our name, Britton. So each child will have three different names. One of the names will be a Christian name, and the other names will be Western names. I guess technically, Dorcas, is her Christian name - but Kirabo seems to be a Christian name to me as well. Not to mention that Dorcas and Linda would be the Western names. Hmmmm....So maybe I still don't get it. ha!*****

Manna Rescue Home

2011-10-14T09:36:00.000-07:00

An Orphanage is no place for a child to grow up. But we all know that many do....many, being millions. I have seen with my own eyes several orphanages. And so when I walked into Dorcas's Orphanage, Manna Rescue Home, to say I was impressed would be an understatement. The kids were well fed, well cared for, getting an education, and thriving - all things considered. The Matrons of the home were doing a good job caring for 30+ kids ranging in age from 5-17. I'm so thankful that Dorcas, having to enter an Institution, was able to be a part of this one!

I often stand on my soap box and preach that there are MANY ways to care for Orphans. Adoption is just one of them. I'm here to talk about two now.

Carol Adams, perhaps one of the most fantastic ladies I have ever been graced to know, is running an amazing program here in Uganda. She is a Mzungu (10 points to those of you who remember what that is) who has been here for close to 17 years. She started Carol Adams Ministry Y.E.S. Uganda from the ground. Hearing her stories from over the years would make anyone laugh and cry all in the same story. She has seen more than I can bear to imagine, and lives out in one day what would crush me in less than an hour. She is called "The Grandmother to All Children" in her town ... and I would say it is a fitting title!

In the world of Orphan Care, there are many schools of thoughts on how to tackle the "problem". Carol is somehow managing to pull off every option available. Through her organization, children are being sponsored - thus staying with their families who could not afford education or medication, which often results in abandonment. Through her organization - counseling is being given to young children, growing teens, and entire family units. She desires to educate the family as a whole, thereby allowing vulnerable families to remain united. She has contacts with Ugandan authorities and agencies, doing work that no outside traveling Missionary could accomplish - helping to bring aid to the most vulnerable of children. And as a last resort - she has an orphanage - Manna Rescue Home - where kids who have nowhere to call home can live and grow. All of the Children in her Orphanage are living with HIV. She is able to feed them, clothe them, send them to school, and get them on medications (ARV's) all through her program. And as of recent - she has begun to try to find adoptive families for a handful of the kids at Manna Rescue Home who are "true orphans". The best part is - she does it all in the name of Jesus !! These kids get to learn of the love of their Heavenly Father when all earthly beings have seemed to let them down.

Saying goodbye to the kids at Manna Rescue Home was bitter sweet for us and Dorcas. Each young child, upon entering Manna Rescue Home is given and older child "mentor". Dorcas's mentor was in tears at Dorcas's going away party. :( The kids put together an entire show to say goodbye to Dorcas. They have been her "family" for almost 2 years. Dorcas is the first to be taken out of the Orphanage by an adoptive family - so I can't even think about the mixed emotions these kids must have been feeling.

So I am here, not on my soapbox, but as a Mom pleading for some of Dorcas's friends - family - to be adopted as well. I'm here as an adoptive Mom, but also as a woman who believes that not everyone is "called to adopt", but that we are ALL "called to care for the Orphan". Asking that you would prayerfully consider partnering with Carol Adams Ministry through her Sponsorship program. She is maxed out in her program - meaning she cannot take in any more kids. The money is just not there. I know it can be though!

So there you have it - 2 ways to join this cause! These kids need HOPE, and Carol Adams Ministry is doing a fantastic job at offering it!

On behalf of us, our new daughter; and the countless other children she helps - we cannot thank you enough, Carol!

"The Medicine cabinet" ~ I can't even keep meds straight for myself, let alone 30+ kids!

The going away FEAST! The dear cooks made up more food than I have ever cooked in one setting (and I've cooked for some pretty large crowds!) all to say goodbye to their friend - Dorcas.

The kids, getting ready for the show

The Grandmother to All Children explaining to the kids that even though God has a special plan for Dorcas in sending her to America, He has just a special of a plan in each of their lives. AMEN and AMEN!

The kids being served

It began to rain, so all the kids huddled on the "porch".

Shoes donated from Calvary Bible church in Boulder, CO. The kids lined up and each got to try on the pair they wanted. It was like the Croc Warehouse Sale, folks - right down to the trampling of other humans.

Dorcas's Mentor

Our last goodbye!

Hurdles and Highlights

2011-10-12T06:46:00.000-07:00

In Junior High, I gave a go at Track and Field. I tried one time to attempt the hurdles. I stumbled over the first one, and decided I was better suited for something else (not that I ever found that something else, but whatever). Well, today, I had my second shot at hurdles. And by the grace of God - I soared over 4 at once!

So maybe it's a cheesy metaphor, but with the weight I feel about every document needed - it brings me joy to think of it like that.

This morning we went in for day 2 of a 4 day medical routine. After that, it was time to go to the Embassy. I knew we still did not have the birth certificate, but my prayer had begun to be one of asking that they would take what we had to start the investigation even without it. So off we went to the Embassy, birth-certificateless. I handed over the documents we did have, I was kindly told that indeed - they need that birth certificate. She told me that if I had it in by Friday, I could set our Visa appointment for next Wednesday. I asked if we could do it on Monday. She told me that wouldn't be enough time for them to process everything, but that if I somehow could get her the birth certificate by the end of today - we could get in on Monday. I was crushed. I know it is only a couple days difference, but I must say - I miss my family at home, and every passing day is not getting any easier. I went "home" and just felt such sadness. I continued to pray though, asking for SOME WAY, for the certificate to make it's way to me before the day was over.

Fast forward an hour and I got a call from the coordinator here telling me that she got it! She got the birth certificate (hurdle 1)! And not only that ... she had the passport in hand as well (hurdle 2) - which we were told to not expect until Friday. She also had one other form that we needed to submit (hurdle 3). So off I went for the second time today to submit all of it to the Embassy. Aside from our medical reports (which will come on Friday afternoon), we have now turned in everything we need to (that we know of!!! there could be one or two things we are missing, but nothing difficult to obtain). After I handed her those 3 documents, she sent me back to the waiting room for a bit (I wasn't sure why). She called me back in and said I could come on Monday for my Visa appointment! (Hurdle 4!!!!!) She took my email address to contact me if she sees we are missing anything. If everything goes well at that appointment, we will have the Visa in hand by Wednesday and be free to go HOME !

Once again, with so many families facing such hardship and lengthy processes here, I can't help but feel a humble gratefulness and and so undeserving of God moving at this time in this way.

So since I promised to not only have boring business updates- some highlights! Let me tell you just how adventurous our new girl is! With every step of the way since she has been in our care, she has such anticipation and joy written on her face. She looks around with eyes wide open just taking it all in. She makes sure to get the middle seat in the car so she can see exactly where we are going. She enters into public places with much caution, and will cling to my arm as often as possible. Once she finds my hand, she begins to explore the world around her again with those big, expectant eyes. Often, when she is done being wherever we are (for instance, the last two visits to her Orphanage), she will grab me by the hand and start to lead me to the car - always climbing in first, as if to state her desire to go wherever it is I'm going.....and to go there now. I think that she has a real understanding of what is going on right now, and seems so eager to be a part of a family .... of our family! When asked if she wants to go to America - she gives a big "YES!". If she likes riding in the car, I can't wait to see her face looking out the plane window! She loves to cuddle, be tickled, and laugh. She enjoys playing the tablet - especially Angry Birds! She squeals in delight at every new outfit she realizes is for her. She eats everything on her plate, one food at a time (all her veggies, then the meat, then any other side) - just like her mother! :) So far she doesn't like pizza, but everything else she will ask for seconds. The girl can pack it in! She seems to be nothing short of thriving. She truly seems to be responding to us as parents, and her siblings back home. She says hi to all of them on Skype, and will show them her drawings and play-do creations. Every time we see a dog on the street here, she yells - "DOG! GUNTHER!" (I think we mistakenly taught her that the English word for dog is Gunther. Oops. hehe) She is eager to learn our language, and laughs hysterically at me every time I try to speak words in her language. I already feel like she BELONGS in our family, and that is a HUGE HUGE HUGE praise!

Thank you for your prayers and encouraging emails and words along the way!

car ride...she had to sit in the way back, so she kept sticking her head over the headrest to look out my open window.

Angry Birds!

So determined to make the shot

I love this outfit. I love that I can still pick out one of my children's clothes. :) She especially liked the hat.

Elephant riding

The rest of the story

2011-10-10T06:01:00.000-07:00

Many of you have been asking about what is left during my stay here in Uganda, so I thought I would just lay out the rest of the process. It would be so helpful to have you praying over the many details. Every step of the way from here on out rests largely on the previous step happening in a timely manner.

Now that we have our written ruling, we are waiting on Dorcas's birth certificate. This is a crucial item needed for the Visa and Embassy work to be done. Pray it comes today or tomorrow! We need the birth certificate for a series of medical visits that are required (which we have scheduled to start tomorrow morning at 10 a.m.). We need the medical visit findings to be sent to the Embassy. The Embassy will begin what is called an "Orphan Investigation" (basically, making sure that children are truly orphaned and that everything was done ethically) upon getting the birth certificate (so once again - praying for that certificate!), and it takes an unknown amount of time. We hear they take on average, 1-2 weeks. While all of this is happening, the Passport is also being ordered. As paperwork comes in, we are able to submit it to the US Embassy. Once all paperwork has been submitted, then we have our Visa appointment to turn in the remainder of the legal documents to secure a US Visa (not Mastercard - ha!) for Dorcas. That should come about 2-3 days after we file for it. At that point ... we get to come home! So while it may not sound like much, as I said, each piece of paper and the timeliness that it comes to us will determine when we can make the next step. So we're praying for papers to fly!

In other news, my sweet Provi-Anne girl got really sick on the flight home. I'm praying she didn't leave here with some sort of bacteria, and that she will be all better upon arrival home. Aaron said that she took the midnight meal on the plane that was offered while he was asleep (otherwise he would have stopped her). He's fairly certain that it was a mix of that meal and motion sickness (and pure exhaustion) that did it. I hope he's right. Poor guy said his next 10 hour flight was booked solid and he and Provi were in the middle two seats of a row of four. Hmmmm.... I'm thinking whoever is next to Provi will have been asking for a seat switch. ;) They should be coming to the end of that flight and making their way through Customs right about now.

Well that was an exciting update, huh? Sorry - I had sent it out in about 4 emails already, and instead of answering the other emails, I just put it here!

And now you have the rest of the story!

Thanks for praying for the details!

Daddy & Sister

2011-10-09T05:55:00.000-07:00

In just a few hours, Aaron and Providence will be on their way back home. Dorcas and I will miss them .... a lot. Dorcas has attached to Providence. They laugh together, chase each other, make play-do creations together, play UNO, watch movies together .... be sisters together. As for Aaron - Dorcas already appears to be a Daddy's girl. She cuddles up with him, get's tickled by him (and LOVES it), laughs at all his jokes (probably because she can't understand them), and calls him "Daddy" in the sweetest little British accent. So in honor of these 2 very special new people in Dorcas's life, I thought it would be a good time to show off some recent photos.

We'll miss you! See you soon!

Suburban Princess

2011-10-07T23:32:00.000-07:00

Now that I can share openly about our story, it's hard for me to know where to start. So maybe I'll start with right now.

We moved into our new "home" yesterday afternoon. We found an apartment style guesthouse - meaning we have our own living room, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a shared kitchen with the unit next door. Oh - and laundry. (Yay! Our clothes are gettin' stinky!) The room is very affordable (which is such a blessing as we come to the end of our journey).

Amidst the blessing, I feel the heaviness as I battle between knowing this is good, and such a blessing - and the fact that I've turned into a Suburban Princess. I think maybe I hate that. The toilets that don't flush right, the water that never runs fully clear, the mosquito net over my bed, the smell that I can't exactly place, the temperature, the power that sometimes works, the internet that sometimes works, the water from the faucet that I can't use - all these make me face the reality of who I am .... a girl of comfort. And now in our new home, I'm also going to be doing the cooking. (I've enjoyed the last 10 days of being prepared and brought my food.) I'm scared to death to cook here! It's not my kitchen to burn down, it's not my pans, and I left all my exotic spices behind that I adore (you know, like Garlic & Season Salt). At home, I rarely cook with a recipe, and here, I feel so disabled in the fact that I don't have my cookbooks with me. (I know, epicurious, right??) I thought I would just live on black beans and rice, but the only beans I found are dried beans that require me cooking them down....um, don't tell anyone - but I have no idea how to do that!

So now I'm forced to think about my discomfort. I'm forced to alternate between weeding out the sin that is involved and being okay with the fact that I live where I do with the many gifts that I have (like tap water). I hear it often from people who travel to Africa. They begin to feel this weight of all we have in America, and how little there is here, blah blah blah. I'm sure you've heard the story. I hear a lot of people who will begin to feel a guilt over the way they live in America when there are so many people with so much less. I can't say those thoughts have never crossed my mind, for sure they have. However, it's also a topic that Aaron and I have talked a lot about. And we come to the conclusion every time that going down that road can be a bit dangerous. God, in his sovereignty has placed us where he has...and yes, in His sovereignty, placed Africans in Africa. (That maybe sounds cliche and too easy, but forgive me, I'm not typing out the entire conversation. Feel free to have it with us if you want.) BUT .... with that said, I still have a responsibility to look at all I have in America, and when I'm stripped of it - what will I do? Will I be okay? Will I survive? Do I trust that God will enable me to live in such a drastically different way for a short period of time? Will I repent of my lack of thanksgiving for all I've come to believe is my "right" in America? Will I repent of how I've allowed all that America offers to this Suburban Princess to silently and slyly make me think I need God less?

So there you have it - this is where I am today. Today I am going back to the supermarket to look with more open eyes at ways to be creative in providing for my new daughter these next couple of weeks. Today I am going to plead with God to give me an ability that can only come from Him to live out the next couple of weeks (without Aaron to shelter me even...another "fear" that I'm not going into now)....and to live it out well. I'm going to ask for Him to give me a burst of adventure that I don't normally (um, ever) possess. I'm going to ask for Him to give me creativity, endurance, and joy. I'm going to thank Him for what I have waiting at home for me. And I'm going to ask Him to bring me back to it SOON.

Okay - from now on, I'll talk about Dorcas. Promise.

*****Addendum******
After posting all of this, I began to read through some of the blogs that have been piling up in my RSS feed. I came across one called "The Superwoman Complex". It was a good read for me, especially feeling the weight of all I am feeling right now. So perhaps it isn't so much that I'm a Suburban Princess (although that doesn't help)....but maybe it's that Africa has done what is growing increasingly hard for America to do - that is to strip me of my Superwoman Complex. So this was a good read for me knowing I'm heading back to America where all my modern conveniences as well as our culture encourage such a complex. Sigh. Ladies - this one is worth the read!

Drum Roll Please !!!!!!!

2011-10-07T06:14:00.000-07:00

Introducing our newest daughter:

Dorcas Linda Kirabo
6 1/2 years old
Extremely shy a lot of the time, but around us - as smiley and giggly and goofy as any Britton child could be!

Wednesday, many of you were praying for our Court date. It was a fantastic experience...much better than anything we could have hoped for. We sat in court for about 2 hours before it was our turn. After some questions, the Judge stated that he would have his official (written) ruling for us on Friday. Today is Friday! So we went to the court house once again to obtain the ruling. (This is what officially grants us Legal Guardianship of our girl!) He called us into his chambers first thing in the morning and read us his positive ruling granting us guardianship. After he said all his legal, official words - he turned to us unexpectedly and offered up some incredibly kind and encouraging words about what we are doing in adopting this child from His country. The honor is all ours!

Now that we have the ruling in hand, we were able to drive back to Kampala to finish up the paperwork needed with the Embassy (we have been 5 hours away in Dorcas's town - Fort Portal - since coming to Uganda). Aaron and Provi are going back to Colorado on Sunday night. We will miss them, for sure. Especially Dorcas. She has attached to Provi in such a beautiful way. I'm afraid she will grow very bored with just mom. Please pray for the remainder or our time to go swiftly so we can all be together SOON.

We are so blessed. We are in awe of this sweet child, and enjoying getting to know her. More to come now that details can be shared! But for now.....

Enough of my blabbering - here's what you really are interested in:

First greetings! (Kids here are taught to shake hands and bow upon meeting an adult.)

But shaking hands just wasn't gonna be enough. She graciously offered us a hug!!!

Meeting big sister, Provi, for the first time. She went straight for the hug!

Dorcas showed us to her room and began to pack her bag.

Daddy won her over by being silly!

Right at home! Playing play-do with Provi

A walk in the gardens!

Goofs!

SWIM!!!!

Court...waiting for our ruling.

URGENT Home needed

2011-10-04T12:54:00.000-07:00

If ever you linked to my blog, tweet my posts, or do what my posts tell you to - now is the time.

We've had the honor to meet a sweet, sweet school aged boy in our Uganda Sweetie's home. He is in DESPERATE need of a family .... like yesterday. He does have some "special needs" but nothing that you can't handle. Promise.

Please help me spread the word. Because by desperate, I mean desperate. No. Really. Desperate.

Anyone who wants more info can leave a comment w/ their contact info and I will be in touch regarding details.

Thanks. Ready, set, FORWARD!

Boredom and stuff.

2011-10-03T12:14:00.000-07:00

I don't have much to report today. Twas a slow day. In fact, we are getting a little bored. It rained a lot. And by a lot .... I mean monsoon a lot. Our hotel room is on the second floor of our building, and the rain was blowing straight onto our little balcony. I thought we were in danger of flooding even on the top floor. (It didn't...but that is really how hard it was raining.) We ran some errands in town in between "gully-washers" (as Aaron likes to call them). The girls got a bit of swim time in along with chasing the Lizards. But with all the rain, it is down right COLD here. The chattering of the teeth told us it was time to be done once again. We spent the majority of the day curled up in our little "home" just playing. It seems to be a very secure place for Little Miss, though. We see the brightest side of her when it is just us at "home". Outside these 4 walls, a look of concern and uncertainty will quickly well up on her sweet little face. So we are happy to stay in. Besides that, it's been a long time since we've had the opportunity to just be bored.

So since there isn't much news from the day, I think I will just state some random facts for the sake of memory, and possibly some good laughs.

- Little Miss has an amazing sense of direction. Our driver is not from the town we are in, and he gets lost....often. Aaron has even remembered turns before he has. It's actually kind of funny, considering he's a "professional driver". The other day, we were on the outskirts of town, and the driver made it clear that he wasn't sure how to get back. Well....Little Miss did. She would point every now and then telling us to go in a certain direction. And wouldn't you know it? She landed us right back at the hotel! As the director of her orphanage says, "They're Village kids ... they have to know their way around the village."

-Her manners are unbelievably good. I asked Aaron what we are doing wrong at home. This Sweet Child throws away even the tiniest piece of trash. She pushes her chair in. She flushes the toilet. She wipes her hands with a napkin. She falls to her knees to greet adults (cultural thing .... but still .... I can't even get my kids to look an adult in the eyes). She eats whatever food you give her, and totally clears her plate - she'll even eat the chicken down to the bone. (This one is understandable considering the amount of food she is used to eating...but still! I'm used to complete opposite at meal times.) She dresses herself promptly after waking up, puts her dirty clothes in the right spot, makes her bed, and washes her hands at appropriate times WITHOUT being told. My favorite was possibly tonight as I observed her brushing her teeth. She squeezed the tube FROM.THE.BOTTOM, folks. I can't even get Aaron to do that! (Totally teasing. Let's be honest - I don't do that either.) I'm wondering if all of this will last. All of these things are the little challenges in parenting...and the more kids you have, the easier (I guess) it becomes to overlook some of these manners. Maybe I shouldn't have been overlooking them! (Please don't hear me bashing my kids here, or their manners. No, that's not it. Instead, I've noticed the fantastic work of the care givers in teaching so many kids these small details that I can't even manage to instruct my 4 in. Fail.)

- She will school you at UNO. We're trying to get her to tell us where she learned it. Little card shark, that one.

- She can make a play-do sculpture like no-one's business. She takes one look at the side of the box, and crafts her mini replica.

- When we drive over bumps (of which there are many), she likes to chant "bumpbumpbumpbumpbump" until it is smooth again. Very cute.

- Every time we see a random dog, I will say - "DOG! GUNTHER" in a funny voice. (Gunther is the name of our dog at home.) She cracks up every time.

- The 4 foot vulture that I mentioned the other day is in fact a stork. Our director got a good laugh at our lack of bird knowledge. Whatever the thing is ... it is unnatural looking to say the least. It looks like a creature from Avatar.

This picture really doesn't do this thing justice. I was standing really far away. Up close, the thing is seriously as big as Provi.

- We had a lizard in our bathroom. We tried to chase it away, but it darted behind the bathroom mirror, never to be seen again. I think it was magical. Maybe it jumped down the toilet, went into the sewage area and got eaten by the giant Avatar Stork. (Provi is hopeful that it jumped in her suitcase. She wants to take one home.)

- There are nasty, huge, black wasps here. If you've been around me at all - you know my feelings about these awful creatures. So needless to say, when I saw one, I wasn't happy. Apparently, they are unlike our Amercanized wasps that are mean and hunt humans. These ones really do leave you alone. But they are still freaky.

Well, enough randomness for today. For not having much to report, this has turned into a really long post. Sorry about that. It's a big week for us...so hopefully you'll be hearing more soon!

CHURCH and a lazy Sunday afternoon

2011-10-02T05:01:00.000-07:00

Today we visited church here in Uganda. And by Church, I mean CHURCH ! Oh yeah. Hands clapping. Feet moving. Voices singing LOUD. They clapped for Jesus, they sang for Jesus, they jumped for Jesus, they raised their hands for Jesus, they strutted for Jesus, they waved for Jesus. (No, really - those were the words to the song, and they made the motions with each one. Strutting was perhaps my favorite. I think I'm going to strut for Jesus from here on out in church service.)

The service ran for 2 hours. Yes, 2. (And we hear that is short for this area!) There was a lot of music. All the children were invited up front for a Children's blessing. Our little Ugandan Sweetie marched right on up with the rest of the children, as the Minister prayed a special blessing over the children and their parents. I'm up for this one being added to the American service!

Next, all the visitors were asked to stand. Us Muzungu's (white people) stood out just a tad, but now we got to actually stand. Oh boy! They also recognized the woman who we were with. They called her the "Grandmother to all Children", and told about the amazing ministry she runs here. Then they recognized all the Americans who were there. (All 4 of us.) Everyone clapped.

Then came time for the offering. It took place during the music with everyone still standing and singing and dancing. Very joyful giving. It's hard to not have joy when you are moving to a beat and singing praises to the one we are giving to. Then we sat, and they asked for Thanksgivings. Apparently this is another offering for those who are thankful for something from the past week. They go up front to give thanks and offer more money in response to all they are thankful for. I thought this was fantastic. We should do this in America! Gives a whole new meaning to counting your blessings. :)

Next it was time for the Preacher (Bishop). He stood up and said that today he was more of a teacher than a preacher. He spoke about the pillars of His denomination and made it clear what they believe and don't believe, and how to live in response. It was no nonsense, there was no fear of offending anyone, and he was clear and to the point. (Very different than many American churches.)

The next part, I must admit, made me giggle a bit (just because of how different it was to me). Toward the end of the service, they had an auction. Someone had brought in a bunch (and by bunch, I mean probably 100) of Matooke (green bananas) to sell to the highest bidder. The money would go to the church. I believe the highest bid came in at about $35 US dollars. (More than double what they worth. And also quite a bit of money for this area.) Yet another thing I think they should do in America! Next week, what will you offer for the auction??? :) It was fantastic. There was more singing, communion, and we were dismissed.

What an experience. Oh....perhaps one of my favorite things here - when one is finished praying, and you say "Amen", you clap. Why would we NOT clap at the end of prayer? Makes sense to me.

We came back to our hotel after church and laid around for a bit. Aaron took a nap while I went down for some YUMMY coffee and watched Providence and little Miss UG Sweetie run and play in the Gardens. I read a bit, but mostly kept looking up to see the sweetness of these 2 girls blowing bubbles and laughing and chasing. She loves Providence so much already. (I'm actually a bit concerned about how she will be when Provi has to go home. But we'll deal with that later.)


View from the porch.

Next it was time to swim! We know our UG Sweetie has swam/swum/swimmed (whatever that should be...Angie???) once before - but from the expression on her face, you'd think this was her first time ever being in water. She couldn't get enough of it. Even when it began to rain, the girls wouldn't get out. They just stayed in splashing and jumping and shivering ... it was COLD! Finally, seeing the girls shiver and shake - we told them enough for today. We promised to go again tomorrow.

We're back in our room now, and the girls are playing cards. Sweet, sweet times. The joy on this new child's face can't be explained in words. We had been told in the past that she hardly ever laughs. However, we are seeing just the opposite. She laughs often, and makes the funniest noises in response to our gestures. Her huge grin appears quickly at our slightest attempts. Seeing her joy brings us great joy - and for this we are so very thankful.

Until tomorrow.....

Home

2011-10-01T04:22:00.000-07:00

Y'all are still asleep, and I've posted a blog post, did what we had planned for the day, and am now posting again. You people are lazy! Get up! (Of course, I'm kidding.)

We just got back from visiting our UG Sweetie's old home. We saw where she lived, met neighbors, and heard much of her history. To be honest, it was really hard. Seeing the life that is lived here, the tragedy, the heartbreaks. I suppose tragedy and sorrow are everywhere .... but the stories we just heard, and how deep the pain runs is more than most I know will ever experience - myself included.

We are so grateful to have these glimpse of "Sweetie's" history. We want to honor the life she came from and help her to never forget it. We've been afraid of her being afraid. (That sounds funny.) But at every turn, she clings to our hands and pulls us back to the car. She certainly understands what is happening, and seems as if it isn't coming fast enough for her. A good friend emailed me this morning and encouraged me that no matter how hard these days may be, I should savor every moment. The moments this afternoon were certainly savored....and will never be forgotten.

(I know that I'm being really vague still on my blog still. Please remember that pictures and details can come only if and when the Judge honors us the great privilege of guardianship of this sweet little one.)

In other news, we moved hotel today. (For the 3rd time since landing.) Living out of a suitcase is not my specialty. We stepped into our new hotel and decided it was home for a while...so I unpacked some. I was pulling out some of our Uganda Sweetie's new dresses, and she would squeal in delight.

Now, if only my kids would wake up in America so we can Skype, I'd appreciate it!

Strange and Beautiful

2011-10-01T01:24:00.000-07:00

We are having a wonderful time here in this beautiful Country. We've been spending time just playing and giggling. Our Ugandan Sweetie has the most beautiful smile, and the sweetest little laugh. She's very soft spoken, but we're thinking that will change easily upon entering our loud home. She is smart beyond words. She has captured our hearts.

Today we are off to see where she is from, and gain as much knowledge of her history as possible. We are excited and nervous about this time.

Strange and interesting sights - 4 foot vultures outside our window. Baboons in the street (although that was very fun to see!) Black wasps. Ugh. (Although, unlike American wasps, they really do leave you alone!)

Beautiful sights - The mountains! The lush, green grass. The amazing gardens. The rainfall while still sunny. Our Ugandan Sweetie.

The journey has just begun!

The Eagle Has landed!

2011-09-28T02:14:00.000-07:00

First of all, let me just say that I know some of you are getting our updates on Twitter, Facebook, blogging, and private emails. If that is you - I'm sorry for the over-kill. There are a handful of people that are only following our journey in any one of those ways. That, and I'm over-the-top excited to be at this part of the journey. So over-kill is my way of shouting it to the moon how over-joyed I am. ;)

We made it to our hotel around 1:00 am Uganda time. After a shower and getting everything settled, we got a call on Skype from back home. What a sweet welcoming to see our 3 kids back home! I'm so thankful for an internet connection that held long enough for us to see them and talk for a few moments.

Sleep never felt better! As I laid there closing my eyes, I was tempted to not sleep as I was taking in all the sounds of outside. It brought me back to our time in Ethiopia. The wild dogs, the loud music, the chanting. I was trying to figure out if the sounds I was hearing here in Uganda were similar. The music, while not the same as Ethiopian music, was just as loud into all hours of the morning. I loved it!

We awoke this morning and as we were able to finally see this land in daylight .... it took our breath away. Provi's expression was priceless! We haven't even left our hotel yet, and I'm in love! We sat outside with our breakfast .... and yes, some of the most fantastic coffee on the planet. Oh how I love Africa! Aaron and Provi went to scout out the hotel that we'll be at today while I sat savoring my coffee and listening to some Eva Cassady playing overhead. (Thought of you PJ!!) I read a few chapters from Isaiah, and rested in knowing that God's story of redemption has been written all along. The reason we are here is heartbreaking, but His plans of joy and hope are nothing short of amazing. (Maybe even epic.)

Well .... off we go. Today we run errands. Scout out lodging. Meet with the attorney. Find water. (And if Provi gets her way, swim. :) )

Thanks for following along. You earn 3 bonus points if you are following along in every method possible.

Random, weary travelers.

2011-09-26T23:42:00.000-07:00

We are sitting in the Amsterdam Airport. We should be sleeping, but we can't. The woman coming over the loudspeakers speaking Dutch every 2 seconds is a bit distracting. Not to mention it is 8:00 am here, so it's bright and noisy. So really, what else is there to do but blog??

We made it out the door this morning, with only 2 times of having to turn around and run back in due to something I forgot to pack. The third time, upon realizing that I had left the kitchen sink behind, Aaron told me we had to go. :)

It was a hard, sniffly morning. I was sad to say goodbye to the kids, and they were sad as well. So hard. We heard news that the evening was MUCH better and the tears were all gone, so that brings me peace.

God is really amazing. A while back I was out with a friend for coffee. I was going to pay with my card, because I had only $4 cash in my wallet. I told her it needed to stay there b/c our UG Sweetie's visa is exactly $404 dollars, and we have to have the $4 or they won't give change. I knew I'd forget to get 4 more dollar bills if I spent those. Last minute though, I decided to use my precious $4 bills. Fast forward to this morning, and I was hand delivered a special note with a generous gift. And can I just tell you that it was this gift that finally brought me to full tears after saying good-bye to the kids? Aside from the generosity, I was blown away by the fact that she had remembered our conversation .... and there in my hand were 4 dollar bills. I had indeed forgotten to get the cash for this. I love that God had prompted her to give me the $4, and that she obeyed. I have some pretty amazing friends - and one really amazing God.

Onto the flights. 12 hours done, 14 more to go. I have no clue what time zone I'm in. Trying to disperse meds for strep throat, malaria, and sleeping pills at appropriate times is proving to be a bit of a challenge when the time keeps changing on me. We've been served pasta and chicken for late afternoon snack, and an egg sandwich for a midnight snack. Can't wait for the lasagna for breakfast!

Provi is a trooper. She's had 5 minutes of sleep. Maybe it feels like a sleepover, only with less giggling and nonsense. She and I have begun our Harry Potter Movie Marathon. And she and Aaron have played endless hours of Angry Birds. She has been nothing but excited for this trip. She's too young to be anxious like her mother - just pure excitement! Have I told you how happy I am that she had the guts to take this trip with us? She's a pretty cool kid, that Provi-Anne girl.

Hmmm.... oh, I already tweeted it, but I am pretty stoked about my mad packing skills. After hours of shifting things from one suitcase to the next to keep them all under 50 lbs, then stand on the scale repeatedly looking at a number I hadn't seen since I was pregnant (due to holding the bags) and never cared to see again .... I was pretty excited to show up to the airport this morning and see 49#, 49#, 49#, 18# (WHAT?!?!? Yeah, that was our "just in case bag". Just in case we were over, we'd throw it in there. But we didn't have to move a thing!) Oh yeah. Put that on my resume along with garage sale queen!

Well, I think that's enough random weariness now.

Oh, I'm smelly right now. It's that mix b/wn BO and Airplane funk. Mmmmmm. Lovely. I could go to that Perfumes&Cosmetics store that I'm sitting here staring at.

Okay. Off to find some good coffee!

Tomorrow. Wait, today.

2011-09-26T00:02:00.000-07:00

Well..... here we go!!!! The moment we have been waiting for is here! We knew 6 months ago that the Ugandan Sweetie on the screen was who we would hope and pray would join our family.

Many speed-bumps later...we're finally ready to board that plane. What we thought would be a trip three weeks ago is coming to fruition..... tomorrow.

Tomorrow we get on that big plane (you know, the red and blue striped thing with 4 wheels that looks like a big Tylenol ;) ). Our 6, yes 6, bags are packed. (And that's packing lightly!) Almost each bag weighs in at 49.5 pounds. We're praying the person that checks us in has a heart when their scale (that is most certainly off) weighs each bag 1 pound over.

Months have gone by of planning and preparing. Painting. Gathering. Storing. Dreaming. Spending. Creating. Wondering. Praying. And here it is! All the planning in the world will not fully prepare us for what is about to come. Our life as a family of 6 is about to change....and this is good. So good. I don't know what the future holds, but I do see God's hand in the past bringing us to the present. So with faith and joy and MUCH anticipation .... we are jumping in!

The fears I have of our cozy family of 6 shifting to 7 ..... they will soon be replaced with the reality of our Ugandan Sweetie.

The fears I have of if she will like us .... they will soon be replaced with the reality of our Ugandan Sweetie.

The fears I have of how we will work out our finances, our schedules, our attention & affection....they will all be replaced with the reality of our Ugandan Sweetie.

There is nothing left to buy. Nothing left to re-arrange. Nothing left to paint. Nothing left to wash. No meals left to cook and freeze. No cleaning left to do. No car seats left to buy. Nothing left to pack (well, except my make-up bag of course!). Nothing left to prepare for.

Tomorrow (wait ...TODAY !!! Oh my goodness!!! TODAY!!! It is 1:00am. I so should be in bed!)

Tomorrow/today we board that big plane with our 6 bags and sit. For a really.long.time. as we make our way to our Ugandan Sweetie.

Pray for us.

Isaiah 14:24

2011-09-06T14:17:00.000-07:00

This was the week we were scheduled to leave for Uganda. Due to some circumstances beyond anyone's control, our trip will be delayed. We don't know until when, but we're praying it won't be long.

Many of you have been praying for the details, and for that - we thank you. I've been praying for mountains to move, and miracles to happen .... and of course I've been praying for them to happen the way I want them to.

Well, things aren't happening the way I want them to. It dawned on me that had they, I would be blogging - shouting to the rooftops of God's faithfulness in answering our prayers. So why I would I not proclaim the same thing even when things don't go my way?

In all honesty, I'm heartbroken and confused.

However....

Here I am shouting to the rooftops. GOD IS FAITHFUL !!! He hears our prayers. I still believe He is in control. I still believe He is sovereign. I still believe He IS moving mountains to unite us with our Ugandan Sweetie. I still believe He is in the details. I still believe He loves our Ugandan Sweetie more than I ever can or will. Maybe He's not revealing all the details of how, but He is just the same.

^{Isaiah 14:24}

²⁴The LORD of hosts has sworn: "As I have planned,
so shall it be,
and as I have purposed,
so shall it stand,

I'm thankful and humbled that He's letting me be a part of this story.

Bring it.

2011-09-03T20:11:00.000-07:00

What do the following things have in common:
Washing machine, my hair, new Suburban, lawn mower, and adoption ?

I know ... none of these things are at all like the others, huh?

Answer:
All schemes of the Enemy to try and crush us. Every single one of those things have brought up some major unforeseen expenses. (Of course, we knew the adoption had expenses, but there have been some that weren't planned for that have been thrown into the mix.) It's almost laughable at how he tends to use the same means to distract us whenever we are facing something big. Almost.

As much as I'm dying to tell the funny story here with how my hair turned green (just like Anne in Anne of Green Gables!), or the story from the laundry mat (with pictures and everything), or the conversation with the guy at the car place when they fixed our new car, or the choking/white smoke flooding our entire neighborhood after attempting to mow the lawn .... I just don't have it in me right now. I want to find humor in these things...and probably on some level, I do. But right now it's taking every ounce of strength to tell Satan that HE is the one being crushed, not me ... that God has called us into something that He will not leave us alone in .... that God will provide greater than what the Enemy is trying to steal ... that his discouraging side-shows are not making me wish one single second that we wouldn't be doing what we are doing.

In four days, we are (Lord-willing) boarding a plane to meet the Ugandan Sweetie we've been longing for and praying for. We will be standing before a Judge very soon (Lord willing) asking that He grant us favor to call this child our own. And I am so thankful to be in this journey, no matter how the Enemy tries to knock us down.

Next in line? Plans will be change, details will be missed, and finally - our kids will get sick and I'll feel awful about leaving them. Eden already started it.

Bring it.

Uganda bound !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-08-18T09:20:00.000-07:00

Our court date was set !!!!

We will be leaving to meet our Ugandan Sweetie in less than 3 weeks !!!

Let the planning begin.

We praise God for this long awaited news !!

Off to plan, and pack, and cook, and clean, and oh my .... the to-do list is growing!!!!

More to come.......

An update .... or something

2011-07-14T20:35:00.000-07:00

Sorry to have been so silent on this blog. I don't have much to share. We've been hopefully and anxiously waiting news of a court date. We've been praying (as have many of you) to be in Uganda now. But we aren't. We're in Colorado. Courts close tomorrow. We won't be in Uganda tomorrow either.

I have to admit, my heart is aching. I'm confused, I'm torn, I'm angry, I'm sad. I want more than anything to see our Ugandan Sweetie in person. To hug her. To tell her how much I love her. To stand before a Judge and petition for her.

I longed to see God move mountains. I longed to see Him pave the way for us to be there with her now - miraculously. I've watched many adoptive families over the last two months have HUGE and IMPOSSIBLE prayers answered. I desperately wanted that to be our story. But it's not. Not today anyway.

That's actually only partly true. The part about huge and impossible prayers not being answered, it's not entirely true. See, because while God didn't move the mountains for us to be in Uganda before courts closed, He's moving the mountains in my heart. And let me tell you - some days, I'm pretty sure those mountains are more expansive than the Rockies. He's asking me to trust Him. He's asking me to have faith in His timing and His plan. He's asking me to believe that He loves our Ugandan Sweetie more than I do or ever will. He's asking me to worship Him regardless of what my eyes see or my heart feels. He's reminding me that it's really easy to trust in Him when things go my way - but it takes a faith that comes from Him to trust in Him when they don't. And here's the miracle - He's giving me the grace to do it. This doesn't mean I'm not sad. It doesn't mean I don't break down in tears, pleading with our agency director to do something - ANYTHING. But it does mean that there is a peace in my heart amidst the struggle that I know comes from a really.big.God. I knew as we awaited court that the bigger miracle in our story right now would be for God to work in my heart. And I didn't want to see that miracle. I wanted the other one. I knew He was going to have to make it possible for me to have the faith needed to trust Him. I wasn't sure He would. But He has.

God is using this time to challenge a lot of what I SAY I believe about Him, prayer, His love for me, His love for Orphans .... my love for Him. It's hard, but good.

Aaron passed along a quote to me a few weeks back that I've been pondering. I don't like it when bad stuff happens. None of us do. I don't like that I feel pain, that my kids feel pain, that the child I'm longing to adopt feels pain. And sometimes I just don't know what to do with the reality that we do. This quote cut to the core....

"....... if your basic premise is that God exists to serve mankind and you happen to be going through a period of suffering, is God going to have to solve your problems for him to mean anything to you? The health and wealth gospels that we’ve heard so much about are merely outgrowths of this man-centered religion. However, if you take it the other way around, we’re there for God’s benefit and then He has a purpose even in our suffering. Christianity does not involve our solving everybody’s human problem, but instead involves our showing we can go through human problems in a way that honors God. Until Christians in our country understand that, Christianity is not going to have the impact that it once had, either for revival or for cultural change."

I know this "problem", this "suffering" will end. Not all who are suffering can say that. So maybe this seems silly. But it's where I am today. So today - I ask God to continue to move ... to continue to give me the grace to go through my human problem in a way that honors Him. For His Glory.

rescue me speedily!

2011-06-15T21:07:00.000-07:00

A sweet friend (that was for you Michelle) sent me a message tonight with a verse that she is praying for our Ugandan Sweetie. I was so blessed by it, and cannot stop dwelling on it. I loved it so much that I want it to become the prayer I pray for her ... and the prayer that anyone who thinks of her can pray for her.

I can't imagine being a six year old girl anticipating a whole new world.... a world that can't come soon enough. I can't imagine the thoughts, the fears, the hope, the emotions that accompany what I'm being told is around the corner. It's so hard for us to wait for her. I can't imagine what she feels like as she waits for us.

So for her, my daughter, this I pray:

Psalm 31:1-5 :
In you, O LORD, do I take refuge;
   let me never be put to shame;
   in your righteousness deliver me!
Incline your ear to me;
   rescue me speedily!
Be a rock of refuge for me,
   a strong fortress to save me!
For you are my rock and my fortress;
   and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me;
you take me out of the net they have hidden for me,
   for you are my refuge.
Into your hand I commit my spirit;
   you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.

Read the bold portion again. Beautiful. Don't you love that God has given us these beautiful passages in his Word? I am. When I have no words left, when I can't think of any more prayers to pray - He gives me this.

Thank you Andrea for this precious gift.

To this I cling

2011-05-31T22:39:00.000-07:00

Our adoptions seem to hold individual themes for me. And by theme, I mean one truth being continually beat into my head. To recap from Malachi - the theme was control (my lack thereof to be exact). I walked away proclaiming to any new adoptive family that "adoption has nothing to do with what you want - and everything to do with the heart of God." In other words, don't try to control this - because it has no part in this journey.

It didn't take long into this second adoption for me to clearly see that God's theme for me was going to be "Faithfulness". One day when this adoption is complete, I plan to have a ridiculously long blog post (you know, because all my blog posts are generally short...) outlining His faithful hand over this adoption. I tear up at the thought of all he has already done. I am learning that God's faithfulness has much less to do with me and my plans (and prayers), and much more with his story unfolding.

There are two extremes in adoption, or at least I've made two extremes. (The story of my life.) One extreme is how I lived through the entire first adoption. This would be: trying to control every aspect of the process, being an emotional wreck when things don't go your way, making those around you miserable just because you are, being beyond consumed with the planning and the dreaming of the child that will be yours, impatient, pleading with God to move things along - only to be so broken when things don't go your way that you aren't sure how to pick yourself up when it's all said and done. Pleasant.

The second extreme is what I have found myself living this adoption. It all came to my attention about three weeks ago. This extreme would be: emotionally removed, self-protecting, distant from the process, even more distant from allowing another child into my mothers heart; not able to even pray about the process, the timing, or the child because it was just too much to let it all in because after all - God was going to work this in His time no matter what I do or don't do, so being "guarded" is the safest way to go to remain sane and keep friends around. Joyful.

Thankfully, three weeks ago, this second extreme came crashing to the ground. We found out some information about our little Ugandan Sweetie that just broke me. My mothers heart for this little one came bursting through every crack in the wall that I had built. I realized all I was doing, I realized that I wasn't letting HER into my heart because I was so afraid of the hurt we endured when adopting Malachi happening all over again. What hurt? Well, to be honest - it came when we were facing court closures while adopting Malachi. I was so convinced that because Jesus loved me, because He loved Malachi, He would hear my prayers and bring us this child before courts closed. He didn't. We waited four extra months (very long months) to welcome him into our arms. I was left so confused. I didn't understand why God didn't just orchestrate things for us to have him home earlier rather than later. I D.R.E.A.D.E.D that emotion this time. I dreaded the doubting I knew still lingered in my heart from Malachi's adoption.

Oh the doubting. It doesn't take very long to do a BibleGateway search to find verse after verse about God answering our prayers, about God granting us the desires of our hearts, of God telling us He will answer if only we ask .... and ask in faith. So when He doesn't answer .... correction .... when He doesn't answer the way we (I) want Him to - was it Him being unfaithful, or was it my lack of faith in asking? And if I truly had the expectant faith of answered prayers, then surely it reflects HIS problem. But if I believe the Bible to be true, which I do, then it WASN'T His problem, it most certainly was my lack of faith that I just didn't realize existed. (Aren't you glad you don't have to live inside of my head??? Brutal.)

So this adoption I wanted to seem holier than I thought I was, so I labeled my doubting as "caution". In the name of Jesus and all things Calvinist (don't ask me what that means), I held firm to the truth that God was going to work this all together in HIS perfect timing no matter what I wanted or asked for. See, I had learned my lesson about control the first time around. None of this had anything to do with me. So I may as well go with the flow and wait on Him. This required no emotion, no prayer, no longing. Just waiting. Certainly I had become an expert at waiting.

Thankfully, God placed a wonderful friend in my life who had the privilege of me unloading all of this on. She graciously and lovingly corrected me after quietly listening. She reminded me that as this little one's mother, I had a RESPONSIBILITY to pray her home. Wow. For someone who is such an "advocate" of orphans, you'd think I would have understood this. My little Ugandan Sweetie has no voice. She needs a voice. I AM HER VOICE. So before the Throne I went. And into my heart she came.

I've ridden on the coat tail of the phrase that when asked why bad things happen to good people states:

"A better question to ask is, why do good things happen to bad people."

It sustains me ... through most things. However, since the adoption of Malachi when I could barely cling to this statement anymore because I was so confused about WHY God didn't answer our prayers the way we prayed, we've seen (and lived) some of the harshest times we've ever known. We've prayed for things, and have seen dear friends pray for things only to be let down in the end that God didn't answer the desired way. We've seen some cling to Him in response, we've watched others turn their backs as a result. I'm not talking about little things anymore like my adoption. I'm talking about things like children having to shift to Glory before seeing this world. Moms and Dad having to watch children brutally suffer and in the end, pass from this world to the next...children much too young. Dads who were not healed, but instead taken to Glory leaving behind wife and children. Wombs left empty after years of prayers. Failed businesses. Crushed dreams. Marriages struggle....marriages end. Financial loss and burden far greater than what most of us will ever endure. Cancer. Death. 147 Million Orphans still not set in family.

In the face of these things, I say - God surely you are there. You say in your Word that you love your Children. You love family. You love marriage. You love the Orphans. You long to heal, to redeem. But sometimes you don't. So then what?

While my longing for our next child to be home before courts close pales in comparison to what I've just listed, it's what I face today. It feels at times more than my faith allows me to deal with, and at other times what I pray for the ability to prove my character with so that when harder days come - I'm ready. What is an extra couple months in the grand scheme of eternity if she doesn't make it home this summer? Nothing, I'm sure. But the grand scheme of things in my heart is very different at times. I want to pray in faith. I want to ask FULLY expecting God to work a miracle because He can....because I asked. But so did everyone else who I just talked about. So when it doesn't look like the mountains are moved, when it doesn't look like the expectant faithful prayers of His people are answered - what am I left to cling to?

This is what I cling to..... My prayers have very little to do with me. My faith-filled longings and requests have very little to do with me. At the end of the day - God's story unfolding before me is what will bring Him glory. Because it is His story. God's story - that He's allowing me to be a part of - is where His glory will be found. This has nothing to do with me. If he doesn't answer my prayers as prayed, it doesn't mean I lacked faith. It doesn't mean He didn't hear. It doesn't mean He wasn't faithful. No, it means that His ways are not mine, and that if I truly believe what he says - He WILL work all things together for good. Unlike the popular pop song - it's not because "the rest is still unwritten" , it's because the "rest is not revealed." He's revealing it. We get to watch. We will get to sit on the other side one day in FULL glory seeing what He saw, and falling to our knees in praise for how He did it. (And in full repentance for our part in such a mess.) That is what I cling to.

So I come before the Throne, afraid and broken STILL of His answer, pleading for my daughter. Today I am her voice. Not because I'm tired of waiting. But for her. I ask He grant her family. Grant her health. Grant her love. And if she has to wait a few extra months - grant me grace. Grant her patience. May your name be known and praised. But God --- bring her home. With my mustard seed of faith, I ask this mountain to move.

We asked, you asked, and HE heard!!

2011-05-19T18:45:00.000-07:00

Y'all are some serious prayer warriors! Thanks for being on our side! We have been waiting on one piece of paper, and our entire affidavit. (For those who know adoption lingo - affidavit is the Ugandan term for dossier. For those who don't know adoption lingo - that is the term for our entire life in paper form. No really, our entire life. It is the compilation of papers that get sent to the officials in Uganda to petition for guardianship of one of their precious children.) We asked on Monday for prayer this week. Well... early in the week we heard the one piece of paper came in! A glimmer of hope! We continued to pray for the remainder of the paperwork (the affidavit) to come in by weeks end. Here it is .... Thursday night .... and IT CAME IN !!!! We are praising God for this!

So since you guys are such amazing prayer warriors, please continue to pray that we can be granted a court date before mid July.

Thanks for journeying with us! May all glory be to God!

Praying her home

2011-05-16T14:07:00.000-07:00

We need your prayers. Our daughter needs your prayers.

These requests don't come from JUST an impatient Mama .... these requests come from a mother's heart breaking for her daughter who needs to get home.

As always, I can't share details, but I just need to ask that you would pray with us. We are not giving up hope of traveling for court this summer before court closures. But in order for this to happen, our paperwork needs to get finished and filed SOON. I feel like there are so many mountains in the way of us getting to our Uganda Sweetie by this summer that to be honest - it's hard to have the faith that it is really possible.

And yet I know it is ......

Matthew 17:20

For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you."

So please pray (specifically):
1) Paperwork to get finished THIS WEEK and filed ASAP
2) Pray for a court date to be given before July.
3) Continue to pray for her health.
4) Pray for this aching Mama's heart to find that mustard seed somewhere deep inside .... I know it's got to be there.

I am committed to praying our little girl home .... will you join us?

Zeph 3:17

2011-04-27T22:03:00.000-07:00

For some reason tonight, a poem written 2.5 years ago came to my mind. I dug it up. Here is the poem.

Zeph 3:17

darkened playhouse
small church in worship
indie music on stage
percussion clanging
guitars sagging
praises sung

together
in the worshiping shadows
stands one white Midwest mom
with one dark Ethiopian infant son

now located in Nebraska cold
cradled softly in glad mother’s
outstretched arms
eyes filled with wonder looking up
to absorb his mother’s song

voice above him
assuring arms beneath
held in love
unfamiliar yet at peace
marveling to listen at the foreign song
of adopted love rejoicing

This song was written by Tony Reinke, a man I'm somehow related to, but can never remember how. That's beside the point. He didn't know who I was. (So I'm certain I'm in the 3rd removed category or something.) He saw Malachi in my arms at our church back home (in Omaha). Malachi had only been home a short month or so. I actually remember the service vividly. Malachi was so content in my arms as I danced and sang in Worship. It was a sweet moment with him. He would look up at my singing lips and grin. He would clap at the end of songs. And at times he would just hold his hands in the air as I sang (mimicking his new crazy charismatic mama). When my dad alerted me to this poem, I found it delightful, voicing what I never could (or at least not as beautifully). It's this picture of singing over my son .... of the reminder that according to Zeph. 3:17, my heavenly Father sings over me. (Hopefully He sounds better!)

You know, Malachi still likes to climb into my arms while I'm singing. I like that.

This post is completely random. Like I said, it just came to my mind out of nowhere tonight. (I suppose most things come to me out of nowhere. It's truly fascinating.) But it did send my mind to the girl we've fallen in love with. A child waits in Uganda. We wait for her. We pray for her. We pray the gift of guardianship be granted to us SOON for her. But mostly, I pray the last stanza of the above poem be true for our Ugandan Sweetie. We already love her. We will be so unfamiliar. We pray she has peace. Our songs will be foreign. Yet we pray she rejoices in our love just the same.

held in love
unfamiliar yet at peace
marveling to listen at the foreign song
of adopted love rejoicing

Love and Hugs

2011-04-12T20:37:00.000-07:00

Today I went to the website that had our Ugandan Sweetie listed on their Waiting Child List. My heart skipped a beat when I saw that her name was no longer on the list. I can't even explain how it made me feel to know that this one child....this one very precious child .... no longer had reason to be WAITING.

We've been receiving a few updates about our Ugandan Sweetie. It's been good for our hearts to hear what is progressing on the other side of the world to help make this all happen.

At the top of the list of priorities (for us) is that our Sweets needs to be told of the happenings in her near future. They will begin to introduce this idea of adoption to her, this idea of a new family - a new Dad, a new Mom, new siblings. And not just those things, but new color as well, new language ... ALL NEW. We awoke to an email this morning of an update of a recent conversation with our Sweets. We went back and forth between - "Oh, isn't that cute?", to "That just breaks my heart and makes me want to cry." Such is adoption, I suppose. Here is what we read:

"{mama at the orphanage} asked "Sweetie" about adoption and she said she would love to have a mzungu {white} mom and dad because they would love and hug her."

I don't care what color we are - the fact remains, she longs to be loved and hugged. Done !!!

Can you imagine how many children in this world are going to bed tonight without love? Without a hug? Have you ever thought about being the "mzungu Mom or Dad" to step in? No? Well, will you pray with me anyway?

There is an 8 year old, HIV+ boy at "Sweeties" home that is also in need of a home. I've recently started praying for him to not only be adopted, but to be adopted by someone that will be a part of our lives. I pray this for the benefit of our daughter and this boys hearts. How wonderful a thing to be near someone you knew on the other side of the ocean. How wonderful a thing to be near a familiar face, someone who gets where you are from. How wonderful a thing it will be to see one more child who has been waiting for a home - find one.

Here is what the director of our program was able to tell me about him:

"Mark" (not his real name, but rather his photolisting name) is about 8 years old. I met him in September. He's sooooo cute and giggly. Mark is a bit of a prankster. He LOVES being tickled. He really wants to be loved and cuddled but is shy about it at first. We played tag forever and he just stole my heart. Mark is HIV+, on ARV's and in good health. He is a double orphan living in small orphanage for HIV+ children. Interested families can email salem@adoptionadvocates.org

His picture can be seen on the Ordinary Hero's photolisting. Interested families will need to contact OH for a password."

If you want more info about adopting a child living with HIV, please contact me. I will tell you what I know, but more than that - will point you toward people who know WAAAYYY more.

So okay, maybe it isn't you who will adopt "Mark". But again, will you pray with me for a family to come forward who WILL adopt him? Even more specifically - a family near our "Sweetie". I won't be picky though - a family anywhere will do. :)

These little ones need someone to love and hug them. I finally decided, it's heartbreaking indeed.

It's a Girl !

2011-04-07T14:40:00.000-07:00

It's a 6 year old girl at that! Yup! Remember in my last post that I told you I was hoping to inform you of some details soon? Well, here it is!

When we switched to the Uganda program, we knew we were changing to specifically pursue adopting this one girl. Well, on Monday our agency extended the "official referral" to us of this sweet, sweet little 6 yr old girl. (Sounds official, huh?) All that means is that we were able to review her entire file and decide if we wanted to proceed with adopting her or not. This is NOT a decision to be taken lightly, so we took a couple of days to really fast and pray about it. And today, I'm happy to announce .... WE SAID YES!! We would love to adopt this precious child!

So what's next ? Well, the Ugandan lawyer begins to process what is called an Affidavit. We then compile our Dossier - the remainder of the International paperwork (so backwards from every other country). That won't take long. It's a really short Dossier, and because we were already finished with our entire Dossier for Ethiopia, hopefully we already have whatever it is they will ask us for. (Each Dossier is different. They will ask different families for different things.) At that point, they file for a court date. We will have 2-4 weeks notice once the date is appointed, and we go! There will be two trips of 7-10 days, and only about two weeks in between the two trips. Because of this, we are praying about the possibility of me (Jody) staying in country the entire time (3-5 weeks total).

Unfortunately, I can't give any more details about her over the Internet right now. But the story of how God has worked in our hearts to lead us to her is a story I can't wait to tell. As for her story, well - we can't wait to find out more of her story, and graft her into ours. We are in awe that out of 150 million (give or take 10 million) Orphans in the world, God is leading us to this one.

We could use your prayers in several ways.
1) For her little heart. May she receive with excitement the news of being placed in a family - in our family. Pray that the feelings of confusion and loss are pushed aside as she instead feels the freedom to once again feel the hope of love, and family, and acceptance.
2) Pray for all of our hearts as we prepare to make room for one more in our family. There are of course a lot of practicalities that need to take place before she comes home as well - so you can pray for endurance for us all as we move rooms, sort clothes, paint walls, etc ... Pray especially for our 4 kids now, that they would grow in selflessness, as they will have to share Dad and Mom with one more little one.
3) And finally, please pray that her paperwork would be processed quickly, and that we would be able to bring her home THIS SUMMER before Court closures. Similar to Ethiopia, Ugandan courts shut down for a month or two. This happens usually from July to August ... but it could happen as early as June (and still last through August). Oh how I remember being in this same exact place of wondering if we'd squeeze in before court closures with Malachi. We didn't - and it was really, really hard for me. So I'm already praying for an extra measure of grace if we don't make it again this time.

This is all happening so fast, and yet we see the hand of God over every detail. We can't thank Him enough for his work, and are beyond blessed that He's entrusting us with one more life. We do not deserve such gifts, this I know.

It's Garage Sale Season!

2011-04-02T20:03:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite times of the year ..... GARAGE SALE SEASON !!! Aaahhh, the joy of walking around someones yard or garage picking through the stuff they no longer want. Wondering why they ever had it in the first place. (And sniffing it repeatedly only to return to find the laundry detergent used if you are like this someone I know!) Only to decide that even though they no longer need it, I surely do! I love it!

When we were in the process of adopting Malachi, we had the worlds largest garage sale. I wish I would have contacted the Guinness Book of World Records. No one currently holds the title of hosting the largest garage sale, but even if they had, I'm certain we would have beat it.

A little walk down memory lane:
For over a month, we drove around collecting items from friends who were willing to donate their "junk". (Some of them were kind enough to bring it to us, too.) I spent hours tagging, sorting, tagging some more, and laughing at some of the many things that passed through my hands. I mean, really, does anyone even WANT a platter with a naughty picture painted on it? No one but the trash I decided. We filled our entire garage, half of our neighbors garage, our front porch and the side our our house with STUFF. It was so great! The day arrived, and here was the result: (the same neighbors were kind enough to let us take over their driveway the day of the sale as well!)

Over $2000 was raised that day. And the best part? We got to share with many passers by the joy of what we were doing .... adopting a child!

Well, we are nearing the end of this second adoption journey. Wait, what? Really? We are? Yes. Lord willing. More on that to come. I do apologize for remaining silent these last few weeks about the details. Waiting and paperwork and more waiting doesn't leave much for interesting blogging. But I'm praying to fill you in on the details this next week!

Anyway .... where was I? Oh yeah, we are nearing the end of this second adoption journey. And with that, we are trying to wrap up the needed expenses we will be facing with travel. Sooooo ..... we are now open for donations once again. Drop offs accepted, pick ups being scheduled, sorry - no cleaning services available. :)

If you would like to unload some of your unwanted items, would you remember us? If so, please let me know soon so I can swing by with the trusty van. (Oh, we are shooting for the first or second weekend of May for the big event. So there's plenty of time for that Spring Cleaning!) And don't worry. If you give me some risque item, I promise to wait two years to blog about.

Yup, Uganda.

2011-03-14T21:48:00.000-07:00

Well there's no putting anything past you guys, is there?!?! I'm obviously used to playing "I Spy" with small children.

You spotted it! There was a small word, Uganda, inserted in the blog title. Like I said, small but big change. Today we sent off some paperwork to ask to be accepted into the Uganda Adoption Program. This has been a bittersweet decision. Bitter because I've longed to be back in Ethiopia, I had my heart set on Ethiopia, I had tunnel vision for Ethiopia. It's sweet because we see the Lord's hand in it, and that's always sweet.

When we started this adoption, I saw a young girl on a waiting child list. I inquired about her, I was told she lived in Uganda, so I moved on .... after all, we were adopting from Ethiopia. So we moved forward at lighting speed (compared to our last adoption); and just this past Friday, we were at the very end of the "paperchase" (the massive amount of paperwork that needs to be done for international adoption). We had everything in envelopes, got our international fingerprints done and were about to mail off our first payment for the Ethiopia program.

There's two things you need to know. 1) Once payment is submitted, there are no refunds if you choose to not complete an adoption in the current program. It can transfer to other programs within the same agency, but our agency does not have a program in Uganda, so we would have been facing losing any money paid. 2) We were waiting to hear back on the status of a grant we had applied for, a grant we were praying would provide much of the remainder of our adoption funds. This grant organization usually takes 2-3 weeks to decide. We were past 3 weeks. This grant foundation submits payment to your agency before officially notifying you of approval.

Okay, so for anyone who reads my blog or who is friends w/ me on Facebook, you know about the uproar in the Ethiopia program right now. It is heartbreaking! Children who shouldn't have to wait for families are facing years of unnecessary wait times. We knew the wait would be hard, but we knew adoption was hard - and that for sure there was nothing we could do about any of it. There was nothing WE could do. God, on the other hand, seems to be orchestrating something we didn't see coming.

Remember that girl? The one that I saw at the start of this adoption? She once again popped up on my computer screen last Thursday. I dug up the email I had sent months ago regarding her. I followed the link to the email address listed to have more information about this girl. What would it even look like to switch to a different country? Not to mention a different agency? I mean, we were done with everything .... Well, here is what it looked like.

Friday afternoon - I sent a message to this new agency asking about this girl. We soon received a reply email with a photo and a short description. Sure enough, she was still in need of a home.

Friday afternoon - We sent a message to check on the status of the grant we had applied for, as well as explaining our possible changes. For all we knew, monies had already been granted on our behalf to our agency. (So remember, we wouldn't get that money back if we left the program.)

Friday night - (WARNING: This one makes the hairs on your arm stand up, or at least it does for mine.) We received a reply email from the grant foundation telling us we had been approved, and that they had tried to submit payment to our agency that week. But for the second time in their history, there was a glitch, and the payment could not be made. They stated to us that God's timing is not our own, and that they would gladly hold on to the grant until we knew what we were doing, and submit the funds to whatever agency we chose to use.

Saturday night - I get a call from the adoption agency who has the file of this sweet girl in Uganda. What? Saturday night? Yes, Saturday night. The women took the time to explain what the program looked like, what was required of us, etc.

Monday morning - I email our current agency to see if they knew of any children that they were thinking would be good for us. They told us it would take a few days to check with their representative in Ethiopia. Within an hour, I had an email stating they had already heard back, and that there was no child on their radar for us.

Okay, at this point, we KNOW God is doing something, we just don't know what. Actually, after the grant foundation emailed us, we knew that. So we spent the weekend praying about all of this, researching Uganda and adopting from Uganda, and prayed some more. To be honest, I needed to seriously ask for clarity of thought AND heart. I needed to know that I wasn't making a rash decision because of the changes happening in Ethiopia. I needed to know that I wasn't making a decision out of my inability to be patient. I couldn't wrap my head around NOT going back to Ethiopia. But there was this girl - this sweet girl - staring through the computer screen who needs a home NOW. She's ready for a home NOW.

I read a blog last week in response to the uproar in Ethiopia. For the life of me, I cannot find it. But the blogger wrote something along these lines:

If we are serious about orphan care, we would be adopting children off the waiting child lists, rather than standing in line waiting for a child. Less corruption stemming from "supply/demand" would be the result.

Okay, so again, that's a huge paraphrase. Maybe that isn't even what she said, but that's what I read. And it's what I needed to read. That phrase is extreme and presumptuous, and I don't believe that to be true for everyone adopting. Millions of healthy infants need families too .... in fact, one of them is sleeping in the next room as I type now. That doesn't make that route any less worthy or effective. But reading that brought me back to the heart of why WE are adopting THIS TIME. I really believe that from the time God planted this seed in our hearts to adopt again (which happens to be when we were in Ethiopia getting our baby boy), we knew it was going to involve the children less sought after. The older child, the special needs child, the medically fragile child. Take your pick. Regardless, my heart was shifting. It was shifting to a girl not in Ethiopia, but in Uganda. Aaron and I both stated this weekend, that where our hearts are right now is with being the answer to a current Orphan in need. And an Orphan is an Orphan no matter where in the world they live. So should we be so committed to an Orphan in one country? We decided no. Not this time.

So today we sent off our official application to an entirely different agency with the intent to pursue adopting this little girl. We are needing to guard our hearts, as there is no guarantee that she will be ours just yet. We are holding all of this with very loose hands. For all we know, God is going to move us to Ghana next week. No ... maybe not .... but we do want to be certain that we remain open to whatever it is God has. And today, that appears to be Uganda.

More information to hopefully come soon on this girl!

I spy

2011-03-14T14:57:00.000-07:00

I spy with my little eye, a small, but very large change on this blog.

Can you find it?

The latest news ....

2011-03-10T16:25:00.000-08:00

Hopeful news! NCFA (National Council For Adoption) issued this statement today that gives us hope! The last paragraph, even though unconfirmed, gives me the most hope.

Please continue to pray!

I made it!

2011-03-09T13:44:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the prayers regarding my little public speaking event. Just wanted to follow up ...

So, I didn't throw up. Yay! Actually, I just heeded the advice to imagine everyone in their underwear. No. No I didn't. Then I really would have thrown up! ewe

Truth be told, there were so many people encouraging me via blog comments, emails, messages, texts and phone calls. People were telling me they were praying for me .... and you know what?!?!?! It was felt! I certainly had more peace than I ever have (while speaking), which was wonderful. As for clarity of mind .... there's really no way around that. It just won't ever happen. And I'm okay with that.

I asked Aaron this morning how he does this speaking thing so much? I'd be a mess all the time if I had to do it as often as him. A few people have been telling me over the last few days that the more I do it, the more confident I will become. My husband though? Well, he knows the heart of his wife. Here was his response to me. (Let me preface it by stating that he wasn't even directing his comment at me, I don't think. He said it very matter of fact, as if it was a lesson he had learned. Just don't want you thinking he was being mean to me....) Here it was - he said, "Well first of all, you have to remember it's not about you."

OUCH !!!! As always, I managed to make this mornings little event about me. I was working myself up, asking for prayer, being anxious .... because of me. Yes it's true, nervousness is normal. Yes it's good to ask for prayer. But I took it over the line, I think. When he said that, I repented. Prayed for myself what I was asking everyone else to pray - for God's story and faithfulness to be known - and peace set in. It was wonderful!

The funny thing about me when I speak, is that I hardly ever remember the things I said while I was speaking, unless of course it was something I wish I wouldn't have said. Instead, I remember all the things I wanted to say, but didn't. I have had moments of both try to sneak in, and I quickly brush them aside and thank God for the words that did come out, and forget about the ones that didn't.

Now I pray that His Spirit works in the hearts of the women who heard my story today to prompt them to be a part of God's caring for the Orphan! To Him be the glory!

Please help now!!!!!!

2011-03-09T12:45:00.000-08:00

URGENT NEED:

Please read the statement put out by the Joint Council on Internation Children's Services. Then follow the link below to PLEASE sign the petition. Millions of children need YOUR voice. (Included in the millions is one precious little girl who we don't know yet, but already has our prayers and love.)

Thank you friends.

(Again, this is a secure and reputable sight. Please have no concerns of spam or anything - just sign. They are legit!)

JCICS Call to Action

March 8, 2011

Joint Council: Emergency Campaign for Ethiopian Children

What You Can Do:

1) Sign the petition to the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Meles Zenawi – and pass it on!

2) Have you adopted from Ethiopia? Please send us up to 3 photos and 50 words or less with what you would like the Ministry to know about your child – we’ll compile the information and send a book to the Ministry of Woman’s Affairs. Send your photos and stories to advocate@jointcouncil.org by Sunday, March 12, 2011 to be included. Please note that sending photos and stories gives Joint Council unrestricted right to use the information you provide.

3) Share…Please send this Call to Action to family members, other adoptive parents, and everyone you know! Post, forward and share your adoption stories via Facebook, Twitter, and blogs. Make sure you include us in your posts so we can all hear your stories! Here’s links to our pages: Facebook, Twitter and our our blog.

4) Stay informed: Get up-to-date information regarding the situation in Ethiopia by signing up to receive information from us: click here to do so, make sure you choose “country and issues specific information” and “Ethiopia.” And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and our our blog.

5) Help ensure our advocacy can continue: Joint Council is a non-profit and receives no government funding. Please join us in ensuring more children live in safe, permanent and loving families. Donate today!

Public Speaking

2011-03-08T14:22:00.000-08:00

I've been asked to speak tomorrow morning in front of 200 women. I sort of can't stand public speaking. I know this surprises most people, given how much I enjoy talking. But put a mic in my hind and my stomach does flips and I my brain tries to run away. (Well that actually always happens.) Believe it or not, this includes speaking and singing. I just turn into a ball of nerves. Singing has gotten a little bit better the more I've done it - but speaking? Excuse me, I have to go throw up.

Anyway. I almost said no to this. I feel really inadequate. I was also uncertain about the "audience" I would be speaking to. See, I was asked to speak about one of my favorite topics - adoption! It's really, truly nothing huge. They just want me to share my story. I was hesitant to accept, because I was afraid people wouldn't listen as soon as they found out I was talking about adoption. Unless you want to adopt, you don't usually listen to someone talking about it. But caring for the Orphans has turned into something so much greater for me than adoption. It's that story I want people to hear. It's the story of God's redeeming work in the lives of these children that He loves. I want people to hear the story of His faithfulness not only to them, but to me. His faithfulness to me to be able to live out what He has asked of me. That's where most of us get hung up, if we are honest... trusting God to provide for us when He's called us to do something. I want the women tomorrow to hear just how big of a God we serve. So after much thought, actually, it didn't take much at all - as I quickly heard the Lord reminding me that this story is His, not mine. I don't get to decide who hears it and who doesn't. And I most certainly don't get to decide what is done with my story after I've shared it. That's up to Him and His Spirit. So I got over myself and said yes.

And now I'm scared out of my mind everytime I think about throwing up in front of 200 people.

So if you think about it before tomorrow morning, could you say a prayer for me? Pray that the story of God's faithfulness to the Orphan, both spiritual and earthly orphan, is heard and received. Pray that it spurs even one woman on to be a part of God's work in this area.

Dandelion Dust Thoughts

2011-03-08T13:50:00.000-08:00

Aaron and I watched the movie, Dandelion Dust, the other night. "Intense" is perhaps the only word I can use to describe it. Several times throughout the movie, Aaron asked if we could turn it off. It was that difficult to watch at times. I had read a review stating that it was a great movie, and would make you question what you believe to be right and wrong when it comes to adoption. It seemed right up our alley. And yes, I do know that it was first a book. But that would have involved reading. Not my specialty.

Anyway, I don't have much to say about the movie because I don't want to spoil it. I do actually recommend the movie. Aaron maybe wouldn't ?? But that's normal around here. There was one line that brought me to tears though as I contemplated our adoption(s). I often think of Malachi's birth mom, and fully expect to have similar thoughts toward our next child's birth mother. Whatever the reason my adopted children needed to be adopted, they had a mother before me who loved them fiercely. I know this to be true due to the fact that they now live with me. Here was the quote:

"One Mom loved you so much that she couldn't let you go. Another Mom loved you so much that she had to."

I would do ANYTHING for Malachi, for any of my children. I have a child waiting out there who will also one day hold such a place in my heart. I pray today for the Mom(s) who loved so much that her love required her to let go.

Have you seen the movie? Read the book? What do you think?

You can help an Orphan right now...Make that 45 Orphans right now!

2011-03-05T19:51:00.000-08:00

A lot of people ask what they can do to help serve the orphans if they do not feel called to adopt. Well here's a chance....

The Ethiopian Courts have made a decision to go from hearing 50 adoption cases a day, to hearing 5 a day. Yes, five. I'm not good at math, but I know that is a lot less everyday. I also know that what this means is increased waiting times for children who have a family waiting to actually make it to that family. It increases it by a lot. This ruling certainly does not seem to be in favor of the children, yet it is what has been decided. After reading some about it, I do understand that there has been a lot of "baby buying" in Ethiopia. I do not desire that at all, and have always been in favor of the rulings that the Ethiopian Government has made to ensure this is not happening. In my opinion though, this is not one of those times. It isn't uncommon in Ethiopia for rules to be made, then changed. We are praying this is one of those times. But what I do know is that an opportunity to stand up for those with no voice has risen. And it's an opportunity that anyone and everyone can grab hold of.

Will you please pray with us, as well as every other family adopting from Ethiopia right now, for the Ethiopian Government, the Courts, MOWA (Ministry of Women & Children's Affairs), and anyone else who has the power to make a difference to grasp just how bad of a decision this is for the children. Please stop right now and pray with us. We believe God wants these kids in a home. And we also believe there is someone who doesn't.

Last year there were 2500 Ethiopian Children who found a family in the US. If this ruling sticks, there will only be 500 this year. Stand with us for the 45 children whose cases will not be heard starting next week.

And the winner is.....

2011-03-02T19:36:00.000-08:00

Fellow adoptive mom, and sweet friend, Amber W. (It helped her to have her name in the drawing about 18 times.... no, of course, that was impossible.) Congratulations Amber! You get to choose between the sweatshirt and the necklace!

For those of you who missed this giveaway, don't worry too much, you'll have another chance after 100 more posts. :)

Sorry I didn't do the fun video thing while drawing the name. My cute children are already in bed, and I'm in my jammies in an ugly hotel room...no one wants to see that. (Our house is having some work done, and we didn't want to live through the dust. This is why we are at a hotel.) So, you'll have to trust me. I do promise that I didn't rig the drawing, and I really did take the first name I drew. Just for the fun of it, I kept drawing to see what other names I would draw, but Amber got the next 5, too. Again, not serious.

Anyway. Thanks for playing along. More than that, thanks for your sweet encouraging comments. Thanks for being on this journey with us!

We now return to our regularly scheduled programming.

Faithful ! {100th entry Giveaway!!!!}

2011-02-23T20:35:00.000-08:00

This is a special blog post for me....one I've been contemplating for 2 months now. I've gone back and forth about what I wanted this post to be about. See, this is my 100th post here on the adoption blog. Over at my other blog, 100 posts came and went a long time ago ... and I never even noticed. But here, there's something special to me about 100 posts written out of a desire to give a voice to those with no voice. I am so humbled to be a part of God's work in the lives of Orphans .... if only a few of them. It's a calling I don't take lightly. It's scary, it's uncertain, it's risky, it's not often welcomed, but it's worth it all.

God has us on this journey of adoption once again. In it He's proven himself more faithful to me than I ever could have imagined. He's given me an assurance of the future, and a peace for the present. I not only believe His faithfulness to place the lonely in a family, but He's also daily reminding me of His faithfulness to never leave ME in the midst of this battle. In all my fears, in all my worries about being convinced that God has the wrong mom for this job - He's asked me to get out of His way and watch Him work. Promise after promise, faithfulness after faithfulness, God is reminding me daily that He loves the fatherless, and He has a plan to redeem and rescue them. And what's exciting about this to me, is that He is allowing me to be a part of this plan.

I can't wait to continue to share more of our hearts and our journey - of God's heart, really. But for today, I end my 100th post with a song and a give-a-way!

This song is my prayer, my song, during this adoption. I find myself clinging to one or two songs as I go through different things in life. As soon as I heard, "Faithful" by Chris Tomlin, I knew this was the song for this adoption. The resounding truth of God's faithfulness is in front of me, behind me, and on every side of me as I walk this road. I hope you enjoy it, too!

As for the giveaway .... this is just fun! I've never done a giveaway before. But y'all deserve a reward for sticking with me for 100 posts!!!! Certainly you have something better to do with your time .... but just the same, thanks for riding along with me one post at a time.

Here's the deal:

What you could win:
An incredibly fitting sweatshirt (no pun intended!) that I found over at AdoptionBug.com. As soon as I saw it, I was so excited to give it away! It reminded me exactly of this theme of God's faithfulness. John 14:18 says "I will not leave you as Orphans; I will come to you." Only this shirt prints this verse in 22 different languages. So great! (An added bonus .... proceeds of the sale go to help a family who is adopting!)

So maybe a sweatshirt isn't your thing??? Well guess what? If you win, you can choose option #2 instead. A friend introduced me to this spectacular organization where I saw this necklace. Not only is it cool, but it has an extra special meaning to me. The purchase of this necklace supports the women who created it. Women living with HIV.

You win?? You pick!!

How you win:
1) Leave a comment here = 1 entry
2) Leave a Facebook post (or Tweet) directing people here = 2 entries
3) Write your own blog inviting people to this blog = 3 entries
4) Donate $1000 to our adoption = you just win. (Okay, I'm completely kidding!!)

(Just be sure to include in your comment here on my blog what you are doing so I know how many times to enter your name.)

I will draw the winner one week from today on Wednesday March 2nd.

So this whole giveaway thing is funny to me. It makes it sound like I'm begging for attention or readers or some other narcissistic motive. But the truth is, I have a voice. I have a voice that I believe is to be used for those without one. By spreading the word of one mom's blog about caring for the Orphan, you too can be a voice! If we all yell loud enough, 147 million orphans will benefit!

^{Psalm 68: 5 & 6}

⁵ A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,
is God in his holy dwelling.
⁶ God sets the lonely in families

To answer your question....

2011-01-23T22:02:00.000-08:00

Why are we adopting again? I know that many are asking that question because many have actually asked us .... WHICH I LOVE! I love having the chance to tell about God's heart and his story of redemption! Don't stop asking!

However, for the sake of time, I thought I would finally address the question here on the blog. And the reason I chose today, is because today is "Sanctity of Human Life Sunday". John Piper said something at one point about this issue that really resonated with my heart. I can't quote him exactly, because I can't find the quote. But the idea was this: To be pro-life is to be pro-adoption. Basically, supporting adoption is supporting life. For some reason, an orphan is an orphan because their mom or dad couldn't keep them, didn't want to keep them, or passed away. Whatever the reason they are an orphan, their mom chose life....and now she needs help honoring that choice. Sadly, the life an orphan lives isn't really much of a life. And for anyone who cares anything about social justice issues .... I read a marvelous quote today: "The right to life is the most basic of social justice issues."

So no, I'm not here to talk about abortion. I'm not here to talk about social justice issues. That one little paragraph was sufficient for that. I'm here to talk about why Aaron and I are heading down the path of adoption once again.

Well of course, the answer is because having four kids has grown boring. We need something to do with our time! Um. No. I must admit, I'm way more fearful this time than I was the first time we adopted. Five kids sounds insane to me. It sounds really, really hard. Every now and then I cry out to God telling him that he's got the wrong mom. I'm selfish. I'm tired. I'm not very nice, or patient, or loving, or fun, or any of those other things that moms are supposed to be. Yet He tells me I'm wrong because of who he is. He tells me that HE is enough for me. HE will equip me to be a mom of ... yes .... FIVE!

So long story long. Every agency has what's called a "Waiting Child List". Basically, it's a photo listing of children they have in their care who are waiting to be adopted, and not high on people's list for adopting. See, a lot of people adopt healthy infants. There's nothing wrong with this. We did this. (Okay, so, maybe minus the healthy part... but comparatively, even Malachi was healthy when looking at some of these waiting kids.) I would look at these lists, and shed a tear every now and then, or imagine if that child were mine ... but mostly I would say a prayer for the sweet little face that I was looking into. Until I saw two boys.

The agency we adopted Malachi from had up a picture of 2 brothers. Both had serious medical needs, and they were older children. (4 & 6 yrs old) Now, when I see children on these waiting child lists, I don't feel the need to adopt them. These two boys, however, did something vert different in my heart. The first time I laid eyes on them, I sent an email to Aaron with their picture attached. The subject line said, "PLEASE???". That's all I wrote. He never responded. Every few weeks, I would pull up that same list, and see those same eyes of those brothers staring at me through the screen. After several months of this, it got to the point where I was pulling up the list almost daily just longing to see their file categorized as "file under review". It never was. It still said "available". For almost a week, I cried and prayed over these boys daily. I couldn't help but wonder if God was leading us to adopt these boys. Surely he wasn't, but then .... maybe he was. So one day, I asked Aaron. I told him what I was feeling, and just asked him to pray about it. That began a process of us talking with friends who we trusted enough to be real with us about if we could handle this, talking with our social worker about if she would even approve us, and serious prayer. In the end, for many, many reasons - we did not have a peace about pursuing adopting these two boys. That said, we were lead to a peace about something else .... starting the adoption process again period.

Wait. What? See, those were actually Aaron's words. After praying about these boys, he felt like it was time to start the adoption process again. My response was not to be expected. "No!", was my response. I didn't want to "just adopt again". I wanted those boys. I thought we were being lead to those boys. Now that we knew that wasn't the case - adopting again just wasn't on the radar right now. God didn't let that sit well with me. After about a week, I finally understood that if I was willing to pursue adopting those two boys right now, why would I not be willing to pursue any child in need of a home....right now? So about a week later, we dove into selecting an agency. And here we are. Half way through the process. Un.Real.

Moving on.

We hit the ground running with this adoption. We've done this before, and knew what was expected of us, so we felt an urgency to do all we could do, knowing there was plenty of time to sit around doing nothing as we wait on governments. We have no question that God values adoption. We believe that He is for this, so nothing can stand against us. We believe that God is not going to leave us out on a limb when pursuing something so dear to his heart .... and that doesn't just mean bringing the child home - that means the ability to parent 5 children .... well. Parenting "well" is something Aaron takes very seriously. He values fatherhood more than any man I know. It's because of the fact that Aaron is my husband, the father of my children, that I can clearly see that God is providing. He provided Aaron as my children's earthly dad. There's little else I need to be able to do this.

Anyway .... that's about it in a nutshell. Okay, maybe not a nutshell...

We are honored that God has guided us to this once again. We do not do this in our own strength, because we have little. We've seen the miracle of adoption before, and cannot believe that we get to see it again. Adoption, biological, whatever it may be .... God has chosen us to be a mom and a dad to some pretty amazing kids.

God chose life. I, as a woman, choose life. I value life. I value the life of my children, and the ones whose lives don't mean anything to anyone. I value it because God values it. God chose me, he values me .... so much that He chose to adopt me! To Him be the glory!

Everyone wins! (Poker Night Re-cap .... PICTURE HEAVY!)

2011-01-18T13:57:00.000-08:00

Well you've read my plea's for help regarding our Poker Night Fundraiser. So many of you responded, and responded far beyond anything we hoped or imagined or prayed for. We cannot thank everyone enough. We are truly blown away by how faithful God is to provide, as well as how gracious and responsive our friends are. We had the matching grant of $2500 as I told you about, so we set our goal to raise a grand total of $5000. With the help of many, I'm humbled to tell you that we FAR exceeded this goal! I think about it still, 4 days later, and I tear up. This adoption has been moving rather quickly, and at every turn, runs the risk of coming to a halt until we have the money to proceed. After Friday night, we can continue to run this race full speed ahead to bring home our next precious girl!

Thank you's don't seem enough. Even as I hand write thank you's (which I'm horrible at), it seems so .... pitiful. So instead, I pray that God blesses the many that heard our cry, heard the cry of the Orphan, and responded so beautifully. I pray each person who gave, or helped, or prayed has their (sacrificial) gift doubled in their own lives. (Please don't hear me say that that will be in the form of money. No, blessings come to us in many ways. I pray blessing on each donor. That's all.)

Okay. Onto the fun! We had 40 players, and about 70 guests total come out to support and play. The Mercers did an amazing amount of prep work in both preparing their house, as well as preparing the players, and the gifts. Their efforts went above and beyond what any one friend should do. We are blessed to have them in our lives. They throw a mean party, too! They had their basement set up for the festivities, as you'll see below. Brian had detailed rules and cheat sheets, and kept the night running very smooth. There were prizes for just about everything - first party foul, first person to put Aaron and I out of the game, first re-buy, first to lose, most re-buys, whoever had a size 9 shoe, etc... The top 3 players left with some pretty fantastic gift bags. Tons of gift cards, coffee, and the top prize - an xbox 360. But hopefully, everyone felt like a winner....the cause makes it so! The games lasted until about 11:30, and I must admit, I can't remember the last time I've had so much fun. I actually stayed in the game until the final 3! (Okay, so I had to re-buy twice, but then I was on top it!) Who knew? The guys at my table kept calling me a "loose cannon". Hey, whatever works. :) (I also had serious issues with how to count the chips all night long. Thankfully, Mike was my counter every hand.) Maybe I'll head to Vegas to raise the rest of our funds. No. I won't. I'm completely kidding!

The pics really tell a better story than I can. Chelsea Hammond was there snapping some great shots of the evening. (The ones toward the end are the ones she took.) I'm so thankful to have this little photo collection to one day show our sweet girl how many people it took to bring her home, how many people thought she was worth it!

Enjoy!

Good friends, Blake, Joanna and baby B.

Neighbors and friends. Doesn't get much better!

They call him D.

Kassie, the hostess, passin' out some chips!

Brian, the host, explaining some rules...like when to use the bathroom.

Sweet girls soon to be pediatrician and family friend. (I'm not telling which one he is! You guess!)

The rookie. (That would be Amy. She had never played before this event, and now is asking when we can play again!)

Christy is counting cards. That's how come she was the one to figure out that the red deck was 10 cards short! Shoot, I knew I was playing with a short deck. Story of my life! (And that's why I'm claiming I had to re-buy! ha!)

The Bouncer. Don't mess with her. She'll eat your food.

Vanessa's husband was gonna cut her off, until she reminded him it was for a good cause. :)

Poor Aaron. Someone stole all his chips, so he had to just watch me play!

One of my last hands before going all in.

Top prize!!!

Neighbor Amber and friend Jen w/ baby - Jen and her husband, Isaac, were the first couple to be on the receiving end of this fundraiser. The Mercers did this same event for their adoption a few years back.

"YES!!! They totally didn't call my bluff!"

Prize Table

"Loose Cannon" I must have won that hand. Good thing, too, cuz all my chips were sitting in the middle! :)

Still in!

Aaron w/ the famous Clay Rush. No really, he is famous! (And he's got the ring to prove it.)

Fold. Sigh.

The first place winner - Sean!

Who's the girl w/ the blond hair? Oh, wait, that's Isaac. Remember the story a few pics up about Jen & Isaac? Yup, that's him.

YUMMY YUMMY!


The official "blinds" clock. (Right, it's called blinds isn't it? And how many are the blue chips worth Mike?)

Mike is praying that he doesn't lose right away.

Just here for the fun! Such great supporters, and friends, these girls are!

He kept trying to steal my chips. Oh wait, I just stole his!!! HAHAHAHAHA!

The Men in Black. They're intimidating, aren't they?

Amber and the hostess, Kassie.

Brian distributing chips to a minor. Wait....


Yes I did laugh really obnoxiously every time I took a hand. It just should never have been. :)

Well, there you have it! A night to be remembered! A night to celebrate friends, fun, the journey of adoption, but mostly God's goodness and faithfulness. He holds true to his promises to set the lonely in a family. We are honored that He chose us once again! Thanks for your part. We couldn't do this alone!

I'll see your $20, and they'll raise you $20

2011-01-06T14:39:00.000-08:00

Yes, this is another post plugging our upcoming fundraiser.... thank you.

Exciting, exciting news!

1) We raised enough donations/prizes, to the point where even the money people donated for prizes, is now going toward our adoption instead. (This is b/c so many people gave gift cards, and other gifts for this part of the fundraiser. More on that to come in a minute.)

2) A family came forward and offered up a matching grant of $2500 for the money that is raised from this event! So now, your $20 buy in just became $40! For those who have already donated on Paypal, your $50 donations just turned into $100 ! We are so blessed to have such a gift donated to us, and couldn't help but sharing it with the blog world to shamelessly plead one last time (maybe) for your help. Won't you help us get to $2500???? If we can raise $2500 from this event, we will be able to have $5000 to help us bring home our next daughter. YES! $5000. I can't even begin to tell you how helpful this would be !

So we're asking again: come out and play (message me if you want details!), and for those of you who live far away or just aren't into the poker thing, would you PLEASE consider a virtual buy-in of $20 anyway? (Or any amount, really.)

You can use the same paypal link as before....and from this point on, all donations are going toward our little one!!!! Here's the link again:

We can't thank this family enough for offering up such a large amount, and we can't thank you enough for any amount. Everything counts .... only between now and Jan 14th, it counts double. :)

Also, for those of you who are thinking about playing .....Check out the prizes!!!!

Included in the first place winnings:
An XBox 360 !!!! WHAT, WHAT?!?!?!

All other prizes~
Gift Cards:
golf smith    $50
olive garden    $15
pf changs    $10
cold stone    $10
starbucks    $5
chipotle    $20
applebees    $25
amazon    $20
QDoba    $25

Gifts:
2 of these beautiful pieces of artwork by the famous Laura Prill (check out her other stuff. She's amazing!)
10lbs of starbucks coffee
starbucks coffee themed basket
A bunch of VANS gear

And there's still more coming in.....

**Beginner players welcome!

I'll see your $20, and raise you a child....

2011-01-01T15:37:00.000-08:00

Some great friends of ours are hosting a brilliant fundraiser on our behalf...on behalf of our next daughter. What makes it brilliant is that it is original, fun for all involved, and well thought out.

Here's the deal: (deal....haha)
Poker Night! (Texas Hold 'em to be exact)
Buy in: $20 (unlimited for the first hour, then $10 re-buy at the end of the hour)
Everyone wins, because the goal is to help us raise funds to bring home our next child. At the end of the night, the entire pot goes toward our adoption! However, there wouldn't be much incentive to play poker if there wasn't a real prize for the winner(s). (We'd all be bluffing our way through the entire game, because there'd be nothing to lose! This is not the time for practicing your game faces. This is for real!)

Enter in the well thought out part:
This is where we need help NOW! We have 13 days to raise about $250 for prizes. The top 3 winners will walk away with a prize basket including gift cards to various places, coffee, VANS gear, etc.... Our goal was to raise $400 to cover the prizes. We are almost half way there.

So how can you help, you ask? Well, $5, $10, $15 can go a long way here. If you'd like to help out, you can donate through PAYPAL by clicking here:

Sorry for my first few blog posts on this adoption to be regarding fundraising. We are flying through this adoption, and money is coming due at every turn. So we humbly plead for your help. I promise to get to the stuff you want to read about soon.

If you live locally and want to play, let me know if you didn't receive the invite, but would like to. We weren't sure who would be interested.

Thanks, friends! We love having such support around us as we strive to bring home another little one!

****CLARIFICATION ON BUY-IN'S*****

So I have limited knowledge on poker, and buy-ins, etc.... so straight from BMER's words:
"$20 buy-in(1500 in chips). unlimited re-buys at $20 (2000 in chips) for the first hour-or so. also at the break (one hour mark) everyone will have the change to "re-charge" for $10 (1500 in chips), one-time only, will be worth it."

Provi's Plane Change - Calling all the Children

2010-12-26T20:07:00.000-08:00

Of course, it was only a matter of time before you knew I would be talking about our various fundraising efforts here on the Britton adoption blog. You just didn't know it would be post #2 of the new adoption blog, did you?

Well, I just couldn't help myself. We have several things going on right now trying to raise funds, but today's events are just flat out blog worthy.

Our oldest child, Providence, is really wanting to go to Ethiopia with us when we go to bring home her new sister. Ethiopia is requiring 2 trips right now, so if we were going to say no, we were going to have to say no twice. So sad. No. Really. We would LOVE for Provi to be able to experience such a trip. We can only imagine how life changing a trip to Ethiopia, visiting Orphans, seeing the final phase of an adoption first hand, eating strange foods, eating less food, and just plain experiencing a far different culture could be on a 10 (or 11) year old child. Why would we say no? Well, money of course. We will have about 2 weeks notice before leaving for Ethiopia .... two times. That's an expensive ticket(s). But in the grand scheme of how much this adoption costs, do we believe God could provide the funds needed for Providence to come along? Absolutely!

So we've been talking about fundraising ideas for her specifically. She really wants to be a part of this. As you know, at Christmas time, you can't escape a grocery store or Walmart without seeing a little red bucket with a bell ringer standing to the side. Yup. Salvation Army. I passed out some coinage to the kids just before Christmas for them to plop in the shiny red bucket. As we left the store, they couldn't stop asking about what it was for, who it would help, etc. I began to explain to them that The Salvation Army had collected around 3 million dollars this Christmas alone from peoples spare change. I was trying to teach the kids a lesson on how even their nickels and dimes can add up to something worth while.

Then it dawned on me - what if Provi started her own bucket fund? So I told her she should speak up to her friends about what she's raising money for, and ask for their spare change. Not only would this help her educate her friends about kids around the world who don't have all that they do, but it could really start to add up. She loved the idea.

So you heard it here first. If you have children in your home, would you consider placing a jar in your home for their spare change to fall into? Would you take this opportunity to teach your kids about all they have, and how a couple extra quarters here and there will leave them with nothing the less - but will instead help change the life of one pretty cool 10 year old, and her soon to be sister? Would you ask them to be part this WITH Providence?

Just so you know, we talk a lot around here about sacrifice as well. When we are adopting a child - a lot falls to the back burner. We eat out less, we buy less clothes, we eat the icky leftovers .... we do a lot different to plop some coins into our personal buckets in order to bring home our next girl. Here's where I get to what happened today.

All the kids received $20 for Christmas from a family member. Of course, the day after Christmas, they woke up begging to go to Target to spend their money that just wouldn't stop burning a whole in their pockets. Provi announced that she was going to spend half of her money, and save the other half for her plane ticket. However, when she saw the shiny new lego set that cost MORE than her $20, desire took over. She stuck the toy in the cart, and even googly eyed Grandma and Grandpa into kicking in the extra $6 needed to complete the transaction. However, as we were walking toward the check out, she turned to me and told me that she had changed her mind. She said she would rather just get a thing of tic-tacs, and save the rest of her money for her trip to Ethiopia, because she really wants to go.

Clean up in isle 12 ... some mom's heart just melted.

So she left the store content, with a bottle of tic tac's and $20 still in her pocket. (I couldn't let her spend $1.02 on tic tacs after such an expression of 10 year old sacrifice, so I bought them for her.)

Oh how I love that girl. And I do hope we can raise enough money for her to have the life-changing experience that Africa is. So.....will you enlist your kids?

Will you set a jar out for "Provi's Plane Change"?

Drum Roll Please

2010-12-18T17:13:00.000-08:00

Malachi has an announcement to make:

It's true. Just over a year from when we ended this blog, we're officially re-opening it.

We are adopting again!

To answer your questions:
1) Yes we are crazy.
2) We are going back to Ethiopia. Why? So Malachi has a sibling from his country. Also because we saw what we saw, and we can't forget it. (In the words of Sarah Groves.)
3) We are planning to adopt a girl, between 3 & 6. (Years old silly! Not 3-6 girls. We're not that crazy.)
4) We are using a different adoption agency this time (WACAP), same homestudy agency. (Colorado Adoption Center)
5) We are anticipating things moving along a bit faster this time (for instance - we officially started this process a month and a half ago. We're almost done with our homestudy).
6) We are hoping to have the next Britton home by Christmas of 2011. (However, Aaron cautions me against such hopes. For those of you who followed our last adoption journey, you probably can understand why. I'm not super great at waiting longer than anticipated. Or waiting at all for that matter.)
7) Yes, we are crazy....and we wouldn't have it any other way!

Hopefully that answered most of your questions. If not, follow along. Buckle up!

Please keep your arms and legs inside at all times. This ride is known for making sudden stops, and sharp turns.

One Year Ago Today ( A letter to my son)

2009-11-04T20:03:00.000-08:00

One year ago today, we had the honor of taking you away from a life lived in an orphanage, to a life lived in a family ... our family. One year ago today, I rocked you to sleep for the first time. One year ago today, I placed you in a bed right next to me. One year ago today, I woke up through the night to check on you and make sure you were okay. One year ago today, you officially became ours.

One year ago, you were drinking formula from a bottle and eating just bread and spaghetti. Today you drink from sippy cups filled with milk, juice and water and feast on pizza and M&M's. One year ago today, you only knew children who, just like you, were left alone. Today you know the love of two sisters and one brother. One year ago today, your needs had only been met by people getting paid to respond to them (and a blessed few who I believe truly loved you). Today you get your deepest needs met by parents who love, cherish and adore you. One year ago today you were quiet, lethargic, and sad. Today you love to talk and laugh (and make others laugh) and sing and dance and be the center of attention.

We've had quite the year ! You've grown so much. You've changed so much. You've learned more than I have in the last 10 years combined, I'm sure. We've learned so much about each other. We've learned how to comfort you. You've learned how to let us love you. We've had sleepless nights, and tear-filled days. You've learned to talk, and I'm learning to listen. You've learned to walk, and I'm learning to keep up. You learned to sleep securely all the night through ...huge ! You've come to realize that when I leave, I WILL BE BACK. You've come to realize that babysitters and Sunday School are fun, and that I WILL BE BACK.

Not a day goes by that I don't think of the life you had. Not a day goes by that I don't think of your birth Mom and what she sacrificed for you. Not a day goes by that I am in awe of you and the difference you have made in our life. Not a day goes by that I don't thank God for his work in your life - for His trusting us with your life.

I pray you grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Heavenly Father. I pray you grow to know the fullness of your adoption not in us as sinful broken parents ... but in the One who created you, who knit you together in your mother's womb, who hems you in, who graciously and sovereignly placed you in our family.

Ephesians 1:3-8

³Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. ⁴For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love ⁵he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— ⁶to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. ⁷In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace ⁸that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.

One year ago today, you changed our lives ... you changed my life. I will never be the same. Some may say that you are lucky or blessed to have been brought into a family. Maybe. I know for sure though, that I am blessed that you are in our family. You are a part of me. I loved you before I met you. My life is better because you are in it. My heart is fuller because it loves you. To say that I'm glad we "gotcha" wouldn't even describe it. I'm so excited to see what year two, three, four, etc.... will bring ! I love you, my son.

One year ago today ....

TODAY !!!
One year ago today....

TODAY !!!!

One year ago today ....TODAY !!!!

TODAY !!!!
TODAY !!!

Malachi is ...... TWO !!!

2009-09-03T18:41:00.000-07:00

Provi, Eden & Sam in unison - "Malachi is ?!?!?!?!?!?"
Malachi - "TWO !!!!"
So cute !

September 1st Malachi turned 2 ! Or somewhere around there actually ... Sept. 1st is the day they picked in Ethiopia. It makes me sad still that his actual birthday is unknown to everyone who loves him ... everyone but his birth mother I'm sure - wherever she is. On this special day of his, I couldn't help but imagine her sadness, and at the same time thank God for our joy and for the strength his family in Ethiopia possessed to give him over to a better life. Last year Malachi was still in Ethiopia waiting for us to get him. We celebrated his first birthday apart from him. His second birthday was extra special because of it! His first (second) birthday as part of a family .... our family!

Enough of the sappy sad stuff.....
Believe it or not, Malachi had not ever had cake. I was determined to have him wait like every other child until his first (second) birthday. One of his favorite things is BALLS !!! So, here was the cake :
He wasn't all that interested actually. He took 2 little bites, and decided he wanted to play ball instead of eat cake.

We have a group of friends who come to our home weekly, and were with us through our adoption journey, as well as Malachi's first 10 months home. These were the ones we thought he'd want to spend his birthday with. So we had a low key celebration. (Low key, because another bash is around the corner as we celebrate the day he came into our family! PARTAAAYYY!!!!)

It was a great day as we celebrated his life. We look forward to many more years to come ! So, watch out world - Baby Man is 2 !!!!

Orphan

2009-06-30T12:08:00.000-07:00

I know I've posted already about signing a petition AGAINST the movie being put out by Warner Bros called ORPHAN. There is now a website attached to this movement that I'm urging you to check out. Sign the petition. And if you have an adopted child, or have been involved in the lives of anyone who has - you can even submit your rendition of how wonderful and powerful adoption is. This petition has taken it beyond the first one that just went to show how many people were against it, and is now asking Warner Bros to use a portion of the proceeds to benefit orphan care.

Won't you join me? Orphans Deserve Better. (orphansdeservebetter.org)

Update

2009-06-29T12:47:00.000-07:00

No, this is not an update on Malachi.

It has come to my attention that some have missed the fact that I have a different blog. A different blog that gets updated often. It struck me as odd when I was asked why I didn't blog much anymore.

So, for those who don't know - go HERE. It's where I live most of the time.

On his way ....

2009-06-06T19:42:00.000-07:00

to poppin' and a-lockin'! :)

(Sorry the quality isn't great)

Malachi had Sam's birthday card, which plays the song - Funky Town. He's been grovin' everyday to the beats. Yo. ;)

7 Months and forever

2009-06-04T08:19:00.000-07:00

Today marks 7 months since we took Malachi into our family and he's never had to turn back.

I've been looking forward to 7 months. And here it is! Why? What is so special about 7 months?

Malachi was found when he was about 7 months old (so they say).

Malachi lived in an orphanage/transition home for about 7 months.

Malachi has been with his forever family for 7 months.

Since the day he was born, 7 months means a time of HUGE change for little Malachi Abel is coming. No more! This 7 months for him marks love, family, security, stability, home .... all of this is now his forever !

I'm forever grateful for God's work in his sweet little life. I'm forever grateful for God's work in our family. In me.

Boycott this movie ....

2009-05-29T15:54:00.000-07:00

Please Read, Sign and Pass along this petition to boycott this horrible movie.

New to the herd

2009-05-29T12:57:00.000-07:00

Never do I buy things full price for my kids.

Malachi doesn't need any more clothes.

The outfit I spotted is incredibly impractical for him because it's one of those one piece jumper things that snaps in the middle, and Malachi is potty training, so it will be very annoying. (Yes, you read that right, he's potty training ... that is another post.)

I know that Malachi isn't really "new" to our family, seeing how he's been with us for almost 7 months.

But just the same ... I couldn't resist when I saw this .....

So cute !

Summing up the heart of adoption

2009-04-27T16:11:00.000-07:00

Read this. It will make you cry. More than that, it is perhaps one of the best things I've ever read that truly sums up the heart of adoption.

President Malachi Obama ?????

2009-03-21T21:14:00.000-07:00

We took the kids to a new park in Boulder today (well, new to us). There were so many people there! It was great fun. Probably the best part of the entire morning, was when two school-aged children commented on how cute Malachi was. Then as they ran off, they giggled to each other how much he looked like Barack Obama.

hehe

I do see a striking resemblance, don't you? Riiiiiiiggggggghhhhhttttt

Li'l Red

2009-03-03T20:10:00.000-08:00

Malachi Meets Marker

2009-03-03T20:07:00.000-08:00

Malachi is.....

2009-02-24T12:58:00.000-08:00

Malachi is changing so very fast. Every day he is learning and doing new things. Here is a brief rundown over the last several weeks.

* Malachi started to crawl!
* Malachi started to walk! (See it here, on Aaron's blog ... no point in reloading it.)
* Malachi can sign: more, please, thank-you, all done ... and does all 4 often and usually for the wrong reasons. But it is still really cute.
* Malachi can say: bye, hi, mama, dada, sissy, bro-bro, ba-ba, that, here-ya-go, love you, thank you, done, ball, and Jesus (according to the kids).
* Malachi is now sleeping with Bro-Bro (aka, his big brother, Sam) after almost 3 months in our room.
* Malachi is now sleeping through the night, and has been for almost 4 weeks ... after 3 months in our room of NOT sleeping through the night!
* Malachi is down to just 1 bottle a day. (As of today that is, I just took away his nap time bottle this afternoon. He didn't even notice .... I don't think.) The boy eats MORE than enough throughout the day. He is no longer malnourished, nor in need of 36 ounces of formula a day (which is what he was getting the first 3 months).
* Malachi is finally drinking from a sippy cup, although he isn't very fond of milk.
* Malachi STILL has giradia (sp?) after 3 rounds of treatments. Ugh.
* Malachi loves when we play Ethiopian music. Again, check it out on Aaron's blog if you want. Calms him down when nothing else will.
* Malachi had his first night with a babysitter. (Meaning Aaron & I had our first real date in almost 4 months.) ***Thanks again PJ!!!!!!!*** He did great, says the sitter and the kids.
* Malachi hates the church nursery with a passion. So did my other kids though, so I am not really surprised.
* Malachi is insanely jealous of his big brother if I am involved. In other words, when Sam has my attention (especially my lap), he HATES it .... screams until it's over in fact.
* Malachi loves to be outside, only he doesn't like the grass. If he sees that you are about to put him in the grass, he will lift his legs up in protest. It's very funny. :)
* Malachi is brilliant!!!!! So many changes (especially in the last month). A new language, new environment, new family, a lifetime of sorrows and lack of opportunity (until he came to us that is) .... and he's come this far!

That's my Malachi!

Malachi and I are Famous!

2009-02-15T16:17:00.000-08:00

My Dad just sent me a link to this blog that was written by a man named Tony Reinke. We went home (to NE) for Christmas. While we were there, Malachi and I were in worship service together. Tony sat behind us, and as a result, was inspired to write a poem about M and I. Kinda cool!

Check it out....

3 Months Ago ....

2009-02-04T10:54:00.000-08:00

Three months ago today our lives were forever changed by one, tiny, Baby Man. We met Malachi for the first time and our hears will never be the same. He was unsure and scared, malnourished and weak, sad and lonely. Remember???

Just 3 short months later, he is a different child! He's secure and lively, fed and strong, joyful and loved. And it shows.

"How big is Malachi?"
"SOOO BIG !!!"

"Peak-a-boo!"

"Look at my big belly!!! Yum!"

Malachi continues to steal our hearts and wrap them around his little finger every single day. He is such a joy. The 3 months have flown by, and yet I feel like he's always been part of our lives. Proof that God made a place in our family for him long before we did. It hasn't been easy by any stretch of the imagination. But it has been blessed. God continues to guide us as we figure out and learn just who our Baby Man is. We see Jesus in his eyes, and hope and pray that others do too. He's made us laugh and he has made us cry .... and not a second goes by that makes me think I wouldn't do it all over again! I would ... in a heartbeat!

Look who is mobile !!!!

2009-02-02T15:16:00.000-08:00

Well, he did it! Malachi crawled! Despite being told by the Dr. and the Therapists that Malachi would 1) Walk before crawling, or 2) Not ever crawl ... he proved them wrong! They told us that "tummy time" wasn't necessary for a child his age, it would just make him mad. They were right, it did. But I wanted to see him crawl. He's never been given opportunity to do anything but sit. He's a smart one, and aside from many tummy time tears, he got it! Time to get out the baby gates! :)

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

It's been a while, huh???

2009-01-31T20:43:00.000-08:00

It's been too long. I know. I'm sorry. Can I just tell you how much I hate getting pictures on the computer??? A lot. But, it's worth it for anyone and everyone to see my sweet family!

Malachi is doing AMAZING!!! He continues to fill our hearts with joy every day. He still loves to make people laugh, which I love! He is "cruising" all over the place. He has figured out his own little obstacle course through the maze that is our home. He has a lot to say too...typical Britton. He says "Dadda, Momma, Ba-ba (bottle), Ni-ni (good night), hi (of which he also waves very dramatically), love you, light, ball, that, and Jesus (according to Providence)". He also signs "more" and "please". SO CUTE! He's gained about 5 lb's since we've been home! He loves to dance to anything with a beat, even Daddy's random drum sessions on the table. (And he's got rythym too...Malachi, not Dad. Well, Dad does too, he is a drummer after all!) He's starting to let other people look at him without crying ... and a few have even had the privaledge of holding him. One babysat for 2 hours during the day. Crazy! He loves being outside, but hates the grass. It's a twisted humor I have, when I try to sit my child in the grass and he lifts his legs and cries in protest ... yet I do that over and over again because it is just funny.

The pictures are much cuter than my words. So, here ya go!

Christmas Eve. All dressed up for church. I think it is funny that Malachi and Eden are making the same face in this picture.

Just cuz he's cute....

Sleeping like a baby (which is a joke of a term really...) in Mom and Dad's bed...cuz Dad lets him. :) At least he is cute in that big ol' bed!

Our future Tiger Woods??? :)

Hi !

"What-chyou-talkin-bout-Willis???" hehe

Merry [Ethiopian] Christmas

2009-01-07T16:53:00.001-08:00

Today was Christmas in Ethiopia. So, in honor of my Ethiopian Son ... I went on over to YouTube and found this very long Christmas song/celebration. I don't expect anyone to listen to it but us. :) And let me tell you .... HE LOVED IT !!! His face lit up like I've never seen it upon hearing "his" music. SO cute. He also started dancing and pointing at the screen. Then I got a little sad, wondering if he remembers those sounds - and I was really just torturing him by playing them. Hmmmmm....
Merry [Ethiopian] Christmas!!!!

Just Imagine

2008-12-22T19:36:00.000-08:00

6 weeks have come and gone. I can hardly believe it. It has dawned on me over the last couple of days (and nights, ouch), that I thought things would have been different by now. As quickly as the 6 weeks have gone, the "honeymoon" is over ... and I'm just plain tired. I guess somewhere in my vast parenting skills .... I just assumed that we'd get Malachi home, treat him like a newborn, and have the same expected results as my other children. (Well, except Sam ... he was a mystery.) I thought if we just gave him lot's of love, responded to every cry like there was a desperate need, got him on a sleep/eat/play schedule, that he would mold into this perfect child that they write books about.

Okay, so maybe I didn't really have THAT unrealistic of expectations. In all honesty, I didn't know what to expect. But I didn't ever think that 6 weeks in, I would feel every day that with every step we make forward, we often take 2 (or 3) back. I didn't imagine he would still be scared to have me out of his sight (or put him down for that matter) 6 weeks later. I'm making this all sound horrible. It's not. Like I said, I'm tired. All the cute things Malachi did upon his arrival aren't as cute as they were at first ... but perhaps, dare I say, sometimes just kinda annoying. Things like throwing his bottle, or hitting his siblings (or chucking toys at them ... the kid has got an arm!), or pulling my hair while he eats, or his idea of a meal, or his cry that moves from low octave to high in seconds, the way he cries when a stranger even looks at him, and the way he won't let go of my hip. He's still really cute, still really playful and joyful, and still makes us laugh all the time. I'm just tired. I've looked around and realized that 6 weeks later, I still don't know how to cook dinner again, or get the laundry done, or the bathrooms clean. (Good for me, all the books tell me none of that stuff is important anyway.) I still don't know how to be a friend again, or to teach my kids, or to serve again. My, how life has changed since my desperation in our waiting for him to come home.

Now that the whining is out of the way .... let me say a few more things. I ended all of that with - "My, how life has changed since my desperation in our waiting for him to come home" statement for a reason. I still so vividly remember all the feelings that would attach without ending prior to his arrival. The ones of fear for his health, sadness for his life, wonder of the first 7 months of his life, heartache for him being alone, heart wrenching for him not being with his family. These feelings haven't ended. Now I just get to be the one holding him, trying to put all the pieces together ... of his life, of our family, of my mommy heart. I count it a blessing, and joy, and honor to be the one God chose to do this for little Malachi. He has blessed me beyond belief in just 6 short weeks. Perspective is something I'm never very good at. (Anyone surprised? Didn't think so.) But this time around, I know that Christ alone is daily granting me with the perspective I need to continue in this ... especially since all my mommy potions and tactics aren't working this time around.

This is what runs through my head on a regular basis now that he is home:

Imagine yourself as an Orphan. Imagine how many nights you go through your days and nights with cries that NEED response, only no one is there to respond. Imagine being left for who knows how long, probably in the middle of the night when no one could even see you, by someone that was supposed to love you the most and keep you safe. Imagine being so hungry you didn't even know what to do with food when you got it. Imagine forming habits that don't come naturally to most children - habits that are needed for survival. Imagine being found by strangers. Imagine being given to strangers - a lot of them, who happened to be caring for 75 other kids. Imagine doing that again, only with 50 kids in their care. Now imagine it one more time ... this time being given to funny colored strangers who speak in "alien" and with just 3 other kids around. Imagine having attention for the first time in your life. Imagine realizing that you hold a power to make people smile. Imagine everyone that passes you wanting to hold you, and kiss you, and touch you. Imagine eating only new foods. Imagine having someone trying to break you of all the bad habits in attempt to show you love and family and stability. Imagine being scared to go to sleep because your life has proven to you that what is there when you wake up is a mystery. Just imagine.

I do. A lot. And then I realize that my imagination is my sons reality. And my heart breaks for him all over again. So I pick him up again, I kiss him again, I tell the friend who wants to hold him that they still can't, I don't try to make him shake hands politely with a stranger, I tell his siblings he doesn't know better when he smacks them, I pick up his bottle (again, and again, and again...), I keep trying to find foods that he will like, I keep waking up with him for hours on end in the middle of the night when he's too afraid to go back to sleep, I keep whispering at the end of everyday - "I love you, and I WILL be here when you wake." I keep praying his soul gets it.

There is a song that Aaron wrote (well, he sorta stoll some of the words from this one really cool book.... ) that came to my head over an over the last few weeks before getting Malachi. I kept thinking it was strange, as it wasn't all that comforting to me at the time. The song went away for a while, then returned one day amidst a fit that Malachi was having. Now I understand. He now also hears this song daily, along with my whispers.

Bring Peace to My Soul,
Let your Healing Waters Flow again,
to my thirsty soul.
Earnestly I seek you,
my body longs for you.
In a dry and weary land.
Because your love is better than life,
my lips will praise you.
My soul clings to you ,
you uphold me with your right hand.
And I will praise you Lord,
as long as I live.

This is my prayer for my sweet child who has found a home.

Family Photo's

2008-12-01T12:57:00.001-08:00

2 Weeks Home!

2008-11-22T19:59:00.000-08:00

**** If you are starting with this post, keep going down, as I've posted many pictures. If you RSS feed and started with the Pictures first, well, here is the catch up post.****
**** Oh, and I fear this may be a really long post. This is what happens when 2 weeks go by. Sorry. ****

2 weeks ago today we arrived home with Baby Man (aka Malachi). I can't even believe that it has been 2 weeks. It sort of feels like yesterday (other than the fact that I'm over the jet lag), and at the same time - it seems like Malachi has always been part of our family. It didn't take long at all for him to become a Britton. I think he actually likes us! He at least most certainly likes the other children! I think I'll do this post bullet style from here on out, because that is how my brain is thinking at the moment. Try to keep up ......

Upon arriving home from the airport, I made it through dinner before turning severly dillusional. I made it to about 7:30 before falling asleep (in the tub no less). All I remember is feeling more tired than I ever have felt in my life (even after giving birth), really really cold, and very dizzy.
Malachi adjusted to the new time zone within just a few days. The only thing is that he is now waking up in the middle of the night to eat, where he didn't in Ethiopia. It's been sorta hard, as he doesn't want to go back to sleep right away. The last week that has been getting better though.
The kids LOVE Malachi. And he LOVES them. Malachi actually does much better in their presence. He squeals with delight every time he sees them coming. They've actually turned it into a really cute game where they leave the room and come running back in together. He squeals and shakes his hands in excitement. Then they leave again - and his face turns sad. They come back ... well, you get the picture. So cute!
Malachi is doing really well health wise ... all things considered. His first set of labs came back with elevated liver enzymes. (Anyone know what that means? Me neither.) So we had to go back for more labs. Problem is, they have been having a hard time getting enough blood. It's been torture. My heart breaks for him every time. The 3rd time we went in, I made Aaron go with him as I couldn't handle it anymore. (That and I had to take our other son in for an x-ray at the same time.) I'm glad I didn't go in, as his head is where they finally had to get it from. Ouch. Poor guy. Still waiting to hear the results. We are actually hoping it is HEP A, as that will just go away with no lasting side effects. Oh, and he's got Giardia. (sp?) Know what that is? Yeah, still neither do I. Again though, it is mild, and it is treatable. And hopefully it actually explains why he has been gaining weight so slowly even since being fed normally.
Malachi is becoming more and more joyful every day he is home. He laughs all the time, and barely cries. (But when he does, it breaks your heart into little pieces, it is that sad!) He has learned he can manipulate any situation with his cuteness. He has come to really like attention. (I'm guessing he has never had much of it, and he's making up for it now.) In fact, if he realizes that no one is paying attention to him, or we have quit laughing at his jokes (especially at dinner) ... he starts this fake cry/fit thing. It's almost funny, except for the fact that it will turn into a full blown wail if you don't stop it.
One of the funniest and cutest things ..... Malachi laughs like a chipmunk. I can't even describe it. It's a noise you couldn't make even if you tried, but you can't help but smile and laugh yourself when you hear it.
Finally, Malachi, in my professional opinion, is adjusting so well. He feels safe with Aaron and I (and it shows whenever anyone else tries to hold him, or come to close for that matter). He looks us in the eye most of the time (which took about a week to happen). He's started to fall asleep the last few days in his bed! He says "Dada, Mama, Baba, Ni-Ni, and Hi", and we honestly feels like he actually knows what they mean.

Well, there it is. 2 weeks in one post. I think there was more, but between jet lag in week 1, being sick week 2, waking up at night, and trying to figure out 4 kids at home during the day ... I must have forgotton to store everthing else in my weary brain. (Lucky you!)

Thanks for your prayers as we've adjusted to the new normal. We feel them, and we see them being answered!

Photo's Round 6

2008-11-22T19:34:00.000-08:00

Sweet Malachi. How can you not love those eyes ... and cheeks!

Future Denver Nugget???? MAYBE ?!?!?!?! In the meantime, he looks so adorable sporting the Nuggets gear that the Boyle's gave to us. Providence said she thinks he looks like Carmelo ... I don't think she knows who Carmelo is. I don't think I know who Carmelo is. :)

Photo's Round 5

2008-11-22T19:33:00.001-08:00

Some friends hosted a "Meet Malachi" night for us the weekend after we got home. It was so nice to share the end of our journey (and the beginning of a new one) with those who had supported us so much over the last 2 years. We had a potluck dinner, slide show of our trip (which of course involved much babbling from Aaron & I), as well "A Blessing Way" to share with Malachi one day.

Our first family photo of a Party of 6! I can't believe it took a whole week to get this photo. (My sisters will be so disappointed!)

Grandma Brown loved on Malachi the whole time they were here. He took right to her without any problems. Some have said it must be because of her and I's resemblance. She thinks it's because of her singing. :)

My parents were trying to get a photo of them with all our kids. Malachi was cracking up while we tried to gather everyone.

Photo's Round 4

2008-11-22T19:33:00.000-08:00

Malachi with Grandpa! It took about 4 days of being home and seeing Grandpa for Malachi to agree to Grandpa holding him. I'm glad he let him!

Up until our friend Jessie let us borrow her swing, we had to hold Malachi to sleep. This was hard for me, for many reasons. So when we realized the swing did the trick, I was very thankful ... and he's really cute in it!

Sam took a few days before asking, "Can I hold him?" Malachi obviously had no objections.

My good friend Hannah gave me this sling as a baby gift. It's been so nice when my arms can't hold him to sleep anymore. He really enjoys walks outside in it too. He wanted nothing to do with a stroller until about yesterday, so this came in handy. I hope to use it more. Sometimes it just makes him angry though, so I'm trying to figure it all out.

Photo's Round 3

2008-11-22T19:32:00.000-08:00

Malachi's 1st Dr. appoint was 2 days after we got home. He did great! He even cracked a smile for the Dr. He checked out just great! 16 lb 8 oz. and head size : big. :) Dr. actually said it was a good thing that he had a big head, despite the little body. It means that throughout the malnourished phase of his life, his brain kept soaking up any nutrients available ... at the expense of his body. This is good. Body catches up faster than mind. (Unless you're old. :) )

BATH TIME !!! Malachi LOVES baths! (Big change from that first try in the Hotel.) The kids like it especially when I put him in the kitchen sink b/c it's right at their level. I'm come to find out that I can multi-task pretty well after dinner. Malachi in one side, dinner dishes in the other! :)

Sam thought the Ethiopian soccer gear was pretty cool. Now, if only he played soccer. Oh well, he's cute!

One of the challenges with Malachi is what to feed him. He doesn't actually seem to eat much. However, we've discovered that if noodles and chicken are involved, he loves it! He DOES NOT like to be spoon fed, but rather would prefer to make a big mess and feed himself. Oh well.

Photo's Round 2

2008-11-22T18:42:00.000-08:00

Eden & Provi "reading" to Malachi our first night home.

I wonder if he knows Eden can't read yet. :)

Grandma Sharon gets to hold Malachi before heading back to NE the next morning.
(She had already been in town for a few days watching the kids.)

The next morning the kids could not wait to show Malachi all his new gear. He loved it all! (Except the Bumbo seat, which Sam was fine taking over.)

Photo's Round 1

2008-11-22T18:19:00.000-08:00

Malachi's first car ride ... well, in a car seat that is.

Sam, Provi, & Eden making faces at their new brother.

We have amazing friends who rallied together to have a "No Shower Shower" for us when we got home, as well as have the house clean and a full dinner for us and our parents ! WOW!

Provi holding Malachi for the first time!

The Rest of the Story

2008-11-17T13:10:00.000-08:00

I know, I haven't given much information since we got home, huh?? Yeah, sorry about that. I have a lot of kids now, less sleep than needed, company in town .... should I keep going? haha. Sorry though. I know a lot of you have been asking for more ... so, here goes!

The view from our hotel - The Addis View Hotel. (Some view, huh???)

Aaron with Malachi (once I finally handed him over)

Malachi's room at the transition home (his bed is second from the left)

Here he is asleep ... again! (That's what he did most of the time we were there.)

Playing ball with dad....and loving it!

The revealing of the bald head

First bath (now back at the hotel all together!)

He had his own little crib in our hotel room. Clean and cozy!

Just because he's so cute

The "District" where Malachi was found. Instead of street names, the city is built around "landmarks". Our paperwork tells us he was found in the area of this church.

He was found outside a private compound. (Meaning a house with a brick wall built around it, rather than a random hut with a tin roof.) Sorry it's such a bad shot, it was raining, so the pics were taken through the car window.

Traditional Ethiopian Dinner. YUMMY!!! (Um, kidding.) Actually, the lentils weren't bad. The experience of the night was great though. They did this crazy dance thing that made me think I needed a visit to the chiropractor!
This was the orphanage where Malachi spent 3 months after being found. Kids Care.

This was about the only beautiful part of it...other than the sweet children's faces.

Malachi wasn't too happy there. He stayed in the van with Aaron most of the time.

More of Kids Care. I think I'll start to dry my laundry like this..... :)

Off to lunch. Aaron & Malachi really liked the bread!

Time to pack ! Time to go home !

At the Addis Ababa airport. 10:45 pm

One last gathering of (almost) all the babies going to their new homes!

Wanna guess what this is a picture of ??? On our first flight to Germany, we had the bulk head seats. However, since it was an International flight, there are 4 seats in the middle of the window seats. In front of us, we had a bassinet that hung from the wall! Look really close, you'll see his tiny face in there under the blankets. He slept most of the first 10 hour flight! Nice.

Our little world traveler. He did better than me, I think.

HOME !!!! Car seat...what is a car seat??? Why am I strapped in, and who are the little people in the back staring at me???

So there was the rest of our trip. I'll try to get to since we've been home in the next day or two!

Now that I'm home.....

2008-11-09T11:32:00.001-08:00

Here are those photo's that everyone was really hoping for, rather than my long & wordy posts.
(Oh, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for all your prayers. They were heard, and felt!)

Enjoy......

Waiting to meet Malachi.....

Rachel bringing Malachi out to us..........Holding him for the first time..........

No Aaron, you cannot hold him.....

Okay fine, you are his dad.....
I'll do some more later....off to help with lunch duty here on the home front!

We're in Germany

2008-11-07T23:01:00.000-08:00

Here we are in Germany enduring a very long layover ... only this time, with a baby in tow. He's doing very well for being a 1 year old world traveler. We had one mishap on the plane, but it only lasted about 15 minutes. (Can you believe some lady had the nerve to come ask the stewardess to make the baby be quiet????? Me neither, but she did.)

Anyway, while there is much much more to say, I'm tired, and do not feeling like talking. (I know, you can't believe that either.) However, Aaron has uploaded some great pictures and video on his blog....so check it out {here} !

See ya'll soon. Miss everyone. Miss my bed. Miss my shower. Miss my tap water with which I can brush my teeth. Miss my children. Miss my deodorant that I accidentally put in my checked bag rather than my carry on. (As is everyone around me.)

Bye - Bye or auf Wiedersehen-auf Wiedersehen