Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Myles' First Christmas
Peter and I often think back on our Christmases we experienced in Rwanda. No trees, bright twinkling lights, smells of Christmas cookies, or Santa--just the constant sound all December of choirs rehearsing. Christmas Eve and Day all you could hear echoing off the hills in Kigali were the melodic sounds of Rwandan choirs. I'm moved even at the memory. While I delight in the decorating, baking, preparing, gift buying, and secret keeping of this season--Rwanda's Christmas memory helps me focus on Christ's birth.
Keith (our 4 year old Christmas decorator) was shocked and appalled the other day when I told him that our Christmas tree will be taken down a few days after Christmas. He said that he needs to keep his tree up in his room until Myles comes home from Rwanda. Keith feels very strongly that Myles needs to have his first Christmas with us as a family. :) Here is his tree in his room on his desk. He put the Rwandan drum and (my) baby shoe there on his own. (the tree stand is a Nursery Rhyme book) Their thoughts about their brother are completely endearing. No word from Rwanda, but we'll keep you posted! Have a Merry Christmas!!!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Gladney Center for Adoption
Our case worker, Natalie, has been amazing. She's encouraging, insightful, and completely on top of every step. We know she has a great number of families that she works with for the African programs, but we feel that we're the only one because of her quick and thoughtful responses. She doesn't miss a single detail, takes additional measures to ensure progress, and yet still adds sensitivity and delight in our individual adoption process. She's in our prayers often--what an INCREDIBLE job and responsibility of being part of uniting families! We are so thankful for you Natalie!
Making Progress
This news came as such a gift. It feels so good to know that things are moving. It's hard to adjust to this adoption paper-pregnancy. Unlike a biological pregnancy, there aren't kicks in the ribs by tiny unborn feet that reassure us of the little life who's part of our family. Yesterday, after viewing blogs of three families who have adopted beautiful Rwandan babies, the pangs of longing began again (especially during this cozy festive family time of the year). I spent some quiet time yesterday intentionally praying for our paperwork at the hands of the Ministry in Rwanda. For some reason, the Lord chooses sometimes, often during this adoption, to gift us with immediate reassurances during this amazing journey to Myles. I am thankful.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Joining the Wait
I have a journal for each one of our children. When both Keith and Liliana were in the womb I began writing to them--about the longings for them during pregnancy and then once they were arrived, letters to them about our daily lives, their accomplishments, funny things they say, etc. I hope one day, perhaps when they are adults, they can laugh at the hysterical things we've gone through together as family and hopefully be struck with how much Peter and I love and cherish them. I started one for Myles last April. I don't write those thoughts on this blog, even though I hope he gets to enjoy this blog journey someday. All this to say, I do want to share some endearing and significant things extended family have done in their time of waiting and expecting. I can't quite put into words how meaningful it is to be so supported in this adoption process.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Minister of Gender
Monday, November 24, 2008
In Rwanda!
In the midst of a really rough weekend in the ER with Peter dealing with some sort of parasite he picked up in Haiti (or Congo a few weeks ago...) we learned that our dossier made it to Rwanda in THREE days?!!! It is currently being processed by the Prime Minister's office and then will move to the Ministry of Gender.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
On it's way to Rwanda!
We are officially celebrating that our official file (dossier) is on it's way to Rwanda! We are still hoping that we will receive our referral 6ish weeks after Rwanda receives it.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Please give this to Myles
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Corrections Made
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Agency Received our Authenticated Dossier!
3 Weeks
Today marks 3 weeks that the Rwandan Embassy in DC has had our dossier in process for getting authenticated. We are hoping our agency receives it SOON so it can be sent to Rwanda! We are told we could have a referral (picture of Myles with as much information as they have) within 4-6 weeks after Rwanda receives the file--which would be fantastic!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Family Van
Monday, October 6, 2008
Dossier with the Rwandan Embassy
Friday, October 3, 2008
2 Cute-isms
Monday, September 29, 2008
Dossier Sent Off!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
CIS Wait
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Love from Across the Miles to Myles
Poem written by Peter's mother, "Gramma"
Love From Across the Miles to Myles
Little Myles, we think of you
With wonder, trust and longings too
As first sounds come to infant ears
May they be those that cast out fears.
May others hear your infant cries,
Oh Father, move, that none pass by,
May they wrap you in bunting, tight,
Singing softly, “It’s all right.”
Do you hear our faith-trust-sigh?
That soon dear Myles, you’ll come nigh?
Little one, what do you see ~
Mosquito net or leafy tree?
Oh God of lightness, bring the day,
Keep to him, darkness at bay.
Little one, what do you feel,
The touch of us, for this we kneel?
We pray for those who care for you,
So our embrace won’t seem so new.
Little one, our love grows strong,
This lullaby, our hopeful song.
We wait and watch with grateful hearts,
For you, this gift, which God imparts.
Do you hear our faith-trust-sigh
That soon dear Myles, you’ll come nigh?
With love and anticipation,
Gramma & Grampa