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!!!

Gladney Center for Adoption

We continue to be entirely impressed with Gladney Center for Adoption. From the beginning of this process, we have had clear communication and feel secure in their work with Rwanda as a new program. We are the pioneer family for the Rwanda, but we often forget that others haven't gone before us. We have faith that Gladney is making wise decisions with respect to the culture. Not only are we thankful for their professionalism and incredible communication, but we admire their humanitarian response to the orphan crises around the world, particularly in Rwanda. We have had friends visit the orphanage since Peter's trip in May and there has been drastic changes, which we attribute to Gladney's investment of prayer, education, time, and resources.

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

We heard that our file is making progress at the Ministry. (but no official time line is given...but it's a good sign!) Once again, after it is approved by the Ministry of Gender, it goes immediately to the orphanage where Myles will be chosen. Medical tests will be run on him and then we'll receive our referral!!!

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.

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.  

-Last Christmas (yes, a year ago) when we were in the beginning prayer stages of adoption, my parents gave Liliana a brown-skinned baby doll.

-For Liliana's 2nd birthday in March, Muffy (great-grandmother) gave Lili a darker-brown skinned baby doll that cries and laughs.

-You can read the beautiful poem that Peter's mother wrote on this blog, such a gift!

-My mother, a few months ago, had been cuddling with Keith.  She said as he walked away, "I love and have memorized the sweet smells of Keith and Lili, I can't wait to learn and love Myles' smell too." 

-For my 30th birthday last year, my parents gave me matted name plates with each child's name and the meaning behind their name.  Myles was included.  

-This Christmas Peter's parents gave Myles his first outfit.  :)  It matches the colors in his nursery so it's hanging on display, joining the wait.

Minister of Gender

Our file is with the Minister of Gender now (and has been, but we just found out).  This is a good sign that things are moving.  The Minister of Gender's office will contact us directly once they have reviewed our dossier.  Can't wait!