MilesToMyles

I love...

2009-11-04T10:47:00.004-05:00

Dearest Heart-born Son,

This week we are celebrating 6 months of having you home. I've been pondering some of the things I love about you:

I love...
-how you bounce up and down in your crib when you see me in the morning
-how you cock your head when we have staring contests
-how your eyes sparkle when we say "I love you" with our eyes
-how you hum and smack your lips together when you're enjoying your food
-how your feet dance when you're happy
-how your whole body dances when you see Daddy
-your open mouth kisses, over and over again
-your obsession with wheels and driving cars around the kitchen floor
-how you shake your head when you hear the word "no"
-how you "talk" on the phone even when you put it to your forehead
-how fast you crawl toward us when you want to play
-your belly laugh when Keith or Liliana tackle-tickle you
-that you sometimes clap with happiness just because
-that you let me wake you up before I go to bed to give you more cuddles
-that you are home and loved and our son!

Our 1 year old

2009-10-05T13:08:00.003-04:00

We celebrated Myles first birthday October 4th. It's amazing to see everything about him changing so so quickly! He is now crawling, pulling up on everything, using his walker to get around, stacking blocks, playing with cars, and saying "Mama" and "Dada." He has gained 12 pounds since he came home in May! He's just so sweet, cuddly, happy, and giggly. We love you big boy Myles!

Greer Gang

2009-05-28T08:04:00.002-04:00

No more posts needed on this adoption blog :) Myles is officially part of the family and home (have we mentioned that before?!!!) Now we'll only be posting on our family blog- GreerGang.

Really Home

2009-05-19T20:37:00.002-04:00

Myles is HOME. I can really breath now. There is this enormous weight lifted off-that I didn't even realize the weight of, until now. Myles is HOME. He has fit right into the space that was waiting for him in our hearts and our home. The children are absolutely delighted with their brother--even refer to him as "brother" instead of Myles most of the time. "Where's my brother Mom?" "Can I just touch him while he sleeps?" Our 4 year old Keith said to Daddy, "I'm crying happy tears because Myles is home!" (he wasn't really crying, but it was cute nonetheless!!!) Myles is HOME. It was moving to see the bond that's already been created between siblings and grandparents. My parents were able to have very tender moments with Myles before returning to Roanoke. Peter's parents had a few hours here also before returning to Boston. He is really loved! I think, compared to the Myles-sized "crib" that he was spending all of his time in at the orphanage, he is elated when we put him in his crib in his room. He is giddy when he stretches his adorable body out to go to sleep in his cozy crib. After his bottle (still doing one in the middle of the night), he gives me the most breath-taking smile as I kiss him goodnight for the hundredth time. Myles is HOME.

We are HOME!

2009-05-14T09:45:00.005-04:00

After an AMAZING 8 days in Rwanda, we rushed through our time in Ethiopia and we were able to leave Addis on Tuesday night! We arrived home Wednesday at lunch. Nana, Gramps, Keith, and Lili were waiting outside to welcome Myles home! Steven Curtis Chapman's song "When Love Takes You Home" was the basis for the sign on the car. :)

Saturday

2009-05-09T16:17:00.004-04:00

We have had a great last few days-since everything was set by Thursday for Myles and his travel (and could have been on Wed if we had pushed)...we have had a wonderfully packed schedule with our friends here. It's been SO amazing being back in Rwanda with those that we love. We've uploaded again to our picasa web album. We think you'll notice how much Myles is changing! :) It's really remarkable how he's blossoming.

Yesterday we had a really significant time visiting Myles' orphanage for the last time. For the first time, I went in to Myles' room at the orphanage. It was just heartbreaking. It was really hard to leave the children there but incredible to leave with our son.

Today I was a bridesmaid in my Rwandan sister's gusaba (traditional wedding) :) The Baingana sisters (10 total) are amazing women who I was good friends with when we lived here...and they were so sweet to allow me to join them as a bridesmaid for Annet's wedding today. It was beautiful-with dancers and singing and lots and lots of Rwandan food. SUCH a blast. Myles loved it for a few hours and then slept soundly in his carseat.

We are leaving out about 20 other significant experiences- (inclduing meeting with the widows that Tara and I worked with--because of the sales of their cards we are able to buy a goat for EACH of the 50 women!)....

We are REALLY missing Keith and Lili. We leave for Ethiopia (for Myles visa) tomorrow afternoon. We are SAD to leave Rwanda and really wish we could just be going right home instead of going to Ethiopia. We cannot wait to bring Myles HOME!!!!

PLEASE pray that things go well in Ethiopia and please pray for us as we are missing the kids so much. (but know that they are having a total blast!!!)

His Eyes

2009-05-07T16:47:00.002-04:00

Everyday we are with Myles his personality continues to blossom. Today was the day of belly laughter. I will never tire of looking into his eyes and hearing his laughter!

Sisters

2009-05-06T16:08:00.002-04:00

We have had so many people supporting us throughout this entire adoption process, two of whom have already had a chance to meet Myles (before our friends and family in the States). Since we landed in Rwanda, my sisters Maggie and Bonita Baingana have been with us every step. Myles loves his Rwandan Aunty M and Aunty B. :) We have had so much fun even as we've waited in lines or spent the entire day in the car going to try to finalize paperwork for the adoption. It's remarkable to say that we really have ENJOYED the process here...we've met some incredible people, had some hysterical conversations in Kinyarwanda, and have loved every moment with Maggie and Bonita (and their fantastic families!) Love you ladies!

Travel Letter!

2009-05-05T15:25:00.002-04:00

We got our travel letter today! You'll see Myles in a picture with the Minister of Gnder-she was delighted to meet him and sign his letter that allows him to be with us ALLLLL the time! :) He is sleeping soundly in our room right now, under a mosquito net. If you'd like to see pictures, we are going to be uploading them off an on to our picasa web album. Click here to see pictures!

Please pray for me, I'm hopefully getting over a nasty bug. :(

Meeting Myles!

2009-05-02T16:13:00.005-04:00

We will never forget today, that's for sure! We couldn't have asked for a smoother union with Myles. We arrived on a crystal clear (typical) day in Rwanda and were greeted by Maggie and Bonita. We went to the Home of Hope (orphanage) with them and met a few of the nuns (who are French, Ugandan, Kenyan...all sent by the Mother Theresa Mission). Just as we arrived there, it began to rain-just a passing shower. We waited in a small room for them to bring Myles to us. Myles arrived through the rain-helping the nun hold the umbrella. It was SUCH a sweet meeting. He was happy to be held-very focused on our eyes, hair, shirts, and Nana's toy (after several minutes of being with him!)...he took a special liking to Peter's face-he kept reaching up to touch Peter's face. Unfortunately, due to a document we are still waiting on from the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MOGFP) -- we were not able to have him stay with us and were given a 5:30 curfew with Myles-leaving us with only 3:30-5:30 with him today.

However we had a very significant bonding time with him in our hotel room. Peter gave him his first bottle, while Myles stared intently in Daddy's eyes. We then both gave him a sponge bath which he LOVED. We had to get the orphanage smell off of him. We lathered his adorable naked body up with lotion while he lay on his towel on our bed. We talked with him and did tummy time and worked on his core. Because he hasn't been encouraged to sit up, his core is weak (but normally so considering everything). We can tell the sisters have loved him so much. He just loved being tickled and cuddled-as seen in the belly laugh pictures. We found out he has double-dimples when he smiles and laughs, like sister Lili! :) This was such a precious time. After the laughing, cooing, and cuddling, we fed Myles some rice cereal. He loved it and insisted on feeding himself with the spoon-very cute (and messy!). We got laughing together. What beautiful music we made as family!

It was incredible to experience this day with Myles' "Aunties", our friends Maggie and Bonita. Bonita works for Gladney and we are finally able to talk openly about the experience (before this we worked directly with our caseworker who we ADORE!) We have changed where we are staying. We are staying with our pastor and his wife from when we lived here. They were adopted parents to us when we lived here-and it's SO great to be "home" again with them.

We returned him to "school"-as we told him--because it just sounds so wrong to call it an orphanage, when he isn't one anymore...but he is spending hopefully just 1 more night after this at sleep-away school with his crib buddies. Please please pray that we get the document that we need on Monday so that we can be with our son ALL of the time!!!!! We head to pick him up from "school" at 7am tomorrow-that's the earliest they would let us. (I asked for 5am...)

SO much love-and special hugs to Keith and Liliana0--we miss you so much!!! (thanks Gma and Gpa for being there to hug and love them during this time...and Nana and Gramps next week!!!)

for more first-day in Rwanda pics, click on this: webalbum

Leap to Your Son

2009-05-02T15:58:00.002-04:00

On our way to the airport in the dark on Friday morning, I found a letter my friend had written to us that I just had to share.
Dear Laurel and Peter,

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." –Confucius

A single step over the threshold of your home to the car that will take you to the plane, to the other plane, to the other plane, to Rwanda, to Myles. Each step bringing you closer to the place always ‘known’ for you, and him.

A thousand memories await you. And then a thousand more. Your new son will delight you with every smile, every movement forward, every successful location of the picture ‘ball’ on a story book page. He’ll eliminate your good night’s sleep… to make it more precious by holding him in the dark. He’ll toss food on your freshly washed floor…he’ll learn to sing his ABC’s by listening to your voice… he’ll dance to the music that you play in the kitchen… he’ll adore his big brother Keith… he’ll laugh with his big sister Lili. He’ll want to be just like daddy one day. And he’ll know his mommy’s voice; it will calm him, sing to him, instruct him, wrap around him like a ‘cozy blanket for his soul.’

And he’ll be HOME. Then when he is grown, and thinks about his childhood – he’ll think of his sunshiny room, his backyard where he played with his brother and sister, his mommy’s smile, his daddy’s shoulders on which he sat upon and surveyed the world.

He’ll also be dearly, devotedly loved by a legion of friends and family. He has become all of ‘our Myles’, a picture of how love can grow and sustain, reaching across the continents and obstacles to bring a little boy home.

Sure, a thousand miles is a long way to go. But what would Confucius have said about a journey of over 8,000 miles, and back again? Maybe he wouldn’t have said it begins with a step… maybe something more like a leap.

So then…. Leap to your child. Leap over the oceans, and the hurdles, and the waiting. Leap to that child that has always been yours… and let there be no more miles between you.

Safe travels to you… can’t wait to meet the new addition to the Greer family, whom you’ve received as a little child in HIS name.

With love and prayers – Heather, John, Aidan and Jack Honeywater

We're OFF!

2009-05-01T04:50:00.001-04:00

Today we are leaving. I haven't quite wrapped my head around it yet. When does it really hit? I have been aching for this boy for months and months--and I am going to be meeting him tomorrow?!!! Our son. Our miracle in Rwanda. Myles-we're on our way sweet boy!!!!

Leaving in a few hours!

2009-04-30T17:59:00.002-04:00

We have been going full-speed ahead since receiving the call Tuesday night about heading to Rwanda May 1! WOW, really leaving tomorrow!!!! In a few hours!!!

The orphanage has some needed items that we learned about Wednesday morning. We sent the word out to friends and I posted the need on facebook. We have received hundreds of dollars and TONS of donations. We left a bin on our front step labeled "Donations for Rwandan Orphanage" and each time I came home or walked by the front door, there was MORE! Thank you to everyone who gave! We cannot wait to fill and weigh the enormous bags tonight!

Here are just a few of the donations...

LEAVING!

2009-04-28T19:48:00.001-04:00

Our heads are SPINNING! Our case worker just called and asked if we'd be available to leave FRIDAY...in 2 days! Ahhhhh-we are so excited! We are leaving Friday morning and will hopefully be holding Myles in our arms Saturday afternoon!!!!!

Travel Dates

2009-04-27T18:45:00.002-04:00

We will most likely be traveling Friday, May 8! We have tickets on hold!

Waiting again

2009-04-27T15:55:00.002-04:00

Here is our precious son, Myles Mugisha Greer. We cannot wait to bring him home...but have to. Rwanda now requires a letter from the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MOGFP) in order to get a passport for adopted children. So, we wait. We are so so so so ready for Myles to come home. Hopefully we will have travel dates soon. Please continue to pray that we can go to Rwanda to bring our son home!!!!!!

Travel Dates

2009-04-23T22:48:00.001-04:00

We should be hearing Monday about our travel dates!

Reversing Wretchedness

2009-04-23T19:33:00.005-04:00

My dear amazing mommy friend Susan, who writes for Christianity Today, recently started a blog focused on raising preschoolers. Her recent posting is titled "Adoption: Reversing Wretchedness." (click on that title to go read it) I hope her words move you to action like they did me.

He's Ours!!!

2009-04-20T11:03:00.003-04:00

The court session went through and the gavel smashed down declaring that:

MYLES MUGISHA GREER IS OUR SON!!!!!!

Next steps: Friday our judgement papers will be picked up from the court (hopefully!) and then the Rwandan passport needs to be processed. We hope to have a better idea of our travel dates next Monday or Tuesday. Hopefully we'll be with Myles the first week in May!!!!

Court in Session

2009-04-19T21:41:00.002-04:00

In a few hours, a court session will take place in Kigali, Rwanda to determine whether our Myles becomes an official member of our family. He will be given two new names- his first and last names will be gifts from his new family, us. We will keep the name that was given to him by those who found him abandoned, as his middle name--but hope to use it often, as the meaning of it describes him perfectly. I am filled with anticipation, with hope. I would love to hear that gavel smash on the table at the end of the court session tomorrow. The resounding noise would declare that he is no longer an orphan, but now a son...a brother...a Greer...OURS. He has been our son for months now. God put this deep, supernatural love in us for our precious Myles. I had been dreaming about those eyes for months before we saw them in his referral picture. When we got our referral call, Myles took my breath away for a moment when I looked at him on our computer screen--because I KNEW him. I loved him already...and didn't know how to respond.

Myles-whenever you read all of these posts, I hope that you know that you are so incredibly loved by your parents. We ache to have you as part of your family with everything in us. Someone is always missing here, and that's you. My arms long to hold you and make up for the months that you have gone without our physical and emotional love. I know that you have not been alone-that He has been watching you, but I also know that your Creator has planned for you to be part of this family since before you were born. Did you know that your grandfather ("Gramps") called me the morning of what could have been your birthday? He had been thinking and praying for you, and said that he strongly felt that it was the day of your birth?!! Now, learning what we have about you, this is true! For some reason, our union as family was supposed to be delayed like this...but we have ALL been praying for you and loving you from afar. We love you, sweet boy.

Surprise Shower for Myles

2009-04-19T11:08:00.007-04:00

Yesterday, Saturday, the doorbell rang at 8am-only to find a new diaper bag on our front step. Inside was an invitation to a shower for Myles (see slideshow). Friends have been telling untruths for weeks in order to shower our family with gifts for Myles. It is so incredible to experience this outpouring of love for our son, who isn't even here yet--but we all love so intensely.

Our close friends organized the shower to be held at HOPE International (where Peter works), and Peter had no idea (even though they were setting up in the conference room the day before)! The girls asked me to come early-and we had a really precious time of prayer for Myles (THANK YOU!). The room couldn't have been more inviting and beautiful-candles, chocolate fountain, lovely brunch, a corner set up just for children, a power point of our blog and music from it...even a new glider chair to spend hours with Myles :) Some sneaky friends even created a REGISTRY for Myles at Babies R Us, so naughty and hysterical! THANK YOU!!!!!

Awkward Moment

2009-04-16T07:58:00.004-04:00

On my way with the kids to my adoption physical (update) appointment yesterday, I had an insanely awkward moment with the kids. Visit our family blog to see our ridiculous elevator experience. What would you have done?!

Click on the "Awkward Moment" title above to be taken to our blog.

COURT DATE!

2009-04-13T15:15:00.003-04:00

WE GOT OUR COURT DATE!!! A week from TODAY, Monday, April 20th--hopefully our adoption will be finalized in Rwanda!!!!! Who knows, maybe we'll be traveling a few days after that!!!

HOOOOORRRRRRAAAAAYYYYYYYYY!

Good Friday

2009-04-11T13:49:00.002-04:00

We just got some ADORABLE pictures of Myles in his crib in the orphanage...holding and cuddling with the blanket we sent, the family picture book, and the dragonfly toy. It was so so good to see him again in pictures! We are still anxiously awaiting our court date. Last week the Rwandan national time of mourning began (the genocide that began in April of 1994). Most government offices were closed, thus the delay in our court date being planned (we assume). REEEEALLY hoping to hear of the court date in the next few days. We cannot wait!

Rock-a-Bye Myles

2009-04-05T18:10:00.003-04:00

I'm just going to put it out there. I'm sitting here looking into the eyes of our son-the picture in front of me of Myles (we can "find him" in any room of our house)--he's in a frame or two in all of them. I cannot wait to hug this little boy and tell him how much I've missed him. Tell him how I've longed for him for months, whisper in his soft ear how much I have ached for him, both physically and emotionally. There is NO difference in this "paper-pregnancy" compared to my two biological pregnancies-the longings and indescribable desire to protect, smother with touch, and love unconditionally, are just overwhelming. I absolutely hate what he has already been through in his short life-that he was kept warm and safe in his mother's womb for 9 months, only to lose her forever only a few short months later. We grieve with him already at this deep, deep loss. At the same, incomprehensible moment, we are insanely overjoyed that God has given us Myles as our son. I sat in his nursery last night when Peter was reading to our other two children. I rocked in the rocking chair and closed my eyes. I pictured him in my arms and sang silently to him in my heart. I "sang" the words that my mother and mother-in-law came up with for Keith when he was born-- to the tune of "Rock-a-Bye Baby":

Rock-a-bye Myles,
Sent from Above.
The Father has made you
With Perfect Love
The Shepherd will guide you
All your life through
So rock-a-bye Myles,
Mommy loves you.

Home Study Update

2009-04-05T18:07:00.002-04:00

We just had our home study update this afternoon-an hour of making sure our file stays up-to-date with Gladney. We have all of our child abuse and criminal clearances for both PA and MA completed again this year, and are just waiting on medical forms for each member of our family. We're looking forward to a week of (hopefully) hearing about our court date!

Myles' Hugs

2009-04-04T10:55:00.005-04:00

My friend in Rwanda visited Myles at the orphanage yesterday. Here's what she shared with us:

"I just got back from seeing Myles! He really is a sweetheart! I gave him some hugs from you and he just smiled! I told the sisters that I had "met" you and you were sending a blanket and some things for his crib. They were very happy!"

Evidence of a happy, sweet, adorable boy and delightful caretakers. Makes the heart happy!

Care Package for Myles

2009-04-02T09:26:00.002-04:00

Friends of mine brought us a super soft blue and brown blanket for Myles-one whole side is incredibly SOFT and the other side is gentle satin. The kids and I bought a teether-friendly picture book filled with our family pictures for Myles. We also found this firefly Lamaze toy that looks like endless fun :) It was really emotional watching the children intently hug and kiss Myles' blanket before sending it to him.

Redemption

2009-03-29T21:12:00.002-04:00

Man, there's SO much I want to write right now--so much of our Myles' history that has broken us yet reminded us of Redemption. He really is a miracle, a blessing. Oh, just WAIT until after the court date when he is officially ours and we can share-such a story! We have the pictures plastered all over the house and hundreds of family, friends, and bloggers have gazed into those precious eyes through e-mailed pictures. I've received messages on my phone from friends and family just in joyful TEARS over our little guy; there has been such anticipation and prayer over the wait for Myles (and of course, this prayerful wait continues now until he's home with us). The kids have wallet-sized pictures that they carry around in their pockets. I realized, at all times the last few days, I've had at least 4 pictures of Myles to look at either on my phone, in my bag, pocket, etc. I don't think I've gone more than 15 minutes without looking at our son. OUR SON MYLES--now we know what he looks like!!!!!

Now we wait for our court date.

REFERRAL!!!

2009-03-26T13:29:00.004-04:00

We are completely smitten with our precious little boy. We got the call this morning at 11am...and Peter RUSHED home to be together to talk with our lovely caseworker Natalie and view his pictures together. WOW. Our Myles is almost 6 months old and has penetrating almond-shaped eyes that melt me each time I look into them. He's perfect and lovely and adorable and ready to be cuddled and smooshed and kissed a kazillion trillion times.

If you'd like to see pictures, please e-mail me. laurel.greer@gmail.com We cannot post them to the web until our court date has passed.

We love our precious baby boy. He is a gift & a blessing (and that name has more significance than I can share right now). :)

No News

2009-03-25T23:29:00.002-04:00

Nothing to tell-except that I would recommend turning the computer off if you are in a waiting mode. It really helped today-but it was still a hard day :( Every day there's that sense of great anticipation that this could be the day that we get to SEE our little guy, get his information in that much longed for referral packet. At the end of the day, there's that extreme disappointment that hits...similar to the feeling when I was 9 months pregnant with Keith and we spent the whole night in the hospital with contractions, only to be sent home the following morning. :( SUCH anticipation to be followed by more waiting!

Today the kids and I took a few mini road trips. I had put Keith in the back of the van and Lili in the middle-because they were having some "communication issues" :) Keith at one point was looking in front of him at the empty seat where he has said Myles will sit. He looked up at me driving and said with a little frustration, "Mommy, when will Myles be here?" I said, "I was just wondering that same thing Keith, it's hard waiting isn't it? Only God knows when Myles will come, we are waiting on Him. Have you been praying for Myles?" Keith said, "Well, sometimes. Not a lot." I said, "We are learning to trust God more though this time of waiting for Myles, aren't we buddy?." He looked out the window and said, "But Mommy, I already DO trust God!"

Waiting is HARD

2009-03-25T08:38:00.002-04:00

The last week has been great-busy, lovely, fun. Celebrating birthdays, gardening, girls nights, dates with Peter, great friend time, and more. Today, I woke up with that familiar, ever present sense of LONGING for our boy miles away. Waiting is so hard. Heading out for the whole day, literally. Even have a girls night tonight (thanks girls!). I want to focus on the two kids in front of me today-want to listen to them, laugh with them, and learn together...and fight what my whole being wants to do-just wait, pine, and ponder the intensity of this WAIT. So-here we go. (Don't worry-my cell phone is on LOUD).

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2009-03-24T10:10:00.003-04:00

Make sure to turn off Blog Music!

Our Chosen Child

2009-03-23T13:20:00.004-04:00

We had been looking for a baby book for Myles, but wanted something specific. This journey is emotionally and spiritually so similar to the anticipation we had with our biological children-yet there's this entirely different physical pain and waiting involved. My mom found "Our Chosen Child" at Barnes & Noble and it couldn't be more perfect. It's created for the adopted child, the language used throughout the book is sensitive and loving. We are delighted! Thanks Nana (and Gramps)!

Here's a little write-up about it, for those of you who are adoptive families and are interested:

Our Chosen Child highlights all the special preparations adoptive parents make and the excitement and anticipation they feel -- all with plenty of room to record family history and all the milestones of childhood through high school graduation. Additionally, Our Chosen Child includes the milestones that an adoptive family achieves:

"Waiting for You" acknowledges the many steps along the journey to becoming an adoptive family, such as completing a home study and getting references.
"When We First Saw You" captures the special moment when you meet your new son or daughter, whether as a newborn or as a five-year-old.
"Adoption Day" records all about the happy memories of the day your child's adoption is finalized.

Each page features original poetry by Judith Levy, such as this loving dedication: "You had a journey to make, A trip to come through, To parents who were praying, And waiting for you." Judy Pelikan's tender illustrations grace every page, making this book a beautiful keepsake.

Framed

2009-03-23T08:00:00.008-04:00

My sweet friend Alanna sent me verses after I expressed the difficulty and frustrations of this waiting period. Instead of staring at those 4 framed pictures of "Tom & Jane" in Myles' room-I filled them today. Thanks so much Alanna!

Two Nursery Updates

2009-03-21T16:44:00.003-04:00

Valued

2009-03-20T05:48:00.007-04:00

This picture was taken on the border of Congo/Rwanda when Peter (then with World Relief) and I worked at the refugee camp in 2002 when the volcano erupted in Goma. We were up in the mountains and it was actually COLD. This tiny boy was only wearing an old t-shirt and stayed close to me in the large crowd of displaced people. I remember holding him for a long time, just looking at him that way-trying to somehow convey to him with my eyes and touch & pathetic attempt at Swahili, that he was so loved and valued by his Maker. I could write pages about all that I learned through the experience of those disaster-response days after the volcano erupted and the earth continued to shake.

It's Friday again-and the news we got this week is that our paperwork needs to be updated-but it will not delay our adoption at all. We have our home study update happening a week from today and all the clearance requests (6 of them) are filled out and being notarized and/or mailed today.

Yesterday I had a fun friend day - it reminded me of Rwanda with a flow of friends dropping in and out. Keith, Liliana, and I had a great few hours in the afternoon watching "baby Luke"-a 5 month old adorable baby. It was touching to watch the kids talk to him, try to help me give him his bottle, read him stories, and even help me get him when he woke up from his nap -don't worry Jenn, not with their hands, just their smiles and greetings! (yes, he slept in Myles' crib-so cute!) We changed him on Myles' changing table and it was a delight to watch Luke giggle when he noticed the hanging mobile & large colorful circles of fabric on the wall. As we kissed, cuddled, laughed, and snuggled with our adorable friend - we couldn't help but think what our family will look like when our brother/son comes home. I let Keith & Lili answer the phone when it rang during our Luke time...and each time, the first things out of their mouths after "hello" were "We have a baby here-but he's not ours, just our friend Luke." (cute little disclaimer!!!)

We continue to pray for Myles and really really really hope this next week brings news and pictures and a large step toward bringing him home.

Redoing Papers:More Contractions

2009-03-17T15:26:00.005-04:00

So, in our wait for our referral (still no word), we DID get word today from our agency that we need to:
-Do a home study update (will be one year in April)
-Get child abuse and criminal background checks for both PA and MA again since they expire at the end of this month-(since we lived in Massachusetts within the last 10 years, Pennsylvania law says that we have to have those updated to finalize our adoption)
-We also need to update our medical forms-for the entire family.

This won't hold up our referral or anything, just something that has to be done. We also need to update our medical forms for the entire family. I guess this is a "good" distraction from the wait?! More paperwork=more contractions.

Remember the Poor

2009-03-16T19:43:00.002-04:00

Peter spoke at a church in York, PA on Sunday. Living Word Community Church is a very large church with an even bigger heart for serving the poor. Peter spoke on the topic of "Remembering the Poor." I linked the podcast to the title of this post-just click on "Remember the Poor" to hear.

Busy

2009-03-14T08:18:00.003-04:00

So glad we have a busy weekend-I am SO hoping and excited and waiting and have that good-sick feeling of anticipation for this week.

Last weekend we went to visit my parents & grandparents in Roanoke, VA. My brother Paul, his wife Kelly, and their son Cain came in from Colorado and my youngest brother Brent and his wife Ashley (and their baby in Aunt Ash's belly...) came to visit from Christiansburg (where Brent's in med school). The family was so thoughtful in celebrating the birthday that Lili and I share :)...as well as lavish more (unexpected) gifts for Myles. I added four outfits to his closet when we returned :) Thanks family for being so excited with us!

Here are some pics from our time. (Can you find "Baby Ella" is in both pics with Lili-she goes everywhere with us these days!)

Aggie's Words

2009-03-11T09:23:00.003-04:00

My dear friend Aggie responded to our last posting with words that brought tears to our eyes. Aggie and her family have recently been through a very painful letting go. Her words of encouragement carry so much weight as I watch her live with joy and freedom because of Him. I linked her blog to this post, if you click on "Aggie's Words" above. I just had to share her comment with you:

"I wanted to tell you that I love the song that you chose for the blog (from the Fireproof soundtrack). That very song was playing on the radio in the car when we came out of the doctor's office on the day that we found out the baby was not ok. I sang that song everyday (many times a day) as we waited for God's answer. Waiting is often the hardest part of our trials. But waiting is also the time that we can learn the most about the Lord, grow in our faith in Him, and the time that He can do His greatest works in us. Trust in Him while you wait. Cling to Him while you wait. And know that His answers and His timing will be absolutely perfect. He is perfect. He loves you. And His answers are always based on His perfect love for you! Praying for you daily...while you wait! Love Aggie"

Two Weeks

2009-03-09T08:35:00.001-04:00

It's been two weeks since we think Myles was chosen at the orphanage. (although we believe he was really Chosen long ago...) We really hope to get the referral soon!

Psalm 145:3

2009-03-04T07:42:00.001-05:00

"Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom."

Not Finished with the Nursery

2009-03-04T07:00:00.002-05:00

This wait it made so much easier by doing projects! Here is Myles' nursery as of now-more to come soon. I have blisters on my hands from hot-gluing, sanding, painting, nailing...but if feels so good. I wrapped embroidery hoops with fabric and made ribbon-hung frames...my hands are burned and blistered. Kind of want to take a picture of my beaten hands just to show Myles, just more evidence that we are just SO excited and working hard to meet him!

...Friday helping a friend tile. :) Anyone else need help with house projects...locally?

Won't hear...

2009-03-02T16:57:00.001-05:00

This is how I'm trying to think--that we just won't hear this week or next. Just got an update from our caseworker. We know he was chosen last Monday...so we're a week into this. Here's part of the e-mail I received from our caseworker:

"Based on the time required for the matching process with the orphanage and the time required for obtaining the medical test results, I would estimate that you should receive your referral in 2-4 weeks."

I'm going to go back into lowering expectations-mode.

Sunday Night

2009-03-01T20:09:00.001-05:00

Wow--totally on the edge of our seats. Peter is on his way home tonight from a 4 day trip. He isn't on another trip for a while...and now we are both READY for the phone call (not that we weren't before!) but now we're so anxious to get word! Ahhhhhh--cannot wait! Literally sick with anticipation :)

These two pictures don't really relate--but everything these days makes me long to share moments with Myles. The other day Keith was measuring Liliana with the yard stick. I just love the seriousness on their faces as they realize that Liliana is a yard tall (even though she's on her tippy-toes). Big brother Keith delights in being SO much bigger :) We look forward to adding Myles' measurements to our family height chart behind the laundry room door!

Weekend

2009-02-27T16:22:00.000-05:00

If you think of us, please pray. Fridays without news are sometimes hard--just coming to the end of a Friday means there will be two more days without word from Rwanda. In this case-it's a "good" thing, because Peter is out of town and now there's a greater chance of us being TOGETHER when we get our referral. :) Nevertheless, I'm aching to know about our Myles. How old is he? How much does he weigh? What is his story? What is his name? What makes him laugh? Will he want to be snuggled as much as I want to snuggle him? He's chosen and waiting. Really can't wait for that referral...but have to.

The Little Tiny Babies

2009-02-25T16:09:00.000-05:00

Painting the stripes in Myles' room went well yesterday. Even though it's a tiny room, it is taking a long time-which is FINE! Peter and I will paint his ceiling tonight and finish up the trim. It's been so fun spending time in there, praying and day dreaming about him. I think the kids have enjoyed the time in there too, bringing in stuffed animals to put in his crib, "helping" with the stripes, etc. While I was painting, Liliana put her music on in her room. The song "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" was on...repeat. I think it's so funny that it was on repeat-God knew I needed to hear those words. I heard it over and over again before I really listened to the memorized words. "He's got the little tiny babies...in His Hands" resounded in my heart. I felt such a peace knowing that, no matter how crazy it feels right now with this longing to know so many answers to the oodles of questions we have about our child, our travel, care for the children while we're gone...I DO know that He has our Little Tiny Baby in His Hands...not to mention the WHOLE WORLD. :)

Chosen But Waiting

2009-02-24T10:57:00.001-05:00

HOPE International had a team in Rwanda on a vision trip last week. The team visited the orphanage on Saturday (I think) and they asked the caretakers if they had chosen the "Greer baby." They were told that HAD BEEN CHOSEN--but the confirmation would be given Monday (yesterday) by Gladney staff. The baby room generally isn't allowed for visitors anyway. I believe that medical tests are being done now on our Myles and we should hear soon. Maybe hear by next week, don't you think?! (Here's hoping...)

For now, on to another house-project distraction. Just got back from buying semi-gloss yellow paint to paint "wallpaper stripes" in the nursery. :)

Choice

2009-02-18T14:43:00.001-05:00

It is an incredible feeling to know that sometime this week, possibly even tomorrow-a child is being chosen for our family. We've heard from other families that the sisters at the Home of Hope in Rwanda take time to seriously pray before choosing a child for a family. We will know so soon. One of my friends in Rwanda told me, "We're feeling the labor pains with you!"

I am going to go back into Myles' room now. I had taken a few weeks off from sitting in there, because it made me miss him too much. Today, I am going through the closet in his room, I will empty it out and can't wait to begin filling it with clothes for him to wear, blankets to wrap him in, and toys to surprise him with.

After getting our Rwandan approval yesterday, we shared with our two children the good news about being a step closer to bringing Myles home. When I dropped Liliana (almost 3) off at preschool, she had a hard time letting me leave. She was crying and asking for a few more hugs and kisses. When I pulled back from hugging her and began walking away, I heard her say in a raspy, quiet voice, "I just want my baby brother to come home." We are all feeling these labor pains!

RWANDAN APPROVAL!!!!!

2009-02-17T07:58:00.000-05:00

The e-mail came this morning, we've been APPROVED by Rwanda to adopt!!!!!

Still Waiting

2009-02-16T14:36:00.000-05:00

I generally post on Mondays-and just wanted to give the update that there really isn't one. We did hear from our wonderful caseworker at the end of last week that they think we should hear something soon because our file is being processed and the report is that it's "fine."

We've been keeping busy. To see one family diversion, visit our family blog. Click on the title of this post or go to http://greergang.blogspot.com

Malaika's Home

2009-02-09T09:41:00.000-05:00

I have linked this post to a family's blog who recently returned with their precious Rwandan daughter, Malaika. Click on the title of this post to visit and see pictures of their journey. Each week that we wait to hear from Rwanda, we have received a gift. Last week it was connecting with a doctor and nurse who volunteer and care for the babies at the Home of Hope, where we are adopting from. They randomly found our blog and were such an encouragement to connect with over e-mail. This week it's looking at Malaika's blog and viewing the images at the orphanage and realizing just how IMPROVED the conditions are. If you visit this family's blog, look at the pictures of the cribs--complete with bumper pads, toys, mirrors...this is new since May when Peter was there. It is so comforting to know that Myles will have more color and stimulation for his early days of life in the orphanage.

No word

2009-02-03T09:44:00.000-05:00

Yesterday before the kids and I were going to start a game, I said to them, "Mommy just needs to check e-mail quickly to see if Rwanda wrote to us about Myles." I did, and there wasn't anything so I turned around to the kids and said, "Nothing came, let's go." Liliana became instantaneously teary and said, "Myles isn't coming home?" Myles, we're so excited for you to join us!!!

Last week we had some e-mail contact with the government official in Rwanda handling our case. It was so encouraging to know that we were (finally) being processed. They just needed some clarification on our file, nothing major. We are really hoping this means we hear word of approval this week. For now, enjoying the snow and thankful for our busy schedules and distractions.

2009-01-23T14:22:00.001-05:00

Paving the Way

2009-01-22T16:12:00.001-05:00

The last two weeks have been slightly a relief-knowing that we would NOT be receiving any word from Rwanda helped me not race to the computer every time I walk in the door (thank goodness I don't have a Blackerry...AKA "Crackberry"). I'd be a mess with one of those during this process! On a more serious note, we were broken into last week (I walked in the house when the individual was upstairs), and Peter was out of town, so we were dealing with those kinds of issues on the home front. Not so surprisingly, Keith's Bible verse in his 5 year old class at church was Psalm 56:3 "When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You."

Last night before Peter left for Texas, we spent time praying together. We prayed for our son Myles-that God would be with him in the orphanage and that he would be comforted by the Presence of his Creator during this time of being without a family. Even though he hasn't been chosen for us yet--it is a crazy feeling to know that Myles is there. A little baby boy is waiting for us, and us for him. We prayed for the nuns who will be making the prayerful "choice" of who Myles is. All we know at this point is that our file is on the desk of the individual who will be approving it. We have been told it should be any day. We are hopeful and eager for the file to move to the orphanage so we can receive our referral. Thank you for praying for us during this wait.

Delay

2009-01-15T10:43:00.001-05:00

Just heard that we won't be hearing anything from the Minister of Gender until the week of the 26th. The woman in charge of adoption files is on leave until then.

Weekly Update

2009-01-12T15:17:00.000-05:00

Still hoping to hear from the Ministry of Gender this week that our file will move to the orphanage.

Hills

2009-01-05T14:26:00.000-05:00

Myles, we got your a high chair today--found one on craigslist from a dear family nearby. (thanks Carolyn!) It's in the kitchen for now-not that we need any other reminders to pray for you. Lili showed me where to put it because she said it needed to be near her seat on the bench.

I am so impatient. It helps to continually give you back to your Maker. How is it that we don't even "have" you yet but we're already having to learn to give you to Him?! This is sometimes an hourly battle for me. Today I found peace in Psalm 121 again. Keith and Lili can't wait to teach you these verses when you come. "I lift my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." I think of the hills in Rwanda and I can't help by recall the magnitude and beauty of His creation. I want to keep my eyes on the Maker, and not on my anxious thoughts while we wait for you to come home.

Myles' First Christmas

2008-12-23T10:02:00.000-05:00

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

2008-12-17T14:24:00.000-05:00

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

2008-12-17T14:05:00.000-05:00

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.

2008-12-16T16:04:00.000-05:00

Joining the Wait

2008-12-06T21:20:00.000-05:00

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

2008-12-04T12:49:00.000-05:00

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!

In Rwanda!

2008-11-24T14:50:00.000-05:00

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.

On it's way to Rwanda!

2008-11-20T19:27:00.000-05:00

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.

On another note--I've been touched again by our supportive family. Their support has been felt in so many meaningful ways. Peter's mom wrote a poem several months ago (posted on this blog). My mom, "Nana" to Myles, created blog-address-memos which she keeps in her purse and passes out to anyone who expresses excitement about this Rwandan adoption. I just had to post a picture of Nana with her memos. :)

Please give this to Myles

2008-11-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Peter just left for a 7 day trip to Haiti. Keith misunderstood and thought Daddy was going to Africa.

He kissed Peter's face and said, "Please give that to Myles."

Corrections Made

2008-11-13T21:13:00.000-05:00

Just learned yesterday that our two corrected documents are on their way from the Rwandan embassy in DC to our agency in Texas. Our next posting (hopefully, sans anymore issues!) will be celebrating that our dossier is en route to RWANDA. Oh, the JOY of getting it out of the U.S.!

Agency Received our Authenticated Dossier!

2008-10-28T16:56:00.000-04:00

We just learned that our dossier was authenticated by the Rwandan Embassy and was received by our agency!!! The frustrating part is that 2 of the documents were authenticated with errors, (with wrong names)--so those 2 documents are being sent back to the embassy and once they are returned (hopefully not a big deal and QUICKLY), our dossier will be sent off to Rwanda!

3 Weeks

2008-10-28T13:19:00.000-04:00

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!

Random yes, I am posting a picture of my favorite tree from our front yard. It seems that often I fall into the "next fall when we see this colorful tree, we'll have Myles home with us"--type thinking. Today I was hoping, this spring when the leaves grow back on this tree, I hope to be watching green buds burst open WITH Myles. :)

Family Van

2008-10-21T13:42:00.001-04:00

We went and picked up our 2004 Toyota Sienna today so we have a car big enough for our growing family. As soon as the kids were buckled in and we started driving home, Keith's first words were, "Mommy! I know exactly where Myles can sit!" We love how Myles is already a part of our family--even if now he's only pictured in an empty seat in our van.

Dossier with the Rwandan Embassy

2008-10-06T13:11:00.001-04:00

Today we learned that our dossier has been received by the Rwandan Embassy to be authenticated.

2 Cute-isms

2008-10-03T18:08:00.000-04:00

The other day friends of ours told Keith that they were expecting a baby. This friend doesn't look pregnant at all, so I said "Keith, the baby is growing in her tummy but you can't see it yet." Keith smiled and said to our friends, "My Mommy has a baby, but he's growing in her heart!"

Tonight after dinner Peter asked Keith what the first thing he'll say to Myles will be. Keith said, "I'll tell him, God loves you."

Dossier Sent Off!

2008-09-29T10:42:00.001-04:00

Today we went as a family to notarize our CIS clearance and then to FedEx to overnight our completed dossier! It is being sent to Gladney Ctr for Adoption in Texas, who will rush it off to the Rwandan Embassy after making it official. We will then wait to be authenticated by the Rwandan Embassy...(supposedly a quick thing)--and then it will be sent to Rwanda, and we wait for our referral!

Approved

2008-09-26T15:01:00.000-04:00

We received our CIS approval this morning, the dossier will be out of our house Monday!!!

CIS Wait

2008-09-24T15:08:00.001-04:00

We filed for our I-600A document with our gov't (CIS) back in April--and are STILL waiting for the approval. We have had our pile of paperwork completed for months now. Apparently, because our home study was submitted to them June 11, our file didn't begin moving until then. This is the final document we need for our dossier in order to send everything to the Rwandan Embassy to get authenticated. Once that is complete (only a few weeks), our paperwork will be sent to Rwanda and supposedly, only 4 weeks after that we could have our referral! (picture of our baby boy!)

It has been SO hard to see the pile of paperwork just SITTING on the shelf and not moving toward bringing our son home. I have prayed for our adoption and the orphanage in general...but not specifically for this CIS form. Yesterday is my one morning a week when both children are at preschool. I was home cleaning and organizing and praying. I earnestly prayed about the CIS's response--asking God to please move things along if it is His will. I asked Him to help me trust Him more during this time of waiting and wanting for our son. Three hours later I checked my e-mail to find one from our caseworker from Gladney Center for Adoption. This e-mail's purpose was to tell us that they had heard from the CIS and that our forms should be to us THIS WEEK! :) I know the Lord doesn't always answer our prayers right away--but when He does I just have to laugh (well, actually kind of a laugh-cry!). I am such a slow learner at Trusting.

Love from Across the Miles to Myles

2008-09-09T16:34:00.001-04:00

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

Starting the Journey

2008-09-09T04:00:00.000-04:00

We are nearly through our paperwork journey toward our Rwandan son, which began March 1st, 2008. The adoption paperwork began at that point, but our journey toward our Rwandan family began 9 years ago when we lived and loved in Rwanda. After experiencing the culture, finding life-long friends, and even having a Rwandan wedding, we knew Rwanda would be part of our lives as long as we live here on earth.

For me, living in Rwanda changed my life on so many levels. Especially my spiritual life, I had never seen such extreme poverty combined with post-genocide living. The faith that my friends had who had lost EVERYTHING--loved ones, entire families, innocence, homes...were filled with JOY despite all that they had been through. There was an intense desire to know God and be filled with His Truth. I think when poverty-induced death surrounds you daily, the brevity of this life causes you to think about Eternity on a very real level. I went to Rwanda because I felt that the Lord had opened a door for me to teach at an English-speaking school as well as work with a group of artisan-widows from the genocide. I thought I was going to "help" but instead I felt that I was ultimately the one who was helped. God opened my prideful eyes to Him in a way that broke me. I want to need Him on a daily/hourly/minute-by-minute basis like those Christ-followers did/do in Rwanda.

Beginning Stages

2008-09-08T22:17:00.000-04:00

September 2007 marked the beginning of our pursuit of adopting from Rwanda. We had been talking with friends one evening about the possibility of adopting and how that had always been on our hearts. Without knowing about this discussion, the very next morning I received a call from my close friend who had just heard that Rwanda was opening up for adoption. I immediately wrote my dear friend in Rwanda who responded quickly by telling me that her sister was the connection point for the Rwandan side of international adoptions! I couldn't believe it, very dear friends of ours in Rwanda would be our point people for an adoption?! Close friends and family know more specifically how clearly we've been directed with our adoption, it has just been remarkable!

In January, we got in contact with Gladney Center for Adoption, Fort Worth Texas, who took our information and said that they would get in touch with us once their staff were ready to get going in this latest country added to their international adoption community. Weeks went by and one day I started getting concerned that things wouldn't begin, that the gov't was changing their mind about adoptions. A few hours later I received a call, the call to get paperwork started! March 1, 2008 our official adoption journey began.

There have been SO many times in this adoption process that answers to our prayers have been answered nearly immediately. If not immediate, then there were CLEAR reasons why they weren't quick and the result was astonishing. We feel that the Lord has confirmed over and over again that He wants us to keep walking toward our 3rd child. We are humbled by how He has been guiding us and providing.

2008-09-08T15:46:00.001-04:00