Journal Entry 17 - Day 22 - October 15, 2011
We had power again! We went to the grocery today and then to a small cafe. The croissant was amazing! I made chicken fried rice. Given the lack of ingredients and spices, it was actually really good. After his first bite, Safari gave me a thumbs up and said "good." When I said "thank you," he told me "good job." It was really cute. I burned trash again. I got to talk to all three kids back home today. It was so good to hear their voices. Zac talked to Sandrine and Safari, and Blaine talked to Safari. They were all very excited. I still don't think Sandrine and Safari understand that they have other brothers, a sister, and a daddy and that they will be going to America soon. I really pray we get the visas before the end of the week. If so, we could be home by next Wednesday.
Journal Entry 18 - Day 23 - October 16, 2011
Just about three weeks in, and it's already been a long, crazy ride! We went to church again. It was a little more hoppin' today, but still far from a typical African service. The choir sang a song in Swahili, and Safari immediately recognized that he could understand it. He listened very closely. We ate at the same Lebanese restaurant. I felt much better this time, so the food was great! We had power again today, but it must be running low, no lights in the family room and the air unit is running. Hopefully it turns back on before it get too hot.
I'll call the embassy tomorrow morning and hopefully they have everything worked out with the medicals! I'm really concerned about money. I have $770 left. Seraphin says he needs $630 for DGM. If we have to redo the medicals, I'm $100 short. Then we also need $2650 for the embassy that we didn't know about before.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Journal Entries 14, 15, and 16
Journal Entry 14 - Day 19 - October 12, 2011
This is the first time I've had light while writing since I came to the Pugh's. Rusty is still sick. Sandrine is better - Praise God! Moses was difficult last night. He screamed for quite a while. I finally had to lay him out on the couch so that he would go back to sleep. I'm not sure what that was all about. Sandrine and Safari are both adjusting very well. They really like hearing their full names and are using and understanding more English. We've had power for over 24 hours straight! Hopefully that continues. It was a pretty uneventful day. We hung out inside all day. Sandrine napped while Moses did, and I laid down. I got little sleep between Safari and my phone, but it was still nice down time. We got all 3 approvals from Family Affairs today! I meet Seraphin tomorrow to pick them up.
Journal Entry 15 - Day 20 - October 13, 2011
We have had power pretty much non-stop since Tuesday and it's Thursday! That's a huge blessing. Uncle Wayne died last night. I haven't had a chance to talk to mom yet. I really wish I could be there. It's hard to be so far away at a time like this. I pray everyone, especially Aunt Jenny, is able to experience God's love and comfort.
Today we took the scenic route to meet Seraphin and on the return. On the way back, there was a little boy standing outside his home (something which looks more like a very run down, small shed, from rural KY) in nothing but his underwear. We were stopped in front of his home for about a minute. When he saw me in the car, he started yelling back towards his house. I smiled and waved and his whole face lit up. He excitedly waved back, and we drove away. It was the first moment like that I've had since arriving since most of my time has been spent at hospitals and government offices. It was wonderful!
So, tomorrow's the big day! Hopefully everything looks good and we can get the visas quickly. DeWayne is having a tough day. I pray he is able to focus on the positives and that he and Blaine have a good night together. I made spaghetti tonight. It was pretty good. All 3 kids really liked it.
Journal Entry 16 - Day 21 - October 14, 2011
Everything went pretty well with the visa interviews. The big problem is that we were taken to the wrong hospital for the medicals. Hopefully the doctor at the right hospital will just transfer the info to the proper form and we are set to go. Hopefully we get the visas early next week so that we can be home in 10-12 days from now.
Safari and I danced a lot today. He, Sandrine and I had lots of tickle fights. Everything with the kids is going really well. I'm just ready to have all 6 of them together. I talked to Amber for a second. She didn't seem like she wanted to talk too much. I really wish I could be there for her right now. I think we are going shopping tomorrow. We had power all day again! Hopefully that continues until we leave : )
This is the first time I've had light while writing since I came to the Pugh's. Rusty is still sick. Sandrine is better - Praise God! Moses was difficult last night. He screamed for quite a while. I finally had to lay him out on the couch so that he would go back to sleep. I'm not sure what that was all about. Sandrine and Safari are both adjusting very well. They really like hearing their full names and are using and understanding more English. We've had power for over 24 hours straight! Hopefully that continues. It was a pretty uneventful day. We hung out inside all day. Sandrine napped while Moses did, and I laid down. I got little sleep between Safari and my phone, but it was still nice down time. We got all 3 approvals from Family Affairs today! I meet Seraphin tomorrow to pick them up.
Journal Entry 15 - Day 20 - October 13, 2011
We have had power pretty much non-stop since Tuesday and it's Thursday! That's a huge blessing. Uncle Wayne died last night. I haven't had a chance to talk to mom yet. I really wish I could be there. It's hard to be so far away at a time like this. I pray everyone, especially Aunt Jenny, is able to experience God's love and comfort.
Today we took the scenic route to meet Seraphin and on the return. On the way back, there was a little boy standing outside his home (something which looks more like a very run down, small shed, from rural KY) in nothing but his underwear. We were stopped in front of his home for about a minute. When he saw me in the car, he started yelling back towards his house. I smiled and waved and his whole face lit up. He excitedly waved back, and we drove away. It was the first moment like that I've had since arriving since most of my time has been spent at hospitals and government offices. It was wonderful!
So, tomorrow's the big day! Hopefully everything looks good and we can get the visas quickly. DeWayne is having a tough day. I pray he is able to focus on the positives and that he and Blaine have a good night together. I made spaghetti tonight. It was pretty good. All 3 kids really liked it.
Journal Entry 16 - Day 21 - October 14, 2011
Everything went pretty well with the visa interviews. The big problem is that we were taken to the wrong hospital for the medicals. Hopefully the doctor at the right hospital will just transfer the info to the proper form and we are set to go. Hopefully we get the visas early next week so that we can be home in 10-12 days from now.
Safari and I danced a lot today. He, Sandrine and I had lots of tickle fights. Everything with the kids is going really well. I'm just ready to have all 6 of them together. I talked to Amber for a second. She didn't seem like she wanted to talk too much. I really wish I could be there for her right now. I think we are going shopping tomorrow. We had power all day again! Hopefully that continues until we leave : )
Monday, December 12, 2011
Journal Entry 13
Journal Entry 13 - Day 18 - October 11, 2011
We had another pretty good day.There were several different Congolese men here doing various jobs. Safari followed them around most of the day. He seemed to really like Papa Willie. We had power most of the day which was a pleasant surprise. It was out from about 8-3. I was able to bathe all three kids!
We finally had a successful attempt at Play-Do! Sandrine and Safari seemed to really enjoy it without trying to eat it this time : ) I taught Moses how to feed himself Puffs today. He did great. He also started putting a little weight on his legs when I hold him above my lap!
Rusty and Debbie are sick - probably the same thing I had. Sandrine is also sick. Her temp was up to 103.5 when I put her to bed; that was an hour and a half after I gave her Tylenol. I pray it starts to fall while she sleeps. Safari has some funky places that popped up all over his rear end today - they almost look like blisters. I'm thinking it may have something to do with the pull-ups he's had to wear the last several days. I'm going to try some diaper rash ointment on it tomorrow.
DeWayne said Danielle emailed tat she will try to get us in earlier this week if possible. Hopefully, I can get a hod of her tomorrow. I tried 3 times today. I pray we get the visas Monday and that DGM goes very quickly. Ireally hope we have the exit letter next Friday.
God - Sandrine is in the bedroom coughing so hard. I knoow you hear her. Please cool her fever and relieve her cough so that she can sleep well tonight. Quickly heal her little body. Please get us home as soon as possible so that they can all get to a good doctor and start moving toward being healthy. Thank you for all the power we had today and the two hot meals! Please touch Sandrine in a special way tonight.
UPDATE - After 15-20 minutes, I noticed that Sandrine wasn't coughing anymore. I went in to check on her and she was sleeping calmly with no cough or fever!
Things that have struck me
- The vast difference between the rich and the poor
-more Mercedes in Kinshasa than any other city in the world
- How expensive it is in Kinshasa - CRAZY!
- Everyone "expects" money from you
- The Lebanese food
- very good and reasonably priced
- Lack of power
- I expected a few hours off a day, not a few hours on
- The stares
- I expected them but some last SO long
- Two men stared at us our entire meal on Sunday
- Lack of water
-didn't really put the whole power needed for water thing together
- Congo River
-huge, powerful rapids
- over 900 feet deep, deepest in the world
- enough energy produced at Kinshasa/Brassaville to possibly power ALL of Africa, but no infrastructure to build and safely operate a dam
- Dirty
- Gombe is so dirty - dust from the streets everywhere
- Modern clothing
- I brought very conservative clothes but most women dress very modernly
- Difficulty telling if someone is genuinely interested in our adoption or if they are trying to cause trouble/get money
- Smiles
- everywhere I look there are son many beautiful smiles
We had another pretty good day.There were several different Congolese men here doing various jobs. Safari followed them around most of the day. He seemed to really like Papa Willie. We had power most of the day which was a pleasant surprise. It was out from about 8-3. I was able to bathe all three kids!
We finally had a successful attempt at Play-Do! Sandrine and Safari seemed to really enjoy it without trying to eat it this time : ) I taught Moses how to feed himself Puffs today. He did great. He also started putting a little weight on his legs when I hold him above my lap!
Rusty and Debbie are sick - probably the same thing I had. Sandrine is also sick. Her temp was up to 103.5 when I put her to bed; that was an hour and a half after I gave her Tylenol. I pray it starts to fall while she sleeps. Safari has some funky places that popped up all over his rear end today - they almost look like blisters. I'm thinking it may have something to do with the pull-ups he's had to wear the last several days. I'm going to try some diaper rash ointment on it tomorrow.
DeWayne said Danielle emailed tat she will try to get us in earlier this week if possible. Hopefully, I can get a hod of her tomorrow. I tried 3 times today. I pray we get the visas Monday and that DGM goes very quickly. Ireally hope we have the exit letter next Friday.
God - Sandrine is in the bedroom coughing so hard. I knoow you hear her. Please cool her fever and relieve her cough so that she can sleep well tonight. Quickly heal her little body. Please get us home as soon as possible so that they can all get to a good doctor and start moving toward being healthy. Thank you for all the power we had today and the two hot meals! Please touch Sandrine in a special way tonight.
UPDATE - After 15-20 minutes, I noticed that Sandrine wasn't coughing anymore. I went in to check on her and she was sleeping calmly with no cough or fever!
Things that have struck me
- The vast difference between the rich and the poor
-more Mercedes in Kinshasa than any other city in the world
- How expensive it is in Kinshasa - CRAZY!
- Everyone "expects" money from you
- The Lebanese food
- very good and reasonably priced
- Lack of power
- I expected a few hours off a day, not a few hours on
- The stares
- I expected them but some last SO long
- Two men stared at us our entire meal on Sunday
- Lack of water
-didn't really put the whole power needed for water thing together
- Congo River
-huge, powerful rapids
- over 900 feet deep, deepest in the world
- enough energy produced at Kinshasa/Brassaville to possibly power ALL of Africa, but no infrastructure to build and safely operate a dam
- Dirty
- Gombe is so dirty - dust from the streets everywhere
- Modern clothing
- I brought very conservative clothes but most women dress very modernly
- Difficulty telling if someone is genuinely interested in our adoption or if they are trying to cause trouble/get money
- Smiles
- everywhere I look there are son many beautiful smiles
Monday, December 5, 2011
Journal Entry 12 - Day 15 - October 10, 2011
Well, I'm sitting here in the dark yet again. We've been without power close to 12 hours now. I just finished eating leftover Lebanese chicken and rice which I put in the fridge yesterday, the freezer when the power went out, and it was just perfectly lukewarm for dinner! Who'd of thunk it!?
Today was overall a pretty good day. I feel pretty much back to normal. I was rudely awakened at 5:30 this morning by a loud grunt and a Moses explosion! Thank God he was sleeping on a disposable changing pad - I learned that lesson the hard way at the hotel! After cleaning him up, I put him on the couch where he immediately had an explosion twice as big! Who knew such a little guy could hold so much nastiness inside...
I broke out the punch balls today. They were a huge hit until they popped - Sandrine's first - then Safari's. We sang lots, mostly the kids today, lots of drumming. We practiced their new full names. They did pretty well. They at least know they are all Fraziers! Safari and Sandrine thought it was really funny that Moses' middle name is Mapenzi because they sing that word (which means loves in Swahili) often in the songs they learned at the orphanage.
I had my first experience ever burning trash. I was a little nervous, but Rusty assured me that I could do no harm. I'm pretty sure he thought I was a little crazy because I kept asking questions about exactly how this was supposed to go down, but he was confident enough to send me off without supervision. So, I set off to the backyard with 3 kids, a trash bucket ans some matches. I was able to light it. I'll have to report back as to whether anything actually burned!
I'm trying to out wait the power right now so I can shower, but it looks like the power will win again...
UPDATE - I GOT A SHOWER!!!
God - Thank you for all you have shown me through this process. I know you are in control of all things. Thank you for these 3 beautiful children. I already love each of them so much! Thank you for this special time with them and how well they each are attaching. Thank you for Moses' miraculous improvements! Thank you for Sandrine's sweet smile, Safari's mischievous grin and Moses' bright eyes. Thank you for the Pugh's and their gracious hosting. Thank you for DeWayne stepping up at at home and for everyone helping him. Thank you for Blaine, Zac and Kiera - I miss them so much. God - please let these visas and exit letter be issued quickly.
Well, I'm sitting here in the dark yet again. We've been without power close to 12 hours now. I just finished eating leftover Lebanese chicken and rice which I put in the fridge yesterday, the freezer when the power went out, and it was just perfectly lukewarm for dinner! Who'd of thunk it!?
Today was overall a pretty good day. I feel pretty much back to normal. I was rudely awakened at 5:30 this morning by a loud grunt and a Moses explosion! Thank God he was sleeping on a disposable changing pad - I learned that lesson the hard way at the hotel! After cleaning him up, I put him on the couch where he immediately had an explosion twice as big! Who knew such a little guy could hold so much nastiness inside...
I broke out the punch balls today. They were a huge hit until they popped - Sandrine's first - then Safari's. We sang lots, mostly the kids today, lots of drumming. We practiced their new full names. They did pretty well. They at least know they are all Fraziers! Safari and Sandrine thought it was really funny that Moses' middle name is Mapenzi because they sing that word (which means loves in Swahili) often in the songs they learned at the orphanage.
I had my first experience ever burning trash. I was a little nervous, but Rusty assured me that I could do no harm. I'm pretty sure he thought I was a little crazy because I kept asking questions about exactly how this was supposed to go down, but he was confident enough to send me off without supervision. So, I set off to the backyard with 3 kids, a trash bucket ans some matches. I was able to light it. I'll have to report back as to whether anything actually burned!
I'm trying to out wait the power right now so I can shower, but it looks like the power will win again...
UPDATE - I GOT A SHOWER!!!
God - Thank you for all you have shown me through this process. I know you are in control of all things. Thank you for these 3 beautiful children. I already love each of them so much! Thank you for this special time with them and how well they each are attaching. Thank you for Moses' miraculous improvements! Thank you for Sandrine's sweet smile, Safari's mischievous grin and Moses' bright eyes. Thank you for the Pugh's and their gracious hosting. Thank you for DeWayne stepping up at at home and for everyone helping him. Thank you for Blaine, Zac and Kiera - I miss them so much. God - please let these visas and exit letter be issued quickly.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Journal Entry 10 and 11
Can't get the pics to upload tonight. I'll try again tomorrow or Sunday.
Journal Entry 10 - Day 13 - October 8, 2011
I have never had so much diarrhea in all my life - seriously- like all the times I've ever had it added together! I must have gone over 100 times in 24 hours. Puked a few times, fever, cough, headache - pretty much felt like I was gonna die. Thanks God for prayer and Cipro! I'm feeling a lot better today - not great but better. Rusty came over and watched the kids so that I could take a shower; they also washed some clothes for us, and I got to wash some dishes, no of which had been done before today. Needless to say we were very thankful for the power and water today!
Safari had a rough day testing limits. I think he has finally realized that I can wait longer than he can for time out to end. He had two that lasted at least 40 minutes just because he refused to get up after he was given permission. Sandrine is adjusting well. She is learning a lot of English. She would sit in the kitchen and eat all day if I would let her. She ate part of Safari's dinner tonight while he was in time out! She has such a beautiful smile. Moses is doing great all of the sudden - smiling, laughing, clapping, rolling, babbling, reaching, putting things in his mouth. It's really amazing
Our embassy appointment is next Friday. I pray they issue the visas quickly - less than a week!
Journal Entry 11 - Day 14 - October 9, 2011
Today we had a full day. We went to the International Protestant Church of Kinshasa. The service was in English. It was nice but not what I expected. It was a very calm, quiet service even though the majority of the congregation were Africans. The kids did great. Moses got a little rowdy at the end, but I was shocked at how well they did. Then we went to another Lebanese restaurant. I ordered chicken and rice an hummus for us to share. It was pretty good (would have been really good, but my stomach is still a little queasy). Safari ate a ton! After lunch, we went for ice cream, more like gelatto. Then the grocery and a tour along the Congo River. There were several moments in the car where I thought I was going to vomit, but I made it home puke free! We just chilled here in the apartment for a while, then went to the Pugh's for a bit. I pray this week goes by quickly.
Journal Entry 10 - Day 13 - October 8, 2011
I have never had so much diarrhea in all my life - seriously- like all the times I've ever had it added together! I must have gone over 100 times in 24 hours. Puked a few times, fever, cough, headache - pretty much felt like I was gonna die. Thanks God for prayer and Cipro! I'm feeling a lot better today - not great but better. Rusty came over and watched the kids so that I could take a shower; they also washed some clothes for us, and I got to wash some dishes, no of which had been done before today. Needless to say we were very thankful for the power and water today!
Safari had a rough day testing limits. I think he has finally realized that I can wait longer than he can for time out to end. He had two that lasted at least 40 minutes just because he refused to get up after he was given permission. Sandrine is adjusting well. She is learning a lot of English. She would sit in the kitchen and eat all day if I would let her. She ate part of Safari's dinner tonight while he was in time out! She has such a beautiful smile. Moses is doing great all of the sudden - smiling, laughing, clapping, rolling, babbling, reaching, putting things in his mouth. It's really amazing
Our embassy appointment is next Friday. I pray they issue the visas quickly - less than a week!
Journal Entry 11 - Day 14 - October 9, 2011
Today we had a full day. We went to the International Protestant Church of Kinshasa. The service was in English. It was nice but not what I expected. It was a very calm, quiet service even though the majority of the congregation were Africans. The kids did great. Moses got a little rowdy at the end, but I was shocked at how well they did. Then we went to another Lebanese restaurant. I ordered chicken and rice an hummus for us to share. It was pretty good (would have been really good, but my stomach is still a little queasy). Safari ate a ton! After lunch, we went for ice cream, more like gelatto. Then the grocery and a tour along the Congo River. There were several moments in the car where I thought I was going to vomit, but I made it home puke free! We just chilled here in the apartment for a while, then went to the Pugh's for a bit. I pray this week goes by quickly.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Journal Entry 8 and 9
* The pics won't upload perfectly, but it's the best I can get Blogger to do.
Journal Entry 8 - Day 10 - October 5, 2011
Well, I'm at the Pugh's! We have lots of space but no power or water right now, so this could be interesting. No passports yet. Safari has peed in his pants twice today. I have seat dripping from every part of my body - places that I didn't even know could sweat! We are "really" supposed to get the passports tomorrow. They actually took the kids' pictures today. Moses has a terrible cough. I hope he can sleep tonight. I'm starting to run of money. I've already spent over $2000 that I didn't expect to spend.
Rusty and Debbie took us out to eat at a Lebanese restaurant tonight. It was nice to have something other than hotel food for dinner. Safari and Sandrine did great. It was their first time with fried chicken and I think they'll both do just fine in Kentucky : )
I've had lots of things I want to write about but I forget before I write:
- Abraham the prophet from KY
- House keeper - "give me money"
- 2 men at passport office - lawyer, judge, director, ect...
- Safari carrying water on head and baby on back
- Drumming - Safari has some serious rhythm
- Moses grinding his teeth
- Sandrine's smile
Sandrine Smiling
Safari Drumming
Journal Entry 9 - Day 11 - October 6, 2011
We got the passports! I got the squirts! Life is great! Seriously, praise God that the passports came through. I'll call the embassy tomorrow morning. I pray we can get in by Tuesday. I pray I feel better. The kids are doing well here. Rusty and Debbie are very helpful. We had power most of the day, but it went off right when I was getting ready to shower. I'm pretty funky right now! Moses is doing much better today; it's like he got completely better over night.
Moses doing so much better, but you can see how malnourished he was. This was after I had him for 10 days.
Well, I'm writing in the dark while holding a flashlight and sort of feel like death right now, so this is gonna be a short one.
Journal Entry 8 - Day 10 - October 5, 2011
Well, I'm at the Pugh's! We have lots of space but no power or water right now, so this could be interesting. No passports yet. Safari has peed in his pants twice today. I have seat dripping from every part of my body - places that I didn't even know could sweat! We are "really" supposed to get the passports tomorrow. They actually took the kids' pictures today. Moses has a terrible cough. I hope he can sleep tonight. I'm starting to run of money. I've already spent over $2000 that I didn't expect to spend.
Rusty and Debbie took us out to eat at a Lebanese restaurant tonight. It was nice to have something other than hotel food for dinner. Safari and Sandrine did great. It was their first time with fried chicken and I think they'll both do just fine in Kentucky : )
I've had lots of things I want to write about but I forget before I write:
- Abraham the prophet from KY
- House keeper - "give me money"
- 2 men at passport office - lawyer, judge, director, ect...
- Safari carrying water on head and baby on back
- Drumming - Safari has some serious rhythm
- Moses grinding his teeth
- Sandrine's smile
Journal Entry 9 - Day 11 - October 6, 2011
We got the passports! I got the squirts! Life is great! Seriously, praise God that the passports came through. I'll call the embassy tomorrow morning. I pray we can get in by Tuesday. I pray I feel better. The kids are doing well here. Rusty and Debbie are very helpful. We had power most of the day, but it went off right when I was getting ready to shower. I'm pretty funky right now! Moses is doing much better today; it's like he got completely better over night.
Well, I'm writing in the dark while holding a flashlight and sort of feel like death right now, so this is gonna be a short one.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Journal Entry 7
Journal Entry 7 - Day 9 - October 4, 2011
Well, big shocker, no passports! Five more hours of waiting in an unairconditioned, filthy vehicle with 3 kids who can't understand me or why we have spent the last 8 days in a hot car. It's great!
Today was the first day without Flavien for the kids. As soon as we got to the taxi, they asked J.P. where he was. I'm not sure they understand. Last night and this morning went really well. This evening was difficult. Trying to discipline and set boundaries is really hard when you can't communicate and when there have never really been any boundaries in the past. Safari and Sandrine go from liking me a lot to being really angry with me. There's not much in between right now.
Tomorrow we go to the passport office - hopefully for the last time! Then we go to the Pugh's house until it's time to head back to the states. I pray we can get an embassy appointment this week. I really want to go home, and Moses really needs to get to a good doctor soon!
Moses doing better but still so sick
God, please let us get the passports early tomorrow so that I can contact the embassy. Please let them be gracious and allow me to come in this week. Please give me patience and grace, love and compassion, and LOTS of energy for the next several days. Thank you for all 6 of my children. Please claim each of them as your own and be glorified in their lives even now!
Safari and Sandrine pretending to carry babies on their backs.
Well, big shocker, no passports! Five more hours of waiting in an unairconditioned, filthy vehicle with 3 kids who can't understand me or why we have spent the last 8 days in a hot car. It's great!
Today was the first day without Flavien for the kids. As soon as we got to the taxi, they asked J.P. where he was. I'm not sure they understand. Last night and this morning went really well. This evening was difficult. Trying to discipline and set boundaries is really hard when you can't communicate and when there have never really been any boundaries in the past. Safari and Sandrine go from liking me a lot to being really angry with me. There's not much in between right now.
Tomorrow we go to the passport office - hopefully for the last time! Then we go to the Pugh's house until it's time to head back to the states. I pray we can get an embassy appointment this week. I really want to go home, and Moses really needs to get to a good doctor soon!
God, please let us get the passports early tomorrow so that I can contact the embassy. Please let them be gracious and allow me to come in this week. Please give me patience and grace, love and compassion, and LOTS of energy for the next several days. Thank you for all 6 of my children. Please claim each of them as your own and be glorified in their lives even now!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Journal entry 5 and 6
Journal Entry 5 - Day 7 - October 2,2011
Overall, today was a pretty good day. It started off a little rocky. Safari and Sandrine were both bouncing off the walls. We all walked to the store to kill some time and that went well. I bought Safari and Sandrine some Mentos and an orange soda. We had some down time this afternoon. Moses and Sandrine napped and Safari sat quietly. Safari and I walked to the store again to get some water. He did great! We actually had real food for dinner, spaghetti from the hotel. It was really good! Maybe that's because it was our first real meal since arriving.
Rusty and Debbie came by this morning (the missionaries I stayed with). I won't be able to stay with them until Tuesday or Wednesday. They seem really nice, and I think it will work out well once I'm actually there. They said they have some outdoor space where the kids can run! This will be great!
Tomorrow is the big day - visa appointments. I pray that the kids have their passports well before our interview. I pray the consul is understanding of our situation. Most of all, I pray that the kids get their visas this week. This would be a huge blessing to us!
Journal Entry 6 - Day 8 - October 3, 2011
Today was a rough day to say the least. Moses is sick again. He has a fever and was up all night coughing. I literally slept about 2 hours last night. Today was supposed to be our embassy appointment, but we still have no passports after waiting at the Passport Ministry for another 6 hours. Safari ped in his pants at least 3 times while we were waiting. Flavien totally shamed him for it. It is easy to see that he favors Sandrine over Safari. He never corrects her but is always on Safari about something.
Sarah left tonight, and I lost it. It was the first time I cried since arriving. I tried not to, but I couldn't help it. Everything just flooded forward; nothing has gone as planned and I have no idea when we will be leaving now. On top of that, Flavien is leaving in the morning at 5am. I am at the hotel alone with all three kids. We are totally stuck until Rusty comes to get us. I totally freaked out Sandrine and Safari when I cried. They didn't know what to do. I just kept telling them it was okay, but I couldn't stop crying - I mean snot running out, hole in your stomach crying. Eventually we got through it. All three kids went to sleep very easy. I'm physically and emotionally exhausted. I pray that we get the passports and move in with Rusty and Debbie soon.
Overall, today was a pretty good day. It started off a little rocky. Safari and Sandrine were both bouncing off the walls. We all walked to the store to kill some time and that went well. I bought Safari and Sandrine some Mentos and an orange soda. We had some down time this afternoon. Moses and Sandrine napped and Safari sat quietly. Safari and I walked to the store again to get some water. He did great! We actually had real food for dinner, spaghetti from the hotel. It was really good! Maybe that's because it was our first real meal since arriving.
Rusty and Debbie came by this morning (the missionaries I stayed with). I won't be able to stay with them until Tuesday or Wednesday. They seem really nice, and I think it will work out well once I'm actually there. They said they have some outdoor space where the kids can run! This will be great!
Tomorrow is the big day - visa appointments. I pray that the kids have their passports well before our interview. I pray the consul is understanding of our situation. Most of all, I pray that the kids get their visas this week. This would be a huge blessing to us!
Journal Entry 6 - Day 8 - October 3, 2011
Today was a rough day to say the least. Moses is sick again. He has a fever and was up all night coughing. I literally slept about 2 hours last night. Today was supposed to be our embassy appointment, but we still have no passports after waiting at the Passport Ministry for another 6 hours. Safari ped in his pants at least 3 times while we were waiting. Flavien totally shamed him for it. It is easy to see that he favors Sandrine over Safari. He never corrects her but is always on Safari about something.
Sarah left tonight, and I lost it. It was the first time I cried since arriving. I tried not to, but I couldn't help it. Everything just flooded forward; nothing has gone as planned and I have no idea when we will be leaving now. On top of that, Flavien is leaving in the morning at 5am. I am at the hotel alone with all three kids. We are totally stuck until Rusty comes to get us. I totally freaked out Sandrine and Safari when I cried. They didn't know what to do. I just kept telling them it was okay, but I couldn't stop crying - I mean snot running out, hole in your stomach crying. Eventually we got through it. All three kids went to sleep very easy. I'm physically and emotionally exhausted. I pray that we get the passports and move in with Rusty and Debbie soon.
Monday, November 21, 2011
journal entry 4
I skipped another day, but nothing really happened except that we sat in a dirty, unairconditioned taxi for about 7 hours with just a few snacks waiting for the kids' passports. I'll add more pics tomorrow. Blogger is being really slow tonight.
Journal Entry 4 - Day 6 - October 1
Well, I am beginning to wonder if anything is definite in Congo. We still don't have passports for the kids. The embassy says we must have them before our visa interview on Monday at 12. Only an act of God will allow this to happen.
Rusty and Debbie will be arriving in Kinshasa tomorrow. I'm not sure when we will be going to stay with them. As far as the kids, there are lots of ups and downs. Safari is a lot like Blaine - taken to a whole other level because we can't communicate well. He has had LOTS of time outs, and I have smacked his hand twice. He wants to help often and has a very sweet voice. He is amused by sounds. He smiles and laughs a lot. He continually tests the boundaries. I think he will do great with Blaine and Zac! Sandrine is a lot like Kiera. She likes to be in control, and when she doesn't feel like she is, she refuses to do anything. She has a beautiful smile and I love her laugh. She is beginning to trust me more. She loves the bath now and likes to change her clothes. Moses is doing so well. He is responding to everything. He is eating more than double what he did at first. He is starting to smile a lot. He is trying to rollover. He reaches out often and even cries when he is hungry now. He is so beautiful, and I am totally in love!
I really want to be home. I need Dewayne, especially with Safari. I miss the kids. It's really hard. I almost cried at the passport office today. The embassy says the next appointment is over 5 weeks away. I've been here 6 days and have accomplished very little other than bonding with the kids - which is important. I just am ready to have my whole family together.
Journal Entry 4 - Day 6 - October 1
Well, I am beginning to wonder if anything is definite in Congo. We still don't have passports for the kids. The embassy says we must have them before our visa interview on Monday at 12. Only an act of God will allow this to happen.
Rusty and Debbie will be arriving in Kinshasa tomorrow. I'm not sure when we will be going to stay with them. As far as the kids, there are lots of ups and downs. Safari is a lot like Blaine - taken to a whole other level because we can't communicate well. He has had LOTS of time outs, and I have smacked his hand twice. He wants to help often and has a very sweet voice. He is amused by sounds. He smiles and laughs a lot. He continually tests the boundaries. I think he will do great with Blaine and Zac! Sandrine is a lot like Kiera. She likes to be in control, and when she doesn't feel like she is, she refuses to do anything. She has a beautiful smile and I love her laugh. She is beginning to trust me more. She loves the bath now and likes to change her clothes. Moses is doing so well. He is responding to everything. He is eating more than double what he did at first. He is starting to smile a lot. He is trying to rollover. He reaches out often and even cries when he is hungry now. He is so beautiful, and I am totally in love!
I really want to be home. I need Dewayne, especially with Safari. I miss the kids. It's really hard. I almost cried at the passport office today. The embassy says the next appointment is over 5 weeks away. I've been here 6 days and have accomplished very little other than bonding with the kids - which is important. I just am ready to have my whole family together.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Journal Entry 3
I skipped a day in my journal, so I want to fill in what happened that day, and then I'll add my journal entry.
Day 3 9/28
We spent the entire day at the hospital and still were not finished with the kids' medicals for the embassy. We were there for over 7 hours. I stayed with Moses as much as possible but had to leave several times to pay for the exams or sign hospital documents. Moses was extremely weak, but he didn't have a fever any longer. After much convincing from Flavien and myself, the doctor finally decided to release him. I was very happy that I could take him home but just as nervous that something bad would still happen because he was just very sick and weak. They gave me a list of everything that they pumped into his IV, a total of 10 different medications, and three prescriptions to take to the hotel. We never were told what was wrong with him or how we were supposed to administer the prescriptions. Thankfully, Sarah was a pharmacist and was able to help me figure out some of the meds. I was also able to reach my friend Holly who had lived in Congo and is a nurse practitioner. We decided to only give him two of the prescriptions because the dosage on the third was WAY too high for a baby.
Moses fell asleep at 5:30 pm and had only eaten a total 6 ounces of formula the entire day! Sandrine and Safari went to sleep much easier. It only took 30 minutes for Sandrine and Safari was immediate. I waited for Moses to wake up, but he never did. I was so scared that he wasn't going to make it. He was so small and malnourished, very sick and reusing to eat. I tried to wake him before going to sleep so that he could eat, but I could get him to wake up. I laid him down between Sarah and myself and felt completely helpless. He slept very soundly, didn't move an inch. I couldn't sleep. My eyes opened every few minutes it seemed like, and all I could do was pray that he would make it through the night and start eating. He sucks his fingers a lot, so a couple times during the night, I pulled them out and stuck a bottle in. He drank about 4 ounces through the night.
Journal Entry 3 (Day 4) - 9/29/2011
Yesterday was so crazy that I didn't have time to write. I knew that nothing happened quickly in Congo, but now I know why. It literally takes a day to do anything. Yesterday we left the hotel at 9am, went to the hospital and returned at 5pm - no other stops, no meals - 8 hours! Moses got to leave the hospital. He is doing so well today. He ate a little rice cereal this morning (the first time he had been fed with a spoon) and has had 3 bottles so far. He is interacting a little and even almost smiles a few times. I feel so much better about his health. He is so small - 12 month clothes swallow him.
Today Sandrine told Flavien that she likes her mother! She is doing really well. She is a lot like Kiera - she wants to be in control. It will be interesting to see how they get along. Safari really started pushing the limits today. I finally had to put him in time out. After two times, he was like a different kid. He is very helpful - tonight he helped me wash the dishes, fed Moses a little of his bottle. He likes to aggravate Sandrine. She is terrified of the baby do that I brought for her, literally freaks out, and he likes to chase her with it. She finally changed her shoes today. An, both of the actually got in the tub tonight, no soap - but got in the tub! They both have put on a concert the last two nights, drums, singing, dancing - it's great. They have learned some English words, especially "more please." It's been crazy but good.
Day 3 9/28
We spent the entire day at the hospital and still were not finished with the kids' medicals for the embassy. We were there for over 7 hours. I stayed with Moses as much as possible but had to leave several times to pay for the exams or sign hospital documents. Moses was extremely weak, but he didn't have a fever any longer. After much convincing from Flavien and myself, the doctor finally decided to release him. I was very happy that I could take him home but just as nervous that something bad would still happen because he was just very sick and weak. They gave me a list of everything that they pumped into his IV, a total of 10 different medications, and three prescriptions to take to the hotel. We never were told what was wrong with him or how we were supposed to administer the prescriptions. Thankfully, Sarah was a pharmacist and was able to help me figure out some of the meds. I was also able to reach my friend Holly who had lived in Congo and is a nurse practitioner. We decided to only give him two of the prescriptions because the dosage on the third was WAY too high for a baby.
Moses fell asleep at 5:30 pm and had only eaten a total 6 ounces of formula the entire day! Sandrine and Safari went to sleep much easier. It only took 30 minutes for Sandrine and Safari was immediate. I waited for Moses to wake up, but he never did. I was so scared that he wasn't going to make it. He was so small and malnourished, very sick and reusing to eat. I tried to wake him before going to sleep so that he could eat, but I could get him to wake up. I laid him down between Sarah and myself and felt completely helpless. He slept very soundly, didn't move an inch. I couldn't sleep. My eyes opened every few minutes it seemed like, and all I could do was pray that he would make it through the night and start eating. He sucks his fingers a lot, so a couple times during the night, I pulled them out and stuck a bottle in. He drank about 4 ounces through the night.
Journal Entry 3 (Day 4) - 9/29/2011
Yesterday was so crazy that I didn't have time to write. I knew that nothing happened quickly in Congo, but now I know why. It literally takes a day to do anything. Yesterday we left the hotel at 9am, went to the hospital and returned at 5pm - no other stops, no meals - 8 hours! Moses got to leave the hospital. He is doing so well today. He ate a little rice cereal this morning (the first time he had been fed with a spoon) and has had 3 bottles so far. He is interacting a little and even almost smiles a few times. I feel so much better about his health. He is so small - 12 month clothes swallow him.
Today Sandrine told Flavien that she likes her mother! She is doing really well. She is a lot like Kiera - she wants to be in control. It will be interesting to see how they get along. Safari really started pushing the limits today. I finally had to put him in time out. After two times, he was like a different kid. He is very helpful - tonight he helped me wash the dishes, fed Moses a little of his bottle. He likes to aggravate Sandrine. She is terrified of the baby do that I brought for her, literally freaks out, and he likes to chase her with it. She finally changed her shoes today. An, both of the actually got in the tub tonight, no soap - but got in the tub! They both have put on a concert the last two nights, drums, singing, dancing - it's great. They have learned some English words, especially "more please." It's been crazy but good.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Day 2 - 9/27/2011
Crazy may be the best way to describe today. We made plans to meet Flavien and the kids at 10am, and a little before 8 there was a knock at the door. And thus began day 2. Flavien woke us both up from a very deep sleep and said that the children were ready to meet me. Sarah and I got ready in record time and walked to their room. Sandrine and Safari almost knocked me down as soon as I hit the door. I got big hugs and lots of smiles. Sandrine wanted to be touching me at all times. When I finally got a chance to hold Moses, I could tell he had a really high fever. He looked REALLY sick. We gulped down a very small breakfast ( bread and jelly) and ran out the door to meet the taxi to head to the hospital. And all of this before we were scheduled to meet at 10am : )
Safari weighs 46 pounds, Sandrine 35 and Moses only 16. Moses really isn't doing well; he is so small and extremely weak. After checking him, the doctor said we had to admit him for observation because he had fluid on his lungs. Flavien's wife decided to stay with him until he is released. We received lots or questions and lots of stares, and the whole ordeal took over 3 hours.
We finally got back to the hotel and switched rooms with Flavien. At this point, we hadn't eaten in over 6 hours, so we went to the hotel restaurant. The kids were very curious and a LOTS! They both loved Fanta. Sandrine loved the chicken and Safari is a huge fan of french fries. We all 4 went for a walk to find the grocery and were unsuccessful, but Seraphin was at the hotel when we got back. He took Sarah to buy some water, and I took the kids to the room.
I tried unsuccessfully to give Sandrine a bath, and she was mad at me the rest of the night. After playing for a while and talking to DeWayne, Sandrine started falling asleep in her chair, so I decided that meant it was bedtime. Both resisted. Sandrine cried. Once he laid down, Safari fell asleep almost instantly on his own! Sandrine fell asleep in my arms but woke up every time I moved even an inch. After 2 hours, I was finally able to leave her in the bed. I showered, and now it's definitely time for bed!
To sum the day up: hugs, smiles, laughs, some English, lots of Swahili, videos, giggles, lots of firsts for everyone - and we do it all again tomorrow!
Safari weighs 46 pounds, Sandrine 35 and Moses only 16. Moses really isn't doing well; he is so small and extremely weak. After checking him, the doctor said we had to admit him for observation because he had fluid on his lungs. Flavien's wife decided to stay with him until he is released. We received lots or questions and lots of stares, and the whole ordeal took over 3 hours.
We finally got back to the hotel and switched rooms with Flavien. At this point, we hadn't eaten in over 6 hours, so we went to the hotel restaurant. The kids were very curious and a LOTS! They both loved Fanta. Sandrine loved the chicken and Safari is a huge fan of french fries. We all 4 went for a walk to find the grocery and were unsuccessful, but Seraphin was at the hotel when we got back. He took Sarah to buy some water, and I took the kids to the room.
I tried unsuccessfully to give Sandrine a bath, and she was mad at me the rest of the night. After playing for a while and talking to DeWayne, Sandrine started falling asleep in her chair, so I decided that meant it was bedtime. Both resisted. Sandrine cried. Once he laid down, Safari fell asleep almost instantly on his own! Sandrine fell asleep in my arms but woke up every time I moved even an inch. After 2 hours, I was finally able to leave her in the bed. I showered, and now it's definitely time for bed!
To sum the day up: hugs, smiles, laughs, some English, lots of Swahili, videos, giggles, lots of firsts for everyone - and we do it all again tomorrow!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Long Time - No Entry
I know many of you want to know how things are going, and the truth is - very well (for the most part). Of course all six kids and Mom and Dad have our moments, but everyone seems to be adjusting very well. I haven't quite figured out when I'm supposed to clean or do laundry - or sleep for that matter. Our house went from loud to louder, messy to messier and crazy to crazier. We've had lots more chaos and tear, garbage bags filled and loads of laundry to wash, but we've also had lots more smiles, laughs, giggles, hugs, kisses and love going around too. God has truly blessed us!
I journaled almost everyday while I was in Congo, and I thought I'd share those entries with those of you who prayed along with us so that you could see how your prayers were both felt and answered. I'll start with the beginning and try to send one out every day or two (no promises here). This entry is much shorter than most. I was totally exhausted.
Day One in Kinshasa - 9/26/2011
It's been a whirlwind to say the least! Everything was pretty uneventful until the airport in Kinshasa.The best way to put it is chaos. Everyone tries to bribe you. We finally got out without paying any bribes and met Flavien (the orphanage director) and Seraphin (our Kinshasa contact). We eventually got everything packed in the car and headed out. Then - we got a flat - in the pitch black, in what appeared to be the slums, in Kinshasa - street kids everywhere, hundreds of people walking by and looking the windows and just Sarah and me in the car while Flavien and Seraphin changed the tire! Thankfully it was the fasted tire change I have ever witnessed (these guys could definitely make a NASCAR pit crew proud), and we were on our way to the hotel. As soon as we arrived, Flavien asked if I'd like to meet the kids (it was 10pm in Kinshasa and we had been traveling for over 24 hours). I still couldn't resist, so we walked down the hall. I got to meet Safari - Sandrine and Moses were asleep. He was very shy and didn't want to talk. I got him to smile little when I tickled him. He is beautiful! Tomorrow is the big day - my babies actually get to spend the first day and night with me for the first time.
I journaled almost everyday while I was in Congo, and I thought I'd share those entries with those of you who prayed along with us so that you could see how your prayers were both felt and answered. I'll start with the beginning and try to send one out every day or two (no promises here). This entry is much shorter than most. I was totally exhausted.
Day One in Kinshasa - 9/26/2011
It's been a whirlwind to say the least! Everything was pretty uneventful until the airport in Kinshasa.The best way to put it is chaos. Everyone tries to bribe you. We finally got out without paying any bribes and met Flavien (the orphanage director) and Seraphin (our Kinshasa contact). We eventually got everything packed in the car and headed out. Then - we got a flat - in the pitch black, in what appeared to be the slums, in Kinshasa - street kids everywhere, hundreds of people walking by and looking the windows and just Sarah and me in the car while Flavien and Seraphin changed the tire! Thankfully it was the fasted tire change I have ever witnessed (these guys could definitely make a NASCAR pit crew proud), and we were on our way to the hotel. As soon as we arrived, Flavien asked if I'd like to meet the kids (it was 10pm in Kinshasa and we had been traveling for over 24 hours). I still couldn't resist, so we walked down the hall. I got to meet Safari - Sandrine and Moses were asleep. He was very shy and didn't want to talk. I got him to smile little when I tickled him. He is beautiful! Tomorrow is the big day - my babies actually get to spend the first day and night with me for the first time.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Big News!
I know it's been a really long time since I posted. Things have been so crazy with our adoption that I just haven't known what to write. Since we are independent, we know every detail of what happens in our adoption process. We wanted this transparency, but sometimes, I wish we could wait through all the back and forth and just hear the verdict.
So here it goes:
We are the parents to 3 beautiful Congolese children, that makes 6 kids total! We have a visa drop off appointment on September 29 and a visa appointment on October 3. I will be heading to Congo in about 4 weeks and will be there 5 weeks (hopefully less).
WE have lots to do and lots of details with paperwork to fall into place before I leave, so we covet your prayers greatly!
So here it goes:
We are the parents to 3 beautiful Congolese children, that makes 6 kids total! We have a visa drop off appointment on September 29 and a visa appointment on October 3. I will be heading to Congo in about 4 weeks and will be there 5 weeks (hopefully less).
WE have lots to do and lots of details with paperwork to fall into place before I leave, so we covet your prayers greatly!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Happy Birthday
It's kind of a strange feeling. A birthday is supposed to be a happy day, a time of celebration. But today, our youngest son is spending his first birthday in an orphanage with no one to tell him how much they love him on his special day. It was probably a day no different than any other day for him. On the bright side, this will be the last birthday he ever spends without a family, a cake, candles, presents, lots of hugs and kisses, the last birthday when his day isn't a special day. In the meantime we pray that we are able to get him and our other children home as soon as possible.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Will You Help?
As many of you know, we have planned for a while to adopt two kids from DRC. We made sure we had enough money to fund these adoptions. After DeWayne's trip to Congo, god laid another little boy on his heart. We prayed about and felt lead to explore the possibility of adopting him also. That door has remained wide open, and we will be submitting documents to court for all three children next week! We are planning a few fundraisers in the next two months as we have exhausted our financial resources. We know this adoption is God's will and trust that He will provide. If you believe that He is leading you to assist, you can click on the ChipIn button below.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Good News
This was the title of the email I received from Congo today. It was a short and very sweet email. We found the father, flew him to sign the documents; he showed up, and all the influential members of the family signed the consents! We have been waiting for this for quite a while now, so this is actually GREAT news! We still have to do a few more things before the documents can be submitted to court, but we are so close now. Please continue to pray that all goes well with the final documents. Right now though, we are thanking God for His faithfulness and provision in this situation.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Not Much to Update
Well. many of you have probably been wondering where I've been. I'm still here and still waiting. So here are a few updates:
1. We received our approval from the US government to adopt 3 orphans from the DRC!
2. We have all the consents for the two older kiddos and are planning to submit to court very soon.
3. We are still working on getting consents for the baby. There is supposed to be a meeting on Sunday to with the family members (aunts and uncles) and the orphanage director to get this taken care of.
As you can see, there hasn't been much change since my last post. Hopefully, I will have more to write about in the next week!
1. We received our approval from the US government to adopt 3 orphans from the DRC!
2. We have all the consents for the two older kiddos and are planning to submit to court very soon.
3. We are still working on getting consents for the baby. There is supposed to be a meeting on Sunday to with the family members (aunts and uncles) and the orphanage director to get this taken care of.
As you can see, there hasn't been much change since my last post. Hopefully, I will have more to write about in the next week!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Consents
I know that waiting is the game when it comes to international adoption, especially in such an under-developed country, but it's SO hard to wait! Right now we are just waiting on a few consents, just a couple signatures, and then we can go to court. But the problem is that we aren't exactly sure where M's father is. He father gave verbal; consent for adoption after the mother passed away, but we need an official signature on the legal document. We know he left about 3 months ago to find work in a mine. We aren't sure which mine but have a general idea of the city where he may be. This situation is complicated by the fact that there are no real roads in Eastern DRC and the fact that our orphanage director does not have any means of transportation. We believe the father may have a cell phone, but we haven't been able to get the number yet.
This is so far from any situation we can imagine here in the states. We get frustrated when it take more than a few hours sometimes even minutes to get in touch with someone. At this point, we have been waiting about a month to get in touch with this man. Our director has made two trips to try and locate him, but so far, no news. It's out of our control; all we can do is wait and pray. Will you please pray with us that the orphanage director will make contact with the father this week and get the final signatures we need to be able to submit everything to the court?
This is so far from any situation we can imagine here in the states. We get frustrated when it take more than a few hours sometimes even minutes to get in touch with someone. At this point, we have been waiting about a month to get in touch with this man. Our director has made two trips to try and locate him, but so far, no news. It's out of our control; all we can do is wait and pray. Will you please pray with us that the orphanage director will make contact with the father this week and get the final signatures we need to be able to submit everything to the court?
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Video of DRC, the Orphanage and Children
We had a video made of DeWayne's trip to Congo. I just wanted to share it with all of you all. Let me know what you think!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Fingerprints!
Our fingerprints are done! Now, we wait. We wait for final consents; then we wait for court; we wait for US approval; we wait for visa appointments; we wait to travel. We have LOTS of waiting to do. Please pray with us that everything is ready to go to court in the next week. If this happens, it is possible that we could have our children home this summer. Until the, we wait...
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Big News!
We are no longer praying for two more; we are praying for THREE more.
Meet our five year old son, S Frazier:
God placed this little boy on DeWayne's heart while he was at the orphanage, and we have been waiting to find out if we could adopt him. We just learned a few minutes ago that we CAN! I know many people think we are crazy (and maybe we are), but we know that God has opened this door for a reason. We are going to be obedient and walk through it. After all, how much harder can 6 kids be than 5!?! We are very excited and still covet your prayers.
Meet our five year old son, S Frazier:
God placed this little boy on DeWayne's heart while he was at the orphanage, and we have been waiting to find out if we could adopt him. We just learned a few minutes ago that we CAN! I know many people think we are crazy (and maybe we are), but we know that God has opened this door for a reason. We are going to be obedient and walk through it. After all, how much harder can 6 kids be than 5!?! We are very excited and still covet your prayers.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Journey to DR Congo (DeWayne)
It has been one week since my journey to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and I have tried to take some time to process all I saw and experienced. My heart is broken for the people of this region.
A land of beautiful mountains and even more beautiful people but devastated by acts of war and hate. Have you heard of the Hutu Militias (Interahamwe) that systematically murdered the Tutsis in Rwanda? They are not gone, they have just moved to the forests of Eastern Congo. What about the Lord's Resistance Army of Uganda? A group listed as terrorist by the US Government and yes, they are in the Forest of North Eastern Congo. What about the Janjaweed from Sudan, you remember them, the ones who killed the innocent Sudanese farmers and there story is Chronicled in the life of the "Lost Boys" of Sudan. They are also in this Region, but why? The answer is simple, money...money that comes from the worlds largest reserve of natural resources. And yes, we are all guilty with our cell phones and laptops.
In a country where over 90% of the people are unemployed, 20% of the country is accessible by roads, and the per capita annual income is around $189 (Source: US Dept. of State); why do we not do more to help? Last year alone in Eastern Congo, there were over 15,000 "reported" incidents of rape...but we do not hear of this in our insulated world.
Traveling into the "Bush" in this war torn country has a way of touching you and changing you. I have been in over 40 different countries, but this one was different. The people are vulnerable, especially the children and women. You and I in Western Countries cannot fathom not being able to go and get food or supplies at a store, but for many of these people, they have never seen a store. For them, they worry more about their next meal and safety, and for us, we worry about who will be voted off American Idol next week.
I will never truly understand why people are forced to live like this but I have a good idea. What I know is that it is not the question so many ask, "Why did God let this happen?"....the real question is "Why did you and I let this happen?". God has given us so much and there is no reason anyone on Earth should live in this type of environment. In the words of the great Christian leader Augustine, "In All things you do preach the Gospel, if necessary, use words".
I urge each of us to pray and learn what we can do to help this area. Pray for our children that soon they will leave this place and be with us....but someday, together, we will continue to work to make DR Congo a safe place for the next generation of young people. There are no accidents in God's world...my life is a testimony to this fact.
A land of beautiful mountains and even more beautiful people but devastated by acts of war and hate. Have you heard of the Hutu Militias (Interahamwe) that systematically murdered the Tutsis in Rwanda? They are not gone, they have just moved to the forests of Eastern Congo. What about the Lord's Resistance Army of Uganda? A group listed as terrorist by the US Government and yes, they are in the Forest of North Eastern Congo. What about the Janjaweed from Sudan, you remember them, the ones who killed the innocent Sudanese farmers and there story is Chronicled in the life of the "Lost Boys" of Sudan. They are also in this Region, but why? The answer is simple, money...money that comes from the worlds largest reserve of natural resources. And yes, we are all guilty with our cell phones and laptops.
In a country where over 90% of the people are unemployed, 20% of the country is accessible by roads, and the per capita annual income is around $189 (Source: US Dept. of State); why do we not do more to help? Last year alone in Eastern Congo, there were over 15,000 "reported" incidents of rape...but we do not hear of this in our insulated world.
Traveling into the "Bush" in this war torn country has a way of touching you and changing you. I have been in over 40 different countries, but this one was different. The people are vulnerable, especially the children and women. You and I in Western Countries cannot fathom not being able to go and get food or supplies at a store, but for many of these people, they have never seen a store. For them, they worry more about their next meal and safety, and for us, we worry about who will be voted off American Idol next week.
I will never truly understand why people are forced to live like this but I have a good idea. What I know is that it is not the question so many ask, "Why did God let this happen?"....the real question is "Why did you and I let this happen?". God has given us so much and there is no reason anyone on Earth should live in this type of environment. In the words of the great Christian leader Augustine, "In All things you do preach the Gospel, if necessary, use words".
I urge each of us to pray and learn what we can do to help this area. Pray for our children that soon they will leave this place and be with us....but someday, together, we will continue to work to make DR Congo a safe place for the next generation of young people. There are no accidents in God's world...my life is a testimony to this fact.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Finally, The Pics!
Well, DeWayne took tons of pictures on his trip. There are so many good ones, but I'm only going to post my favorites of the kids.
This is our daughter, S Frazier.
And another of DeWayne wiping her nose:
She was a little afraid of the scary, white man.
But she was really happy when he gave her a toy car.
This is our son, M. Frazier.
M with his daddy:
He was much more comfortable with the scary, white guy.
This is M with one of the lovely mamas who take care of him.
Needless to say, we are madly in love with them both! We can't wait to get them home. We still have a lot that has to happen before we go get them, but we are definitely on track. We have a few more consents to get, and then we should be in court in the next few weeks. Please pray that all continues to go as well as it has already gone and that we will have no snags along the way. We want to bring them home as soon as possible so that we can all begin bonding as a family. DeWayne will be posting about his trip later in the week and will add some more pics from the orphanage and other places he visited.
This is our daughter, S Frazier.
And another of DeWayne wiping her nose:
She was a little afraid of the scary, white man.
But she was really happy when he gave her a toy car.
This is our son, M. Frazier.
M with his daddy:
He was much more comfortable with the scary, white guy.
This is M with one of the lovely mamas who take care of him.
Needless to say, we are madly in love with them both! We can't wait to get them home. We still have a lot that has to happen before we go get them, but we are definitely on track. We have a few more consents to get, and then we should be in court in the next few weeks. Please pray that all continues to go as well as it has already gone and that we will have no snags along the way. We want to bring them home as soon as possible so that we can all begin bonding as a family. DeWayne will be posting about his trip later in the week and will add some more pics from the orphanage and other places he visited.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Update
Sitting here while DeWayne is in Congo has been very difficult. God has been so present in this journey though that it makes it all a little easier. There is still a lot to be accomplished before we bring them home, but we have learned a lot already. Hopefully, we will have a court date in the next couple weeks. Once we go to court, it is possible that we could have custody of them in two months. Then, there are still details to be worked out before we bring them home, but it's finally coming together! Please continue to pray. I should be able to upload some pics in the next few days.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Approval
We received approval from the head pastor in DRC to adopt. This is huge, no bribes, no difficult situations, just a very gracious man. So, now we have officially hired our lawyer and are moving forward. Hopefully we will go to court in the next couple weeks!
I also received a text from USCIS that our I600a was received. Hopefully we get our fingerprint appointments soon. Everything is going very well and God has shown up in so many ways! I'll post lots more details in the next week or so.
I also received a text from USCIS that our I600a was received. Hopefully we get our fingerprint appointments soon. Everything is going very well and God has shown up in so many ways! I'll post lots more details in the next week or so.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Moving Along
We've been very busy the last few weeks! DeWayne is getting ready for his upcoming trip to the DRC. I just packed one large suitcase full of bottles, toys, medication, coloring books, crayons, etc... that were donated by our wonderful church family. It will be such a blessing to the kids at the orphanage. They have been so focused on making sure they have food and formula (which they are able to buy regularly now) that there is not one toy there. Collecting these items was Blaine and Zac's project. We feel it is very important for them to be invested in all of this. DeWayne will meet with our lawyer, the head pastor, the orphanage director and our sweet babies! We are so excited to begin moving forward. Hopefully we will be able to start the court process very soon after his trip. There are several things that you can be praying for over the next few weeks:
Pray that God is in every detail of our adoption
Pray that DeWayne has a safe and productive trip
Pray that our "tentative" referrals are made official very soon
Pray that DeWayne's meeting with the head pastor goes very well (this is extremely important as he makes the decision as to whether or not we are allowed to adopt)
Pray that everything works out with our lawyer
Pray that DeWayne has no trouble getting the much needed scabies meds through customs
Pray for his time with our children
There are so many things you can be praying for, but these are probably the most important at this time. This is a very important trip for us!
Pray that God is in every detail of our adoption
Pray that DeWayne has a safe and productive trip
Pray that our "tentative" referrals are made official very soon
Pray that DeWayne's meeting with the head pastor goes very well (this is extremely important as he makes the decision as to whether or not we are allowed to adopt)
Pray that everything works out with our lawyer
Pray that DeWayne has no trouble getting the much needed scabies meds through customs
Pray for his time with our children
There are so many things you can be praying for, but these are probably the most important at this time. This is a very important trip for us!
Monday, March 21, 2011
DC Trip
We had a very productive trip to DC last week. We met with the Ambassador who was very gracious and helpful. She was very supportive of our adoption and interest in DRC. After running all over downtown DC for two days, DeWayne finally got a new passport and visa for his trip. Apparently his passport was out of pages and too worn to add new pages! I guess that's what happens when you travel as much as he did in his previous job. We had a great lunch with another family who adopted from the same orphanage as us. They had lots of great information for us, and their son is absolutely adorable! The trip was definitely worth the twenty-one hour round trip drive. The contacts we were able to establish should prove very helpful in the future.
On the more relaxing side, we got to hang out with my cousin and her husband a little. We toured part of the Capitol and walked around the White House. We had some excellent food and great conversation. Overall, we had a great trip!
On the more relaxing side, we got to hang out with my cousin and her husband a little. We toured part of the Capitol and walked around the White House. We had some excellent food and great conversation. Overall, we had a great trip!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Lots Going On
We've had lots going on over the last week with our adoption. We had our first home study appointment, received approval to adopt from the orphanage director and the area pastor. We confirmed our date to meet with the Congolese Ambassador in DC and DeWayne has a flight itinerary for his trip to DRC next month. Like I said, we've had LOTS going on! We are very excited and encouraged by all of this. We should hopefully have tentative referrals in the next week or so, and they will become official after DeWayne's trip over there. God has already shown up in so many ways throughout this process, and I am confident that He will continue to move and help us bring these two children home. I'm posting a video that I just recently saw. I hope you'll watch!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
News and Going Private
We have decided to pursue an independent adoption from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Everything is beginning to move pretty quickly. Our first home study appointment is next Wednesday; we are going to DC in March to meet with the some important people and DeWayne is flying to DRC next month to meet our lawyer, translator, orphanage director and most importantly our children (more info on that to come in the next week or two)! God has made this decision very clear for us and we are very excited to move forward! Since we now have a plan, our blog will be going private. If you wish to follow our blog, please send me an email so that I can invite you.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Please Pray with Us
I can't go into any details, but DeWayne and I have been presented with a possible adoption situation. It would be an independent adoption which would involve a lot more risk on our end, but we feel it would help us keep the whole process more ethical. We are praying about this decision and ask that you all will pray with us too. This has all come about in the last couple days and we hope to have clear direction in the next week. God is definitely moving, and if this works out, I can't wait to share.
Once we do decide what direction we will be going, I will be making our blog private. This is to insure confidentiality and security in the adoption process. Many adoptions have been complicated by misinterpreted information given on blogs. I will give a warning before we go private and ask for your emails so that I can invite you to follow.
Thanks so much for your prayers!
Once we do decide what direction we will be going, I will be making our blog private. This is to insure confidentiality and security in the adoption process. Many adoptions have been complicated by misinterpreted information given on blogs. I will give a warning before we go private and ask for your emails so that I can invite you to follow.
Thanks so much for your prayers!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Waiting and Praying
It's been a while since I've given an update. We are still waiting and praying about how to proceed. We know this is what we are supposed to do and plan to do so as soon as possible. Our tax returns should at least allow us to begin the process. We have sold about 30 shirts, so that will definitely help. We are hoping to sell 100. We have been cutting back in almost ever area of our lives. When I think about how privileged our lives here in America are compared to the lives of our children in Africa, it makes it very difficult to spend money that is not necessary.
Aside from finances, our greatest concern is completing an ethical adoption. I don't ever want to wonder or have my children wonder what our money was used to accomplish. I don't want to have any concerns that our money aided in child trafficking, that our children were bought from their poor parents, that judges or important officials were bribed. There are so many concerns when adopting from an under-developed country. We want to know without a doubt that our adoption is ethical so that we will never have a problem looking our children in the eyes when they ask the tough questions. We hope to start our home study this month. Until we have a clear answer from the Lord as to how we should proceed as far as an agency goes, we are waiting and praying.
Aside from finances, our greatest concern is completing an ethical adoption. I don't ever want to wonder or have my children wonder what our money was used to accomplish. I don't want to have any concerns that our money aided in child trafficking, that our children were bought from their poor parents, that judges or important officials were bribed. There are so many concerns when adopting from an under-developed country. We want to know without a doubt that our adoption is ethical so that we will never have a problem looking our children in the eyes when they ask the tough questions. We hope to start our home study this month. Until we have a clear answer from the Lord as to how we should proceed as far as an agency goes, we are waiting and praying.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
We Have 7 Helpers!
As of right now, we have seven people who have agreed to help us sell t-shirts! We are still looking for at least 3 more. If you are willing, please let me know asap. As soon as we sell 100 t-shirts, we can begin our homestudy. I have most of the paperwork filled out and ready to go. We just need to have the funds to do it. Hopefully, we can schedule our first meeting in the next 2 weeks. I'll keep you posted on our sales. If you would like to buy a t-shirt, you can click on the buy now button in my last post.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Pre-order Your I'm Adopted T-shirt
Each shirt is $20, and all proceeds will go directly to our adoption. Shipping is $2 per order. If you live close, I will deliver free of charge, so just send me a message before you buy, and I will give you payment instructions.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Finally Ready
So, it's been a while. There has been nothing to report until now. We are finally settled into our new home and ready to start moving forward with our adoption. We will be adopting two children, most likely boys, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The DRC is the poorest country in the world. It is believed to be the most unsafe country in world for women and the third most unsafe country for children. I don't want to post too much, but if you do a little research, it will break your heart.
A lot has changed since we started our adoption journey. We have moved from Iowa to Kentucky, from a temporary house on campus to a permanent house out in the country. DeWayne began a new job, in a new field making LOTS less money. The kids started a new school that is quite expensive. I started a job as the Children's Director at our church. Needless to say, we have had lots of adjustments over the last several months. God has made it evident that this is His plan for us, and we have to trust that he will provide.
A year ago our adoption would have been easy for us to fund, but now that is a very different story. Where we were once strongly opposed to fund-raising for adoption, God has humbled us and told us that we can't do it alone. So here we are, ready to move forward and bring our children home, but not knowing quite how that is going to happen, trusting that God will provide. We are praying about what God would have us to do. As we learn this, we will let you all know. In the meantime please join with us in praying that God makes himself known in our adoption and that all glory is given to Him!
Stay tuned! I will be updating more often now!
The DRC is the poorest country in the world. It is believed to be the most unsafe country in world for women and the third most unsafe country for children. I don't want to post too much, but if you do a little research, it will break your heart.
A lot has changed since we started our adoption journey. We have moved from Iowa to Kentucky, from a temporary house on campus to a permanent house out in the country. DeWayne began a new job, in a new field making LOTS less money. The kids started a new school that is quite expensive. I started a job as the Children's Director at our church. Needless to say, we have had lots of adjustments over the last several months. God has made it evident that this is His plan for us, and we have to trust that he will provide.
A year ago our adoption would have been easy for us to fund, but now that is a very different story. Where we were once strongly opposed to fund-raising for adoption, God has humbled us and told us that we can't do it alone. So here we are, ready to move forward and bring our children home, but not knowing quite how that is going to happen, trusting that God will provide. We are praying about what God would have us to do. As we learn this, we will let you all know. In the meantime please join with us in praying that God makes himself known in our adoption and that all glory is given to Him!
Stay tuned! I will be updating more often now!
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