A:
It is cool to watch Tryana and Kalysta learn as they warm up to us. They are learning our names. We were going to teach them how to count and were surprised to see that they can count to 10, say their ABCs, and sing "Jesus Loves Me" all in English!
K is so sweet! Today, she said "Nda gukunda" (Kinyarwanda for "I Love You") to T. Her laugh is also cute. They are both laughing and talking more and more.
They love all their toys. They love to play with all the water bottles and always take the clothes off their dolls. T and K love to play with Dad's ipod touch (just like M and me) and think they can touch every electronic with a screen! They also love to wear their jackets (with the hoods on). I can't wait to see how else they change as they are with us longer.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday & Other Thoughts
L:
I was not able to access the blog at all last night, so I will give a quick summary of Thursday and then try to blog about yesterday sometime later today. In the morning, we did some souvenir shopping at a neat little marketplace. After lunch, we went back to the hotel for a long (much-needed) nap. Then we ordered room service for dinner and skyped all the grandparents. T & K don't know how to stay in front of the computer yet and our ability to skype is pretty hit and miss, but hopefully it's not too frustrating for everyone back in the States.
When they wake up, Kalysta moves over and holds Tryana's hand. It's so sweet.
I keep reminding myself over and over that God in His wisdom and love chose us to be Tryana and Kalysta's family. He will give us the ability to love and parent them in the ways that they need. Despite our inadequacies, He will provide for these two precious girls.
I'll end by saying thank you for the comments, e-mails, and posts on Nick's Facebook. I think you understand that we don't have time to respond, but please know that we appreciate them.
I was not able to access the blog at all last night, so I will give a quick summary of Thursday and then try to blog about yesterday sometime later today. In the morning, we did some souvenir shopping at a neat little marketplace. After lunch, we went back to the hotel for a long (much-needed) nap. Then we ordered room service for dinner and skyped all the grandparents. T & K don't know how to stay in front of the computer yet and our ability to skype is pretty hit and miss, but hopefully it's not too frustrating for everyone back in the States.
When they wake up, Kalysta moves over and holds Tryana's hand. It's so sweet.
I keep reminding myself over and over that God in His wisdom and love chose us to be Tryana and Kalysta's family. He will give us the ability to love and parent them in the ways that they need. Despite our inadequacies, He will provide for these two precious girls.
I'll end by saying thank you for the comments, e-mails, and posts on Nick's Facebook. I think you understand that we don't have time to respond, but please know that we appreciate them.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Thanks & Orphanage Tour
L:
Yesterday, we had a free morning, so we went to a park with a few other families so the kids could play. The trampoline was a big hit. The Snead's and the Woodman's have also adopted two children, and these older kids enjoy playing together. They have some interesting ways of interacting, so we're all learning new things by observing this.
We've had several tantrums now, which we think is a good thing in a way since it shows that they're getting used to us, but it's also very difficult. We cannot let them manipulate us, but we also cannot parent them in all the same ways we could if we had had them from birth. We're hoping and praying that some of this will be easier to figure out when we're home with a more normal routine and more time for sleep.
A big THANK YOU to those who gave us donations for the orphanage. We pooled the money that a few families had collected and were able to buy a truckload of food! It was great to see all those sacks of food being unloaded.
We had a tour of Home of Hope yesterday also. We are so grateful to the sisters and the caretakers for all they do. They take such good care of the children and the elderly and disabled in the other buildings. We are glad we got to see where Tryana and Kalysta have been living so that we can tell them about it when they are older.
However, living in an orphanage, of course, can never come close to having a family. God created us to be in families. That was His original design. There are SO many children all over the world who need families. If you have any sense at all that God might be asking you to look into adopting, please take that step to check it out. And please let us know if you ever have any questions. We would love to help you explore the possibility.
Yesterday, we had a free morning, so we went to a park with a few other families so the kids could play. The trampoline was a big hit. The Snead's and the Woodman's have also adopted two children, and these older kids enjoy playing together. They have some interesting ways of interacting, so we're all learning new things by observing this.
We've had several tantrums now, which we think is a good thing in a way since it shows that they're getting used to us, but it's also very difficult. We cannot let them manipulate us, but we also cannot parent them in all the same ways we could if we had had them from birth. We're hoping and praying that some of this will be easier to figure out when we're home with a more normal routine and more time for sleep.
A big THANK YOU to those who gave us donations for the orphanage. We pooled the money that a few families had collected and were able to buy a truckload of food! It was great to see all those sacks of food being unloaded.
We had a tour of Home of Hope yesterday also. We are so grateful to the sisters and the caretakers for all they do. They take such good care of the children and the elderly and disabled in the other buildings. We are glad we got to see where Tryana and Kalysta have been living so that we can tell them about it when they are older.
However, living in an orphanage, of course, can never come close to having a family. God created us to be in families. That was His original design. There are SO many children all over the world who need families. If you have any sense at all that God might be asking you to look into adopting, please take that step to check it out. And please let us know if you ever have any questions. We would love to help you explore the possibility.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
To Those Praying
L:
I'm not getting enough sleep and it's hard to be everything the 4 girls need me to be when I am so tired. I would appreciate prayer for this. Thanks.
I'm not getting enough sleep and it's hard to be everything the 4 girls need me to be when I am so tired. I would appreciate prayer for this. Thanks.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Day Three
L:
The girls are doing great sleeping with us. Kalysta and Tryana sleep between Nick and me on a king bed. Alyssa and Myranda share a twin at the foot of our bed. We wake up each morning to the sound of many different beautiful bird calls.
We spent much of yesterday in various government offices. It was quite a long day.
We tried to post some pictures yesterday, but we couldn't get them to upload for some reason. We will post more pictures as soon as we are able to upload them.
The girls are doing great sleeping with us. Kalysta and Tryana sleep between Nick and me on a king bed. Alyssa and Myranda share a twin at the foot of our bed. We wake up each morning to the sound of many different beautiful bird calls.
We spent much of yesterday in various government offices. It was quite a long day.
We tried to post some pictures yesterday, but we couldn't get them to upload for some reason. We will post more pictures as soon as we are able to upload them.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Second Day
L:
We started our day by going to the passport office. It went faster than we expected. It could have taken a very long time since there were 12 kids to process.
That left us with extra time to hang out at the hotel. We went to the playground, played on our balcony, and played with some of the girls' friends in the courtyard. These kids sure can yell. They were having a lot of fun.
Tryana and Kalysta are definitely becoming more comfortable with us. They're looking us in the eye for longer periods. Tryana had lots of big smiles yesterday already, but it's been fun to see Kalysta smile and hear her laugh today as well.
Those of you who know Alyssa and Myranda will find this interesting. Kalysta and Tryana line up everybody's shoes just like their big sisters used to do.
This is the first night we've had Tryana and Kalysta with us. It was fun to get them into their snuggly pajamas. All four girls are already asleep (our earliest night so far) and I'm on my way there now, too.
We started our day by going to the passport office. It went faster than we expected. It could have taken a very long time since there were 12 kids to process.
That left us with extra time to hang out at the hotel. We went to the playground, played on our balcony, and played with some of the girls' friends in the courtyard. These kids sure can yell. They were having a lot of fun.
Tryana and Kalysta are definitely becoming more comfortable with us. They're looking us in the eye for longer periods. Tryana had lots of big smiles yesterday already, but it's been fun to see Kalysta smile and hear her laugh today as well.
Those of you who know Alyssa and Myranda will find this interesting. Kalysta and Tryana line up everybody's shoes just like their big sisters used to do.
This is the first night we've had Tryana and Kalysta with us. It was fun to get them into their snuggly pajamas. All four girls are already asleep (our earliest night so far) and I'm on my way there now, too.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
We Finally Met Them!
L:
We arrived in Rwanda last night around 8:30. Alyssa and Myranda were fantastic travelers! When we got to the hotel, we met most of the other families (there are 9 of us total) and then went to bed. We were exhausted.
After breakfast this morning, we all went to the orphanage to pick up our kids. It was the most amazing experience to see the girls for the first time. I don't really have words to describe it yet. The girls are doing great with us so far. We will post some pictures soon hopefully.
We all went out to lunch. Tryana and Kalysta seem to be good eaters. They ate everything we put in front of them. Now we're back at the hotel so that the kids can take naps. We have to take them back to the orphanage tonight, but hopefully we'll be able to get the paperwork we need tomorrow so that they can stay with us from then on.
I just have to conclude by saying that Nick is such an incredible dad! Seeing him just jump in to everything with the girls right away and watching him help Tryana with her lunch today brought tears to my eyes. All of our girls are so blessed!
We arrived in Rwanda last night around 8:30. Alyssa and Myranda were fantastic travelers! When we got to the hotel, we met most of the other families (there are 9 of us total) and then went to bed. We were exhausted.
After breakfast this morning, we all went to the orphanage to pick up our kids. It was the most amazing experience to see the girls for the first time. I don't really have words to describe it yet. The girls are doing great with us so far. We will post some pictures soon hopefully.
We all went out to lunch. Tryana and Kalysta seem to be good eaters. They ate everything we put in front of them. Now we're back at the hotel so that the kids can take naps. We have to take them back to the orphanage tonight, but hopefully we'll be able to get the paperwork we need tomorrow so that they can stay with us from then on.
I just have to conclude by saying that Nick is such an incredible dad! Seeing him just jump in to everything with the girls right away and watching him help Tryana with her lunch today brought tears to my eyes. All of our girls are so blessed!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Waiting in Kenya
L:
We are sitting in the lounge at the airport in Nairobi, Kenya with the Fisher's and Thomas family from Ohio. Our final flight to Kigali, Rwanda leaves in a couple hours. We get to see our kiddos tomorrow!!!
We are sitting in the lounge at the airport in Nairobi, Kenya with the Fisher's and Thomas family from Ohio. Our final flight to Kigali, Rwanda leaves in a couple hours. We get to see our kiddos tomorrow!!!
Friday, January 22, 2010
First Leg of Trip
L:
We left Bakersfield at 9am on Thursday, even though our plane didn’t leave from LAX until 4pm. We left early because the Grapevine (the mountain ridge we cross to get to L.A.) was closed on Wednesday. We followed four snowplows through the snowiest part but made it through. Right after we got over the Grapevine, they closed it down again. Thank You, Lord!
We met our new friends from Huntington Beach, Nick & Becky Fisher, at LAX. We’re on all the same flights together. We flew straight to Dubai. It was a great flight, the nicest we’ve ever been on. We each had our own screen to watch movies and play games. They even gave the kids activity books with colored pencils and hand puppets. They’re saving the puppets to give to Tryana & Kalysta.
We arrived in Dubai around 8pm here. The six of us got a taxi and took a little tour of the city. We saw dancing water, the largest shopping mall, and the tallest skyscraper in the world. The buildings are so huge here. It was a quick tour but definitely worth it! Now we’re back at the hotel and ready to sleep so that we are ready for our two flights tomorrow and our arrival in Rwanda!
We left Bakersfield at 9am on Thursday, even though our plane didn’t leave from LAX until 4pm. We left early because the Grapevine (the mountain ridge we cross to get to L.A.) was closed on Wednesday. We followed four snowplows through the snowiest part but made it through. Right after we got over the Grapevine, they closed it down again. Thank You, Lord!
We met our new friends from Huntington Beach, Nick & Becky Fisher, at LAX. We’re on all the same flights together. We flew straight to Dubai. It was a great flight, the nicest we’ve ever been on. We each had our own screen to watch movies and play games. They even gave the kids activity books with colored pencils and hand puppets. They’re saving the puppets to give to Tryana & Kalysta.
We arrived in Dubai around 8pm here. The six of us got a taxi and took a little tour of the city. We saw dancing water, the largest shopping mall, and the tallest skyscraper in the world. The buildings are so huge here. It was a quick tour but definitely worth it! Now we’re back at the hotel and ready to sleep so that we are ready for our two flights tomorrow and our arrival in Rwanda!
Monday, January 18, 2010
So Thankful
L:
My sweet friend, Jill, has offered to arrange meals for us when we return. It will be such a big help as we adjust to being home together and deal with jet lag. Thank you, Jill!
My sweet friend, Jill, has offered to arrange meals for us when we return. It will be such a big help as we adjust to being home together and deal with jet lag. Thank you, Jill!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Fun Research!
A:
I just found out what the topic for my big research paper will be this year. I have to compare and contrast two countries from the Eastern Hemisphere. I bet you can guess which two I have chosen- Rwanda and Kenya! Dad says we can take a field trip so I can do more research :) What perfect timing- Mom didn't even make up this assignment!
I just found out what the topic for my big research paper will be this year. I have to compare and contrast two countries from the Eastern Hemisphere. I bet you can guess which two I have chosen- Rwanda and Kenya! Dad says we can take a field trip so I can do more research :) What perfect timing- Mom didn't even make up this assignment!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Plane Tickets
L:
We just purchased our plane tickets! We're set to fly out Thursday, January 21. Only 10 days - wow!
We just purchased our plane tickets! We're set to fly out Thursday, January 21. Only 10 days - wow!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Passed Court!
A & M:
This morning, we found out that we passed court! Tryana and Kalysta are now officially our sisters!!! We can't wait to meet them! Now, we can post some pictures! Here they are:
This picture is from the beginning of December.
This is a picture of Tryana that we received today.
This is a picture of Kalysta that we also received today.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Orphan to Heir
L:
I just finished an excellent book - "Adopted for Life" by Russell Moore. I highly recommend it. I hadn't started it yet when I posted on Christmas Eve. When I just read the last page, I was amazed to find that he used many of the same words to express what I was feeling on that day. Here's part of it. "I pray that you will grow in wonder that you were a cosmic orphan, and now you're the beloved son of the Father, an heir of everything you can see and of things so glorious they'd burn your corneas to powder if you looked at them now." He's much better with words than I am, so I am so thankful for his expression and encouragement of this wonder.
I just finished an excellent book - "Adopted for Life" by Russell Moore. I highly recommend it. I hadn't started it yet when I posted on Christmas Eve. When I just read the last page, I was amazed to find that he used many of the same words to express what I was feeling on that day. Here's part of it. "I pray that you will grow in wonder that you were a cosmic orphan, and now you're the beloved son of the Father, an heir of everything you can see and of things so glorious they'd burn your corneas to powder if you looked at them now." He's much better with words than I am, so I am so thankful for his expression and encouragement of this wonder.
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