Preparations

Since we are ready to travel at a moment's notice, I am beginning to make preparations for Afua's arrival at home. Because she has been in an orphanage environment and due to her limited mobility, I have to go and purchase a c.r.i.b. Yes, the gal who said no more diapers and no more cribs is looking at purchasing a crib and has has lots of diapers in her future. Very funny indeed.

Afua is as tall as an average 2-3 year old, but due to lack of muscle control she is hard to carry. We are also looking at getting her a special needs stroller to use. It will make homecoming this spring much easier. These things aren't cheap, but I keep looking at used ones that might fit the bill until we get something more custom later on.

Another aspect of preparations I have felt lately is my need to simplify my life. Not an easy task as a mother of 5 but it is needed. I have evaluated my commitments, my work schedule and our family schedule and found where changes are needed. I am not taking new students as current ones graduate physical therapy. I stopped going to some regular commitments, even if it means missing out on some fun times, our home life needs to calm down a bit and I need to learn how to say no too.

I also need some serious organizational skills. It has never been my strong suit and I have lived a life that is full of procrastination and clutter. Doesn't sounds so good when I write it down, but I sincerely want to improve. I know there will be Dr appointments to make, more laundry and lots of paperwork in our future. The last part is familiar from completing two adoptions, but I have not mastered this skill either. No wonder I need to simplify my life.

My heart is so ready for her to join our family. That is one thing that needs no preparations.

Travel Update

We received an update on the documents we are waiting for. Our coordinator thinks all documents (birth certificate and court documents) will be ready within 2 weeks. The next step is to begin the orphan investigation at the Embassy which is said to take 30-60 days. Sometimes children with medical needs are investigated quicker, but we are not sure if our case will be. So I am preparing my heart for the grueling 60 day wait. Last time, it was the hardest part of our adoption and the time where I checked my emails 5 million times a day. At least.

The process starts with an appointment at the Embassy as Eric files all required papers. They then investigate all documents, make sure our daughter meets the criteria of an orphan (which she does) and make sure everything has been done ethically. We welcome the investigation to ensure all adoptions remain ethical, but of course we hope this part goes quickly.

While in Ghana, Eric hopes to address some of Afua's health concerns as well. We are Afua's legal parents now, so we can make those decisions for her. Healthcare is a cash based business in Ghana so he must decide what test we can afford, what can wait until later and what we think is best for her. It's a big responsibility, but he is more than capable.

Eric will also go to the Fern House and assist in any way he can. I want him to see the work that is done there and get to know everyone as we did. I know he will be presented with many opportunities to serve and he is the type of guy to jump in and help. I can't wait to hear the many stories he returns with.

We should finalize our travel dates soon. It's funny that we are so completely relaxed about the fact that he could be gone in less than 2 weeks and we don't have tickets yet. This is the world of international adoption!

Jake

As I sat down to write a post about Jake, I can't help but think about all that he has experienced this year. He gained a twin brother and a little sister. He offered to share his room, his toys and everything imaginable with a brother he didn't know. He doted on his little sister who wanted nothing to do with him for many months. But he tried, patiently to cultivate this sibling relationship. Because that is the gentle big brother that he is.

You can see him beaming, and Joy...well she tolerated this affection somewhat:)

But it wasn't long until these two were inseparable. Out of all 4, they became the closest. She would wake up and yell "Jakob, it's time to play" and he would wake up with a smile on his face.

Jake has many talents and wonderful qualities. But as I think about him, compassion rises to the surface. He is an engineer in the making, just like his Daddy and he loves to build and create. His wishes are simple but always so meaningful. He organizes our family game nights, which are his favorite. He doesn't demand attention to himself, but so appreciates it when it's his turn. Oh, how I love this boy.

Happy Birthday my sweet son! Don't ever change!

I love good news!

Today is Jake's 8th birthday. I hope to do a post soon about my wonderful second born, who has a huge heart and incredible patience. His world was flipped upside down when he received a twin and a little sister. Especially when he adored (and still does) his little sister and she wanted nothing to do with him initially. Now they are best buddies, but he had to be so patient with her. Maybe this weekend I will find a moment to share about my awesome boy.

Today while Jake received attention and gifts, I received a gift as well. Our court decree was printed and I received a scanned copy of these very important papers. I love the red seal (makes it look so official and important) and this is the first official document where Afua has our last name! She is forever bonded to our family! I cried when I looked at it. Such a miracle considering we were hoping to go to court this month.

As soon as we get the "all clear" we will book Eric's ticket to Ghana. It looks very affordable right now (when considering flying to Africa) and I pray it stays that way.

It's been a good day!

Funded!!!

This week, I had some very special people who care about Afua make sure our adoption process didn't come to a stop. In a weeks time, we raised the remaining funds needed to be fully funded on our agency fees. Considering that we began the adoption process 4 months ago, I am absolutely thankful and filled with praise!

We have 2 trips ahead of us before our sweet princess comes home. Eric will be going soon (as soon as our court decree is printed) to file our i600 at the US Embassy which begins the orphan investigation. They make sure our case is ethical and that Afua is an orphan. We have no concern over this, and appreciate that each case is verified and investigated. Eric will also take Afua to a hospital to be evaluated and make sure her seizures (or whatever is going on) are under control while we wait for her to come home.

Our last trip will be the most fun. Homecoming!!!

So although we are fully funded with our wonderful agency, we have a little more to save and fundraise before the entire adoption is fully funded. Once again, thank you to our village who care about our girl so much and want to see her in our family.

My favorite Blogs

I used to love watching reality television. Not the kind where people make absolute fools of themselves, but the kind where you get to know how people live. And how they view the world around them. To me, that is fascinating. Like why anyone would live in remote areas of the world or generally live a very different way from other. And that is a huge reason why I love reading blogs. You can tell when people are authentic and willing to share even the tough things as they happen. Or when their life is lived serving others and making this world a bit better. Here are a few of my favorite blogs and I am always glad to find a new post from them. I hope you share some of your favorites with me, I am always looking for new ones to read.

Two Hoots and A Holler

This is as real as it gets. I love this blog and getting a glimpse into their life. Abiella was Afua's "crib mate" at the orphanage and we connected as they were finishing their adoption and we were just beginning. A wife of a musician, a first time Momma to her special girl, what could be better? I secretly wish we could be neighbors.

A Thankful Mom

Want some honesty about older child adoption and what it means to do "whatever it takes" for your child? How about wisdom that can only be acquired by parenting 12 children at various stages in life? Lisa is walking a difficult journey with grace and sharing about it in a beautiful way.

Ni Hao Y'all

This blog has the most beautiful photography. Her family is gorgeous, her surroundings are gorgeous, heck even her horse is gorgeous. Seriously, go and meet Poet. And the content is beautiful, encouraging and inspirational too.

Rileys in Uganda

I love adoption and transforming orphans into sons and daughters. But what happens when you adopt and realize that many children living in orphanages in Uganda actually have living parents? And with support, they could return to their families? Or be adopted domestically and maintain their culture? I love the innovative way the Rileys reunite children with their families, fight to change the stereotypes and work within the system in Uganda.

Tiny Green Elephants

This family adopted two children from Russia. I love reading how the children are attaching to their family and how they are intentional about making memories. This blog is perfect if you are considering adopting out of birth order or adopting an older child. It really isn't as scary as some people make it out to be:)

The Full Plate

I was hooked on this blog from the first time I read it. They are a fellow Ghana adoptive family, (as well as China and domestic adoption) which is how I found the blog, but what kept me reading was      the honesty when sharing about adopting older children, children with special needs and living life as a family of 10. Their latest addition, Dolly joined the family from China a few months ago.

Can't wait...

to give this little girl kisses again.