Pastor Barb is praying for us.
The Family (with 12 of our 13 children) ...
Welcome to Our Journey of Faith. My blog is a place where I share the joys and trials of living a faith-filled life as the mother of an extra large (12 children) homeschooling family, and my prayer is that it brings encouragement to others to live their lives as an adventure of faith, as well.
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Sunday, March 30, 2008
Dedication
Pastor Kim is talking about our family.
Pastor Barb is praying for us.
The Family (with 12 of our 13 children) ...
Pastor Barb is praying for us.
The Family (with 12 of our 13 children) ...
Another Fun Week
The 2nd week home brought more fun and more "Firsts" for the children:
Monday:
We are settling in to our homeschooling routine. Josh is on Spring Break from the community college this week, so he was a big help with the school work (reading directions, etc...).
Tonight was the children's first night of Bible Study Fellowship. (BSF is an International Bible Study that our family has been involved in for 15 years.) The teachers and students were so excited to FINALLY meet Jacob, Sarah, and Rachel, as they have been on the attendance sheets all year.
Tuesday:
Today, the kids had their first week of "Tuesday Classes" at school, so they met all of their "Tuesday Friends". Rachel was glad to finally meet LuLu, but Sarah was sad that Sophie was home sick today. Jacob was excited to be in classes with big brother Ben and his friends.
Wednesday:
More schoolwork ... more bike riding ... more game playing with their brothers and sisters ...
The kids attended their first high school track meet (brother Josh runs for the high school team, while attending classes at the community college ... one of the amazing benefits of homeschooling in Washington). It was COLD, but fun. During the last event of the day (the 4 X 400 relay, which Josh was in), it actually snowed for a couple of minutes, to the utter delight of Jacob, Sarah, and Rachel. (This was, officially, their "First Snow") After the meet, we stopped at the restaurant supply store, so that I could purchase a LARGE thermal pot to take Hot Chocolate in to the track meet on Friday. I also picked up large quantities of styrofoam cups and lids.
Thursday:
Cassie came home from Oregon for the weekend, so the kids got to meet their biggest sister. Yea! Much joy!
Papa and Mama went to small group tonight, so the kids got to stay home and play with Cassie and Jeremiah.
Friday:
Today's track meet went from 3:30 - 9:30. Luckily, Josh ran in 2 of the earlier events, so Papa was able to take all of the younger kids home at 6:00, to get warmed up and to eat dinner, while Mama stayed for the entire meet, as she had volunteered to work in the coaches room (preparing meals for the coaches of all 12 teams). Ben stayed with Mama, and helped out when needed.
Papa and Mama had been invited to a wedding tonight, but realized a couple of days ago that we couldn't attend due to childcare issues. We are feeling a little "trapped" at home, as we are used to coming and going without children whenever we need to. But, while we have always left Ben (14) home with 3 younger siblings, we haven't yet left him with 6 younger siblings. He's an awesome big brother, but we don't want to overwhelm him. So, we have to be a lot more careful in the planning of events. Tonight ... Cassie went to the wedding, Jeremiah had to work at the restaurant, Carissa was at a good-bye party (for her), Lindsey is a volunteer assistant track coach, and Josh was running at the track meet ... which didn't leave any more "bigger kids" at home.
Saturday:
We all woke up to LOTS, LOTS, LOTS, of SNOW, SNOW, SNOW ... (which is VERY unusual for this time of year in Western Washington). Crazy unusual. One of our friends actually phoned and said, "Please have your children stop praying for snow, the rest of us in town are ready for spring to come." So, the kids got to learn about snow pants, layered shirts/sweatshirts/jackets, boots, etc... They also learned about snowball fights (the fun and not-so-fun parts). They learned that accidents do happen (when the snow ball hits a face it was not intended to hit), and that you are not to retaliate when they happen. They learned that it is more fun to play nicely in the snow together, than to have to sit on the couch watching your siblings having fun outside in the snow.
Church ... Dedication Ceremony ... Party ... (see blog, above ...)
Monday:
We are settling in to our homeschooling routine. Josh is on Spring Break from the community college this week, so he was a big help with the school work (reading directions, etc...).
Tonight was the children's first night of Bible Study Fellowship. (BSF is an International Bible Study that our family has been involved in for 15 years.) The teachers and students were so excited to FINALLY meet Jacob, Sarah, and Rachel, as they have been on the attendance sheets all year.
Tuesday:
Today, the kids had their first week of "Tuesday Classes" at school, so they met all of their "Tuesday Friends". Rachel was glad to finally meet LuLu, but Sarah was sad that Sophie was home sick today. Jacob was excited to be in classes with big brother Ben and his friends.
Wednesday:
More schoolwork ... more bike riding ... more game playing with their brothers and sisters ...
The kids attended their first high school track meet (brother Josh runs for the high school team, while attending classes at the community college ... one of the amazing benefits of homeschooling in Washington). It was COLD, but fun. During the last event of the day (the 4 X 400 relay, which Josh was in), it actually snowed for a couple of minutes, to the utter delight of Jacob, Sarah, and Rachel. (This was, officially, their "First Snow") After the meet, we stopped at the restaurant supply store, so that I could purchase a LARGE thermal pot to take Hot Chocolate in to the track meet on Friday. I also picked up large quantities of styrofoam cups and lids.
Thursday:
Cassie came home from Oregon for the weekend, so the kids got to meet their biggest sister. Yea! Much joy!
Papa and Mama went to small group tonight, so the kids got to stay home and play with Cassie and Jeremiah.
Friday:
Today's track meet went from 3:30 - 9:30. Luckily, Josh ran in 2 of the earlier events, so Papa was able to take all of the younger kids home at 6:00, to get warmed up and to eat dinner, while Mama stayed for the entire meet, as she had volunteered to work in the coaches room (preparing meals for the coaches of all 12 teams). Ben stayed with Mama, and helped out when needed.
Papa and Mama had been invited to a wedding tonight, but realized a couple of days ago that we couldn't attend due to childcare issues. We are feeling a little "trapped" at home, as we are used to coming and going without children whenever we need to. But, while we have always left Ben (14) home with 3 younger siblings, we haven't yet left him with 6 younger siblings. He's an awesome big brother, but we don't want to overwhelm him. So, we have to be a lot more careful in the planning of events. Tonight ... Cassie went to the wedding, Jeremiah had to work at the restaurant, Carissa was at a good-bye party (for her), Lindsey is a volunteer assistant track coach, and Josh was running at the track meet ... which didn't leave any more "bigger kids" at home.
Saturday:
We all woke up to LOTS, LOTS, LOTS, of SNOW, SNOW, SNOW ... (which is VERY unusual for this time of year in Western Washington). Crazy unusual. One of our friends actually phoned and said, "Please have your children stop praying for snow, the rest of us in town are ready for spring to come." So, the kids got to learn about snow pants, layered shirts/sweatshirts/jackets, boots, etc... They also learned about snowball fights (the fun and not-so-fun parts). They learned that accidents do happen (when the snow ball hits a face it was not intended to hit), and that you are not to retaliate when they happen. They learned that it is more fun to play nicely in the snow together, than to have to sit on the couch watching your siblings having fun outside in the snow.
Church ... Dedication Ceremony ... Party ... (see blog, above ...)
Monday, March 24, 2008
Easter
Papa ... and 11 or our 13 kids. (It is a very rare occasion to get ALL kids home at the same time. We are hoping for next Christmas.)
Another First ... Coloring Easter Eggs.
Another First ... Coloring Easter Eggs.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
A Blessed Walk
It's time for me to share a story that took place the week that Laurel went home. As most of you know, Laurel came home two weeks before I did, and I had posted a few times the day that she left. Near the middle of the morning, I was just sitting around wondering what I was going to do for the next "x" amount of weeks. I'm not sure if I was praying or not, but Joshua chapter 5 and 6 came to mind. So, I opened my Bible and read about the story of Joshua and Jericho. Most of you know the story and the results.
Here's that God was stirring in my heart. Use this story as a object lesson for the children. I'm not sure I really understood right then what God was asking of me but, I just took a step of faith and allowed God to give me the words and ideas about how to carry this out over the next week. I also felt I was to only let Cassie and Laurel know about what we were doing, and ask them to pray for the next week.
The following is a summary of what transpired:
Day One Monday:
Take the kids to "see" mom fly to America. (see previous post for this story) We then walked to the embassy for day one of our walk. I explained to the children what we were doing, and I read the passage of scripture about Joshua and his march. (Joshua 5:13-chp. 6:16). We walked once around the embassy.
Day Two Tuesday:
Up at 7 a.m. eat, clean up and out the door by 8 or so. Walked the six blocks to the embassy. Read the same passage of scripture. Asked the kids to pray after I was done praying. Walked home.
Days Three- Five:
Basically the same. Except, on day four I had a strong sense that we were not praying enough and I needed to "pray" scripture out loud as we walk. Great, when does one begin....... so I start where I like to go when I need to praise the Lord, Psalms. I read, not just any Psalms, but God lead me to ones that fit our situation at the time. I was amazed at what was coming out of my mouth. The kids began to ask questions about our walks....what do we tell people at the guest house? (just tell them we went on a walk) What will people think when they see us walking around the embassy? ( I don't really care, if they ask I'll tell them) What happens if one of the guards stops us, what will we do? (nothing was my reply. just answer their questions)
Day Six....Saturday, the embassy is closed and no one is around, except the guards who carry no guns. The prayer time intensifies to where we are praying all the way around the embassy without stopping. Kids' prayers are focused on just the situation at hand, their visas, the people in the embassy, Mr. Teffera, the man in charge.
Day Seven....Sunday. We need to leave a little early so we get back in time for church. Remember, in the story God instructs Joshua to walk seven times around Jericho. So, we have our work cut out for us. Up just a little early, and we don't get out as planned...ugh! This is going to be close, seven times around, get back, get ready for church. Oh, I'll need to shower because I'll be dripping with sweat. We will need to hustle.
Ok off we go and I'm sensing this will be a different day. We begin with reading the passage that we have read everyday. We pray, we're quiet, we pray again. I'm reading scripture, praying and reading more scripture. I have not worn a watch the previous four weeks, and today is no different. So I don't have a clue what time it is part way through the walk. Oh good a Ghana Police officer in his little booth is sighted. Jacob goes and asks the time. 8:35 a.m. Great, we just stated circle number four and I'm not turing back now. We WILL HAVE to pick up the pace. So, I let the kids know that we must walk faster....oh great with this comes more sweat for me, as if I'm not hot enough! We round corner number two and a guard is walking toward us. Oh no is my first thought. But, this is the back side of the embassy, no guard has been spotted back here in six days. And the camera's watch our every move. We pass and he says, this is the third time I've seen you today, and walks away. Sweet! No foul no harm. We finish the fourth time around and head back to the guest house. I explain that God understands and he will honor our efforts, he knows our heart, it's all good. We make it back to the guest house at 9:10, five minutes until we have to leave, I can do this. Give the kids water, tell them I need to shower, and they can wait for me down stairs by Uncle George and Aunt Trudy's room. Seven minutes later I come down and off we do to church....way cool! But only for about five minutes.....and I'm hot again.
Monday arrives and Jacob says..... "Dad are we going to finish our walk?" I was not planning on this today, but I said yes let's continue. So off we go to the embassy. Now it's 9:30 a.m and the sun is up....it's hot and will be hotter when we finish, better bring water today. Ok, so we have three trips around the embassy to complete, we pick up right where we left off yesterday....praying to the Lord, reading the same scripture. Yet today is the day we will encounter the Ghana Police and the guards who carry no guns, (they really pose no threat to me or anyone, it's the Ghana Police with the power, they carry the big gun) So, on the last trip around the embassy, we remove our shoes, (Josh 5:15) and guess who decides to come out and "see" what we are doing? The guy without the gun....ok this should be no big deal. But he waves over the guy with the gun. Crud!!! But, we have done nothing wrong so it's all good. I'm asked what we are doing and I tell him the story about Joshua in the Bible. He seems annoyed, not with me but with the guy without the gun. So, we walk over to the main entrance to the embassy and another guard comes out and asks questions. He's not impressed at all with my answers. Are you a U.S. citizen, yes. Is this a legal adoption? (no I'm stealing the kids, can't you tell) yes all the paper work in the U.S. and here in Ghana has been approved. We are just waiting for the kids visas to be approved. Where are staying? Guest house about six blks. away. How long have you been here? five weeks. Do you have a passport? Yes. Fill out this piece of paper. ok no big deal, funny that it's a visitor form. I'm not visiting, just walking around outside. Can I go now? Yes you can, have a nice day. So, off we went to finish our seventh time around.
Monday afternoon we were to find out if the forms in DHS would be sent over to the counselor section where the visas are processed. We assumed they would be as the main man who signed the papers was back in town. No phone call by late afternoon, but a friend got the call at 4:50 that hers was done. Ok no big deal, ours should of been done also. We will just go to the embassy on Tuesday and check things out. (you can read previous post to find out details of what occurred next).
Our prayer the whole time was this; that we would be able to fly out on the 17th of March, our papers would be signed, visas received at the end of the week. All of these were prayers were answered. The kids faith in a mighty God was increased because the God of the universe asked me to do one small thing, so that He could be glorified.
I tell this story now because it's part of the story we have the privilege of telling to you, the reader. This story is not about me, or the kids. It's about the God of creation who has called Laurel and I to do something beyond ourselves. Why he chose us will remain a mystery to me. But I do know this, I'm trying to be obedient to the Father. And I would rather live on the edge, (and possibly out of control,) in His hands, than live life being comfortable and content. I hope and pray that our kids will remember the time when God showed up and made himself real to them.
Jim
Here's that God was stirring in my heart. Use this story as a object lesson for the children. I'm not sure I really understood right then what God was asking of me but, I just took a step of faith and allowed God to give me the words and ideas about how to carry this out over the next week. I also felt I was to only let Cassie and Laurel know about what we were doing, and ask them to pray for the next week.
The following is a summary of what transpired:
Day One Monday:
Take the kids to "see" mom fly to America. (see previous post for this story) We then walked to the embassy for day one of our walk. I explained to the children what we were doing, and I read the passage of scripture about Joshua and his march. (Joshua 5:13-chp. 6:16). We walked once around the embassy.
Day Two Tuesday:
Up at 7 a.m. eat, clean up and out the door by 8 or so. Walked the six blocks to the embassy. Read the same passage of scripture. Asked the kids to pray after I was done praying. Walked home.
Days Three- Five:
Basically the same. Except, on day four I had a strong sense that we were not praying enough and I needed to "pray" scripture out loud as we walk. Great, when does one begin....... so I start where I like to go when I need to praise the Lord, Psalms. I read, not just any Psalms, but God lead me to ones that fit our situation at the time. I was amazed at what was coming out of my mouth. The kids began to ask questions about our walks....what do we tell people at the guest house? (just tell them we went on a walk) What will people think when they see us walking around the embassy? ( I don't really care, if they ask I'll tell them) What happens if one of the guards stops us, what will we do? (nothing was my reply. just answer their questions)
Day Six....Saturday, the embassy is closed and no one is around, except the guards who carry no guns. The prayer time intensifies to where we are praying all the way around the embassy without stopping. Kids' prayers are focused on just the situation at hand, their visas, the people in the embassy, Mr. Teffera, the man in charge.
Day Seven....Sunday. We need to leave a little early so we get back in time for church. Remember, in the story God instructs Joshua to walk seven times around Jericho. So, we have our work cut out for us. Up just a little early, and we don't get out as planned...ugh! This is going to be close, seven times around, get back, get ready for church. Oh, I'll need to shower because I'll be dripping with sweat. We will need to hustle.
Ok off we go and I'm sensing this will be a different day. We begin with reading the passage that we have read everyday. We pray, we're quiet, we pray again. I'm reading scripture, praying and reading more scripture. I have not worn a watch the previous four weeks, and today is no different. So I don't have a clue what time it is part way through the walk. Oh good a Ghana Police officer in his little booth is sighted. Jacob goes and asks the time. 8:35 a.m. Great, we just stated circle number four and I'm not turing back now. We WILL HAVE to pick up the pace. So, I let the kids know that we must walk faster....oh great with this comes more sweat for me, as if I'm not hot enough! We round corner number two and a guard is walking toward us. Oh no is my first thought. But, this is the back side of the embassy, no guard has been spotted back here in six days. And the camera's watch our every move. We pass and he says, this is the third time I've seen you today, and walks away. Sweet! No foul no harm. We finish the fourth time around and head back to the guest house. I explain that God understands and he will honor our efforts, he knows our heart, it's all good. We make it back to the guest house at 9:10, five minutes until we have to leave, I can do this. Give the kids water, tell them I need to shower, and they can wait for me down stairs by Uncle George and Aunt Trudy's room. Seven minutes later I come down and off we do to church....way cool! But only for about five minutes.....and I'm hot again.
Monday arrives and Jacob says..... "Dad are we going to finish our walk?" I was not planning on this today, but I said yes let's continue. So off we go to the embassy. Now it's 9:30 a.m and the sun is up....it's hot and will be hotter when we finish, better bring water today. Ok, so we have three trips around the embassy to complete, we pick up right where we left off yesterday....praying to the Lord, reading the same scripture. Yet today is the day we will encounter the Ghana Police and the guards who carry no guns, (they really pose no threat to me or anyone, it's the Ghana Police with the power, they carry the big gun) So, on the last trip around the embassy, we remove our shoes, (Josh 5:15) and guess who decides to come out and "see" what we are doing? The guy without the gun....ok this should be no big deal. But he waves over the guy with the gun. Crud!!! But, we have done nothing wrong so it's all good. I'm asked what we are doing and I tell him the story about Joshua in the Bible. He seems annoyed, not with me but with the guy without the gun. So, we walk over to the main entrance to the embassy and another guard comes out and asks questions. He's not impressed at all with my answers. Are you a U.S. citizen, yes. Is this a legal adoption? (no I'm stealing the kids, can't you tell) yes all the paper work in the U.S. and here in Ghana has been approved. We are just waiting for the kids visas to be approved. Where are staying? Guest house about six blks. away. How long have you been here? five weeks. Do you have a passport? Yes. Fill out this piece of paper. ok no big deal, funny that it's a visitor form. I'm not visiting, just walking around outside. Can I go now? Yes you can, have a nice day. So, off we went to finish our seventh time around.
Monday afternoon we were to find out if the forms in DHS would be sent over to the counselor section where the visas are processed. We assumed they would be as the main man who signed the papers was back in town. No phone call by late afternoon, but a friend got the call at 4:50 that hers was done. Ok no big deal, ours should of been done also. We will just go to the embassy on Tuesday and check things out. (you can read previous post to find out details of what occurred next).
Our prayer the whole time was this; that we would be able to fly out on the 17th of March, our papers would be signed, visas received at the end of the week. All of these were prayers were answered. The kids faith in a mighty God was increased because the God of the universe asked me to do one small thing, so that He could be glorified.
I tell this story now because it's part of the story we have the privilege of telling to you, the reader. This story is not about me, or the kids. It's about the God of creation who has called Laurel and I to do something beyond ourselves. Why he chose us will remain a mystery to me. But I do know this, I'm trying to be obedient to the Father. And I would rather live on the edge, (and possibly out of control,) in His hands, than live life being comfortable and content. I hope and pray that our kids will remember the time when God showed up and made himself real to them.
Jim
Saturday, March 22, 2008
A Word from One of Our Older "Adopted" Kids
While Jacob, Sarah, and Rachel are our first officially adopted children, we have had many teens over the years that we have "adopted" and welcomed into our family. Tonight, I discovered a blog about our family, written by one of our "adopted" kids from many years ago. So, here is Vicky's perspective of our Big, Fat Greek Family.
Friday, March 14, 2008
I mentioned the D family a few times in my post about my mom dying. After she passed away, Laurel and her family were a huge support for me. I feel like I can't find the right words to express how important they have been to me. They took me on family vacations (Laurel + Vicky+ Jami + 7 children ages 1-12 = amazing amount of fun and memories!), let me sleepover a TON (even when I showed up in the middle of the night because there was a mouse in my house and my sister and I were home alone), and taught me three trillion games (Careers anyone?). Laurel was my "substitute" mom and spent countless hours talking to me, listening to me, guiding me, and loving me. The kids became my little brothers and sisters, and as they grew they became my friends. They moved while I was at SPU, but I would still make it up there occasionally for weekends and breaks.
They are an amazing family, full of love for God and one another. They have SOOOOO much fun! They have thirteen children. Each one is proof that children in large families are not neglected and most definately don't suffer from a lack of attention. Instead, the D family seems to always have love to spare for extra kids that need it (like myself). In fact, last spring, God began laying adoption on the heart of this mama of 10. On Monday, Jim will return from Ghana with the three children they have adopted.
Until recently, Laurel was also in Ghana with Jim and the children. Meanwhile, the older kids were keeping things going at home and taking care of their younger siblings. They had expected the process to take a couple weeks, but when a month went by and they were told to expect a few more weeks in Ghana, Laurel came home and Jim stayed.
Cassie had taken Ben, Hosanna, Josiah, and Elijah to stay with her in Oregon. Since Mom was coming home, they needed to get the kids home. So, I met Cassie in Vancouver, WA, had dinner with them at Red Robin, then drove the kids up to Seattle. There we met Jeremiah. It was a looooong day, but completely worth it.
I had SOOOOO much fun with these kids. I hadn't seen them in quite a while, so it was great to catch up and see how they have grown. We listened to a few episodes of "Adventures in Odyssey". We discussed all sorts of things-- how many kids we want, what we want to be when we grow up, their older siblings and their many adventures, road trips (they have been to THIRTY-EIGHT states!), and the future plans for the whole family (I believe Hosanna and I planned an orphanage in Africa where EACH of the D children's gifts will be needed... So, for those of you D kids unsure about your distant future, no worries... Hosanna and I have it all figured out).
They made me laugh the whole time, but one story sticks out... Throughout the car-ride, whenever Hosanna or Ben saw a car with one headlight out, they would hit the roof of the car (Jami reminded me that this game is called "Padiddle"). About two hours into our three hour car trip, and 6-7 roof-hits, Josiah and Elijah finally asked what they were doing. Hosanna and I were talking in the front, but we heard Ben tell them (completely serious): "You count the trees on the side of the road, and when you get to 50 you hit the roof." He kept a straight face while Hosanna and I giggled as quietly as possible. Keep in mind that it was DARK (so you can't see individual trees) and we live in WESTERN WASHINGTON (where the sides of the freeway are FORESTS). Apparently, Ben has learned a thing or two from having 6 older siblings. :)
The next day, Jami and I decided to meet Jeremiah at Sea-Tac (yes, he made the Lynden-Seattle drive two LATE nights in a row). We had a chance to give Laurel hugs, hear some stories from Ghana, and talk for a bit. Laurel-- it was sooooo good to see you!!!! (Sadly, I forgot to take pictures... I had my camera and everything!)
I thought I'd give you a brief introduction to each of the D kids (for the younger kids, I included a few tid-bits I learned from our road trip):
Gregg (23)-- Currently serving with the US Army in Iraq.... looking forward to taking Lynden by storm in June. Passionate about Freedom... in Christ, and in America.
Cassie (22)-- Living in OR, works at Red Robin (and LOVES it). Passionate about teens (and pre-teens and post-teens) and teaching them about God's love. Cassie is amazing with her little brothers and sisters! Cassie and I spent many late nights talking when we were supposed to be sleeping when I would sleepover. :)
Jeremiah (21)-- Getting ready to attend school in Jordan for two years to learn Arabic. Loves God, politics, history, learning... Vote for Jeremiah for President in about 20 years! How many 21 year old guys could keep a household running, including children and working? If he can run a house now, he can run a country in 20 years (Jeremiah, you can use that as a campaign slogan if you want... it's catchy, I know).
Carissa (19)-- Getting ready to serve a YWAM DTS in Argentina next month. Loves people with the heart of Jesus. I first met Carissa and her twin, Lindsey, when they were 2 or 3 years old. I used to help in their toddler Sunday School class... a few years later, I helped in their Kindergarten VBS class... and a few years after that, I taught their 3rd/ 4th Grade Girls Sunday School class. It has been a joy to watch their faith grow from toddlers to amazing women of God.
Lindsey (19)-- Getting ready for wherever God calls her. Loves serving God through worship. She's got the hard job of waiting patiently for God's timing! Over the last few years, God has been teaching me about waiting patiently for His plan and His timing in a variety of areas. Sometimes, waiting is harder than getting ready to go, but it's always worth it Lindsey! I can't wait to see how God is going to use you!
Joshua (17)-- Youngest of the oldest (if you're keeping track... that's 6 kids in 6 years!). I learned from his younger siblings that he wants to study Zoology at WSU (and Jim, seriously, my first thought was "Six kids and Jim finally got a Cougar!"). Of course, this must mean Josh is the genius I've always known him to be... because in my mind, he is still about 8 years old and certainly no where near ready to go to college anytime soon... (or, I'm just struggling to accept reality...)
Ben (14)-- He's now taller than me... Seeing as I remember carrying him around the house during a game of Sardines because he was too little to WALK, this is difficult for me to believe. He is a great big brother! (he was awesome with Josiah and Elijah!) I've always seen him as the little brother, so it was great to see him as the oldest of this group. He wants to be a Major League Baseball player (so, remember this post when you see D........ rainbowing across the back of a jersey in 10 years) or a photographer.
Hosanna (11)-- Hosanna was a baby when my mom died, and God used her to comfort me and bring me Joy (her middle name) many many many many times. She is growing up to be a wonderful young woman who loves God. She told me that she wants to be a dentist when she grows up... but not around here... she wants to be a denist-missionary overseas (hence the D family orphanage plan). She also wants to have 5 kids and then adopt 2.
Josiah (almost 8)-- wants to "draw people's faces" when he grows up (portrait artist?). He would also like to have 10 kids. He also informed us that if each of the D kids had 10 kids, then Jim and Laurel would have 100 grandkids (we then added the three newest additions and realized that it would be 130 grandkids... so Jim and Laurel would pretty much have a birthday to celebrate about 3 times a week all year long).
Elijah (6)-- Elijah wants to be (get ready for this list... ) a firefighter/ police officer/ ambulance worker/ hospital worker/ any other "Rescue Hero" you can think of. He's going to be busy. What is amazing is that in six years, Elijah has had personal encounters with most of these heroes.
Jacob (12), Sarah (9), and Rachel (6)-- the newest additions to the D family. I haven't met them, but I'm sure they are as amazing as the rest of the family. Please pray for safe travels for Jim and the kids on Monday, and that there would be NO MORE FIASCOS between now and then. Also pray for the many adjustments and changes that will be taking place in the months to come.
Thanks Vicky ... fun to read about our family from someone else's perspective. :)
Friday, March 14, 2008
I mentioned the D family a few times in my post about my mom dying. After she passed away, Laurel and her family were a huge support for me. I feel like I can't find the right words to express how important they have been to me. They took me on family vacations (Laurel + Vicky+ Jami + 7 children ages 1-12 = amazing amount of fun and memories!), let me sleepover a TON (even when I showed up in the middle of the night because there was a mouse in my house and my sister and I were home alone), and taught me three trillion games (Careers anyone?). Laurel was my "substitute" mom and spent countless hours talking to me, listening to me, guiding me, and loving me. The kids became my little brothers and sisters, and as they grew they became my friends. They moved while I was at SPU, but I would still make it up there occasionally for weekends and breaks.
They are an amazing family, full of love for God and one another. They have SOOOOO much fun! They have thirteen children. Each one is proof that children in large families are not neglected and most definately don't suffer from a lack of attention. Instead, the D family seems to always have love to spare for extra kids that need it (like myself). In fact, last spring, God began laying adoption on the heart of this mama of 10. On Monday, Jim will return from Ghana with the three children they have adopted.
Until recently, Laurel was also in Ghana with Jim and the children. Meanwhile, the older kids were keeping things going at home and taking care of their younger siblings. They had expected the process to take a couple weeks, but when a month went by and they were told to expect a few more weeks in Ghana, Laurel came home and Jim stayed.
Cassie had taken Ben, Hosanna, Josiah, and Elijah to stay with her in Oregon. Since Mom was coming home, they needed to get the kids home. So, I met Cassie in Vancouver, WA, had dinner with them at Red Robin, then drove the kids up to Seattle. There we met Jeremiah. It was a looooong day, but completely worth it.
I had SOOOOO much fun with these kids. I hadn't seen them in quite a while, so it was great to catch up and see how they have grown. We listened to a few episodes of "Adventures in Odyssey". We discussed all sorts of things-- how many kids we want, what we want to be when we grow up, their older siblings and their many adventures, road trips (they have been to THIRTY-EIGHT states!), and the future plans for the whole family (I believe Hosanna and I planned an orphanage in Africa where EACH of the D children's gifts will be needed... So, for those of you D kids unsure about your distant future, no worries... Hosanna and I have it all figured out).
They made me laugh the whole time, but one story sticks out... Throughout the car-ride, whenever Hosanna or Ben saw a car with one headlight out, they would hit the roof of the car (Jami reminded me that this game is called "Padiddle"). About two hours into our three hour car trip, and 6-7 roof-hits, Josiah and Elijah finally asked what they were doing. Hosanna and I were talking in the front, but we heard Ben tell them (completely serious): "You count the trees on the side of the road, and when you get to 50 you hit the roof." He kept a straight face while Hosanna and I giggled as quietly as possible. Keep in mind that it was DARK (so you can't see individual trees) and we live in WESTERN WASHINGTON (where the sides of the freeway are FORESTS). Apparently, Ben has learned a thing or two from having 6 older siblings. :)
The next day, Jami and I decided to meet Jeremiah at Sea-Tac (yes, he made the Lynden-Seattle drive two LATE nights in a row). We had a chance to give Laurel hugs, hear some stories from Ghana, and talk for a bit. Laurel-- it was sooooo good to see you!!!! (Sadly, I forgot to take pictures... I had my camera and everything!)
I thought I'd give you a brief introduction to each of the D kids (for the younger kids, I included a few tid-bits I learned from our road trip):
Gregg (23)-- Currently serving with the US Army in Iraq.... looking forward to taking Lynden by storm in June. Passionate about Freedom... in Christ, and in America.
Cassie (22)-- Living in OR, works at Red Robin (and LOVES it). Passionate about teens (and pre-teens and post-teens) and teaching them about God's love. Cassie is amazing with her little brothers and sisters! Cassie and I spent many late nights talking when we were supposed to be sleeping when I would sleepover. :)
Jeremiah (21)-- Getting ready to attend school in Jordan for two years to learn Arabic. Loves God, politics, history, learning... Vote for Jeremiah for President in about 20 years! How many 21 year old guys could keep a household running, including children and working? If he can run a house now, he can run a country in 20 years (Jeremiah, you can use that as a campaign slogan if you want... it's catchy, I know).
Carissa (19)-- Getting ready to serve a YWAM DTS in Argentina next month. Loves people with the heart of Jesus. I first met Carissa and her twin, Lindsey, when they were 2 or 3 years old. I used to help in their toddler Sunday School class... a few years later, I helped in their Kindergarten VBS class... and a few years after that, I taught their 3rd/ 4th Grade Girls Sunday School class. It has been a joy to watch their faith grow from toddlers to amazing women of God.
Lindsey (19)-- Getting ready for wherever God calls her. Loves serving God through worship. She's got the hard job of waiting patiently for God's timing! Over the last few years, God has been teaching me about waiting patiently for His plan and His timing in a variety of areas. Sometimes, waiting is harder than getting ready to go, but it's always worth it Lindsey! I can't wait to see how God is going to use you!
Joshua (17)-- Youngest of the oldest (if you're keeping track... that's 6 kids in 6 years!). I learned from his younger siblings that he wants to study Zoology at WSU (and Jim, seriously, my first thought was "Six kids and Jim finally got a Cougar!"). Of course, this must mean Josh is the genius I've always known him to be... because in my mind, he is still about 8 years old and certainly no where near ready to go to college anytime soon... (or, I'm just struggling to accept reality...)
Ben (14)-- He's now taller than me... Seeing as I remember carrying him around the house during a game of Sardines because he was too little to WALK, this is difficult for me to believe. He is a great big brother! (he was awesome with Josiah and Elijah!) I've always seen him as the little brother, so it was great to see him as the oldest of this group. He wants to be a Major League Baseball player (so, remember this post when you see D........ rainbowing across the back of a jersey in 10 years) or a photographer.
Hosanna (11)-- Hosanna was a baby when my mom died, and God used her to comfort me and bring me Joy (her middle name) many many many many times. She is growing up to be a wonderful young woman who loves God. She told me that she wants to be a dentist when she grows up... but not around here... she wants to be a denist-missionary overseas (hence the D family orphanage plan). She also wants to have 5 kids and then adopt 2.
Josiah (almost 8)-- wants to "draw people's faces" when he grows up (portrait artist?). He would also like to have 10 kids. He also informed us that if each of the D kids had 10 kids, then Jim and Laurel would have 100 grandkids (we then added the three newest additions and realized that it would be 130 grandkids... so Jim and Laurel would pretty much have a birthday to celebrate about 3 times a week all year long).
Elijah (6)-- Elijah wants to be (get ready for this list... ) a firefighter/ police officer/ ambulance worker/ hospital worker/ any other "Rescue Hero" you can think of. He's going to be busy. What is amazing is that in six years, Elijah has had personal encounters with most of these heroes.
Jacob (12), Sarah (9), and Rachel (6)-- the newest additions to the D family. I haven't met them, but I'm sure they are as amazing as the rest of the family. Please pray for safe travels for Jim and the kids on Monday, and that there would be NO MORE FIASCOS between now and then. Also pray for the many adjustments and changes that will be taking place in the months to come.
Thanks Vicky ... fun to read about our family from someone else's perspective. :)
Fun at School
Random school happenings ...
Jacob is in his big brother, Jeremiah's, "Let's Go Fly a ___________" class on Fridays. Yesterday, their class walked to the park for one of their project days. No one explained to Jacob what they had been studying; so he just went along to discover whatever might happen. Once at the park, the students set some things up. Jacob had never seen such things, but didn't ask questions. Then, Jeremiah asked Jacob to "Come push the button." As the button was pushed, the rocket shot up into the sky. I wish I had been there with my camera to see Jacob's face. Jeremiah said it was priceless. Jacob had never even heard of a rocket ... but the joy on his face showed his delight as he shared the story at the dinner table.
For 6 weeks, we have told the children about some of the friends that they would meet at school. Sarah, has been waiting patiently to meet her new friend Shelby. What fun when she got to school and Shelby immediately said, "Sarah, I have been waiting sooo... long for you to come." Sarah later asked Shelby if, "You come to my house after school?" I, of course, said it would be fine, but Shelby's mom invited Sarah to their house instead. So, she got her first American playdate.
On Thursday morning, Josiah was very excited as he called Sarah over and said, "Sarah, I want you to meet my friend, Faith." And, after school, Sarah was excited to show me the cupcake the "her friend Faith" had given her. Thanks Faith.
When I asked Rachel what her favorite class was, she just said, "All of them." She is still waiting to meet her new friend, LuLu, because LuLu comes to classes on Tuesdays. Rachel, however, did immediately bond with her new teacher, Mrs. McCay. Unbeknownst to Rachel, Tammy is a very dear friend of ours, who also adopted a little girl this year. So, thanks Tammy for loving on our little girl yesterday.
One of Jacob and Sarah's favorite classes, is "Kids Can Cook". They were very excited to go to class in the kitchen, and to be able to bring home their very own loaf of banana bread.
So, school is fun. The kids are excited about their classes. And, the kids are making friends. Yea!
Jacob is in his big brother, Jeremiah's, "Let's Go Fly a ___________" class on Fridays. Yesterday, their class walked to the park for one of their project days. No one explained to Jacob what they had been studying; so he just went along to discover whatever might happen. Once at the park, the students set some things up. Jacob had never seen such things, but didn't ask questions. Then, Jeremiah asked Jacob to "Come push the button." As the button was pushed, the rocket shot up into the sky. I wish I had been there with my camera to see Jacob's face. Jeremiah said it was priceless. Jacob had never even heard of a rocket ... but the joy on his face showed his delight as he shared the story at the dinner table.
For 6 weeks, we have told the children about some of the friends that they would meet at school. Sarah, has been waiting patiently to meet her new friend Shelby. What fun when she got to school and Shelby immediately said, "Sarah, I have been waiting sooo... long for you to come." Sarah later asked Shelby if, "You come to my house after school?" I, of course, said it would be fine, but Shelby's mom invited Sarah to their house instead. So, she got her first American playdate.
On Thursday morning, Josiah was very excited as he called Sarah over and said, "Sarah, I want you to meet my friend, Faith." And, after school, Sarah was excited to show me the cupcake the "her friend Faith" had given her. Thanks Faith.
When I asked Rachel what her favorite class was, she just said, "All of them." She is still waiting to meet her new friend, LuLu, because LuLu comes to classes on Tuesdays. Rachel, however, did immediately bond with her new teacher, Mrs. McCay. Unbeknownst to Rachel, Tammy is a very dear friend of ours, who also adopted a little girl this year. So, thanks Tammy for loving on our little girl yesterday.
One of Jacob and Sarah's favorite classes, is "Kids Can Cook". They were very excited to go to class in the kitchen, and to be able to bring home their very own loaf of banana bread.
So, school is fun. The kids are excited about their classes. And, the kids are making friends. Yea!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Confused ... a bit ... but doing well.
When Jacob woke up on Tuesday morning, about 6 hours after arriving home in the middle of the night, he had a very interesting conversation with Josh ...
Josh (showing Jacob an Old Navy t-shirt), "Jacob, this is the American Flag."
Jacob, "Yes. I am going to America."
Josh, "Jacob, this is America. You are in America."
Jacob, "I am going to America to see my family."
Josh, "Jacob, we are your family. I am your brother."
Jacob, "I talked to Carissa and Lindsey on the computer. I am going to America to meet them."
Josh, "Jacob, you met Carissa and Lindsey last night, at the airport. You are in America ... "
Tired? Confused? Overwhelmed? A combination of all three?
For 9 months the children have said, "I am going to America, to meet my family." But, they have really had no mental image of what that meant. Now that they are here, it's got to be more overwhelming than they could ever have imagined ... they cannot even verbalize what thoughts have floated through their minds the past 9 months. What is America? What is family? Where are they? Who are we?
Despite the occasional confusion ... the last 2 days have gone well.
Yesterday, they spent all day outside, riding bikes and playing on our backyard fort/swingset (of course, they were all bundled up with warm coats, hats, and gloves, while our other children thought it was spring already). Jacob got a fun surprise, as he was "arrested" on his first day in America, when a friend of ours playfully handcuffed him and put him in the back of his squad car. The kids also got to meet a lot of our friends, as many of them stopped by for quick "Welcome Home" greetings.
Today, they started their homeschooling routine (which Jim had started with them the past 2 weeks ... yea Papa!). Then, Rachel, Sarah, and Hosanna went with me to the community college where Carissa was doing a final presentation for a class. (She had made a video presentation of the adoption, and thought that live props would be nice.) The students thought it was GREAT that the girls had come, on only their 2nd day in America. This afternoon, we took the kids over to church, to meet our Children's Pastor and tour Kid's Place. They were quite excited about all that our children's ministry has to offer.
And, tomorrow ... they get to start their homeschool enrichment classes. Jim and I are both back at work full-time (at the school), so they will be jumping right into their classes. They have lots of new friends that are thrilled that they have finally arrived, so I am sure that a very warm welcome is awaiting them in each of their classes.
Off to bed ... Mama and Papa will have a busy morning, getting all 7 younger kids out the door for school (3 older kids go to the community college, and 1 older "kid" actually teaches at our school). So, tomorrow begins some new morning routines ... the kids only have 1 shower to share ...
Josh (showing Jacob an Old Navy t-shirt), "Jacob, this is the American Flag."
Jacob, "Yes. I am going to America."
Josh, "Jacob, this is America. You are in America."
Jacob, "I am going to America to see my family."
Josh, "Jacob, we are your family. I am your brother."
Jacob, "I talked to Carissa and Lindsey on the computer. I am going to America to meet them."
Josh, "Jacob, you met Carissa and Lindsey last night, at the airport. You are in America ... "
Tired? Confused? Overwhelmed? A combination of all three?
For 9 months the children have said, "I am going to America, to meet my family." But, they have really had no mental image of what that meant. Now that they are here, it's got to be more overwhelming than they could ever have imagined ... they cannot even verbalize what thoughts have floated through their minds the past 9 months. What is America? What is family? Where are they? Who are we?
Despite the occasional confusion ... the last 2 days have gone well.
Yesterday, they spent all day outside, riding bikes and playing on our backyard fort/swingset (of course, they were all bundled up with warm coats, hats, and gloves, while our other children thought it was spring already). Jacob got a fun surprise, as he was "arrested" on his first day in America, when a friend of ours playfully handcuffed him and put him in the back of his squad car. The kids also got to meet a lot of our friends, as many of them stopped by for quick "Welcome Home" greetings.
Today, they started their homeschooling routine (which Jim had started with them the past 2 weeks ... yea Papa!). Then, Rachel, Sarah, and Hosanna went with me to the community college where Carissa was doing a final presentation for a class. (She had made a video presentation of the adoption, and thought that live props would be nice.) The students thought it was GREAT that the girls had come, on only their 2nd day in America. This afternoon, we took the kids over to church, to meet our Children's Pastor and tour Kid's Place. They were quite excited about all that our children's ministry has to offer.
And, tomorrow ... they get to start their homeschool enrichment classes. Jim and I are both back at work full-time (at the school), so they will be jumping right into their classes. They have lots of new friends that are thrilled that they have finally arrived, so I am sure that a very warm welcome is awaiting them in each of their classes.
Off to bed ... Mama and Papa will have a busy morning, getting all 7 younger kids out the door for school (3 older kids go to the community college, and 1 older "kid" actually teaches at our school). So, tomorrow begins some new morning routines ... the kids only have 1 shower to share ...
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
It's all good!
Well, as Laurel said, we made it home. The kids did great on the both flights!!!! YEA! I've never answered so many questions about geography and airplanes in my life. Really it was awesome! They did have a moment during the customs part of the re-entry to the U.S. But I think they were just glad to get off the plane for a minute.
Some great things about being home;
1. my bed...wow now that was a great buy last summer!
2. seeing the family all together. way cool!
3. the mtns. and the green around town.
4. Woods Coffee.....oh yes!!
5. seeing friends.....Jared, Ashley, Audra, Linda and officer Mather today made my day. Love you guys!!!
6. taking a nap today....oh the bed again.
7. seeing the NCCTK sign for the first time in six weeks....can't wait until church on Saturday. Easter Sunday no less.
8. just hanging out at home with the family.
9. watching the kids all hang out together.....just being kids.
10. Just knowing that Jesus Christ is Lord of my life.
Hope to see some of you soon.
Jim
Some great things about being home;
1. my bed...wow now that was a great buy last summer!
2. seeing the family all together. way cool!
3. the mtns. and the green around town.
4. Woods Coffee.....oh yes!!
5. seeing friends.....Jared, Ashley, Audra, Linda and officer Mather today made my day. Love you guys!!!
6. taking a nap today....oh the bed again.
7. seeing the NCCTK sign for the first time in six weeks....can't wait until church on Saturday. Easter Sunday no less.
8. just hanging out at home with the family.
9. watching the kids all hang out together.....just being kids.
10. Just knowing that Jesus Christ is Lord of my life.
Hope to see some of you soon.
Jim
We are Home.
2:30 a.m. We are home ... all 13 of us.
Jim and the kids made their flight ... but 2 of their pieces of luggage did not. Oh well ..... we couldn't possibly end this journey with things going right, could we?
While waiting for the luggage fiasco, the children had fun running around and playing. Josiah and Elijah are sure excited about their new playmates.
We had warm coats and blankets in the van for all of the children. Sarah and Rachel learned about car seats. And, Jeremiah chauferred us home ... Jim and I got to sit together on the front bench, next to Elijah.
Cute "First" ... when we walked outside to wait for Jeremiah to drive up, Jacob looked at Lindsey and said, "There is something coming out of your mouth!" It was cold out, and the children had never seen their breath in cold air. Cute!
Jim and the kids made their flight ... but 2 of their pieces of luggage did not. Oh well ..... we couldn't possibly end this journey with things going right, could we?
While waiting for the luggage fiasco, the children had fun running around and playing. Josiah and Elijah are sure excited about their new playmates.
We had warm coats and blankets in the van for all of the children. Sarah and Rachel learned about car seats. And, Jeremiah chauferred us home ... Jim and I got to sit together on the front bench, next to Elijah.
Cute "First" ... when we walked outside to wait for Jeremiah to drive up, Jacob looked at Lindsey and said, "There is something coming out of your mouth!" It was cold out, and the children had never seen their breath in cold air. Cute!
Monday, March 17, 2008
The Wait Continues ...
Knowing that Jim's connection in NY could be a tight one, due to immigration issues with the children, I asked Jim to PLEASE borrow a cell phone and call me as soon as he was on the flight to Seattle (before take-off).
I have just spent 2 hours sitting by the phone ... but it didn't ring. The last hour was spent, also, tracking the flight on delta.com.
The flight was supposed to take-off at 5:20 (Seattle time).
... at 5:10 it was "boarding"
... at 5:20 it was "ready for take-off"
... at 5:30 it was "boarding" again
(I've got to wonder if it was waiting for the crazy guy with 3 kids running full speed through the airport.)
... at 5:50 it was "ready for take-off" again
... at 6:00 it was "in the air"
sooo ... this means that Jim and the kids are either on the flight, but couldn't phone me ... or they are stuck in an immigration room at the JFK airport in NY ...
We will now drive the 100+ miles to the airport, hoping and praying that they are on that flight .....
I have just spent 2 hours sitting by the phone ... but it didn't ring. The last hour was spent, also, tracking the flight on delta.com.
The flight was supposed to take-off at 5:20 (Seattle time).
... at 5:10 it was "boarding"
... at 5:20 it was "ready for take-off"
... at 5:30 it was "boarding" again
(I've got to wonder if it was waiting for the crazy guy with 3 kids running full speed through the airport.)
... at 5:50 it was "ready for take-off" again
... at 6:00 it was "in the air"
sooo ... this means that Jim and the kids are either on the flight, but couldn't phone me ... or they are stuck in an immigration room at the JFK airport in NY ...
We will now drive the 100+ miles to the airport, hoping and praying that they are on that flight .....
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Prayer Needed for the Trip Home
Here is the timeline for the next 28 hours of traveling ... thanks for your prayers!
Ghana Time / Seattle Time / Event & Prayer Request
5:00 a.m. / 10:00 p.m. Heading to the Accra Airport
... pray for the paperwork process to go smoothly
... pray that they can get seats near each other on the flight
9:30 a.m. / 2:30 a.m. Flight Leaves Ghana
... pray for safety
... pray for peace and rest for Jim and the children
9:00 p.m. / 2:00 p.m. Arrive in New York
... pray for QUICK paperwork processing
... no delays
... Jim and kids will be TIRED, but may have to RUN to catch next flight ...
11:30 p.m. / 4:30 p.m. Flight Leaves for Seattle
... pray that Jim and the children MAKE THE FLIGHT
... pray that they can gets seats near each other
5:45 a.m. / 10:45 p.m. Flight Arrives in Seattle
... pray that we have a safe and uneventful 2 hour drive to the airport and home from the airport
9:00 a.m. / 2:00 a.m. Arrive Home ... 28 hours after heading to the Accra airport
... pray that the children would be able to sleep well, and adjust to the COLD and the jet lag
Ghana Time / Seattle Time / Event & Prayer Request
5:00 a.m. / 10:00 p.m. Heading to the Accra Airport
... pray for the paperwork process to go smoothly
... pray that they can get seats near each other on the flight
9:30 a.m. / 2:30 a.m. Flight Leaves Ghana
... pray for safety
... pray for peace and rest for Jim and the children
9:00 p.m. / 2:00 p.m. Arrive in New York
... pray for QUICK paperwork processing
... no delays
... Jim and kids will be TIRED, but may have to RUN to catch next flight ...
11:30 p.m. / 4:30 p.m. Flight Leaves for Seattle
... pray that Jim and the children MAKE THE FLIGHT
... pray that they can gets seats near each other
5:45 a.m. / 10:45 p.m. Flight Arrives in Seattle
... pray that we have a safe and uneventful 2 hour drive to the airport and home from the airport
9:00 a.m. / 2:00 a.m. Arrive Home ... 28 hours after heading to the Accra airport
... pray that the children would be able to sleep well, and adjust to the COLD and the jet lag
What else could go wrong?
Jim and the kids are fine ... they are, right now, getting ready to go to the airport.
On the homefront, however, I have been pretty much sick in bed for 3 days. I made it to work for 2 hours on Friday, and I made it to church last night, but things are getting worse and not better. Little Elijah heard me tell a friend yesterday that I was "battling a bad cold". Elijah responded by telling me that the cold had beat me. Yep .. he was right.
Out the window go all of the "getting ready" plans that I had for this weekend. So much for plans of ...
... clean sheets on our bed (will Jim notice the nose drizzles on his pillow?).
... a clean bedroom (I admit ... I've been home 2 weeks and the suitcases aren't fully unloaded yet, nor am I caught up on laundry).
... a clean house (the kids did give it a valiant effort today, but mom's help would have been nice).
... menu planning and grocery shopping (since the last major grocery shopping was done 6 weeks ago, the cupboards are pretty bare).
... a clean van (since we are picking them up at the airport at midnight, they won't be able to see whether or not we vacuumed the van, right?)
The last 2 weeks, have been some of my most difficult at work (upper level management political stuff ... yuck). But, nonetheless, stress I did NOT need upon my return home. It has been GREAT to be home ... but definitely some adjustment time was needed, especially for the little guys. So, after a month of stress in Ghana, and 2 weeks of stress at home and work ... my body is exhausted ... wiped out ... tired .... and NOT ready for the upcoming adjustments of adding 3 more children to my home.
Prayers would be GREATLY appreciated!!! Thanks!
On the homefront, however, I have been pretty much sick in bed for 3 days. I made it to work for 2 hours on Friday, and I made it to church last night, but things are getting worse and not better. Little Elijah heard me tell a friend yesterday that I was "battling a bad cold". Elijah responded by telling me that the cold had beat me. Yep .. he was right.
Out the window go all of the "getting ready" plans that I had for this weekend. So much for plans of ...
... clean sheets on our bed (will Jim notice the nose drizzles on his pillow?).
... a clean bedroom (I admit ... I've been home 2 weeks and the suitcases aren't fully unloaded yet, nor am I caught up on laundry).
... a clean house (the kids did give it a valiant effort today, but mom's help would have been nice).
... menu planning and grocery shopping (since the last major grocery shopping was done 6 weeks ago, the cupboards are pretty bare).
... a clean van (since we are picking them up at the airport at midnight, they won't be able to see whether or not we vacuumed the van, right?)
The last 2 weeks, have been some of my most difficult at work (upper level management political stuff ... yuck). But, nonetheless, stress I did NOT need upon my return home. It has been GREAT to be home ... but definitely some adjustment time was needed, especially for the little guys. So, after a month of stress in Ghana, and 2 weeks of stress at home and work ... my body is exhausted ... wiped out ... tired .... and NOT ready for the upcoming adjustments of adding 3 more children to my home.
Prayers would be GREATLY appreciated!!! Thanks!
My Final Thoughts.....
Well, it's been six long weeks and in 13 hrs the children and I will board the Delta flight for JFK. Then after a short two hr. layover, it's off to Seattle. Yea!!!
So, here are my final thoughts as they relate to my stay here in Ghana.
AFRICA
It's always hot here; duh I'm in AFRICA!!!!.
The people I've met, or have come in contact with, are wonderful. Read previous post for more details.
Traveling to the north was amazing! even hotter there .... the pictures I've seen in magazines for years about "the villages" is true. Most of the people live day to day. However, there is large poulation of "middle class" in Accra.
You can always smell burning garbage in Accra.
Great signs like.... Don't urinate here please. ( ok but I really gotta to go!!!)
Expect the unexpected while traveling....ladies in full African dress going "wee wee" about 15 yards from the side of the road. They even go in groups here also. :)
Watch out for over loaded busses, cars, trucks ... they can and do tip over at any given moment.
if you need to go "wee wee" just pull over and go....it's the African thing to do. I've done it so it's no big deal.
Always ask to take someone's picture. If they ask for $$$, say never mind then.
ALWAYS tell the taxi driver how much you will pay to your destination. Be willing to set the price for them.
Drink more water than you think you can....then drink some more.
When in Accra, go to the filling station accross from MaxMart to buy produce....ask for Grace, she rocks!!!!! Tell her I sent you.
Only bring button up short sleeve shirts.....you pit out t-shirts way too fast. or just go shirtless unless your out in the town. Ladies keep yours on please.
Be willing to take three showers a day....just to rinse off.
Have George get plantaine chips for you. WOW!!!!!!
Shop at ShopRite....NOT KOALA OR MAXMART, too expensive.
Eat out at Frankies...great food, great prices.
Spend a few Saturdays at La Plam Grand Resort , swimming only. Rooms start at $235 for single
FAMILY AND CHURCH:
I love my family and miss the kids at home. Can't wait to see them!!
I miss my church family....Pastor Kim, and his awesome preaching of the word of God. The Shoemake family, The Newfelts, (I know the spelling is not correct). Those that sit in the first two rows on Saturday night, Joel and the worship team, Pastor Steve, Pastor Kurt, I know I've forgotten some, just know that your missed.
Our small group, you guys have held our family up in prayer so many times in the past nine months. I love you all. Can't wait until Thursday. Better stock up on the gummie bears Gretchan! Mark you might want to bring your own!
Our new friends, the Peter's, very nice family from the hinter lands of Alberta, Canada. I don't like the fact that we are leaving you here all alone. I know that your time is coming, when you too will return home. If I could I'd take Jobe (Louvee's new name) with me...he Rocks!!! Your girls are nice too, but I could not get them to talk to me in five weeks. Oh well.
To my bride; It's been a wild ride. Sure do miss the tag team part of our relationship when it comes to the kids. Miss you a ton. Can't wait until I see you. Do you know ... we are the parents of 13 wonderful children????? That, my dear, is amazing!!!!!
See you soon.
CHURCH IN AFRICA
To my brothers and sisters at Covenant Family Christian Church.....you folks let it all hang out on Sunday. PTL.
To the Sunday School teacher at 9:30....you're an awesome teacher and make the Word of God come alive. Thanks for what you do for the kingdom.
Well ... there you have it, my random thoughts about my 42 days in Ghana.
It's been a great time, but I really want to go home.
see you all soon
Jim
So, here are my final thoughts as they relate to my stay here in Ghana.
AFRICA
It's always hot here; duh I'm in AFRICA!!!!.
The people I've met, or have come in contact with, are wonderful. Read previous post for more details.
Traveling to the north was amazing! even hotter there .... the pictures I've seen in magazines for years about "the villages" is true. Most of the people live day to day. However, there is large poulation of "middle class" in Accra.
You can always smell burning garbage in Accra.
Great signs like.... Don't urinate here please. ( ok but I really gotta to go!!!)
Expect the unexpected while traveling....ladies in full African dress going "wee wee" about 15 yards from the side of the road. They even go in groups here also. :)
Watch out for over loaded busses, cars, trucks ... they can and do tip over at any given moment.
if you need to go "wee wee" just pull over and go....it's the African thing to do. I've done it so it's no big deal.
Always ask to take someone's picture. If they ask for $$$, say never mind then.
ALWAYS tell the taxi driver how much you will pay to your destination. Be willing to set the price for them.
Drink more water than you think you can....then drink some more.
When in Accra, go to the filling station accross from MaxMart to buy produce....ask for Grace, she rocks!!!!! Tell her I sent you.
Only bring button up short sleeve shirts.....you pit out t-shirts way too fast. or just go shirtless unless your out in the town. Ladies keep yours on please.
Be willing to take three showers a day....just to rinse off.
Have George get plantaine chips for you. WOW!!!!!!
Shop at ShopRite....NOT KOALA OR MAXMART, too expensive.
Eat out at Frankies...great food, great prices.
Spend a few Saturdays at La Plam Grand Resort , swimming only. Rooms start at $235 for single
FAMILY AND CHURCH:
I love my family and miss the kids at home. Can't wait to see them!!
I miss my church family....Pastor Kim, and his awesome preaching of the word of God. The Shoemake family, The Newfelts, (I know the spelling is not correct). Those that sit in the first two rows on Saturday night, Joel and the worship team, Pastor Steve, Pastor Kurt, I know I've forgotten some, just know that your missed.
Our small group, you guys have held our family up in prayer so many times in the past nine months. I love you all. Can't wait until Thursday. Better stock up on the gummie bears Gretchan! Mark you might want to bring your own!
Our new friends, the Peter's, very nice family from the hinter lands of Alberta, Canada. I don't like the fact that we are leaving you here all alone. I know that your time is coming, when you too will return home. If I could I'd take Jobe (Louvee's new name) with me...he Rocks!!! Your girls are nice too, but I could not get them to talk to me in five weeks. Oh well.
To my bride; It's been a wild ride. Sure do miss the tag team part of our relationship when it comes to the kids. Miss you a ton. Can't wait until I see you. Do you know ... we are the parents of 13 wonderful children????? That, my dear, is amazing!!!!!
See you soon.
CHURCH IN AFRICA
To my brothers and sisters at Covenant Family Christian Church.....you folks let it all hang out on Sunday. PTL.
To the Sunday School teacher at 9:30....you're an awesome teacher and make the Word of God come alive. Thanks for what you do for the kingdom.
Well ... there you have it, my random thoughts about my 42 days in Ghana.
It's been a great time, but I really want to go home.
see you all soon
Jim
Saturday, March 15, 2008
The Swing
I just visited our friends', George & Trudy's, blog, and pulled a couple of pictures off of it.
Macy & Louvee
Rachel & Sayj
If you'd like to follow their adoption story, and keep their family in your prayers, you can visit their blog at: http://welcomingourafricanson.blogspot.com . George & Trudy live in Alberta, Canada and we are planning to travel North to camp with them this summer.
Macy & Louvee
Rachel & Sayj
If you'd like to follow their adoption story, and keep their family in your prayers, you can visit their blog at: http://welcomingourafricanson.blogspot.com . George & Trudy live in Alberta, Canada and we are planning to travel North to camp with them this summer.
Todays Pics
While we chatted on iChat today, we also exchanged pictures with PhotoBooth. This type of technology still amazes me. How can the computer take a picture of us, and send it across the world, while at the same time we are talking to our family in Africa? Wow!
Rachel & Sarah ... got new hairstyles
Jacob & Papa
Hosanna & Carissa
Ben, Josh, Hosanna, & Carissa
Rachel & Sarah ... got new hairstyles
Jacob & Papa
Hosanna & Carissa
Ben, Josh, Hosanna, & Carissa
Friday, March 14, 2008
Updates
* infection update ... yes, Trudy sent Jim to the doctor. Thanks friend! :) He has to go back tomorrow to get the wound cleaned out again, because the infection is pretty bad. Not fun!
* bank update ... the debit card worked for Jim to pay for the plane tickets. Whew! But ... then he went to the bank to get cash to pay the bill at the Guest House, and the debit card wouldn't work again. I called the bank, again, and they had no explanation.
* plane ticket update ... Jim has 4 tickets purchased for Monday's flight home. However, they are all over the plane from each other. Jim is planning to go to the airport very early, to try to get seats switched so that he can sit by the kids. I can't imagine Rachel sitting all by herself for 12 hours. Oh dear! On the flip side ... Jim might actually get some sleep if the kids aren't sitting with him. :)
* bank update ... the debit card worked for Jim to pay for the plane tickets. Whew! But ... then he went to the bank to get cash to pay the bill at the Guest House, and the debit card wouldn't work again. I called the bank, again, and they had no explanation.
* plane ticket update ... Jim has 4 tickets purchased for Monday's flight home. However, they are all over the plane from each other. Jim is planning to go to the airport very early, to try to get seats switched so that he can sit by the kids. I can't imagine Rachel sitting all by herself for 12 hours. Oh dear! On the flip side ... Jim might actually get some sleep if the kids aren't sitting with him. :)
A Visit to the Doctor
In the midst of our frantic phone calls and emails about the plane tickets this morning, Jim casually mentioned that he had to go to the doctor's office yesterday.
Seems that he has had a bump on his chest for several days, and decided he'd better have it looked at. (I've got to wonder if Trudy recommended a doctor's visit, as Jim can go years between doctor visits.) Come to find out ... some type of little Ghanaian bug had taken up residence under Jim's skin, and caused quite an infection. Seems a fly burrowed into his skin, laid some eggs, and the larvae was growing on Jim's chest. Yuck! So, Jim is now on antibiotics.
Thankful that he got it taken care of ... but just one more reason that I am anxious to get my dear hubby (and best friend) home.
Seems that he has had a bump on his chest for several days, and decided he'd better have it looked at. (I've got to wonder if Trudy recommended a doctor's visit, as Jim can go years between doctor visits.) Come to find out ... some type of little Ghanaian bug had taken up residence under Jim's skin, and caused quite an infection. Seems a fly burrowed into his skin, laid some eggs, and the larvae was growing on Jim's chest. Yuck! So, Jim is now on antibiotics.
Thankful that he got it taken care of ... but just one more reason that I am anxious to get my dear hubby (and best friend) home.
Can Anything Else Go Wrong?
The nightmare continues ....
Jim got the visas this morning ... only thing left to do was confirm and pay for plane tickets. Off to Delta he goes ...
Jim and I do not use credit cards; we use our debit card for all purchases. Our debit card has a daily limit of $1,500 (for security purposes). However, whenever we want to spend over that amount, all we need to do is phone the bank and they will raise the limit.
I phoned the bank on Wed. evening, requesting our limit be set at $5,000, good through Friday. I received a phone call on Thursday morning, assuring me that it had been taken care of.
Jim got to the Delta office today ... confirmed the tickets ... gave them his debit card ... and was told "Declined". You've got to be kidding? Our "dear friend" Olivia, ran the card 3 times ... "Declined".
Of course, it was the middle of the night here, so there was nothing Jim could do but return to the Guest House ... his ticket is paid for and he was able to purchase a ticket for Sarah. But ... no tickets for Jacob and Rachel.
I got up and checked my emails at 8:15, to discover a frantic note from Jim. Five minutes later, the phone rang ... it was Jim. "The Delta office closes in 2 1/2 hours, for the weekend. I must purchase tickets before then, or I can't get these children home on Monday." By this time, it is also rush hour traffic in Accra, which gave Jim 1 hour to get the issue taken care of before he needs to grab a taxi and head back to Delta.
I wait until the bank opens at 8:30 and phone the main branch office. The gal checks our files, only to let me know that our branch manager had not done things properly. "No problem to get that taken care of. It will only take 3 minutes."
I phoned Jim back, with the news. He is, right now, headed back to Delta. He has the name and phone number of the gal at the bank, so that Olivia can phone her if needed.
Sooo ... please don't stop praying until Jim and the kids are safely at home. Our whole experience has been, "If anything can go wrong, it will."
Jim got the visas this morning ... only thing left to do was confirm and pay for plane tickets. Off to Delta he goes ...
Jim and I do not use credit cards; we use our debit card for all purchases. Our debit card has a daily limit of $1,500 (for security purposes). However, whenever we want to spend over that amount, all we need to do is phone the bank and they will raise the limit.
I phoned the bank on Wed. evening, requesting our limit be set at $5,000, good through Friday. I received a phone call on Thursday morning, assuring me that it had been taken care of.
Jim got to the Delta office today ... confirmed the tickets ... gave them his debit card ... and was told "Declined". You've got to be kidding? Our "dear friend" Olivia, ran the card 3 times ... "Declined".
Of course, it was the middle of the night here, so there was nothing Jim could do but return to the Guest House ... his ticket is paid for and he was able to purchase a ticket for Sarah. But ... no tickets for Jacob and Rachel.
I got up and checked my emails at 8:15, to discover a frantic note from Jim. Five minutes later, the phone rang ... it was Jim. "The Delta office closes in 2 1/2 hours, for the weekend. I must purchase tickets before then, or I can't get these children home on Monday." By this time, it is also rush hour traffic in Accra, which gave Jim 1 hour to get the issue taken care of before he needs to grab a taxi and head back to Delta.
I wait until the bank opens at 8:30 and phone the main branch office. The gal checks our files, only to let me know that our branch manager had not done things properly. "No problem to get that taken care of. It will only take 3 minutes."
I phoned Jim back, with the news. He is, right now, headed back to Delta. He has the name and phone number of the gal at the bank, so that Olivia can phone her if needed.
Sooo ... please don't stop praying until Jim and the kids are safely at home. Our whole experience has been, "If anything can go wrong, it will."
Another Family's Story
Today, I found out about another family, who is adopting from Ghana. Their story is completely different than ours ... and it doesn't make sense.
They just accomplished in 6 weeks, what it has taken us over 6 months to do. In the mother's words ...
My timeline was as follows:
1/29 I-600A approved in Chicago (ours was approved in August)
Adoption done on 2/27 (ours was completed in December)
I-600 filed on 3/3 in Accra (ours was filed February 6th)
When I filed on 3/3, they said they had not received
my I-600A yet. By Monday 3/10, they said they believe it came in. I
received the phone call (voice mail) today 3/13 (10 days after I-600
filing) saying the I-600 was approved to call them to discuss the next
steps and inform them on who would be filing the visa paperwork. So, I
will call back tomorrow.
Oddly enough I didn't have my baby's birth certificate - still don't
and hope to have it tomorrow, as they say it just needs to be signed.
We still need to apply for passport too. I know I'll need the b.c.
for the visa.
I just knew the I-600 would not be approved without it, but hoped
they'd at least keep moving on their review and investigation, and
save the birth certificate for last.
Sooo ... let me get this right ... in 10 days they got the approval that we had been waiting for 5 weeks. And, they got the approval without any of the required supporting documents, such as birth certificates and passports for the children? I really have to wonder who is running the Dept. of Homeland Security in Accra. This is your tax dollars at work.
I am so ready to get our children home, and put all of this behind us ......
They just accomplished in 6 weeks, what it has taken us over 6 months to do. In the mother's words ...
My timeline was as follows:
1/29 I-600A approved in Chicago (ours was approved in August)
Adoption done on 2/27 (ours was completed in December)
I-600 filed on 3/3 in Accra (ours was filed February 6th)
When I filed on 3/3, they said they had not received
my I-600A yet. By Monday 3/10, they said they believe it came in. I
received the phone call (voice mail) today 3/13 (10 days after I-600
filing) saying the I-600 was approved to call them to discuss the next
steps and inform them on who would be filing the visa paperwork. So, I
will call back tomorrow.
Oddly enough I didn't have my baby's birth certificate - still don't
and hope to have it tomorrow, as they say it just needs to be signed.
We still need to apply for passport too. I know I'll need the b.c.
for the visa.
I just knew the I-600 would not be approved without it, but hoped
they'd at least keep moving on their review and investigation, and
save the birth certificate for last.
Sooo ... let me get this right ... in 10 days they got the approval that we had been waiting for 5 weeks. And, they got the approval without any of the required supporting documents, such as birth certificates and passports for the children? I really have to wonder who is running the Dept. of Homeland Security in Accra. This is your tax dollars at work.
I am so ready to get our children home, and put all of this behind us ......
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Navigating the Accra Airport
My experience at the Accra Airport was not a fun one, so I thought I would give a few details so that Jim and the kids (and anyone coming after) will at least be somewhat prepared for the experience. Generally, in the U.S., there are 3 steps to board a plane:
#1 Airline Check-In Counter: show tickets, check in luggage, verify seats
#2 Security Check: carry-on bags through x-ray machine, people walk through metal detector
#3 Boarding Gate: ticket check again
In Accra, if you are lucky, you may get by in 11 steps. If you are not lucky ... I'll explain:
7:20 Arrive at Accra Airport
#1 Customs: inspect both pieces of checked luggage ... open each piece, but rather casual glance at contents
#2 Weight Check: you are required to check the weight of each piece of checked luggage, prior to going to check-in counter
..... my suitcase with the large drum was 1 kg. overweight
..... I had the option to shuffle things into other luggage, or pay $50
..... I shuffled some clothing into my other bags
#3 Passport & Itinerary Check
#4 Check-In Counter: they weigh the bags, but they don't take them ... I must drag them to next check point
#5 Security Check: both bags checked again ... very thorough inspection ... carry-on bags inspected also ... they take checked luggage now
#6 Go Upstairs to fill out more paperwork ... escalator broken ... drag heavy carry-on bags up long flight of stairs
#7 Passport Check (again) ... this time, I did not "pass" inspection ... I am directed to the "Immigration Room" ... oh dear ...
My Immigration Detour ...
a. "You have overstayed your visa. You were given permission to stay 20 days, but you stayed 30."
b. I was told that I needed to pay $40 in Ghana cedis. Problem ... I had given Jim all of my Ghanaian $$$.
c. I was directed to go downstairs to exchange my $$$.
d. Information Booth ... no exchange place here ... go outside, down sidewalk, and into "Arrivals" area
e. Arrivals: sorry, only arriving passengars can exchange $$$ here ... this area is not for departing passengers
f. Delta Ticket Counter: I can only exchange your $$$ if someone happens to come to this window to purchase a ticket, they happen to pay in U.S. funds, then I can give you change for your $50 U.S. and exchange it for Ghanaian.
g. Nice Man at Ticket Counter: "I will give you $50 in Ghana cedis for your $50 U.S." Whew!
h. Back upstairs to Immigration Room ... pay $40 ... get receipt ... continue on in airport "process" ...
#8 Security Check (again): this time, carry-on luggage goes through x-ray machine ... people get "pat down search" ... pat down search is NOT fun ... the "red lobster sunburn" from 2 days ago is actually 2nd degree burns with huge blisters ...
After Security Check, I am excited to discover a little Duty Free Shop ... I am HOT, exhausted, frustrated ... a large bottle of water is my dream come true ...
#9 ANOTHER Security Check:
..... another full search of carry-on luggage
..... another pat down body search
..... "Sorry ... no water bottles allowed"
"What?!!! I just bought it around the corner. It's still sealed."
"Sorry!"
Good-bye dreams come true ...
#10 Passport & Itinerary Check (again):
"Sorry. Carry on luggage is too bulky. It will need to go in the hold with the luggage."
"But ... it fits in overhead compartments just fine"
"Sorry ..."
Goodbye carry-on luggage. Pray for very expensive camera inside that carry-on bag.
#11 The Gate ... I finally made it ... I think I'll just sit in this chair by the nice big fans
(since I have no water to drink, and am very HOT by this time)
"Sorry. You cannot sit in front of the fan. You must sit on other side of the fan."
(no explanation as to why there are chairs in front of the fan, that passengers cannot sit in)
9:00 a.m. I sit ... hot ... tired ... frustrated ... tears rolling down my cheeks ......
Well ... a friend just commented on this post, so I thought I would add her comments here, as her experience at the Accra airport has been vastly different than mine.
Laurel! Good grief! I think you must have had the worst Kotoka Airport encounter ever! I've been there 4 times (most recently Feb. 20th) and I have never done half the things you describe! My luggage is always taken at check-in counter (after customs, weight check, passport/itenerary check). Then it's upstairs to go through immigration (have a multiple entry visa so length of stay hasn't been an issue), then right through security with no pat down (although they did take my batteries and ONE INCH scissors once!); then I always go to the duty free shop to buy a few bottles of water.
Once I get closer to the gate they have me show my passport/ticket again, then it's through another x-ray machine with the luggage and finally they take my boarding pass, but I've never been asked to leave my water behind. For heaven sake they have a vending machine 20 feet from the gate door. How could they make you leave your water?! Ack! I would have been crying too. I wonder if this could be a Delta thing (at least the water???). I've always ended up flying KLM/Northwest.
I hope hubby and kids have a MUCH better experience! I think yours was a very unlucky one to be sure!
Sooo ... my experience was "a very unlucky one" ... guess that about describes our whole adoption process .....
#1 Airline Check-In Counter: show tickets, check in luggage, verify seats
#2 Security Check: carry-on bags through x-ray machine, people walk through metal detector
#3 Boarding Gate: ticket check again
In Accra, if you are lucky, you may get by in 11 steps. If you are not lucky ... I'll explain:
7:20 Arrive at Accra Airport
#1 Customs: inspect both pieces of checked luggage ... open each piece, but rather casual glance at contents
#2 Weight Check: you are required to check the weight of each piece of checked luggage, prior to going to check-in counter
..... my suitcase with the large drum was 1 kg. overweight
..... I had the option to shuffle things into other luggage, or pay $50
..... I shuffled some clothing into my other bags
#3 Passport & Itinerary Check
#4 Check-In Counter: they weigh the bags, but they don't take them ... I must drag them to next check point
#5 Security Check: both bags checked again ... very thorough inspection ... carry-on bags inspected also ... they take checked luggage now
#6 Go Upstairs to fill out more paperwork ... escalator broken ... drag heavy carry-on bags up long flight of stairs
#7 Passport Check (again) ... this time, I did not "pass" inspection ... I am directed to the "Immigration Room" ... oh dear ...
My Immigration Detour ...
a. "You have overstayed your visa. You were given permission to stay 20 days, but you stayed 30."
b. I was told that I needed to pay $40 in Ghana cedis. Problem ... I had given Jim all of my Ghanaian $$$.
c. I was directed to go downstairs to exchange my $$$.
d. Information Booth ... no exchange place here ... go outside, down sidewalk, and into "Arrivals" area
e. Arrivals: sorry, only arriving passengars can exchange $$$ here ... this area is not for departing passengers
f. Delta Ticket Counter: I can only exchange your $$$ if someone happens to come to this window to purchase a ticket, they happen to pay in U.S. funds, then I can give you change for your $50 U.S. and exchange it for Ghanaian.
g. Nice Man at Ticket Counter: "I will give you $50 in Ghana cedis for your $50 U.S." Whew!
h. Back upstairs to Immigration Room ... pay $40 ... get receipt ... continue on in airport "process" ...
#8 Security Check (again): this time, carry-on luggage goes through x-ray machine ... people get "pat down search" ... pat down search is NOT fun ... the "red lobster sunburn" from 2 days ago is actually 2nd degree burns with huge blisters ...
After Security Check, I am excited to discover a little Duty Free Shop ... I am HOT, exhausted, frustrated ... a large bottle of water is my dream come true ...
#9 ANOTHER Security Check:
..... another full search of carry-on luggage
..... another pat down body search
..... "Sorry ... no water bottles allowed"
"What?!!! I just bought it around the corner. It's still sealed."
"Sorry!"
Good-bye dreams come true ...
#10 Passport & Itinerary Check (again):
"Sorry. Carry on luggage is too bulky. It will need to go in the hold with the luggage."
"But ... it fits in overhead compartments just fine"
"Sorry ..."
Goodbye carry-on luggage. Pray for very expensive camera inside that carry-on bag.
#11 The Gate ... I finally made it ... I think I'll just sit in this chair by the nice big fans
(since I have no water to drink, and am very HOT by this time)
"Sorry. You cannot sit in front of the fan. You must sit on other side of the fan."
(no explanation as to why there are chairs in front of the fan, that passengers cannot sit in)
9:00 a.m. I sit ... hot ... tired ... frustrated ... tears rolling down my cheeks ......
Well ... a friend just commented on this post, so I thought I would add her comments here, as her experience at the Accra airport has been vastly different than mine.
Laurel! Good grief! I think you must have had the worst Kotoka Airport encounter ever! I've been there 4 times (most recently Feb. 20th) and I have never done half the things you describe! My luggage is always taken at check-in counter (after customs, weight check, passport/itenerary check). Then it's upstairs to go through immigration (have a multiple entry visa so length of stay hasn't been an issue), then right through security with no pat down (although they did take my batteries and ONE INCH scissors once!); then I always go to the duty free shop to buy a few bottles of water.
Once I get closer to the gate they have me show my passport/ticket again, then it's through another x-ray machine with the luggage and finally they take my boarding pass, but I've never been asked to leave my water behind. For heaven sake they have a vending machine 20 feet from the gate door. How could they make you leave your water?! Ack! I would have been crying too. I wonder if this could be a Delta thing (at least the water???). I've always ended up flying KLM/Northwest.
I hope hubby and kids have a MUCH better experience! I think yours was a very unlucky one to be sure!
Sooo ... my experience was "a very unlucky one" ... guess that about describes our whole adoption process .....
Rejoicing!
NEWS FLASH!
JIM AND THE KIDS ARE COMING HOME ... arriving in Seattle on Monday night at 10:45 p.m. (Many thanks to Olivia, at the Delta office in Accra ... she has worked hard for us, and came through with seats for Jim and all 3 kids.)
I told Jim that we would be at the airport with ...
... cameras flashing
... whistles blowing
... children screaming
... mommy crying
It's been a looooong 6 weeks ...
It's been a looooong 9 month adoption process. (When we started the process, we were told it would take 4-5 months.) We found out about the kids on June 16th ... they will be arriving home on March 17th.
We "planned" to have the kids home for Christmas ... they will barely make it for Easter.
We filled their dressers with winter clothes ... now we must replace with spring clothes. (Wish we hadn't taken all of the tags off.)
We were excited to play in the snow with them ... now we are planning a trip to Oregon for Spring Break.
Thank you Lord ...
... for Jacob, Sarah, and Rachel
... for such an amazing husband, to travel this adventure with.
... for walking us through this journey.
... for keeping us focused on You, through all of the delays.
... for giving us such a strong support network of friends, to love on our kids here at home, while we were gone.
... for opening up enough seats on Monday's plane
JIM AND THE KIDS ARE COMING HOME ... arriving in Seattle on Monday night at 10:45 p.m. (Many thanks to Olivia, at the Delta office in Accra ... she has worked hard for us, and came through with seats for Jim and all 3 kids.)
I told Jim that we would be at the airport with ...
... cameras flashing
... whistles blowing
... children screaming
... mommy crying
It's been a looooong 6 weeks ...
It's been a looooong 9 month adoption process. (When we started the process, we were told it would take 4-5 months.) We found out about the kids on June 16th ... they will be arriving home on March 17th.
We "planned" to have the kids home for Christmas ... they will barely make it for Easter.
We filled their dressers with winter clothes ... now we must replace with spring clothes. (Wish we hadn't taken all of the tags off.)
We were excited to play in the snow with them ... now we are planning a trip to Oregon for Spring Break.
Thank you Lord ...
... for Jacob, Sarah, and Rachel
... for such an amazing husband, to travel this adventure with.
... for walking us through this journey.
... for keeping us focused on You, through all of the delays.
... for giving us such a strong support network of friends, to love on our kids here at home, while we were gone.
... for opening up enough seats on Monday's plane
If ...
Jim went to the Embassy this morning for his visa interview. He waited 3 hours, for the 3 minute interview. He was only asked 3 questions, and was told the children's visas would be available tomorrow morning at 9:00.
If ...
.... the approval had been on Monday, the interview could have taken place on Tuesday, he could have gotten the visas today, and been on the plane home tomorrow.
... the approval had been on Tuesday morning, the interview could have taken place on Tuesday afternoon, he could have gotten the visas today, and been on the plane home tomorrow.
... they could have asked him the 3 questions directly after approving the I600 on Tuesday afternoon, he could have gotten the visas today, and been on the plane home tomorrow.
... he could get the visas tomorrow morning at 7:00 rather than 9:00, he could be at the airport by 8:00, in time for the 10:30 flight home.
But ... God knew those "ifs" and still allowed the delays. So, we must wait ...
Now that Jim has been guaranteed the visas tomorrow morning, it's time to buy the plane tickets.
However ... THERE ARE ONLY 2 MORE SEATS AVAILABLE ON MONDAYS FLIGHT, rather than 3. (Jim has his reservation, but had to wait to get the children's reservations so that he wouldn't have to pay a high "change fee", which he is paying for his ticket changes.) There are, actually, seats available, but we would have to pay over $2,000 per seat since they only allow so many seats at the reduced rates.
Being that next week is the week before Easter, flights are booked solid. Sooo ... we still don't know when Jim and the kids might be able to make it home.
The wait continues .....
If ...
.... the approval had been on Monday, the interview could have taken place on Tuesday, he could have gotten the visas today, and been on the plane home tomorrow.
... the approval had been on Tuesday morning, the interview could have taken place on Tuesday afternoon, he could have gotten the visas today, and been on the plane home tomorrow.
... they could have asked him the 3 questions directly after approving the I600 on Tuesday afternoon, he could have gotten the visas today, and been on the plane home tomorrow.
... he could get the visas tomorrow morning at 7:00 rather than 9:00, he could be at the airport by 8:00, in time for the 10:30 flight home.
But ... God knew those "ifs" and still allowed the delays. So, we must wait ...
Now that Jim has been guaranteed the visas tomorrow morning, it's time to buy the plane tickets.
However ... THERE ARE ONLY 2 MORE SEATS AVAILABLE ON MONDAYS FLIGHT, rather than 3. (Jim has his reservation, but had to wait to get the children's reservations so that he wouldn't have to pay a high "change fee", which he is paying for his ticket changes.) There are, actually, seats available, but we would have to pay over $2,000 per seat since they only allow so many seats at the reduced rates.
Being that next week is the week before Easter, flights are booked solid. Sooo ... we still don't know when Jim and the kids might be able to make it home.
The wait continues .....
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Update
At the end of the day yesterday, Jim did receive verbal "approval" of our I600 paperwork. However, at this point, we are not rejoicing until he has 3 children's visas in-hand. On Wed., the consular section does not process visas. So, he must wait until tomorrow for his visa interview. Then, he must wait until Friday to receive the visas. At that point, he will have missed the last plane out ... and Delta doesn't run weekend flights out of Accra. Therefore ... we are hoping and praying for a Monday homecoming.
A Note from J
Dear Mom,
I miss you very, very, very much!!!! I want to come home now to see you.
Please Mom, I want to come with John and Victoria mom. But, I don't know why the papers are not coming. I so sorry that Dad is still here, with not working. Because of problems, I and Rachel and Sarah are still here. I hope that I will be there, so I and dad and you will have fun. And the children.
Always I'm crying to see you. I know that when you goes on Monday you were crying. and I know you were crying in your mind; you could not open your mouth to cry. But I know you are crying because your eyes were red.
I'm praying that papers will finish this week so that we can come home on Monday.
I and dad are having fun! Dad is so nice to me. I don't like dad to go anyplace and leave me. I like to be with dad all the time, because I miss dad.
How are you today? I hope you are fine. What time is it there? I'm praying that Monday, I'm hoping that we will get together and have fun.
I like your finger nails. I like it when you tickle me with them. I like you and your "monkey baby" (Rachel). Your monkey baby says hi. Dad said hi. Dad said I want to be there with us before Monday.
I love you very very very very very very MUCH!!!!!! MUCH! very much. I love Dad very much.
See you on Monday. God is saying we are on the plane on Monday . I want you to come to the airport to see us in the night. To see you and the children.
I love you,
Your son J.J.
I miss you very, very, very much!!!! I want to come home now to see you.
Please Mom, I want to come with John and Victoria mom. But, I don't know why the papers are not coming. I so sorry that Dad is still here, with not working. Because of problems, I and Rachel and Sarah are still here. I hope that I will be there, so I and dad and you will have fun. And the children.
Always I'm crying to see you. I know that when you goes on Monday you were crying. and I know you were crying in your mind; you could not open your mouth to cry. But I know you are crying because your eyes were red.
I'm praying that papers will finish this week so that we can come home on Monday.
I and dad are having fun! Dad is so nice to me. I don't like dad to go anyplace and leave me. I like to be with dad all the time, because I miss dad.
How are you today? I hope you are fine. What time is it there? I'm praying that Monday, I'm hoping that we will get together and have fun.
I like your finger nails. I like it when you tickle me with them. I like you and your "monkey baby" (Rachel). Your monkey baby says hi. Dad said hi. Dad said I want to be there with us before Monday.
I love you very very very very very very MUCH!!!!!! MUCH! very much. I love Dad very much.
See you on Monday. God is saying we are on the plane on Monday . I want you to come to the airport to see us in the night. To see you and the children.
I love you,
Your son J.J.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Sad Day
In the past 2 days, we know of 4 U.S. families who have had their I600's approved. Yet ... we still wait. Our completed paperwork has been at the DHS office longer than all of them. No explanation.
Our friend Carrie will be bringing her children home on Friday. Jim will be staying in Accra with our children. He has now been there over 5 weeks.
We continue to pray .....
Our friend Carrie will be bringing her children home on Friday. Jim will be staying in Accra with our children. He has now been there over 5 weeks.
We continue to pray .....
Saturday, March 8, 2008
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