tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45996728431631235692023-11-16T06:32:01.767-05:00Home for a child.Jesus said.. "in my Father's house there are many rooms" This is a blog of our family as we move from home to home prepapring for our eternal home.Britmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09128074470552195854noreply@blogger.comBlogger138125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599672843163123569.post-68626327345840785732014-04-14T11:27:00.001-04:002014-04-14T11:27:51.436-04:00Taking a Moment<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7BZL4SSWChSOvffMY6NyGnR2FMoV-6RQblZGZqA-_pz4D4VZRo95_UjqUeWqJHJcpYjgI_RsSARa1alXdLbBzVtYxnKjI3nucvzw0wPSvfb_FRxlDDF9R8ZoWutfq1iiXLL7ASXV0YCQ/s640/blogger-image--801355724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7BZL4SSWChSOvffMY6NyGnR2FMoV-6RQblZGZqA-_pz4D4VZRo95_UjqUeWqJHJcpYjgI_RsSARa1alXdLbBzVtYxnKjI3nucvzw0wPSvfb_FRxlDDF9R8ZoWutfq1iiXLL7ASXV0YCQ/s640/blogger-image--801355724.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Taking a moment in England to pose for a family photo with cousins and an Aunt and Uncle who love us!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwa72wbYXbhRPV9hN4E-IpyKWPJ2b1tju5gzq5L7VqOPQBHsCcisSw7CVbcv76vK-bUIEq-Q6JYLWaiBuUMI251J3oluvr4J1RBOFfz478PFDVE0GG3Ngh_yCON5IQsPp4zXoWqs0PZM/s640/blogger-image--1691655543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwa72wbYXbhRPV9hN4E-IpyKWPJ2b1tju5gzq5L7VqOPQBHsCcisSw7CVbcv76vK-bUIEq-Q6JYLWaiBuUMI251J3oluvr4J1RBOFfz478PFDVE0GG3Ngh_yCON5IQsPp4zXoWqs0PZM/s640/blogger-image--1691655543.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Taking a moment to share a picnic on the lawn with friends!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vM1GJMGV7DnZpfuseTptrk8zsiE13rhw0_D6rUD-WZ8c8OFp7VYx4v9hLquynoBVZSn-d0VPc6XvmlID7wghAN3HYH67BOftvkKsr_LMtz5ba2MSLlLcQ7etWUEsCjUNuKiWvEFXI3I/s640/blogger-image--1614492974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vM1GJMGV7DnZpfuseTptrk8zsiE13rhw0_D6rUD-WZ8c8OFp7VYx4v9hLquynoBVZSn-d0VPc6XvmlID7wghAN3HYH67BOftvkKsr_LMtz5ba2MSLlLcQ7etWUEsCjUNuKiWvEFXI3I/s640/blogger-image--1614492974.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">To enjoy the good things of life!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhklFAoWRlMTwwORv0-8gAYB0hTDj4beGRznuWgIJ5m7TjwP9CiTNNlDJke7ZJIkItrl9pX8MQODNg2ZA28mbr0TN6xIubC7RT6VFlZj8qyaqYqv6uHA68B844XsikzMfbAVrQZpOhVgnY/s640/blogger-image--1367611098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhklFAoWRlMTwwORv0-8gAYB0hTDj4beGRznuWgIJ5m7TjwP9CiTNNlDJke7ZJIkItrl9pX8MQODNg2ZA28mbr0TN6xIubC7RT6VFlZj8qyaqYqv6uHA68B844XsikzMfbAVrQZpOhVgnY/s640/blogger-image--1367611098.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">To find the hidden penny in Grandpa's hand.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyG1F6W3tcy3rSL9nt04Iixmct3e_cwMHXkjWFUKTDhkw36IOPEhtap7kw37mO8J-tnwIWmQBDAjPlaB5CWBYCCxTHygQMfNi9_-_fUJmjg6bfXfoWmD6Gp43g2AWS31LInxbQ8L31Ns/s640/blogger-image-1514767007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyG1F6W3tcy3rSL9nt04Iixmct3e_cwMHXkjWFUKTDhkw36IOPEhtap7kw37mO8J-tnwIWmQBDAjPlaB5CWBYCCxTHygQMfNi9_-_fUJmjg6bfXfoWmD6Gp43g2AWS31LInxbQ8L31Ns/s640/blogger-image-1514767007.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">To run in the sun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Taking a moment for joy and laughter and family and freinds. Taking a moment for thankfulness for blessings overflowing! and there are SO many moments!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1mEHrd5RYsWzr4HRFHxoH0KLkcP5xfXKhXxRReAgj88D03zwlFY_Gn6FPPav5uy5GPgq_NxUUPG5oAD_yHUNfIituua40Q7ZKXlpujs-VkGAKVS7mBenZF5L0ctSvwK9T8FKFiSotV4/s640/blogger-image-669431676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1mEHrd5RYsWzr4HRFHxoH0KLkcP5xfXKhXxRReAgj88D03zwlFY_Gn6FPPav5uy5GPgq_NxUUPG5oAD_yHUNfIituua40Q7ZKXlpujs-VkGAKVS7mBenZF5L0ctSvwK9T8FKFiSotV4/s640/blogger-image-669431676.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGzKVGJtrD-szBA7t5e6MDtCKAL6FebNEpMWr6TnGnyi_I5QaiIQn1mKYP3xXMkdp0EHouQ3ntzG88iRTUKyXShfc4NB3zIB3a6BQ0Mz0La-bbUXYB7kU6Gce9mavaAXCGdjUrdHSMNQ/s640/blogger-image--1649541660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGzKVGJtrD-szBA7t5e6MDtCKAL6FebNEpMWr6TnGnyi_I5QaiIQn1mKYP3xXMkdp0EHouQ3ntzG88iRTUKyXShfc4NB3zIB3a6BQ0Mz0La-bbUXYB7kU6Gce9mavaAXCGdjUrdHSMNQ/s640/blogger-image--1649541660.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhc-VBm4LDYKVuOAFEK3AE6CTHAc4CnBTUimv8wMeiizFw-si2Yu7JqXh5OZ4Smk6PDTrDt9ugHZP3TWheNv4rZvGSOhHYzcbrDbO9VPQ7WXqaPU6GJDMV1qPL4beiaaZUZ3NJIlNV0Q/s640/blogger-image--1084775123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhc-VBm4LDYKVuOAFEK3AE6CTHAc4CnBTUimv8wMeiizFw-si2Yu7JqXh5OZ4Smk6PDTrDt9ugHZP3TWheNv4rZvGSOhHYzcbrDbO9VPQ7WXqaPU6GJDMV1qPL4beiaaZUZ3NJIlNV0Q/s640/blogger-image--1084775123.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmeEsEtv-nxbmxY1M2adTwNlyoDCatoUh0ccTqKMo5A_93CHGrvLTuhtvvfzCnsyo8124BKFNM9jfc5RBlZkzPnfXnTiSS2NgA6aTy-h9dkA0UZgy4WS1LNrHMuCe5t6puAGOuRte830/s640/blogger-image-1147313220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmeEsEtv-nxbmxY1M2adTwNlyoDCatoUh0ccTqKMo5A_93CHGrvLTuhtvvfzCnsyo8124BKFNM9jfc5RBlZkzPnfXnTiSS2NgA6aTy-h9dkA0UZgy4WS1LNrHMuCe5t6puAGOuRte830/s640/blogger-image-1147313220.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lb6_x6dV9tHoMh-9-y0QAg4v3kjyC1noufDhGXYJC9LB-MQvPsjGB08iBd3yTELT-zUGSb-kHUEbC_4EaStVjOFUD1EZA4j-JPafANfjyVGjYn1ASKHxE6a4xWOZkdjXA8WTJM0pGnA/s640/blogger-image--1160168631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lb6_x6dV9tHoMh-9-y0QAg4v3kjyC1noufDhGXYJC9LB-MQvPsjGB08iBd3yTELT-zUGSb-kHUEbC_4EaStVjOFUD1EZA4j-JPafANfjyVGjYn1ASKHxE6a4xWOZkdjXA8WTJM0pGnA/s640/blogger-image--1160168631.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Taking snapshots of the healing, the joy, the family, the unity, the joy!! It is important to do these shots because it reminds us to take shot of the balance..there are many many more bright days than cloudy!</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Britmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09128074470552195854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599672843163123569.post-19402934877037454452014-04-13T11:39:00.001-04:002014-04-13T11:39:33.376-04:00Two years later....Adoption is a beautiful, glorious, joyful, loving and happy event... sometimes. It is also harrowing, painfilled and traumatic... sometimes. Each element does not equal or erradicate the other. They don't balance out. They just are..they exist in the same moment sometimes and we learn to embrace them both.. it all. The joy the grief. The healing the wounds. The connection the rejection. We weren't prepared for it, neither were the children we adopted, or our friends and families and communities who surrounded us. But we have been honed by it and strengthened and humbled. <div><br></div><div>There is a reason that some of us don't blog after the airport. After that homecoming moment of joy and that feeling of completiton and having finished. For me it was because I was instantly thrown into a world of busy new momness. Even with six children already at home, my two new sons needed full on attentiopn. Hospital visits, medicine for stomach and bowel issues that came home with them. Two babies in diapers was a challenge :0) and children who had never stood on a carpet before, seen the wind blow leaves, been up close and personal with dogs and cats. Children who needed infant care despite being nearly two years old. There were many moments of sheer terror displayed by screaming that went to a place none of us had ever seen before (not even having been foster parents) A stuffed owl resulted in three hours of unconsolable screaming, writhing, hold me, leave me.. grief that literally made me sick to watch and helpless to know how to handle. </div><div><br></div><div>In those first six months (which included a non voluntary move to another home in the same military community) we laughed, loved, wept and hung on for dear life. I had read many many books, listened attentively to the training and been an adoptive parent before. I was not ready! But we have become resiliant and ready! I am SO thankful for friends who brought food, took my teens and older children for pizza and games nights and tolerated the melt down screaming without judging us :0) or at least not letting us know they judged us. </div><div><br></div><div>Let's talk about those melt downs.. they could come because the food wasn't fast enough.. a nano second really is to long to wait! :0) or because they saw a cat, or a stuffed animal was left out.. or even a Santa hat came too close! They came because a nap was too short or too long. Because a request was made clear and the answer was yes.. we once had an hour screaming fit because one little boy asked if he could sit down on a chair and he was told "yes, that is a great idea!" We held them close to start with but that escalated the fear screaming.. so we put them down and that didn't help. We practiced breathing for our own sakes and theirs. Walking helped until they developed the dead drop toddler skill. Then that had to be put on hold because walking in public with a screaming, dead drop feet out from under neath them toddler you can not bend over to pick up became an ordeal. Waiting it out seemed like the only thing that did work but that feeling of helplessness, the feeling you should just be able to do the exact right thing to stop the process, the idea that what worked before can work again.. but doesn't.. that is one reaon why it's been hard to blog. I want to read blogs from people who have it all perfectly together. The folks who get invited to give seminars to the rest of us who, feel like if we can just get the exact right formula we will be free to enjoy the joy more and not dread a beautiful moment for it's potential for trauma triggers. I wanted to be able to ned my adoption journey blog with the beautiful picture of family blending seamlessly and effortlessly into one unit. </div><div><br></div><div>The truth is we DID have those moments. LOTS of them. Loads of joy and fun and abounding love. The type of moments you video and put on facebook :0) They have steadily increased over the past two years. Now each day is better. I realised this morning that I look forward every day to my children. The feeling of dread, of incompentance has gone. Yes we still have moments. And yes that screaming does trigger all kinds of anxiety that it won't stop! but it does. Now with a word or a look my little guy will take his deep breath and blow it out.. if I can stay calm and safe!</div><div><br></div><div>A lot of the changes have come with me. I have had to let go of the vision and embrace the now. I've had to look hard at the rock face right in front of me, rather than seeing the panaramic view from a hovering helocopter taking spectator shots. I am the athlete on the field, playing each play as it unfolds with out the Ibenefit of the commentators views. I play the game as I see it from in the fray. Sometimes I throw the right play.. other times I'm out of bounds of intercepted. It's OK though! Because I am IN THE GAME! </div><div><br></div><div>I'm going to try to start blogging again. Answering some of the questions I've been asked. Please know though that all my answers come from the place I am in now. The mountain top! Seeing the climb from this perspective. Forgetting the hard moments but remembering the challenge of the climb. I can describe some of the more difficult ledges and moments. The times when I lost my grip and had the heart rendering experience of a moment of free fall before the rope snapped taught and brought me back to the rock face. But each hand position? Each foot choice? The memory of those moments are fleeting and gone. The joy of the challenge and the anticipation of the next one is where I am now.</div><div><br></div><div>And where we are now is a fabulous place! Still the joy and the pain combine, but we are family completely and wholly. I am Mummy and all these children are mine. On loan from God but enjoyed every second by imperfect me :0) </div><div><br></div><div>Wendy </div>Britmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09128074470552195854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599672843163123569.post-33741664087188674742012-07-17T20:01:00.001-04:002012-07-17T20:01:36.753-04:00Now I understand!!!!I've always wondered why the adoption blogs I've read always come to a grinding halt once the adoption is finalised and the children home. NOW I understand!!!!<br />
How can you blog on upside down and inside out? I challenge anyone to go to the nearest roller coaster, and try to blog. You might get a few thoughts down on the gentle ride up but after that first drop..forget about it :0) <br />
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You will notice that my last post was.. a month ago!!! So I'll try to recap:<br />
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June 5th we arrived in Haiti, stopped by the office to say thank-you for all the hard work the workers there have put into our adoption. I actually wrote out the cards and the little "thank-you" speech in Creole and folks were very kind and didn't laugh adn fall on the floor in hilarity as I read it. I have made particular friends with Smith and to my amazement was able to understand a lot of what he said..I was also able to ruin his native tongue by trying to answer back..creole in an English accent..not nearly as rich and beautiful as when natively spoken :0) <br />
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Next we were on our way to the Guest house and for our final reunion with our sons. No more leaving without them, no more tearful returns to the cresche! It felt sureal and it didn't real hit me how real it was until I was tucking them in to bed about two weeks later!!..at home.<br />
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The rest of the day was spent settling in, eating the excellent meals at the guest house and generally starting our life with our boys calmly and well cared for. </div>
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We have come to know several of the folks at Bethel well over the past couple of years we've visited. Spendig time with our sons and re-connecting with friends perfected the end of this long journey to home coming!!!</div>
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<br /></div>Britmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09128074470552195854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599672843163123569.post-58369081450633733932012-06-06T11:18:00.001-04:002012-06-06T11:18:39.657-04:00Home in HaitiWe are here at last, woke up this morning for the first day of normal for the rest of our lives. So far Wadley isn't totally buying into the whole "we are not leaving" routine..but he is loving the attention and we are working on the rest.
we picked up passprts and visas yesterday.. WOW.. really have them here i our hands and our babies in our arms!! I've pinched myself many times and it ooks like this might be truly real.
ANother sureal moment as we got through the airport yesterday with zero problems!!!! Even managed to avoid paying half way down the walkway and got our bags taken all the way to the car with NO fussing!!!! Surreal moment number 3,00004 :0)
Had a great visit with new life staff and even managed to speak some creole (well I think that is what I was speaking! ) I do know I understood mush more than I could speak.
Breakfast this morning.. Leah's oatmeal... a sign of Haiti for me, I know the children will be jealous when they read ths!
A visit to the cresche this morning to get as many photos as video as I can to bring home with me for the parents waiting. I'll be back later because the babies were sleeping when I went down.
Talking of sleep, we all slept well last night despite having a few midnight diappers to deal with..and 2 a.m. and 6 a,m..... my new normal.
I don't have the ability to up load pictures here so those will have to wait.. I'll hurry home as fat as I can!
WendyBritmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09128074470552195854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599672843163123569.post-43164170054584996002012-06-06T11:09:00.000-04:002012-06-06T11:09:02.370-04:00Dallas AirportWell despite the fog I was in this morning.. we made it! Made it to take off day :0) So here we are in the Dallas Airport, I'm drinking a smoothie and people watching and Steve is finding missions to conquer. So far he has procurred support pillos for my back, a smoothie to make up for the lettuce contaminated sandwich I got at the last airport. (I am allergic to lettuce.. I know.. crazy, but I digress.) He has just returned from having hunted down and captured dual headphones so we can watch a movie as we wait :0) I think he might be ready to sit a while!
We have executed this first section of the journey like a military unit on the march... a forced march! Thankfully Steve firmly endorses the "No wife left behind" moto and relieved me of my pack... pull along.. so I could pick up the pace. we have agreed that I can be lead scout on the way home.
It seems sureal.. each take off is one huge step closer to our destination. I am exhausted from a very late night trying to tie up the many loose ends.
Steve is back from his final mission.. skin the packaging off the headphones .. having got to the meat.. the actual ear phones we are now ready to wtch a movie.. just minutes before boarding!'Britmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09128074470552195854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599672843163123569.post-8973090457746423562012-06-04T05:02:00.004-04:002012-06-04T05:02:54.036-04:00Today Miami..tomorrow Haiti..Saturday the Rest of our lives..The bags are packed, the house cleaned, the meals for this week made and in the fridge and freezer.<br />
The medical power of attorney is signed "just in case" my mother in law and sister in law have to use them. The prayers are said asking the Lord to watch over them so they won't have to use them!<br />
<br />
I've packed my bag more times than I can count, the last time because I had forgotten to put in MY clothes :0) <br />
<br />
The photo albums to leave with those left behind are all made and the conversation I think I'm going to have all practiced in Creole. <br />
<br />
The list of children to take photos and video of is printed and put safely in my bag.<br />
<br />
The... I could go on and on.. it seems that now we are down to the wire there are 101 things I didn't think of that need to be done. <br />
<br />
But it is all going to fade away in 24 hours when I'm sitting on the swing holding my sons in my arms!!<br />
They getting used to their new normal and me to mine. I have to learn how to not live in the intensity of the adoption journey... I have to learn how to rest in this green pasture,,, and I am ready.<br />
<br />
Friends surrounded us today and showered us with baby clothes and books and more importantly with great love. I am so blessed to be right here, right now with people who are as excited about the end of the drama and the start of loving and life as we are! <br />
<br />
In two and half hours I have to be up to start my day.. I can not sleep :0) It's like all my Christmas Eve's from childhood pasts have collided in one event and sleep seems beyond elusive.<br />
<br />
I have wondered for so long now how this would feel.. and when I get to grips with how it feels I will be sure to let you know :0) Right now I am just too excited, nervous, tired to process it :0) <br />
<br />
Love WendyBritmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09128074470552195854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599672843163123569.post-18731822663036498762012-06-03T01:22:00.000-04:002012-06-03T01:22:03.865-04:00A week today!One week today (Saturday) and my sons will be home, the air condioning will have been turned way down if not off and we will all be sweating through our first tropically simulated night with the boys!!!!<br />
<br />
My Mother in Law and Sister in Law are going to be staying with the children and a frantic house clean/organise has been ..is being done.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow I re-pack my bags for the last time so I'm ready to go to the airport on MONDAY!!!!!<br />
<br />
My brain is scrmbled with all the thoughtsw and emotions rusing through it so I'll try to put them in order adn share tomorrow.. but for tonight.. LESS THAN ONE WEEK!!!!!Britmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09128074470552195854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599672843163123569.post-80461306957848492982012-05-27T23:55:00.002-04:002012-05-27T23:55:30.696-04:00Sunday May 27thToday was B's Birthday!!<br />
Tomorrow we celebrate memorial day with our military family.<br />
Friday my Mother in law arrives.<br />
Sunday my Sister in law arrives.<br />
Monday week Steve adn I fly to Miami.<br />
Tuesday week we arrive in Haiti!<br />
Friday week we fly back to Miami.<br />
Saturday week we fly back to OK.<br />
<br />
SO in other words TWO Weeks TODAY my sons will have gone to bed in their own bed for the second night running!<br />
<br />
<br />
13 days!!! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Britmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09128074470552195854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599672843163123569.post-82301230323855419002012-05-20T10:11:00.000-04:002012-05-20T10:11:11.435-04:00Re-visiting "Coming Home"<h2>
TAKE ME HOME COUNTRY ROAD (well bus, plane, van...)</h2>
arriving at an airport near you.. a new family!! Saturday 9th June and 12.10 pm.<br />
.. Now that we are weeks away from this reality I wanted to revisit my "after the Airport" thoughts.<br />
I have been thinking of and dreaming about this moment since "conception". Since the start of our international adoption journey I have been thinking about how it will be on the trip home. <br />
<br />
The children here at home have been planning their welcome home "party" for months!<br />
<br />
We have all become fans of any "airport reunion" you tube videos and joyfully bawl our eyes out as we see new families born in front of our eyes.<br />
<br />
I have also been reading internationally adoptive books, blogs and information booklets in my "spare" time. I have been asked several times recently "What can we do to help you once the boys come home?" I am blessed beyond measure by these questions.. here are my thoughts on what help would look like.<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
1) There has to be a Party!!! Please come to the Party!!!</h3>
<br />
There has to be a party....at the bottom of the stairs or in the luggage area..or in the arrivals area.. there has to be a party, a welcoming home, a symbol of having "Made IT!!" <br />
<br />
We will be celebrating the arrival of two new American Citizens as well as the completion of our family! This is a huge deal to us and we would LOVE as many people as can make it to join with us.<br />
This will no doubt be a bit loud and a bit overwhelming but it is what our children here in the US have been longing for. It is what we want in the boys "memory box" for later on. While they may be a little overwhelmed now it will be good for them to know people rejoiced at their arrival later.<br />
Please bring cameras and videos!!! We want to be able to remember this later on, we would love to have those memories for the boys and we are certain that we will not have many hands free to be able to this for ourselves!<br />
<br />
We have had people tell us that they won't come to the airport because of how overwhelming that will be for the boys. While we are thankful for their tender thoughtfulness we are also aware that the boys will be in total overwhelm already, we want you to come, we want to "show off our family" as all new parents do :0) We want you to ohh and ahh and agree with us that this was well worth the heart ache and waiting we have been through. And we want to then be able to come home and close the doors and take time to breath and be a family. The airport is a good venue to touch base with you all and say thank-you to you all for the love and support you have given us. Also our older children are positively bursting at the seams anticipating this event and would welcome your support too.<br />
<br />
<h4>
WE HAVE AN ARRIVAL DATE: JUNE 9TH AT 12.10 PM.</h4>
WE PLAN TO HAVE A MOMENT WITH THE CHILDREN BEFORE HEADING DOWN TO THE BAGGAGE AREA. IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO MEET US THERE WE WOULD TO SEE YOU.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />2) Then there has to be recovery!!! Please help us recover!!</h3>
<br />
As you
are all aware we have been through three years of straining towards this point.
As I write this blog post I am physically and mentally and emotionally drained
already.<br />
<br />
But all we have been through is nothing compared to the experiences my baby sons
have had to endure as they waited for us to come and get them.They have learned to self sooth because there are not enough arms to hold them, they have learned to gulp food because there is not enough time to feed them, they have learned to shut down because there is no one to hear them. They have been loved by their Nannies and we are so blessed to have had these amazing women in their lives BUT they have spent the first tender part of their lives apart from a significant other person loving and caring for and nurturing them.<br />
<br />
Add to that the
experience of traveling from Haiti to Oklahoma, three plane
rides..three take offs and landings and these children have never even traveled
in a stroller before! The excitement of the "Party" and then the reality of
bringing them home. To our home!! To be part of our family. Our family, our
base family, our church family, our community family! That's a lot of family and
we will need to take it slow and steady.<br />
<br />
We will need to take
care of all their medical issues, skin and intestinal. We will need to build
their immune systems up and probably ours too after the travel and stress. We
will be having multiple doctor visits and specialist referrals to deal with
existing conditions.<br />
<br />
This is going to be a very busy, exhausting and intense time for our sons and our whole family. We would love to know you are praying for us and we will gladly receive all offers of food :0) <br />
<br />
Please understand that had I birthed these boys I'd love to hand them over for a cuddle and have you stay and visit a bit until the next nursing.. but it's a little different this time round. We may or may not be available for visits and for the first two weeks especially we ask that folks not stop and visit..even if it looks like life is going great. We need to get their medical issues dealt with and their emotional connections rooted. (See next paragraph). Thank-you for understanding this and still wanting to help.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<br />3) There has to be connection!! Please help us connect!!</h3>
<br />
Our children have
come from an excellent orphanage. The Nannies sing and pray and love on our
children. The mission teams hold and play with them. We have had a chance to
go and care for them for a week at a time, several times over the past year. Peter was cared for by his mother
for the first few months of his life but has been part of the cresche for
several months now. Wadley had Jesley for the first few months but has been on
his own for over a year now. They have had to learn at a tender age that they
are not always going to get their needs met, they have had to learn to sooth
them selves and they have had to learn that multiple caregivers give basic
sustenance. When they come home they will need to learn WHO Mummy and Daddy are,
WHAT a Mummy and Daddy is and WHY a Mummy and Daddy are good to have around.
<br />
<br />
Here is the hard part.. I know so many of my friends and family will want to
hold and play with and care for these new family members. But I have to ask that
you help them
identify us as safe people by not picking them up, by directing them to us for
all needs to be met and even if they are crying and reaching out for you (which
they will do because it is how they get the missionaries attention when they
come to the cresche) that you just tell them verbally you love them but direct
them physically back to us to hold and nurture. <br />
<br />
There is going to come a day
when this will no longer be an issue and we can not wait for that healthy
milestone to be reached. Again bear with us please and remind yourself and
others who may not have read this blog WHY we need it to be this way for the
while.<br />
<br />
We will be carrying and caring for our children as if they are newborns for several months. This might look odd to those of you who have toddlers who are already self feeding and not needing carrying. We are not trying to smother our children :0) or baby them, we are following guidelines for creating secure attachment and eye contact.. teaching them how to bond. Please feel free to ask us why and what we are doing, how it is going. We would love to share if you have genuine questions. You can help us with this process by not picking up the children, not reaching our for them, not encouraging them to go to you. They have had multiple caregivers and they have to re-learn what safe and secure is. Thank-you for respecting these boundaries.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<br /><br />4) There has to be "Those days" Please help us weather them!!</h3>
<br />
<strong>In my dream life</strong> the
boys come home, the house is spotless, the meals are all ready, the children are
all healthy. The boys enter the home and start to play nicely with the toys and
each other. The siblings are not crowding them, the five year old is not
trying to pick them up every two seconds. In my
dream every one is wearing flowing clothes, the sunlight is cascading over us
all and I think I hear harps playing :) <br />
<br />
<strong>IN real life</strong> however.. there will be
overwhelm, and squabbles, the stress of the wait will be out in all of us, the
sleepless nights and the 2 hour diapers will be taking their toll. The natural "do I know what I am doing?" new parent thought process
will be kicking in.<br />
<br />
There may be days when the smile is a little strained and
the "We are doing great" might not sound quite honest. <br />
<br />
There might be a day when
I'm watching Wadley and Peter and I am missing Jesley. <br />
There might be days when
the intestinal stuff isn't clearing and I am up to my eyebrows in poop! There
will be days where I can't see straight for lack of sleep...<br />
<br />
I want you to
know I know this :0) Because when I am having one of these days I'd love it if
you could just give me a hug and tell me you are
proud of me or that it's OK. KNow that if I mention these things it is because it is my reality, not because I resent the inconveniences and the changes..or the boys.<br />
<br />
<br />
Please feel free to restrain the "this is what you
chose" and "you did this to yourself," and the " you have no one else to blame"
comments. And you might wonder who would say such a thing after all we have been
through..but let me tell you.. it's been said :0) and I'd love for it not to be
said again, not even in jest please..thank-you!<br />
<h3>
<br /><br />5) In the end there has
to be family! Please know we count you as part ofthat group!</h3>
<br />
I can not wait for you all to meet my sons. I can't wait for
them to be out in the neighborhood playing, in church worshiping, in base
activities as part of our family (hopefully behaving) and in our community
living life as Americans to the full. <br />
<br />
I am so blessed to be surrounded by such
amazing people. I have the best people who speak wisdom and truth to me daily!!!
DAILY!! The best support and the I couldn't be happier to be bringing my sons
home to this lifestyle. I wish my friends in VA and SC could all be at the
airport :0) My friends and family in England, Virgina, Idaho, Texas.. all of you
who have walked this walk with us.<br />
<br />
I wish all my adoptive friends could be
there..and that I could be at the bottom of the stairs when they bring their
children home too. Thankfully we have the Internet :0) and I can share those
moments with you all. <br />
<br />
This will be the start of the rest of the
journey..thank-you for reading through this with me. I truly appreciate the many offers of help we have been given. THANK-YOU!!!!!<br />
<br />
Love WendyBritmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09128074470552195854noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599672843163123569.post-15326301986520145472012-05-17T00:27:00.002-04:002012-05-17T00:27:57.254-04:00Wednesday: Fresh blessingI was contacted today by a fellow adoptive Mom who is close to the end of her adoption process. As we chatted about life in the "fast, slow, stop, warp speed" lane it became increasingly clear that this was one of those "God ordained" moments. We have so MUCH in common it was amazing. <br />
<br />
I came away from the conversation once again reminded that God in His heaven does not leave us ophaned but Fathers us with a gentle hand..and sends family along to support us when we need it.. or they do.<br />
<br />
Today I watched as a family from our orphanage brought their daughters home!! What a miracle!!!<br />
<br />
Today in spoke to a friend in Haiti and connected with another family here, again providing a real person intimately involved in our children's lives, health and relationship.. awe inspiring!!<br />
<br />
I am so glad to be near the end of this journey.. 19 days!!! but so thankful in so many ways to have been through it!<br />
<br />
Wendy<br />
<br />Britmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09128074470552195854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599672843163123569.post-67900979172187074452012-05-15T22:37:00.005-04:002012-05-17T00:13:06.786-04:00Tuesday: 20 days!!!!!20 days until we leave for Haiti:<br />
1: Purchase tickets *<br />
2: Contact travel agent to purchase children's tickets<br />
3: Reschedule fingerprint appointment <br />
4: Re write "After the Airport" thoughts*<br />
5: Buy travel items for boys bag. *<br />
6: Get mattress for second crib *<br />
7: Cook contents of the freezer to free up space for meals<br />
8: Arrange changing table *<br />
9: Write out cleaning schedule<br />
10: Organise Master Bedroom and baby area<br />
<br />
11: Read a chapter of a non adoption related book <br />
12: Read a chapter of a useful book (Raising Your Internationally Adopted Child) <br />
13: Play a game with littlest one<br />
14: Talk to husband<br />
15: Call a friend<br />
16: Clean a room <br />
17: Check facebook<br />
18: Get to bed on time<br />
19: Drink water<br />
20: Do stretchesBritmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09128074470552195854noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599672843163123569.post-21182445624829745572012-05-14T20:45:00.001-04:002012-05-14T20:45:13.840-04:00And today...I slept! I mean I really slept.. like I fell asleep on the couch, fell asleep in my chair and am now yearning for bedtime!!<br />
In fact today I nominate as "National look at the inside of your eyeballs day". The right honourable Wendy Presiding.<br />
<br />
And when I wasn't sleeping I was trying to work out what I have to do before the boys come home.. you know because it was SO SUDDEN LOL.. I'll blog on the mental emotional roller coaster effect after..well after my next nap probably!<br />
<br />
The mental strain has hit me full force and I'm sleeping it off. The children however are diligently preparing welcome home posters! Because IN THREE WEEKS we leave to go and pick up the boys.. in four weeks we will be winding down on our third day home! <br />
<br />
Wendy<br />
<br />Britmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09128074470552195854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599672843163123569.post-32314615075333039212012-05-13T23:54:00.002-04:002012-05-13T23:54:18.946-04:00Well we have tickets..Yes we have tickets to fly and get our sons! What a great feeling. <br />
Four weeks today I will have put my boys down in their own beds for the second night in a row.<br />
<br />
Our amazing neighbors have made plans to have the older children over for game night and pizza once the little ones get home, we are so blessed by them!<br />
<br />
Our amazing church has asked us to write down ways they can bless us and help us in the first few weeks.<br />
<br />
Our amazing community have rejoiced with us and asked how they can help. <br />
<br />
Just a few days ago I was feeling so despondent and today I'm nervously excited about the new changes coming our way in the package of two very loved little ones. <br />
<br />
Three weeks tomorrow we fly out!Britmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09128074470552195854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599672843163123569.post-5036623168875664382012-05-11T16:51:00.000-04:002012-05-11T16:51:07.304-04:00Humble pie...After yesterdays blog post I have to come with fork in hand and start to gobble my humble pie :0) <br />
<br />
With HUGE JOY and MASSIVE EXCITEMENT....<br />
<br />
WE HAVE A VISA APPOINTMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
<br />
May 31st and we will travel one week later to BRING THEM HOME!!!!!!<br />
<br />
WendyBritmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09128074470552195854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599672843163123569.post-7868567261732397502012-05-11T01:00:00.000-04:002012-05-11T01:00:03.041-04:00Fail..epic fail..hopeIt is just too hard to keep posting every day not knowing how many days are ahead.<br />
<br />
That is the reality of this part of the journey. You are told "we are processing your paperwork" but we aren't given a date.. and with no date there tends to be no hope. And the sameness of every day of no news weighs heavier and heavier each day.<br />
<br />
Others have been here and for longer, my heart goes out to them and my admiration!<br />
<br />
Well today we got a blip on the heart hope monitor. We should know by the 24th of May WHEN our visa appointment is. It isn't the full shot of adrenalin that has our heart back to beating with a full beat of hope... but after yesterdays hope flatline, I'll take this blip.<br />
<br />
Thanks to the staff of a congressman in Florida we are back on the hope track!Britmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09128074470552195854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599672843163123569.post-42928515848478422762012-05-04T10:09:00.000-04:002012-05-04T10:09:21.313-04:00Three weeksThree long long weeks and still no news.<br />
<br />
We fully expected to know a travel date by now because we have already completed the orphan investigation portion of our adoption. However it appears that the swift response we had expected is not to be and so.. I have to try to re-wire my expectations.<br />
<br />
The proverb that tells us "do not compare yourselves to others lest you become vain and conceited or discouraged" keeps coming to mind. This is one of the areas that is hard to balance in the adoption process. We are always looking to other's experiences to help us navigate the current place we are in. We scan the blogs, the yahoo sites and the faceboooks hopeful that the next wave of progress will contain news that we too can share. We imagine how we will feel once the email come through saying that WE have finally exited IBESR or MOI or have passports or....We can only begin to guess how it will feel packing to head to our children to bring them finally home! <br />
<br />
Personally I find this last step almost imposable to imagine. I can "see" the boys in their cribs here at home.. I can see them in the orphanage.. but getting them from their to here... not one clue. I imagine it will involve a lot of screaming and the thought of having to deal with the explosive digestive system issues (theirs not ours :0) ) is a little over whelming. But I really can't imagine coming home no matter how much I prepare for it. I think there are some aspects of this adoption journey that defy my vivid brain process. <br />
<br />
Getting news is always a double edged sword. We recently experienced this is full Technicolor. Peter exited the Ministry of Interior with a group of other children but Wadley didn't. Every day we waited hopeful that it was a mistake and that Wadley had indeed got through but no.. no mistake. We were joined in MOI with another family we have been praying for. When we heard that Wadley was out of MOI our heart leapt, only to fall again as Vensley remained. <br />
<br />
We don't feel pride at having made progress, we are not vain and conceited..we rejoice because it is right to rejoice but we ache with an ache that can't be put into words that children we have come to know and love are not one step closer to their loving families. We ache because we have come to know many of these families. We ache because, as we pray through each family name, our hearts expand with a family love for them. <br />
<br />
This adoption journey has been so much more than simply offering our home and loving our children, it has been a glimpse of heaven. A glimpse of families joining together to pray each in their own way, their own tongue, their own style. A glimpse of heaven as we yearn each child homeward to their father's or mother's arms. A glimpse of heaven as we grieve for children still not yet called by a family name..waiting for that adoption to be announced. <br />
<br />
And for one more weekend we will pray, yearn, wait and hope that maybe..maybe next week we will hear! not just of our own visa process but of other families joy as they move one step forward to homecoming.<br />
<br />Britmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09128074470552195854noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599672843163123569.post-18502776225049967632012-05-03T00:08:00.002-04:002012-05-03T00:08:57.500-04:00Tenth dayNo newsBritmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09128074470552195854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599672843163123569.post-4820640062554792222012-04-29T13:09:00.001-04:002012-04-29T13:09:40.814-04:00Sixth daySaturday!! <br />
The girls and I ahve spent the day cleaning, organising and watching movies.. PERFECT!!!<br />
The boys are camping with their boy scout troop (storms tonight so I hope they stay safe)<br />
<br />Britmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09128074470552195854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599672843163123569.post-47629812290377816252012-04-29T13:08:00.001-04:002012-04-29T13:08:27.528-04:00Fifth dayI have some catching up to do :0) <br />
<br />
It has been a month now since we were told our paper work had been accepted at the Embassy and we have still not heard anything about a Visa appointment date. <br />
<br />
I re-read the email I got a week ago and noticed that it said the Embassy had to verify that the children were eligible for adoption. We submitted to a process called "The Adjudicate Orphan Status First" program at the start of this process.. (in 2010). The investigation was completed and sent to Immigration and then to the National Visa Center and from there to the Consulate back in November 2011. we had to chase down and resend that paper work after our passport for Wadley arrived. I am concerned that all the paper work did not arrive on the right desks. <br />
SO, I sent an email asking for verification that the Embassy has our AOF report, other than that I can do nothing but sit and wait.. you'd think I would be good at this but it is getting harder and harder as the days pass. <br />
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Looking forward to a relaxing weekend and then fun with our 72ns Wing spouses on Monday.. day by day.. day by day..Britmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09128074470552195854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599672843163123569.post-72347450494083904162012-04-28T11:40:00.001-04:002012-04-28T11:40:37.640-04:00fourth dayWell today is Saturday and fourth day was Thursday :0) <br />I have a good reason for not blogging the past two days though.. <br />
Thursday is the day we pray name by name, family by family through our adoption lists. It is s a day I look forward to every week! This week again the Lord was grascious to answer prayers.<br />
The biggest joy was the news that peter's Aunt, and two Uncles are on their way to a forever family here in the States. Their parents will be going to get them in May. <br />Britmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09128074470552195854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599672843163123569.post-208917844378228882012-04-26T14:13:00.002-04:002012-04-26T14:13:49.403-04:00Third Post"The physical strain of waiting can be harder, some days, than the emotional strain."<br />
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I have been living this statement's truth the past few days. The hour by hour strain of expectation is taking it's toll. I am exhausted, find it hard to focus, have difficulty rising to simple tasks. The strain can be felt throughout my back and I've been having headaches. My allergies are off the chart and I almost feel like I have the flu. <br />
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I had to fill in a medical form the other day, I listed all these new symptoms and fully expected to be called on them. true to the full care I've come to expect.. not a single thing was mentioned. C'est la vie. Good job I have a sympathetic listening ear in Haiti. When I told him how I wanted to just throw a tantrum he laughingly told me not to be a crybaby .. I laughed SO HARD!!! I mean seriously where can I go around here to get some sympathy LOL<br />
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While I managed to laugh at myself yesterday, the effects of long term stress are not to be taken lightly. And when you sign up for an international adoption you are signing up for long term stress and lots of it!! <br />
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I'm hopeful that today I can start a new and try to build in stress busters in to my day.<br />
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I'll let you know how that goes..Britmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09128074470552195854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599672843163123569.post-64945705411733719842012-04-24T23:28:00.003-04:002012-04-24T23:28:58.185-04:00Second post:Today's wait for visas was a little easier as cox cable went out in our general area. No phone, no Internet so no point hitting send and receive like a demented wood pecker.<br />
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However when I did finally manage to get on I had updated photos waiting for me. Hopefully our LAST sent to us from Haiti. I am looking forward to sending monthly updates the other way round :0) Our boys standing in our front yard, or sitting on the couches, or playing with their toys in our house. At least then I will know who they are looking at LOL<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fKwL3LGCcKcbk7vo43uung5fMq9VCW1_PMkdVn3UxitdYL27D7Wqkw-o1TpeHECN-1TLHsWuF-3RurAadoZ5h2763EvKxaXRPNun-Fz1DmFsvhWNCpKEaqZt9DBh9n_Jc-j15d6A1Bk/s1600/Wadley+Saintil+&+Peter+P.+Charles+April+2012" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fKwL3LGCcKcbk7vo43uung5fMq9VCW1_PMkdVn3UxitdYL27D7Wqkw-o1TpeHECN-1TLHsWuF-3RurAadoZ5h2763EvKxaXRPNun-Fz1DmFsvhWNCpKEaqZt9DBh9n_Jc-j15d6A1Bk/s320/Wadley+Saintil+&+Peter+P.+Charles+April+2012" width="240" /></a></div>
Once again Peter is busting his britches LOL and those sweet faces make me want to jump on a plane and head to Haiti.. come on embassy give me the thumbs up chocks away sign!!<br />Our friend and adoption worker Smith sent this note with our photos..<br />
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<em><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="color: #00007f; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"As you are getting
close to the end of this adoption process, we feel happy to update you on your
boys. Wadley's weight is 28, and his height is 34. As for Peter, his weight is
22, and his height is 28 1/2.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></em></div>
<em><span style="color: #073763;">
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<span style="color: #00007f; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em><span style="color: #073763;">They're happy and are
doing good."</span></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #00007f; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black;">I have to remember that every day we are one step closer!</span></span></div>Britmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09128074470552195854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599672843163123569.post-90969768818994277122012-04-23T21:56:00.001-04:002012-04-23T21:56:29.603-04:00First post: PreparationsWell another week has started and as of today we still have no Visa appointment date. A friend suggested I blog once a day until we get our Visa's.. GREAT IDEA!!!<br />
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We have been preparing for years for the arrival of our children from Haiti. I have bought more sets of clothes and then left them in Haiti than I care to think about. My babies have grown from infants to toddlers and I am praying they will still fit the 18 month and 2T clothing I have for them when they get home!<br />
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Today the second crib arrived and I will be nagging.. I mean highly encouraging.... Steve to put it up before bed tonight. <br />
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I've been nesting the past few days, trying to do all my cleaning for the next six months ahead of time.. if only we could do that :0) <br />
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But I've mainly be preparing my heart and mind for parenting my new sons. Preparing my mind for the dream and the reality of actually having them home. Reading up on internationally adopted children and the challenge of teaching unconditional love and home to them. Learning how to embrace their uniqueness and beauty and not be "color blind", learning about skin and hair issues as well as racial prejudices and how to handle intentional and unintentional rudeness. <br />
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The one thing I could not have prepared myself for though was how physically, emotionally and mentally exhausting this final wait is. I have friends who have been waiting for the "any day" email since December!! That is not typical but it is mind boggling!!! <br />
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My mind is fried. Simple tasks take a lot more concentration than they should, I am extremely forgetful and my multi tasking abilities have gone out of the window! My response to this is to reorganise, stream line and accept it as part of "adoption pregnancy". I am looking forward to just having sleep deprived fogginess :0) <br />
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So if this blog post makes sense then "yeah!!", if not then.. "See what I mean!!" <br />
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Until tomorrow.. or prayerfully not!!<br />
<br />
Wendy<br />Britmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09128074470552195854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599672843163123569.post-48533317797203319032012-04-15T21:21:00.001-04:002012-04-15T21:21:04.518-04:00Update: One down :0)Step one: Deliver documents CHECK..completed..Smith got them to the Embassy Friday!!<br />
Step two: Take children for medical checks with approved Doctor<br />
Step three: receive email with Visa interview date<br />
Step four: buy tickets to travel<br />
Step five: complete Visa interview (orphanage will take children)<br />
Step six: Recieve IBESR exit letter <br />
Step seven: get on plane to bring children home!!!!<br />
<br />
O the personal goal front.. I finished War and Peace!Britmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09128074470552195854noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599672843163123569.post-55401960162512989022012-04-13T10:34:00.003-04:002012-04-13T10:34:37.218-04:00And then one day there it is.. contact..We recieved the email this morning letting us know that we do exist at the Embassy :0) <br />
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All our paper work from immigration was resent earlier this week, I sent an email following up and confirming that we had completed all the investiagtion portion of the adption. <br />
Our orphanage now has to deliver the original documents to the Embassy so we can be issued visas. <br /><br />SO:<br />
Step one: Deliver documents<br />
Step two: Take children for medical checks with approved Doctor<br />
Step three: receive email with Visa interview date<br />
Step four: buy tickets to travel<br />
Step five: complete Visa interview (orphanage will take children)<br />
Step six: Recieve IBESR exit letter <br />
Step seven: get on plane to bring children home!!!!<br />
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I'm not even going to guess on a time frame.. but I can hope :0) end of month? Early May?<br />Britmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09128074470552195854noreply@blogger.com1