We tried a new venue out today! We picked the Gaddis crew up nice and early and headed to the American Recreation Association. Keren and Mark said they were heading there today too, so a good time to all meet up and have a nice family day. It was very high security when we entered and everything seemed to be very Americanised. Could only Americans use the venue? We weren't sure, so I hit the mute button and let the Gaddis guys talk on my behalf too. Then busted, we needed photo ID. We were all so quick to hand our passports over, but weren't expecting them to keep them! We also weren't allowed to take photos, so unless I can steal any of the sneaky ones Keren or Nathan took, we don't have any.
All I can say is Lutaaya Deborah has spent almost the full day in the water. She tried so hard to swim, I really wish she could. She is really confident in the water just lacks the technique. It will come with time. She found a new friend in Mark and Keren's little girl. They played for ages together, pretending to be the fish or the crocodile. Such a joy to watch.
Little Jaydn gained so much confidence in the water today too. She walked on her own in the baby pool. Jumped up and down, putting her head under water and let us all swing her around as she floated. Every day I see her make so much progress. I'm so happy for this little girl with her parents.
It was nice to talk to Keren too about attachment and the methods she has researched. It is very easy for children who have lived in institutions to think all people they come into contact with are friends. They have no stranger danger. I guess Lutaaya Deborah, being older, doesn't have the same tendencies to walk off with anyone, as little Jaydn does. In saying that, if someone asked her to go somewhere with them, she would gladly follow. It is a difficult task to ensure our children know we are their parents. For them to know we are the only ones they can trust. Obviously this will take time and effort. It's more difficult when other people assume that attachment issues don't exist and it isn't a problem. It will, for some, always be a problem or at least a challenge. We were so proud of Bethany earlier, when she went over to the lady Jaydn had attached herself too at the pool, and explained she would be continuing to remove her as she didn't yet know who was safe and unsafe. I'm sure, we as families, will have many times to say this and to take action to keep our children safe. It's not that we don't want our children to be loved on, we certainly do, but they have to know who they can trust for this and who's job it is to love on them. While in Africa, the people loving on Lutaaya Deborah are me, Nathan and Bethany. These are the ones she can trust and be with for now. These are her family while we are here in Uganda We know other people here and our network will grow slowly as we come home, with Nathan and Bethany becoming 'virtual' friends on skype, but for the time being that's it. So when we FINALLY make it home, please be prepared for this slow progression. Please don't be offended if you're refused a cuddle that you expected, or can't come meet her as soon as we hit UK soil. There'll be time for everyone to love her, but for the first part, it's time for me to love her. After all, she's with us forever and forever is a long time!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Bowled over!
We had a very long morning! Spent most of the day trying to get the intermet to work so we can keep in touch with reality. The world could be at war and we seriously would never know! A funny moment happend this morning! I'm sat on the settee trying to get on the net, two men, business men who come eacg day to use the facilities at the guest house for their meetings, are sitting to the side of me, using the computer. Next thing, they sigh, as my internet connection goes completely. No power! Or so they say! They play around with the blank computer in front of them and come to the conclusion that yes indeed the power is off. As I turn to say this to Lutaaya Deborah, I find her watching TV. In fact, watching High School Musical no less! A big smile on her face as she then gets up and turns on the light switch. Proof for us all that the problem is with the computer not the power! What a clever girl to suss all that out and watch TV! Silly adults making assumptions!
Our highlight of the day today, meeting our friends, Nathan, Bethany and little Jaydn. We headed to town early in the hope of doing some shopping. Thinking positively we had eaten ourselves out of all the essentials, thinking we'd be home this weekend. So a shop was needed on snacks and drinks. So off to the supermarket we go. Looking at the apples, a man approaches us. he's the same man who appraoched us when Mam was here, one night in the car park. The same plea came - begging! But in the supermarket! I asked him to kindly leave! Next thing he greets another African man. We walk away and try to tell one of the shop assisstants that maybe this man shouldn't be in the store. His reply, 'I SEE NOTHING.' I wonder how many things happen out here and that is the response each and every time. So giving up hope of help in store, we continued our shop, moving away from the two men who made me feel slightly uneasy. Next thing, the other man approaches us. He asks if the man was bothering us and tries to explain that he meant no harm. The first time I have ever felt vulnerable in Uganda, but I had a strong sense that he was going to try and pull my bag. So I firmly tell him we are shopping and for him to leave us. He does, but still I feel unsettled. It felt as though their eyes were on us and watching us. My fear was that he had seen me use the ATM earlier and knew there was money in my bag! I tried to convince myself I was thinking bad of him and continued to shop, all the time hoping Nathan and Bethany would be outside the supermarket when we finished. They weren't long arriving, and still the man hung around, watching!
So on with our plan. And didn't my little girl have an amazing day! She absolutely loved bowling! Only in Africa can you not be given bolwing shoes but instead told to go bear foot, and then be told the screens don't work. So there was no score, no competition. Lutaaya Deborah got the jist of the game though and loved laughing at out attempts to knock all the skittles down. She gets louder when she gets excited. Being in an institution for as long as she had been, she will continue to find regulating and verbalising her emotions a challenge. She will have to be re-taught how feelings and behaviours link and what impact they have on her and the people around her. She is yet to say how she feels. I'm fine is a basic answer regardless to how she really feels. She is now able to describe something as good or bad but thats as far as it goes. Bowling certainly had a good remark and she went home bouncing.
Our highlight of the day today, meeting our friends, Nathan, Bethany and little Jaydn. We headed to town early in the hope of doing some shopping. Thinking positively we had eaten ourselves out of all the essentials, thinking we'd be home this weekend. So a shop was needed on snacks and drinks. So off to the supermarket we go. Looking at the apples, a man approaches us. he's the same man who appraoched us when Mam was here, one night in the car park. The same plea came - begging! But in the supermarket! I asked him to kindly leave! Next thing he greets another African man. We walk away and try to tell one of the shop assisstants that maybe this man shouldn't be in the store. His reply, 'I SEE NOTHING.' I wonder how many things happen out here and that is the response each and every time. So giving up hope of help in store, we continued our shop, moving away from the two men who made me feel slightly uneasy. Next thing, the other man approaches us. He asks if the man was bothering us and tries to explain that he meant no harm. The first time I have ever felt vulnerable in Uganda, but I had a strong sense that he was going to try and pull my bag. So I firmly tell him we are shopping and for him to leave us. He does, but still I feel unsettled. It felt as though their eyes were on us and watching us. My fear was that he had seen me use the ATM earlier and knew there was money in my bag! I tried to convince myself I was thinking bad of him and continued to shop, all the time hoping Nathan and Bethany would be outside the supermarket when we finished. They weren't long arriving, and still the man hung around, watching!
So on with our plan. And didn't my little girl have an amazing day! She absolutely loved bowling! Only in Africa can you not be given bolwing shoes but instead told to go bear foot, and then be told the screens don't work. So there was no score, no competition. Lutaaya Deborah got the jist of the game though and loved laughing at out attempts to knock all the skittles down. She gets louder when she gets excited. Being in an institution for as long as she had been, she will continue to find regulating and verbalising her emotions a challenge. She will have to be re-taught how feelings and behaviours link and what impact they have on her and the people around her. She is yet to say how she feels. I'm fine is a basic answer regardless to how she really feels. She is now able to describe something as good or bad but thats as far as it goes. Bowling certainly had a good remark and she went home bouncing.
Gobble, gobble!
We have a guy staying at our guest house from Seattle. He passes through the guest house every six weeks as he works in Sudan. When we arrived back at the guest house Wednesday night, he was sat on the computer. He then asked if we'd like to try what the staff here had cooked for him......GRASSHOPPERS! I wish I'd thought at the time, but forgot to capture this on camera. As you can imagine, it was like something off I'm a celeb, one of the bushtucker trials! Lutaaya Deborah tried to convince me they are sweet and good, but just the look of them turned my stomach. She was eager to eat them and ate two straight off! Not for me!
Last night we talked about Thanksgiving and he mentioned that he would celebrate on the weekend with friends here and they would have turkey. What I didn't expect was for the turkey, alive and kicking, to arrive this morning! Lutaaya Deborah had no concept of what a turkey was, so we went to have a look at it. She tried her hardest to look at a distance. Even with it looking so horrid and ugly, I still don't think I could follow through and kill this big bird to eat on the weekend, so good luck to him on that. He has promised we don't have to see that side happening.
It was really difficult to explain to Lutaaya Deborah that this is what we eat for Christmas dinner! Try explaining that to a 9 year old and then say obviously minus the feathers. She isn't convinced, but I'm sure she'll be fine when she sees our prepared turkey on the Christmas dinner table!
On going to take photos of the turkey, we found the kittens. So here's an update on the little guys. All 4 are with mama puss in the shed at the back of the house. Look how they've grown!
I'm sure you are starting to gather how bored we are with waiting now!! The most mundane things, like turkeys and kittens make up our news. The highlight of the day today will be meeting with the Gaddis family later for food and bowling! A new experience for Lutaaya Deborah.
Last night we talked about Thanksgiving and he mentioned that he would celebrate on the weekend with friends here and they would have turkey. What I didn't expect was for the turkey, alive and kicking, to arrive this morning! Lutaaya Deborah had no concept of what a turkey was, so we went to have a look at it. She tried her hardest to look at a distance. Even with it looking so horrid and ugly, I still don't think I could follow through and kill this big bird to eat on the weekend, so good luck to him on that. He has promised we don't have to see that side happening.
 |
| Tabitha Turkey - even though I shouldn't name her as she'll be dinenr on the weekend! |
On going to take photos of the turkey, we found the kittens. So here's an update on the little guys. All 4 are with mama puss in the shed at the back of the house. Look how they've grown!
I'm sure you are starting to gather how bored we are with waiting now!! The most mundane things, like turkeys and kittens make up our news. The highlight of the day today will be meeting with the Gaddis family later for food and bowling! A new experience for Lutaaya Deborah.
Thankgiving photos as promised
 |
| At home in the water! We defo need swimming lessons when we get home! |
 |
| The water fight starts! |
 |
| Somehow Nathan managed to keep hold of the bigger bowl |
 |
| Best of friends |
 |
| In the hot tub |
 |
| Quite the little lady! |
 |
| War commenced! Neither side backed down! |
 |
| They made up after the water war. Friends again! |
 |
| Our Thanksgiving gift to the Gaddis' - popcorn |
 |
| The Thanksgiving FEAST - the day certainly centred around this! |
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thanksgiving FEAST
Bethany and Nathan invited us to join them at their hotel today to share Thanksgiving with them. I know we are no replacement to their family but I hope we helped make it a more memorable day. It certainly was that for us. Our first thanksgiving and the first of many I hope! I know my special little girl absolutely loved it.
We went for food, sorry, The Feast, with Nathan, Bethany and Jaydn after our pool and hot tub time. (The net is so slooooow today, there are a lot of other piccies but they won't upload tonight, sorry)
We learned from the Gaddis' all about the history of Thanksgiving. We all took turns in saying what we were grateful for today. Then the food started! Nathan really intended for us to feel the same as he does back home each year: stuffed! We had a variety of foods, with Lutaaya Deborah having one of her trusted favourites, fish and chips. The off for some ice cream. To our disappointment, the ice cream flavours at the one coffee shop were all sold out, I blame all these Thanksgiving Feasters! Although I had said the place we tried was going to be our VISA celebration venue for ice cream, so maybe it was God's way of telling us not quite yet time to celebrate?! So back to the food mall to get the kids ice cream and us big kids milkshakes!
So as we go to bed tonight, we are thankful for:
* The Gaddis family, sharing their experience and days with us.
* That we are now at the end of our Ugandan journeys, and even though we can't see the light at the end of the tunnel yet, we know it is going to happen SOON.
* For our wonderful guest house and all it's staff who make our stay so pleasureable.
* For everyone back home and worldwide, who have been praying for us and continue to do so.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
We learned from the Gaddis' all about the history of Thanksgiving. We all took turns in saying what we were grateful for today. Then the food started! Nathan really intended for us to feel the same as he does back home each year: stuffed! We had a variety of foods, with Lutaaya Deborah having one of her trusted favourites, fish and chips. The off for some ice cream. To our disappointment, the ice cream flavours at the one coffee shop were all sold out, I blame all these Thanksgiving Feasters! Although I had said the place we tried was going to be our VISA celebration venue for ice cream, so maybe it was God's way of telling us not quite yet time to celebrate?! So back to the food mall to get the kids ice cream and us big kids milkshakes!
So as we go to bed tonight, we are thankful for:
* The Gaddis family, sharing their experience and days with us.
* That we are now at the end of our Ugandan journeys, and even though we can't see the light at the end of the tunnel yet, we know it is going to happen SOON.
* For our wonderful guest house and all it's staff who make our stay so pleasureable.
* For everyone back home and worldwide, who have been praying for us and continue to do so.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Frustrations & Giggles
I spent the morning feeling really frustrated. I tried logging on to track the visa and the tracker had crashed! So I thought I'd ring the visa office and ask if they could update me. She tells me it's not on their system and to keep checking the internet tracker!!! Did she not hear me when I said it was broken??? So back on the phone to the High Commission! Same response, nothing on the system so no update! Hopefully no news is good news.
So we waited around the guest house all day. We try and spend a little time each day doing 'school work'. On an academic level, Lutaaya Deborah is roughly of the ability of a 4-5 year old. She has a basic knowledge, but most things in Ugandan schools are memorised in order, rather than learned. This means we have to try and re-educate her in a new way of doing things. Some times she enjoys the work but on other times, when she struggles, she looks sad and wants to give up. Being stuck here, with limuted resources, means that the tasks are becoming tedious for both of us, so trying to make them as fun as possible is essential for both of us.
After school time, I tend to let Lutaaya Deborah watch some TV. As we did this today, John, the one staff member at the guest house, walked into the sitting room. He looked like he was prepared to do some very dangerous work! He had plastic safety goggles on and huge big safety gloves. What can he be about to do in our sweet little guest house? So I ask! I cannot help but laugh hysterically at his answer as I did believe he was joking! Change a light bulb in the bathroom was his reply! All this for a lightbulb! he was deadly serious and didn't see the funny side at all. So I told him he looked very professional and he walked off with an air of pride about him.
I had another frustrating moment when I went to the solicitors to collect the official paperwork. Firstly the solicitor refused to answer his phone and secondly when I arrived there, the paperwork was not ready! They've had 4 days and it's still not ready! Unbelievable! So a wasted journey!
It's odd here as there is so little to do during the days, the most ordinary things become highly important. I mean, today I scheduled an hour out of the day just to shower! No matter how many times you wash here, as soon as you step in the shower, the brown/red dust slides off your skin. Can't wait to get home and know that when you've washed, you really are clean.
Our main schedule of the day today - meet the Gaddis family for supper again! So before we meet them, we make another journey to the solicitors to FINALLY collect the paperwork we need to make everything official. Woohoo we have it!
So off to the Golf Course Hotel for supper. It's lovely to have the Gaddis family here to share time with. It's nice to have a change of conversation. Tonight I really felt for them though. They are feeling the frustrations that I felt when we first had the guardianship. You have a YES but you have nothing on paper to prove you have that YES! They have the added stress of knowing its Thanksgiving tomorrow and they'll be stranded in Uganda, with no progress and the rest of their family at home. It must be lovely to see this whole process through the eyes of our children, as we carry all the trials and tribulations, while they play, care free with each other. They must find it strange when they see us on these 'downers'. I hope they feel our faith that we have the knowledge, we will be moving from here soon and making way to their forever homes.
We even treated ourselves to hot chocolate and coffee tonight just to try and brighten the mood before parting company. Then homewardbound in the taxi. This proved another giggle. Once we've dropped Nathan, Bethany and Jaydn home, I tend to go into auto-pilot on directions for the driver. Lutaaya Deborah laughs as she prompts me with pointing gestures to the way we need to turn. So I do the drill, 'turn right here please. Pass the hospital. Turn left here please. Pass the embassy, then we turn right up here. It's the big grey gate in front. If you beep, they'll open the gate and you can turn your car inside.' So we've reached our guest house. We're almost home. And we sit. The driver turns off his engine and waits. Maybe he didn't hear me? So I repeat the last instruction. I get a nod. Still no beep. No one will let us in at this rate! Lutaaya giggles in the back as she makes the funniest facial expressions as if to say why isn't he listening. Eventually he turns to me and says, 'I hoot?' Yes you hoot! There's the problem. He doesn't understand BEEP!
It's a little late when we get in but I feel the urge to check the internet. Being so busy back and fore the solicitors all day, we hadn't had chance earlier. And there, on my screen, is the news we need! VISA granted for 2 years, so that the adoption process can be completed in the UK! Unfortunately this isn't official, just the kind lady at the Welsh Assembly, copying us in on the mails. Although I accept it as positive news and a step in the right direction. At least we know the paperwork is coming. We just need patience for it to reach us in the Kampala office, as the Ethiopia office have it currently. So please join us in praying for a speedy return of this visa. As soon as we have it in our hands, we will be booking that flight and heading back to Welsh soil!
So we waited around the guest house all day. We try and spend a little time each day doing 'school work'. On an academic level, Lutaaya Deborah is roughly of the ability of a 4-5 year old. She has a basic knowledge, but most things in Ugandan schools are memorised in order, rather than learned. This means we have to try and re-educate her in a new way of doing things. Some times she enjoys the work but on other times, when she struggles, she looks sad and wants to give up. Being stuck here, with limuted resources, means that the tasks are becoming tedious for both of us, so trying to make them as fun as possible is essential for both of us.
After school time, I tend to let Lutaaya Deborah watch some TV. As we did this today, John, the one staff member at the guest house, walked into the sitting room. He looked like he was prepared to do some very dangerous work! He had plastic safety goggles on and huge big safety gloves. What can he be about to do in our sweet little guest house? So I ask! I cannot help but laugh hysterically at his answer as I did believe he was joking! Change a light bulb in the bathroom was his reply! All this for a lightbulb! he was deadly serious and didn't see the funny side at all. So I told him he looked very professional and he walked off with an air of pride about him.
I had another frustrating moment when I went to the solicitors to collect the official paperwork. Firstly the solicitor refused to answer his phone and secondly when I arrived there, the paperwork was not ready! They've had 4 days and it's still not ready! Unbelievable! So a wasted journey!
It's odd here as there is so little to do during the days, the most ordinary things become highly important. I mean, today I scheduled an hour out of the day just to shower! No matter how many times you wash here, as soon as you step in the shower, the brown/red dust slides off your skin. Can't wait to get home and know that when you've washed, you really are clean.
Our main schedule of the day today - meet the Gaddis family for supper again! So before we meet them, we make another journey to the solicitors to FINALLY collect the paperwork we need to make everything official. Woohoo we have it!
So off to the Golf Course Hotel for supper. It's lovely to have the Gaddis family here to share time with. It's nice to have a change of conversation. Tonight I really felt for them though. They are feeling the frustrations that I felt when we first had the guardianship. You have a YES but you have nothing on paper to prove you have that YES! They have the added stress of knowing its Thanksgiving tomorrow and they'll be stranded in Uganda, with no progress and the rest of their family at home. It must be lovely to see this whole process through the eyes of our children, as we carry all the trials and tribulations, while they play, care free with each other. They must find it strange when they see us on these 'downers'. I hope they feel our faith that we have the knowledge, we will be moving from here soon and making way to their forever homes.
We even treated ourselves to hot chocolate and coffee tonight just to try and brighten the mood before parting company. Then homewardbound in the taxi. This proved another giggle. Once we've dropped Nathan, Bethany and Jaydn home, I tend to go into auto-pilot on directions for the driver. Lutaaya Deborah laughs as she prompts me with pointing gestures to the way we need to turn. So I do the drill, 'turn right here please. Pass the hospital. Turn left here please. Pass the embassy, then we turn right up here. It's the big grey gate in front. If you beep, they'll open the gate and you can turn your car inside.' So we've reached our guest house. We're almost home. And we sit. The driver turns off his engine and waits. Maybe he didn't hear me? So I repeat the last instruction. I get a nod. Still no beep. No one will let us in at this rate! Lutaaya giggles in the back as she makes the funniest facial expressions as if to say why isn't he listening. Eventually he turns to me and says, 'I hoot?' Yes you hoot! There's the problem. He doesn't understand BEEP!
It's a little late when we get in but I feel the urge to check the internet. Being so busy back and fore the solicitors all day, we hadn't had chance earlier. And there, on my screen, is the news we need! VISA granted for 2 years, so that the adoption process can be completed in the UK! Unfortunately this isn't official, just the kind lady at the Welsh Assembly, copying us in on the mails. Although I accept it as positive news and a step in the right direction. At least we know the paperwork is coming. We just need patience for it to reach us in the Kampala office, as the Ethiopia office have it currently. So please join us in praying for a speedy return of this visa. As soon as we have it in our hands, we will be booking that flight and heading back to Welsh soil!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
The little things
We ventured to Lutaaya Deborah's favourite place to eat tonight. It's in a shopping mall and is a food court. She loves it there as everyone makes a fuss of her. They idolise her and each time we go, the one lady in particular, remembers her name and gives her cuddles. As we sat down, we realised it was the first time we had eaten, just the two of us. Simce Mam left, we have joined other families for supper. With joining others for supper, we have ventured further afield and tried out new places to eat each night. We haven't been to the food court for a few nights. They obviously thought we had left, and their faces lit up when they saw us tonight. The one lady ran to us to greet us and say they had missed us. They are always so friendly and extremely grateful for eating there. If our visa comes through quickly we probably won't make it back to the food mall so we took a photo with the kind lady to keep the memory.
The escalators at the shopping mall are also an attraction and given the chance Lutaaya Deborah would ride up and down on them all day.
Finally back to our Ugandan home. Our little guest house. Everyone was home tonight, all the staff that is, all waiting for 8 new guests to arrive. Exciting times for us too, to meet some new people and have some new faces to see and stories to hear. So we all sat around watching TV, as we await the new guests. You certainly feel part of he family here and everyone can get involved in welcoming newcomers. As no one really had anything to do, I went and got the last few sachets of hot chocolate we had brought from the UK with us. I made everyone a cup, which they have totally enjoyed. Auntie Jane also told me she has looked for it at her supermarket as she loved it so much the last time we gave her a cup. This time the whole 'family' had some to try. A little gesture like this has brightened up their day, and also brought a lot of pleasure to us, as we have been able to sit as a group and share laughter with them. The main laughter brought on as Millie loved the drink so much she tried stealing everyone elses. Lutaaya Deborah has sat with hers hidden by her side, in fits of laughter.
The escalators at the shopping mall are also an attraction and given the chance Lutaaya Deborah would ride up and down on them all day.
Finally back to our Ugandan home. Our little guest house. Everyone was home tonight, all the staff that is, all waiting for 8 new guests to arrive. Exciting times for us too, to meet some new people and have some new faces to see and stories to hear. So we all sat around watching TV, as we await the new guests. You certainly feel part of he family here and everyone can get involved in welcoming newcomers. As no one really had anything to do, I went and got the last few sachets of hot chocolate we had brought from the UK with us. I made everyone a cup, which they have totally enjoyed. Auntie Jane also told me she has looked for it at her supermarket as she loved it so much the last time we gave her a cup. This time the whole 'family' had some to try. A little gesture like this has brightened up their day, and also brought a lot of pleasure to us, as we have been able to sit as a group and share laughter with them. The main laughter brought on as Millie loved the drink so much she tried stealing everyone elses. Lutaaya Deborah has sat with hers hidden by her side, in fits of laughter.
We live in hope
We've had a pretty uneventful day so far. Our main activity being the big wash first thing. So I spent the afternoon phoning the British High Commission again and trying to find out how far along our visa is. Again I'm told, it's too early to tell and they can't push the High Commission in Ethiopia (the ones who grant the visa) at this early a stage! Downhearted sigh as I come off the phone.
But then......the GOOD news we have so patiently waited for. A phone call from the Welsh Assembly Government. The lady in charge of inter-country adoption there, Deb, has been amazingin our case. I can't sing her praises enough. She really went the extra mile when we needed it. She phoned to tell us that Ethiopia are processing our application but emailed the UK as some things were missing! They said they had NO evidence that I had completed the home study report or was eligible to adopt. I mean, how can they not see all the paperwork we sent through to them?! I sent more than enough. The worrying thing is, if they don't have it all, where is it? In that bundle is Lutaaya Deborah's birth certificate and passport! We pray it will all find it's way back to us.
So I fill in Deb with all the details of every piece of paperwork I sent through. She quickly jots it down and says she'll email the High Commission back today. We pray this means that the VISA will be issued soon, now that they have all the info they need and can see Britain will allow Lutaaya Deborah into the country.
So now we wait as we live in hope! More good news to share, in that the Gaddis family had their legal guardianship of Jaydn Priscilla today. An amazing day filled with glory all around! We haven't got the visa yet and neither have they, but we live in hope that these children will journey to their forever homes and families really really soon. Thank God :-)
But then......the GOOD news we have so patiently waited for. A phone call from the Welsh Assembly Government. The lady in charge of inter-country adoption there, Deb, has been amazingin our case. I can't sing her praises enough. She really went the extra mile when we needed it. She phoned to tell us that Ethiopia are processing our application but emailed the UK as some things were missing! They said they had NO evidence that I had completed the home study report or was eligible to adopt. I mean, how can they not see all the paperwork we sent through to them?! I sent more than enough. The worrying thing is, if they don't have it all, where is it? In that bundle is Lutaaya Deborah's birth certificate and passport! We pray it will all find it's way back to us.
So I fill in Deb with all the details of every piece of paperwork I sent through. She quickly jots it down and says she'll email the High Commission back today. We pray this means that the VISA will be issued soon, now that they have all the info they need and can see Britain will allow Lutaaya Deborah into the country.
So now we wait as we live in hope! More good news to share, in that the Gaddis family had their legal guardianship of Jaydn Priscilla today. An amazing day filled with glory all around! We haven't got the visa yet and neither have they, but we live in hope that these children will journey to their forever homes and families really really soon. Thank God :-)
Come home and rest!
Each morning I wake and instantly check the phone in the hope that a text came through in the night to say our visa is ready. Unfortunately we still wait.
I was on a bit of a downer yesterday, with hearing the lady at the High Commission say she couldn't help us yet, and feeling so helpless myself. We arranged to go out for tea with the Gaddis family. I am so glad we did. It was such a funny night. Lutaaya Deborah laughed so loudly at various points. She loved all the banter between everyone. Nathan and Bethany even paid for our supper to cheer me up, bless them. We were so thankful as it really was such a lovely gesture. Just what I needed too. Maybe one day, when we eventually make it home, we can plan a holiday to go meet the full Gaddis crew.
Keren, our other friend here, also emailed me today to say that we should see the wait as a positive. Time together, time to bond, time to just be! It all works in Lutaaya Deborah's favour, as she gets to adapt to having a Mammy in her own country. She can experience the culture and climate that she is used too, while this huge change happens in her life. I am thankful for that.
It seems that this is the way today is going to be. Robinah, our friend from Mbale, then phoned to say almost the same thing as Keren. Although she added, 'Come home and rest.' I have always viewed Buweri, where Pastor James and Robinah live, as my second home. Due to lack of finances I haven't been able to travel to see them during this trip. Her invite was so genuine and welcoming. So loving. Such a lovely thought to go home and rest. She seemed to appreciate the stress we are undertaking in waiting so long. Her offer so sincere, if I could get there, they would allow me to live with them, no costs of food, accomodation. I feel so blessed to have been offered this. People who have so little here, give their all. I question how often I have that attitude back home. How wonderful a world we would live in if we all had this attitude. I had to decline her kind offer, as I don't want to uproot Lutaaya Deborah at this late stage. They speak a different tribal language there, and this wouldn't help her settle. At the moment, we are in a routine, of some sort, and she feels 'at home' for the time being. I can't travel 4 hours away, to find that our prayers are answered and we can collect a visa from Kampala. So on with the wait.
On a more practical note of remaining here longer, we needed to sort out our clothes. I have been meaning to seperate my clothes from Lutaaya Deborah's but up to date have found other things have prevented me from spending the time on this. Regardless of seperating clothes, I realised this morning we are running out of clothes. So a quick stroll to the shop (more of a shack with a few essential items), at the bottom of our road, to pick up some washing powder, then back to do the BIG WASH. Lutaaya Deborah found it hysterical that Mammy was washing things in the bath! She was very helpful though, rinsing them afterwards and helping hang them outside to dry. I still pray the VISA will come through sooner rather than later, but if we're here for the long haul at least now we're prepared.
So if you are the praying kind, please hold us in your prayers. We need a miracle that the VISA office will process our application and we can be home by the weekend. We need to finally 'come home and rest.'
I was on a bit of a downer yesterday, with hearing the lady at the High Commission say she couldn't help us yet, and feeling so helpless myself. We arranged to go out for tea with the Gaddis family. I am so glad we did. It was such a funny night. Lutaaya Deborah laughed so loudly at various points. She loved all the banter between everyone. Nathan and Bethany even paid for our supper to cheer me up, bless them. We were so thankful as it really was such a lovely gesture. Just what I needed too. Maybe one day, when we eventually make it home, we can plan a holiday to go meet the full Gaddis crew.
Keren, our other friend here, also emailed me today to say that we should see the wait as a positive. Time together, time to bond, time to just be! It all works in Lutaaya Deborah's favour, as she gets to adapt to having a Mammy in her own country. She can experience the culture and climate that she is used too, while this huge change happens in her life. I am thankful for that.
It seems that this is the way today is going to be. Robinah, our friend from Mbale, then phoned to say almost the same thing as Keren. Although she added, 'Come home and rest.' I have always viewed Buweri, where Pastor James and Robinah live, as my second home. Due to lack of finances I haven't been able to travel to see them during this trip. Her invite was so genuine and welcoming. So loving. Such a lovely thought to go home and rest. She seemed to appreciate the stress we are undertaking in waiting so long. Her offer so sincere, if I could get there, they would allow me to live with them, no costs of food, accomodation. I feel so blessed to have been offered this. People who have so little here, give their all. I question how often I have that attitude back home. How wonderful a world we would live in if we all had this attitude. I had to decline her kind offer, as I don't want to uproot Lutaaya Deborah at this late stage. They speak a different tribal language there, and this wouldn't help her settle. At the moment, we are in a routine, of some sort, and she feels 'at home' for the time being. I can't travel 4 hours away, to find that our prayers are answered and we can collect a visa from Kampala. So on with the wait.
On a more practical note of remaining here longer, we needed to sort out our clothes. I have been meaning to seperate my clothes from Lutaaya Deborah's but up to date have found other things have prevented me from spending the time on this. Regardless of seperating clothes, I realised this morning we are running out of clothes. So a quick stroll to the shop (more of a shack with a few essential items), at the bottom of our road, to pick up some washing powder, then back to do the BIG WASH. Lutaaya Deborah found it hysterical that Mammy was washing things in the bath! She was very helpful though, rinsing them afterwards and helping hang them outside to dry. I still pray the VISA will come through sooner rather than later, but if we're here for the long haul at least now we're prepared.
So if you are the praying kind, please hold us in your prayers. We need a miracle that the VISA office will process our application and we can be home by the weekend. We need to finally 'come home and rest.'
Monday, November 22, 2010
Helpful High Commission?!
We had been told that once we had submitted our application for the visa we could contact the British High Commission and they may be able to help process our application. We tried to call Friday after submitting it, but the office closed at 1pm. We knew we could only call between 2-4pm, so we waited for 2pm to come today to make the important call.
We noticed in the British Visa office that Ugandans were seen before the British citizens! A strange way to treat people at their own embassy. It felt as if they were keen to help people visit the UK but not keen on helping Brits who may be stranded away from home! Quite bizzarre.
So I hoped today the lady at the British High Commission would be able to say she could follow my visa up and maybe even fast track it. Not sure why I got my hopes up, we're stuck in Uganda after all. The lady told me that if I had submitted it, it would travel to Ethiopia and someone would deal with it. Pretty much common sense that I had worked out myself. So I asked if she could help us process it quickly. To my horror she tells me, 'at this stage I can do nothing. If you don't hear in 3 weeks call me back. You can track your application online.' Nightmare! Total and utter nightmare! There was me thinking it would all be completed this week and we'd be home by the weekend. No help from anyone whatsoever.
So we are currently stuck in Uganda. There is no one else I can ring this end to speed the process up this end. The High Commission is as 'high' as I can go, and they can't help! I've just checked the website to track the application and it states: Your application has been forwarded to the British High Commission. I wonder in what country this High Commission is? Obviously not the Ugandan one or it would be on the lady's desk I just spoke too.
So on with the tedious wait. Feeling so helpless and wanting to get home soon. There are only so many days you can spend simply waiting. We've done just about all there is to do in Uganda on the limited budget we have! So our days will be spent waiting and contacting the visa office as often as we can. We certainly need prayers for this visa to be released quickly. We NEED to come home.
We noticed in the British Visa office that Ugandans were seen before the British citizens! A strange way to treat people at their own embassy. It felt as if they were keen to help people visit the UK but not keen on helping Brits who may be stranded away from home! Quite bizzarre.
So I hoped today the lady at the British High Commission would be able to say she could follow my visa up and maybe even fast track it. Not sure why I got my hopes up, we're stuck in Uganda after all. The lady told me that if I had submitted it, it would travel to Ethiopia and someone would deal with it. Pretty much common sense that I had worked out myself. So I asked if she could help us process it quickly. To my horror she tells me, 'at this stage I can do nothing. If you don't hear in 3 weeks call me back. You can track your application online.' Nightmare! Total and utter nightmare! There was me thinking it would all be completed this week and we'd be home by the weekend. No help from anyone whatsoever.
So we are currently stuck in Uganda. There is no one else I can ring this end to speed the process up this end. The High Commission is as 'high' as I can go, and they can't help! I've just checked the website to track the application and it states: Your application has been forwarded to the British High Commission. I wonder in what country this High Commission is? Obviously not the Ugandan one or it would be on the lady's desk I just spoke too.
So on with the tedious wait. Feeling so helpless and wanting to get home soon. There are only so many days you can spend simply waiting. We've done just about all there is to do in Uganda on the limited budget we have! So our days will be spent waiting and contacting the visa office as often as we can. We certainly need prayers for this visa to be released quickly. We NEED to come home.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
A Sunday of Faith and Culture
We have been so blessed to meet with the Gaddis family who are adopting a little girl, Jaydn Priscilla, from the same former home as Lutaaya Deborah. They have invited us along to lots of events and activities, so our days don't seem as long and boring as they could have felt.
Today they invited us to join them at Church. So we woke early and prepared for the 10am Church Service at Watoto Church, formerly Kampala Pentecostal Church (KPC). It's the same church Auntie Jo goes to each week so it was lovely to meet up with her as well as Nathan and Bethany. It's easy to forget you're in Africa when you're inside the church. It is so modern and upbeat. The worhsip was amazing. Lutaaya Deborah loved the praise and worship music, singing along and joining in with the dances we were encouraged to do. Little Jaydn decided she wanted me to hold her throughout the service. I must admit I love seeing the change in her little face now she has her forever family. She has literally come alive. So it was an honour to share her cuddles during the service and see her hi-5 people around her during the one song.
We joined Nathan and Bethany for lunch. We ate at a buffet restaurant, which Lutaaya Deborah loved. She is being very good at trying new foods, tasting them and deciding if she likes them or not. This said, if she doesn't like something she certainly makes sure she doesn't eat it again. She is 100% certain she dislikes egg, in whatever form. I've tried explaining that in the UK they are different as the yolks are more orange colour, so maybe we'll try and taste this again when we get home.
We went back to our guest house to rest up for the afternoon before meeting up with Nathan, Bethany and Jaydn again this evening. They had heard of a cultural centre where you see all types of Ugandan dancing. As we drove to the centre I realised we drove through the town where Lutaaya Deborah was found. She had been found when she was approximately 18 months old on the doorstep of the chief of police. Even though we didn't see the exact spot of where she was found, I took some photos of the town. Right now she doesn't want to acknowledge this part of her life but she may have questions as she grows older, so as many answers as I can give her are ready and waiting. When we returned home I mentioned to her about the town and asked if she would like to go there and see where she had been found. She answered 'NO', so I guess she isn't ready to know of any of the past just yet.
The church service talked of the story of Moses, with God saying I am the I am. It seemed touching that Lutaaya Deborah's start of life mirrors the story of baby Moses. Her mother, for whatever reason, couldn't look after her or give her the care she needed, so rather than leaving her to die, left her in a place she knew she would be found. I cannot begin to imagine how someone makes this decision and follows through with it. It really is heart breaking. But God is the I am, and He had a plan for Lutaaya Deborah's life, as He has with all our lives. We are now fulfilling that plan. Now is our beginning. Now is the start of forever for us as a family, which will open the doors to whatever plans God has for Lutaaya. She can become the person she is meant to be.
We certainly realised that she is born to dance at the cultural centre. She sat nodding and clapping throughout the Ugandan Traditional dances. She sat in awe at the dancers and musicians. It was educational too. We learned lots about Uganda as a country as well as the individual tribes of Uganda. I mean, I never knew that Uganda should be pronounced Buganda, but when the first people came here and discovered the area, the B was so softly pronounced they never heard it, and so named it Uganda!
At one point all the children were invited to the front to take part. Lutaaya Deborah took Jaydn. Lutaaya Deborah came alive during the activities with the other children. She sure can DANCE! Little Jaydn wasn't so keep and simply wanted to stand and watch. So cute! The compare was so encouraging with the children. First a group activity and dance, and then they made a circle with each child dancing their own style. Such a confidence boost for every child taking part. Lutaaya Deborah was one of the first to be chosen and she didn't hesitate. She loved being up there.
The night quickly passed by. Memories for Lutaaya to cherish forever of her own culture and traditions. I pray she never loses this as this is what makes her Ugandan. I pray she is always proud of her birth country. I pray that the dances will be instilled in her mind forever.
Lutaaya Deborah is very rarely tired. Mornings are a no go but she could literally stay up all night given the choice. So after so much excitement and stimulation, she was buzzing before bed. Managing to get her into bed, she fell asleep after singing one of the songs from Church this morning, 'Our God is love.'
Today they invited us to join them at Church. So we woke early and prepared for the 10am Church Service at Watoto Church, formerly Kampala Pentecostal Church (KPC). It's the same church Auntie Jo goes to each week so it was lovely to meet up with her as well as Nathan and Bethany. It's easy to forget you're in Africa when you're inside the church. It is so modern and upbeat. The worhsip was amazing. Lutaaya Deborah loved the praise and worship music, singing along and joining in with the dances we were encouraged to do. Little Jaydn decided she wanted me to hold her throughout the service. I must admit I love seeing the change in her little face now she has her forever family. She has literally come alive. So it was an honour to share her cuddles during the service and see her hi-5 people around her during the one song.
We joined Nathan and Bethany for lunch. We ate at a buffet restaurant, which Lutaaya Deborah loved. She is being very good at trying new foods, tasting them and deciding if she likes them or not. This said, if she doesn't like something she certainly makes sure she doesn't eat it again. She is 100% certain she dislikes egg, in whatever form. I've tried explaining that in the UK they are different as the yolks are more orange colour, so maybe we'll try and taste this again when we get home.
We went back to our guest house to rest up for the afternoon before meeting up with Nathan, Bethany and Jaydn again this evening. They had heard of a cultural centre where you see all types of Ugandan dancing. As we drove to the centre I realised we drove through the town where Lutaaya Deborah was found. She had been found when she was approximately 18 months old on the doorstep of the chief of police. Even though we didn't see the exact spot of where she was found, I took some photos of the town. Right now she doesn't want to acknowledge this part of her life but she may have questions as she grows older, so as many answers as I can give her are ready and waiting. When we returned home I mentioned to her about the town and asked if she would like to go there and see where she had been found. She answered 'NO', so I guess she isn't ready to know of any of the past just yet.
The church service talked of the story of Moses, with God saying I am the I am. It seemed touching that Lutaaya Deborah's start of life mirrors the story of baby Moses. Her mother, for whatever reason, couldn't look after her or give her the care she needed, so rather than leaving her to die, left her in a place she knew she would be found. I cannot begin to imagine how someone makes this decision and follows through with it. It really is heart breaking. But God is the I am, and He had a plan for Lutaaya Deborah's life, as He has with all our lives. We are now fulfilling that plan. Now is our beginning. Now is the start of forever for us as a family, which will open the doors to whatever plans God has for Lutaaya. She can become the person she is meant to be.
We certainly realised that she is born to dance at the cultural centre. She sat nodding and clapping throughout the Ugandan Traditional dances. She sat in awe at the dancers and musicians. It was educational too. We learned lots about Uganda as a country as well as the individual tribes of Uganda. I mean, I never knew that Uganda should be pronounced Buganda, but when the first people came here and discovered the area, the B was so softly pronounced they never heard it, and so named it Uganda!
At one point all the children were invited to the front to take part. Lutaaya Deborah took Jaydn. Lutaaya Deborah came alive during the activities with the other children. She sure can DANCE! Little Jaydn wasn't so keep and simply wanted to stand and watch. So cute! The compare was so encouraging with the children. First a group activity and dance, and then they made a circle with each child dancing their own style. Such a confidence boost for every child taking part. Lutaaya Deborah was one of the first to be chosen and she didn't hesitate. She loved being up there.
The night quickly passed by. Memories for Lutaaya to cherish forever of her own culture and traditions. I pray she never loses this as this is what makes her Ugandan. I pray she is always proud of her birth country. I pray that the dances will be instilled in her mind forever.
Lutaaya Deborah is very rarely tired. Mornings are a no go but she could literally stay up all night given the choice. So after so much excitement and stimulation, she was buzzing before bed. Managing to get her into bed, she fell asleep after singing one of the songs from Church this morning, 'Our God is love.'
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)