For unto us a child is born....

A child will be born for us.  A son will be given to us.  The government will rest on his shoulders.  He will be named: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

That's the God we serve and the reason behind Christmas. 

So before our mad antics begin and Christmas Day is upon us, may we wish Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year to you all.

From our House to Your's, with love!

Merry Christmas from our whole family



A year ago today!

A year ago today we touched down on Welsh ground.

I brought my little girl home.

I gave my little girl, not only the gift of a Mummy, but also that of a family and an even bigger community.

I am so thankful for the year we have had.  It has been one of the most challenging, yet rewarding years of my life.

And you know what?  I would do it all again in a heartbeat.........

Cos look at what all the heartache, hold ups and hurdles were for.........

And she was worth every bit of it!

Malaria facts!

Following on from my blog about mosquitoes, I thought I'd follow it up with the facts about malaria.  I have seen malaria make a fit and healthy little boy look like he was at death's door.  I know how quickly it can make someone become unwell and can even take their life.  It is a cruel disease but one that is treatable and preventable.  So there is a positive side to this blog, it's not all doom and gloom.

Did you know...............
Half the world’s population is at risk of malaria?

781,000 people die of malaria every year!
That in itself is a scary statistic but lets make it even more real!

• A child dies every 45 seconds of malaria.

Malaria No More UK is a current campaign to reduce malaria deaths.  All the facts in this blog have been taken from their website and the photos are also in relation to their campaigns.  So here are some more facts for you to mull over.......

• Over 90% of the 781,000 malaria deaths are in Africa
• 8% of all children who die before their fifth birthday die of malaria
• 40% of public health spending in some African countries affected by malaria is spent on the disease
• Malaria costs Africa over £8 billion a year in lost economic output
• It is estimated that up to 200,000 newborns die each year as a result of malaria in pregnancy and malaria can cause anaemia and death for pregnant women
• 40% of drug expenditure in affected countries is spent on malaria drugs

The good news, like I said earlier, is that malaria is preventable and treatable.  So far the successes have been: 

• Since 2000, over one third of the 108 malarious countries have reduced the number of malaria cases by more than 50%
• Household net ownership reached more than 50% in 19 malarious African countries in 2010
• £5 is enough to buy, deliver and hang a mosquito net for a family in Africa, helping protect two people from malaria.

Malaria is cruel because it is mainly prevalent in the poorest of communities in the world.  The areas where £5 for a net may be more than a family can afford.  If it's a choice of feeding your family tonight or buying a net, what choice do you make?  I guess for some, taking the risk of malaria is the only thing they can do.  How sad is that?  I mean, £5!  I'm guessing this is less than we would think of spending on most Christmas gifts???

And so......Prevention is Paramount.

Organisations like Malaria No More UK and other organisations are able to hand out mosquito nets to the most vulnerable.  Mosquito nets are the first line of defence against the deadly bite of a malarial mosquito.  It’s estimated that when 80% of people sleep under a net, the entire community is protected.

But it's no good having a net if you don't know how to use it.  So education is also key.  Knowledge is power.  Mosquito nets are no use if they lie under beds or used for other purposes, they won’t prevent malaria.  If people understand how they should use them consistently and properly, the malaria rates will go down.

Malaria testing can now be carried out in many local clinics to get people treated faster.  Again this comes down to charities raising the money needed to offer this service to all. 
And along with sprays and medication, malaria can be successfully treated and/or prevented. 

If you've been phoning in to I'm a Celebrity to vote for your favourite, then you've helped Malaria No More UK raise some extra funds for the excellent work they do.  If you haven't, why not add them to your Christmas list and donate £5?  It could be a life saving Christmas present.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..................

And yes it is!

I remember last year, that I really felt I had missed out on all the festivities in the run up to Christmas.  After all, this time last year, we were still stranded in Uganda, waiting on Lutaaya’s VISA.

It brought back so many memories reading Bethany’s blog last week.  She was reminiscing about Thanksgiving.  In the midst of our chaos, we shared such a special day and it really did feel like we were with family.  I reminded Lutaaya of our day last year and how we took popcorn to Jaydn’s apartment as a gift to them to remind them of home.  We just had to break out the popcorn this year, as a new tradition!  These Welshies are having Thanksgiving!

And the festivities grew over the weekend.  Our town lights were switched on for Christmas.  We were able to take part in having a festive stall outside Mum’s shop. 

The weather has turned colder so there is that extra feeling of Christmas in the air!  We all wait in anticipation of the snow!  I remember seeing photos of home last year and finding it hard to believe how much snow had fallen! 

So as a late Thanksgiving blog I wanted to say how thankful I am for family, both near and far, who have come into my life through birth, adoption or friendship. 

Let’s join in the Christmas spirit and share more magical moments at this special time of year.

Gotcha Day

11th November may be Remembrance day in the UK, but it is a very special day in our house for me and Lutaaya.

It's our 'GOTCHA DAY!'

(Thanks the to Gaddis family for the name)

This date, last year, I finally got my girl.

A little girl finally got a family.

A little girl left an orphanage forever.

Gotcha day 2010

and for those of you who weren't following the blog then, or those who want to revisit this special day, as it happened, check out this link.
Lots of the children in the photos on the link, are still awaiting families, so please keep them in your prayers.  Many are on a waiting child list for an America adoption agency, so here's praying Mum's and Dad's come forward soon for them, and those in the process, will get their 'gotcha day' soon.

When I think how much has happened during this past year it amazes me! 

My little girl has excelled in adapting to family life.  There have been many struggles along the way and it certainly hasn't been an easy ride for either of us.  Though looking back, the positives certainly outweigh the negatives.  There still are hurdles we need to cross but we are getting there. 

Gotcha day 2011

Finally we are coming to the end of our 'firsts' experiences for this first year.  I'm looking forward to every little thing we get to experience together again in this coming year.

Why did God make mosquitoes?

Irritating, nasty, disease spreading, annoying, miserable little bugs!

What was God thinking when he made mosquitoes?????

I hate mosquitoes!  It’s true!

For some reason they don’t actually realise this and want to spend as much time around me as possible. 

They smell me getting off the plane in whatever country I go too.  They want MY blood!

Then once they’ve had their fill, they leave me with the itchiest, swollen bite you can ever imagine!

Some beauties from Uganda!

Now I know that I’m not the only one to think of these horrid little creatures in this way.  I mean, who would actually like them?

But did you know………………………

There are more than 3000 different types of mosquito.

Anopheles mosquitoes are the only species known to carry malaria.

Only female mosquitoes suck blood.

And even though we usually only know of the negative side of the mosquito.  They actually are the main food source for a lot of animals.  Dragonflies, frogs and bats all benefit from having the mosquito as their main source of food in many countries.

So when God created the mosquito, He had a purpose for them, as He does with every living creature, including YOU!

God didn’t create them as the malaria carrying nuisances we may think of them to be.  He saw them as a vital source of food, a major part of certain food cycles.

So to eradicate these pesky creatures wouldn’t be a solution.  In doing so, we would not only get rid of mosquitoes, but also many other species of frogs, bats, etc.

We have to live with them.

So I am ever thankful that I live most of my days in a country free from the little pests and find ways of coping with them when I travel abroad.

And for those of you who also have the sweet smelling blood that they just love, why not try some of these suggested remedies next time you’re in the company of a mosquito? Can’t say they work, but anything’s worth a try!

Use a repellent that contains DEET.

Avoid wearing perfumes.

Take vitamin B supplements.

Eat garlic tablets.

Avoid dark coloured clothes.

Use citronella or lemon oil.

....................................just a few to name!

The Africa in Cuba

This holiday was my 4^th time to visit Cuba.  I had 3 holidays there before I ventured to Africa.  What strikes me though is the fact that there are so many similarities between Cuba and Uganda. 

In general the countries are very different.  Different parts of the world.  Different government rulings.  Different languages.  Different ways of living.

It’s when you experience the cultures that the similarities are found.

The journey from the airport to the hotel, reminds me a little of Uganda.  There are no slums in Cuba, but there are blocks of flats and tight knit communities.  The dust sweeps across the roads, and yes, the roads here are tarmac and not so pot-holed as in Uganda, but that dust - it could be African dust!  Then there are the people.  Waiting at the roadside.  Undoubtedly not begging like in Uganda, but waiting to hitchhike to their destination.  Hitchhiking is one of the main means of transport for Cuban people, and Cuba is a very safe place to hitchhike.  Just seeing them though, and those walking with their cattle pulling carts, simply reminds me of Uganda.

The people are all so welcoming in both countries.  Both countries have hardships, and I wonder if that’s what makes the people stronger; happier? There’s little emphasis on the materialistic world often attached to our country’s way of living.

Oh and the music.  Music and dancing everywhere.  The dances may differ but the rhythm of the music underlies life here, as it does in Uganda.  Our Cuban friend even managed to try and get my Dad to salsa - not very successfully might I add!

I never realised before this trip that there is a thread of Africa underlying in Cuba’s history.  The Aborigines initially lived in Cuba, and when these left and the Spanish took over the Country, they imported African slaves to come and work the land. 

So I’m not mad when I hear that African rhythm in the Cuban music.  It’s there for sure!  Deep rooted in Cuba’s history.

Halloween

Halloween is a funny time of year isn't it?  I can't say I actually get it!  I mean, I really don't know the logic behind any of the festivities.
One thing I do know though, is that Lutaaya has found it even more baffling than I do.

Over the past few weeks, even walking into the supermarket has been a little scary for my little girl.  The aisles have been stocked with costumes resembling witches, ghosts and basically any horrible, ghoulish thing imaginable.

The thing is, in Uganda, witches are VERY real.  Witchcraft is around on a daily basis.  Witches prescribe unimaginable medical advice to people in Uganda and have a huge influence on many peoples' lives.

To walk into a store and see the witches and then think that this is being celebrated rather than condoned, must be very confusing to a little girl who hasn't been home a year.  So, when asked if she wanted to join in and go trick or treating, and do some other crafty things, the answer has always been 'NO!'

Then, her friends start doing just that!  They start taking this all in a light hearted way and they want Lutaaya to join in.  So mad dash to the supermarket yesterday to quickly buy an outfit so she actually could take part, and a few hours later, we have a change of heart and a little girl who is happy to play the part of a good witch, along with her friends.

And tonight, we made it extra special by inviting a couple of her friends around to do some other things.  I don't know why we do the ducking apples thing on Halloween, feel free to enlighten me if you know, but why not join in when it's so much fun?!  Oh my, how competitive these girls are to get the goodies at the bottom of the bowl!

Gypsy wanted in on the action too!  Oh how this cat LOVES apples!

Our Grampa quoted, 'in all of my 76 years, I don't think I've ever had to do this!'  So you know, it was a new experience for us all!  Big thanks to Gramp for his beautiful carving of the pumpkin, getting Lutaaya's design just perfect.

We also tried out a crafty snack, thanks to Bethany Gaddis for sharing on her facebook page for the idea.  Check out our gruesome mouths!

Happy Birthday Jjajja

A year ago today, Mum's birthday passed almost unnoticed, as we spent most of the day in a Ugandan court room.  This year, we have our precious girl home and we could celebrate Lutaaya's Jjajja's birthday properly.

Happy Birthday Jjajja!

Hola Cuba!

So after the mad dash to the travel agents, once we had Lutaaya's passport in our hands, we managed to book a holiday to Cuba.  Leaving the very next week!  Nothing like leaving it til last minute hey?

I had wondered how Lutaaya would react to a holiday.  She doesn't cope very well with change in general to her daily routine.  A holiday would mean her total routine changed and altered. 

You know what?

She did great!

She, once again took everything in her stride and enjoyed every minute of every day. 

I'll leave you with a few photos showing just that!

Loving having a pool to jump in every day!

Enjoying the ride in the old US car

Fun times!

She was amazed by her 'cartoon' caricature.  And check out the Welsh flag in the background!

Love this girl!

If earth is this much like paradise, what is Heaven like?

So relaxed

Family pic of the holiday :)

Yep, I think she managed to eat at least one ice cream every day!

Serenity!

Jump!!!!!!!!!!

I think she wore her Grandad out!

Lutaaya's favourite waitress!

Our final towel design from the maid.....Lutaaya wanted us to write 'thank you' back, but I managed to explain we didn't have enough towels or skills for that!!!

Passport

I have to start this blog by apologising.  I asked those of you who pray to keep Lutaaya's passport in mind, to get it through speedily.  I have been so rushed since receiving it that I haven't had time to blog and actually say that the passport arrived.  It actually took under two weeks to come back....amazingly.  God always works out things to the very last detail.

Lutaaya was over the moon when I told her it had arrived.  I even had a hug and those of you who know her, will know that is very out of the ordinary.  This was the one thing she wanted that to her made her British.

And the reason we wanted her passport back so quickly.....to have a holiday.  My parents birthday present to me for my 30th was a holiday.  Due to Lutaaya's passport not being here they weren't able to book anything for my birthday, so we waited.  Obviously having work committments meant that Dad had to pre-book his time off work.  He booked three weeks off to give us a little room to move but those three weeks happened to fall in October, giving us not too much time to wait on a passport return.

'My God is able'......goes the little song I've heard the children in Uganda sing so many times.  And oh so He is!

Passport returned and holiday booked all in one day.  Cuba we here we come!  Look out Lutaaya, here comes your very first family holiday!

Not just PERFECT!

Well 15th September saw me turn the big 3-0!  And might I add, it feels no different to being in the 20's.

The week leading up to my birthday was a little chaotic in our house to say the least.  Lutaaya did not deal well with the pending birthday.  There was no jealousy of the day or anything to that nature, she simply did not know what would be happening.  I guess my girl simply felt as if she was out of control.

We worked through the issues and I think I needed to remember there is only me and her in the house.  It's easy to fall into the trap that she's been here a long time.

She hasn't.

She has yet to be in the UK a year.

It's easy to forget that when she fits in so well and copes remarkably with everything she faces.

So having Mam's birthday, is another first to add to her long list.

Lutaaya had never had a Mam, let alone one who would have a birthday celebration.  So the morning of my birthday, when Lutaaya refused to speak to me at all, as she just couldn't work out what she would say, or when she would give her gift etc, had to be taken in my stride.  But you know what, I can get over that when it's all a learning curve.  She got there in the end, bless her.

I'm fortunate enough to have a brilliant Mum myself, who had arranged for all my friends to get together the night of my birthday.  Lutaaya loved having such a full house.

Then within the week, we received her adoption certificate!

Yay!  Yay!  Yay!

Big time excited.  I could not wait to scoop Lutaaya up from school and go get her photo taken so we could send off all the documents for her passport application.  I was so excited in telling her and she just didn't get it.  Apparently this isn't the exciting part to her.  She will be excited when the passport drops through the door.  So excuse the pun, but we'll keep you posted on the passport updates. 

If you are the praying kind, please keep the passport in your prayers.  They tell us it can take up to six weeks to come back but we are hoping for a holiday in the next few weeks.  Believe me, after this year, this girly needs a holiday.  Let's get this passport back in super fast time so we can book a holiday.  (My birthday present off my parents.)

But in amongst all the celebrations of birthday's and adoption paperwork, there was another celebration.  Lutaaya entered year 6 this year and came home from school last week, all happy and smiles.

As we drive home she tells me........

'Mam, I'm perfect.'

Hmmmm strange little statement for a little girl who lacks self esteem, and quite out of the ordinary.

'You're perfect sweetheart?'  I reply.

After a little thinking time, she explains that she may have got the word mixed up and reaches for something in her bag.

Prefect = perfect!

She's a prefect in school!!!  Wow!  You go girl! 

She was so enthusiastic listing off the details of her responsibilities as prefect.  She has to go look after the nursery and reception classes, helping hand out their milk and fruit, then helping them find their way back to class and hanging their coats up on the right hooks.

A perfect job for my perfect girl! 

And you know what???

She will always be perfect in my eyes.

Tom Boy Princess

Lutaaya loves EVERYTHING pink!

Proper girly girl!

But there is another side too.

The tom boy lurks inside.

Lutaaya loves football and there's no better time to unleash the tom boy in her than when Grandad is home.

Now Grandad is a lorry driver and is away working Mon-Fri, so weekends are precious for this little girl.

Last week he managed to park up near our home so Lutaaya had her first chance to see Grandad's work.
She just couldn't wait to climb the steps and have a look around.

You can just about see Lutaaya in the background seeing Grandad's TV in his cab!

If only she could hey?

LOVING it!

Even had chance to take a look in the back.

On the weekend Grandad decided he was going to power-wash my back garden.  Only one thing needed I guess.............a little apprentice!

Walking up to the garage with her two Grandfathers!

And to end last weekend, we got to celebrate Grandad's birthday.  Pretty cool for it to land on a Sunday so he was home with us for the celebrations.