The miracle (s)....

Well, as I mentioned in my previous brief blog, we got the Visa this afternoon. It was truly a miracle and no one can deny the hand of God in this. As you know this past week and a half has been tremendously stressful, missing my family and wondering how long it was going to be before we went home. After Tuesdays ordeal about the medical I was really down and getting very anxious but at the same time knowing God would provide. As Dominic and I went on our usual long morning walk on Wednesday, I pleaded my case before God. Everything was against me.

First, I just handed in my application last week when the High Commissioner was stating it usually takes 3 months.

Secondly, I never disclosed this but our lawyer made a mistake with the birthdate. Instead of Dominics birthdate being June 7th it was June 3rd. He only told me that when I arrived in Rwanda. It didn’t make a difference to me but the “letter of no objection” that was requested from the province had June 7th on it and therefore wouldn’t match up with Dominics documents. Our person from the agency just said to change it but it was impossible at that point because that would mean police records of the date of abandonment wouldn’t match up. The birth certificate and passport would also have to be changed and notarized which meant a lot more time and money. Besides, I only discovered this problem after my lawyer had left for Belgium, so I wouldn’t even know where to go for these documents.

Thirdly, the medical which I thought was “in the bag”, wasn’t even delivered until the day before I needed the Visa. That meant it still needed to be processed and the High Commissioner had previously stated that it was on a “first come first serve” basis.

As of Tuesday the High Commissioner said she hadn’t heard anything back from the Rwandan officials and that it usually takes them a while for their response. Then there was the MP who was very supportive but really she said she couldn’t do anything for me because even though I wasn’t completely aware of the process, I should have sent in my application a while ago. Her final remark was pray for a miracle.

Finally, the last strike against me was the negative e-mail sent to the High Commissioner from our agency about me and my motives. Oh ya, and my flight to Kigali is supposed to leave Friday morning at 0900 and the flight to Canada leaves Saturday at 0400.

So after telling God about all the impossibilities and strikes I had against me I felt this profound verse enter my heart and my mind…”If God is for you who can go against you.”

Wednesday afternoon about 3:00 pm Dominic woke up from his nap and we were going to go downtown because I NEEDED a chocolate bar. I figured the High Commissioner wouldn’t call because they close at 4:00. Just as we were heading out she called to confirm that Dominic would have his Visa tomorrow (Thursday) after 2:00pm. I am still overwhelmed with emotion and shock as I write this. As I picked it up this afternoon I told her how greatful I was and thank you. She said you are so lucky and that she was within her rights to take up to 3 months to process this. You and I both know LUCK had nothing to do with this! Oh ya, and the date of birth on the “letter of no objection” was never mentioned. Yes, we do serve a mighty God!

Another thing I should mention…I never made it to that favorite store of mine to buy my chocolate bar. There was a huge fire and explosion an hour before I got there. When I got the phone call from the High Commissioner, gave thanks and called Dale to tell him the great news I was delayed about an hour. The Lord definitely had His hand of protection on me.

So this will be my last entry until I arrive home. We leave very early tomorrow morning for Rwanda and then basically in the middle of the night back to Canada. I can’t say thank you enough for all of your prayers and encouragement throughout this whole journey. I am forever in debt to all the wonderful support my friends and family have provided my husband and children with since I’ve been gone. The love of God has truly been portrayed through your acts of kindness. Bye for now.

I'm going home!!!!!!!!

Praise God…I’ve got the visa!!!!!!!! The specific amazing details will follow when my busy little man goes to sleep.

The medical....

Today wasn’t much fun. Dominic is still having a lot of diarrhea. I ended up taking him to the pharmacist. He thinks he picked up a bug and it is taking time to recover so he gave me 2 liquid medicines to help. Hopefully he’ll start responding by tomorrow b/c I don’t know what else to do in regards to his diet. Then I called the High Commissioner. She said to sit tight until she calls me but she said it would not be last minute to tell me if this was possible or not. It’s the “if this isn’t possible” part that I didn’t like hearing. She called back shortly after and told me the medical had not been sent in. So I followed up with the Dr.’s office…they forgot…you can imagine my response. It was a young man who remembers me from last week and I him. He then assured me that he would have it there tomorrow morning. A few minutes later I realized it was only 2:30, I called back and demanded to speak with the physician. It was a lady this time that answered ( I remembered her too). She apologized for the situation and I explained the severity of the mistake. I said that the medical needs to be delivered today. So she sent the young man to deliver the medical to the high commissioners. I also asked them to call me when they had delivered it. They called me an hour later to confirm it was dropped off. I called the high commissioner to tell her that it had been delivered and that they forgot. I am so worried that I’m not going to be on that plane Friday night. I just want to sleep the next 2 days away but at least it gives us 2 days for Dominic to start feeling better.

Prayer Request

Today was another waiting day. I did call the High Commissioner early this afternoon. She was pleasant with me (this was encouraging) and I explained that for a small fee I was able to change my flight to Friday. She said she was still waiting for the authorities in Rwanda to verify things. She said she would get back to me…when, she didn’t say. My flight to Canada leaves this Sat. at 0400 in the morning. My prayer is that Dominic and I are able to make that flight home.

Trip to the Nairobi Animal Orphanage

Today I really wanted to go to a local church but I didn’t know of any close by so we just had some quiet time this morning. However, there is no real place to sit except near the pool or in the garden area, which is also near the pool. Dominic has come too close to jumping in to give me much “devotional” time in the morning. Then we decided to go the animal orphanage at the Nairobi national park. I didn’t know this but Kenya has 25 game parks (huge areas of wild life that are fenced off to protect the animals and the people of course) where safari tours take place. However you can still find some animals outside of the game park boundries. The cab driver says there is a lot of hippos near his village. The orphanage takes in animals when the mothers are killed or too hurt to look after their young and so they’re brought to the orphanage when they are very young.

I had a university student who volunteers at the park and studies wildlife, give me a tour and talk about the different types of animals. One thing I found funny was that a lot of these animals were given such English names. For example this young, but huge lioness was called Michelle…go figure??? The coolest thing I was able to do was pet a cheetah. Apparently she was quite tame but Dominic wanted nothing to do with her after she licked his leg. Her tongue is a bit rough. I was getting a bit nervous too. The keeper told me to rub under her chin so she started purring which kind of sounded like a growl. Then she licked me too and wanted to play, so she gnawed on my wrist and that was it… I got my picture taken with her and I was out of there! It blows me away that all these animals (lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, crocodiles, hyenas, baboons, etc…) are just a few miles outside the city. There is also quite a population of elephants and rhinos in Kenya. There is a large orphanage for those animals also but it was located far from where I was, on the other side of the park. Anyways, that was the highlight of our day.

This weekend was peaceful. I was able to speak again with my family and friends by phone which encourages me a great deal even though a miss them such a great deal. However, I do start to get knots in my stomach when I think of the week that lies ahead. The Lord continually comforts me with His word…He also knows I have no one else to talk to. Today I read about the Shumen woman in 2Kings(that is probably not the correct spelling???). This story was told to me earlier in our adoption process through a close friend’s little boy. At that time it encouraged me a great deal and today I am reminded again of God’s faithfulness. This woman was hospitable to Elisha every time he passed by her city. He wanted to repay her but she didn’t want anything. So the people told Elisha to give her a son. Later that son got sick and died. The part that struck me the most was when she said to Elisha…I never asked you for a son and now that my hopes are up you take him away (totally paraphrased). I’m sure you know the rest of the story but the Lord obviously didn’t leave things the way they were. He blessed her and returned to her the son she thought she’s lost. In the same way I believe the Lord will get us through this it’s just so hard to not let fear get in the way.

I will try to contact the High Commissioner tomorrow early afternoon to see what progress has been done. I did have a huge blessing on Friday when I found out that I could post-pone my flight to Kigali for only $25 instead of having to purchase another ticket. My flight to Canada leaves Friday night (really early Saturday morning at 0400 am). I am praying so hard that I can go home with Dominic that day. I would appreciate your prayers as well because when 2 or 3 are in accord, it is bound in heaven.

Monkey business....

Today Dominic and I went to a park called City Park. We hooked up with a super nice cab driver Maharan who said he didn't have anything else to do so he was our tour guide at the park. I guess b/c the park is located so close to the "slum" area (the word he used) he was a bit concerned for us. Anyways, the park was full of monkeys...hundreds of them. They are so used to people they come right up to you. They're also little thieves!!! I brought a couple of bananas and I peeled one(like monkeys don't know how to peel bananas) and one snatched it right out of my hands when I wasn't expecting. The poor little ones were only left sucking the peel. Dominic was getting a bit freaked out so I gave Maharan the other banana. He was giving out little pieces at a time when a big monkey out of no where came a flew in front of him snatching it out of his hands. Then there was a monkey in front of me that watched me take the bananas out of my backpack. When I went to pick up my backpack from the ground he bumped into me from behind and almost knocked me over so he could take off with my backpack. How rude!!! No more bananas for him. We were surrounded by monkeys because they call all of their friends. There were also a couple of kids who were feeding them peanuts and the monkeys were sitting on their shoulders. Apparently they are quite friendly and used to people but I wasn’t brave enough to do that.

The park is surrounded by what they call forest…I would refer to it more as jungle. The trees and vegetation was so tropical and wild looking. We went for a 2 hour hike. Maharan talked almost the whole time about his culture and family which I enjoyed very much. Dominic loved the ride in the sling and decided to have his morning nap. As we walked we saw a bunch of children with a lady breaking down branches for firewood. By the looks of them they were very poor and from the “slums”. We saw a lot of nearby shacks that bordered the park. I also saw many people (a lot of older women) coming back from the market with huge bags of vegetables, fruit and rice being carried on their backs. It was at least a couple of kilometers back to their homes. I am reminded yet again how blessed we really are!

Maharan then took me to the market which carried loads of every type of fruit and vegetable you could possibly imagine. I wish I could load my suitcase full of mangos… I love mangos! It was fun walking around the market with the locals. Everyone was very friendly. They couldn’t understand why we don’t grow bananas, pineapples and mangos???

Finally some pictures, it only took half an hour to upload...

"Momma and I went for a walk to the park, actually momma did all the walking."




"Hurry up and take your picture mommy, this rock is very uncomfortable!"




"When momma's not looking I'm jumping in!!!"

One day at a time...

I’m sorry I haven’t blogged for the past couple of days. I have been overwhelmed with different emotions of anxiety and desperation the last couple of days and just plain missing my family at home. One thing is to say you have faith in the Lord and trust Him but when you are faced with such a difficult situations not knowing what the outcome may bring it is so difficult. But who else can you turn to only Him. I’m so glad that the Lord is a God who is slow to anger b/c He should be quite frustrated with me right now.
About the immigration process…I hadn’t heard anything so I called the High Commissioner on Thursday early afternoon. She basically gave me the same run down of what still needed to happen:
-verification from the Rwandan adoption authorities
-medical
-Letter of no objection from the provincial authorities
Then she confirmed that there was no way this was going to be completed this week. No denying it, I was very disappointed. I asked why the medical wasn’t done b/c it was sent Tuesday morning. She said that their on staff physician only looks at these forms on a first come first serve basis. To top off the moment Dominic knocked the phone and disconnected the call. I tried to call back and there was no answer. My spirit was crushed. “Now what am I supposed to do Lord” I said out loud in my hotel room with tears. After my childish freak out, I calmly thought of my contact list and e-mailed one by one. First, the head of the adoption unit asking, no begging, for the letter of no objection. Secondly the Canadian consulate in Kigali pleading with them to help verify the legitimacy of the adoption. Last, I e-mailed the Ministry of Family & Gender in Rwanda to see if they could help verify the process. I don’t know how much this is going to accomplish but Praise God the province did FAX their letter of no objection. This victory gave me hope for tomorrow. There are still so many hurdles but as my husband states “one day at a time”. I also had a wonderful surprise “conference call” from some dear friends and then from the love of my life. Only God could have known how much I needed encouragement. Don’t get me wrong, this is great one on one time with Dominic and he definitely needs this but being here alone with a toddler can be a bit overwhelming after 14 days. So now I’ve accepted staying in Nairobi for now. Not much is happening today since the High Commission closes at 1pm on Fridays. Dominic and I have been sticking to the Hotel because he’s had some stomach issues. He puts everything in his mouth, especially bath water…I’m not surprised! The nurse has prescribed him a strict diet so he’s not always happy with me and lets me know it. He really loves milk and every time he sees a teapot he thinks it’s milk. When I don’t let him have it he points and starts babbling with a frustrated tone. I think he’s telling me off in Kinyarwanda!
About Kenya….the gardens here are gorgeous. Because of the climate they have the most beautiful shrubs and flowers. We went to the park and everything is so beautifully manicured and kept…however, they forgot about swings and slide at the park.
People here just LOVE Obama. You see it every day on the news and Kenyians were just having a party here during the inauguration. People are also naming their newborns Obama and Michelle.
People drive like crazy here too. One thing that is interesting…both in Rwanda and Kenya and I think most of Africa the steering wheel is on the right side of the car. But to make things more confusing…in Rwanda you still drive on the right side of the road. In Kenya you drive on the left side of the road…go figure?
Even though I’ve felt quite safe and comfortable walking around in Nairobi (always aware of your surroundings of course) the security is unbelievable. Every Hotel, Bank and most buildings are not only surrounded by walls and a big gate. There is barb wire and electric fences strung in with sharp bars sticking up. Along with that, there are armed security guards everywhere. To get in to the High Commissioners building was worse than the airport. They made the cab driver get out and open his trunk and front hood. The had detectors going around and underneath the car. Then they made me go in to this office which had metal detectors and cameras my bag had to go under. They searched my bag, took my cell phone, camera and umbrella. Then a security guard escorted me and stayed with me the whole time I was there. I only spoke to a person, one being the High Commissioner through a glass window (like at a jail). It was crazy!
Well that’s all I have for now.

Just waiting...

Today started off bittersweet. I had a call from a very dear friend by phone from Canada who is always very encouraging. Even though she prepared me for some disturbing news about an e-mail, I was still comforted by her voice and her spirit.

I heard from my MP by e-mail who has contacted the High Commissioner. I guess the High Commissioner e-mailed the Federal Minister a summary of our conversation. Along with that was an attached e-mail from our agency representative the day I left for Rwanda warning the High Commissioner of my arrival and placing me in a negative light. Bottom line, the MP said I missed an important part of the sponsorship process which makes things rushed on their end. Once Dominic was identified I should have sent my application with his information on it, to Mississauga first which is then forwarded to Nairobi to at least open a file on him. I told her that I was not aware of this. My agency sent the application to my lawyer in Rwanda. Bottom line…my MP said they will do what they can and will notify me the minute they hear anything. I am supposed to hear from the High commissioner Wed. or Thurs, if not she said I could call the extension she gave me. I pray I hear some positive news from her tomorrow.

So today was just hanging out at the Hotel waiting and praying, praying and waiting. Dominic and I also went out for a walk downtown. It was a couple of kilometers but it was a breeze compared to those hills in Kigali!!! Nairobi is much more developed than Kigali with many high rise buildings, banks and a lot of political representatives from all over the world. The cars don’t honk at everyone as they do in Kigali but the congestion is incredible. Rush hour is every hour as far as I’m concerned. Walking downtown is similar to walking downtown Toronto. We, or should I say I, still stick out but not so much b/c I’m white but more b/c of the colour of child I’m carrying. Still, people don’t walk up to me to stop and stare like they did in Kigali. They speak Swahili here but to my benefit, a majority speak English as well. “Jambo” means hello.

The temperature has been perfect since I’ve been here. Sorry…I’m not trying to rub it in, honest! It has been very hot but not humid like it gets back home and in the evening it cools down. I am amazed what people wear here, in Kenya and Rwanda. In 26-30 degree weather it is common to see most people with long sleeve dress shirts and most times suits with jacket and pants/skirt (both men and women). I also see a lot of people with either knitted vests or an actual sweater over top of there shirt. Last night Dominic and I were walking around the pool, we were wearing t-shirts and it was a very comfortable temperature (about 20 degrees). A lady walked up to me and asked if my baby was cold??? She’d never survive in Canada.

Besides that, not too much else exciting. Dominic and I are definitely getting more comfortable with each other. I can get him to laugh pretty easy now. He’s on a bit of a schedule now. A power nap (usually in my sling) in the morning and a longer one in the afternoon. Although, I do have a little bit of training to do…like the difference between a kiss and a bite…that won’t go over well in Sunday school!

What a day!!!!!

It has been a very exhausting day for us both physically and emotionally. Dominic was such a trooper considering his age and the heat. Here is a very informal explanation of my conversation with the High Commissioner that I sent my MP with a bit of editting.

I submitted my application to the High Commissions of Canada this morning with all the supporting documents they could possibly need. All documents have been notarized and stamped by the Dept. of Justice in Rwanda. I spoke to the High Commissioner, Mutheu Kuvivani…it’s a woman (the same High Commissioner that stated that Rwandan adoptions were not accepted according to the Canadian Immigration Law). I was not well received. At first she asked me why I was there and that my application should have been sent to Mississauga and then it would be forwarded to Nairobi. I questioned her a couple of times (in a gracious manner of course) asking for clarification of the process and is this not the office that the Canadian consulates send their applications, etc. Then she stated that it was ok to submit it here at this office since it was an adoption. In other words she was not correct in saying that.

She then proceeded to explain that it would take 3-6 months to look at my application. I explained to her that I already started part 1 and was accepted as a sponsor but could not submit any other documents until now because I had to be present to pick up the “To whom it may concern” letter. I further explained to her that unlike other countries, Rwanda requires one of the adoptive parents to pick up this document or else I could have had my representative complete this process and I would have waited in Canada until the VISA was approved. After much conversation and many questions, she then said it would take at least 4 weeks. I told her that I had my husband and 3 children at home and that my plane leaves next week. So I asked for a visitors VISA and we would complete the process in Canada. She said that was not possible and that I would have to take the child I was holding in my arms back to the orphanage. I was very tearful at that time (not so much b/c of fear but I couldn’t imagine doing such a thing) and said that I would never place him back in an orphanage and how could she ask me to do such a thing. I just assumed and said “you are probably a mother, could you give back your baby to the hospital and leave it there after giving birth even though you have know them for such a short time”. She then said it may take at least 2 weeks depending on the investigation required in Rwanda but no guarantees. I asked her why so much investigation was needed in Rwanda if all the documents were notarized by the Justice Department (that is a federal notarization which should be recognized internationally). She said it was still required. I also questioned why the US and other countries can process in such a short time when their laws are very similar. She just said I don’t know and we do things differently

I then asked for a medical form. The High Commissioner said that she had thousands of medical forms to be printed out, that it wasn’t that easy and that I needed to wait my turn. I pleaded with her explaining that I came so far from another country to complete this process. She agreed and made me wait another hour (total of 3 hours) with my 18 month old son. I was seen by a physician that afternoon. He was such a kind and gracious man. Couldn’t believe that they were giving me a hard time and said he would send along a letter of recommendation to process this quickly. However, I don’t know if it will have any bearing. The Canadian Designated doctor examined Dominic and vas very pleased with his overall health. The doctor then sent Dominic for an HIV blood test and assured me that the High Commissioner will have all the results along with a full report of the examination tomorrow morning. Keeping in mind that Dominic has already tested HIV and Hepatitis B&C negative in Rwanda. Poor little guy had to be poked twice. But he forgave me for holding him and quickly calmed down after I comforted him.

How it was left….the High Commissioner said she would call me Wednesday or Thursday to tell me if this was possible or not. She repeated that if it was not possible he would have to go back to the orphanage. This woman can be cold. My part is done and now I am at the mercy of the High Commissioner as I wait in Canada but she’s under God’s sovereign power. Every time I’ve opened a passage whether it be in Psalms or 1 Peter the Lord confirms that I am going to face great trials but will be victorious in the end…I’ve got the trials covered now I’m just waiting for the victorious part….hehe.

The verse I am holding on to the most is the one HE first gave me shortly after we started this adoption in Isaiah 41:10:

Fear not for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and hold you up with my right victorious hand.

(PS:I don’t have my bible right now so I might be out a word or 2….Leslie has the photographic memory not me)

Thank you all for your encouraging comments (and Lynne I love hearing from you please keep me posted), they are very uplifting.

Hello from Kenya!!!!!!!!!

Hello from Kenya! Dominic and I arrived safely this afternoon. It is 8 hours ahead. The population here is about 3 mil. It is very dry and hot even though it is supposed to be a rainy season in January. I’m certainly not complaining but the Kenyians are. There are a lot of travelers from Europe and the UK staying at this hotel. I guess Kenya is the place to go for Safari tours. Other than that, not much to say. Dominic have a busy day tomorrow and we lose an hours sleep. Hmmmm a toddler with a lack of sleep, should be interesting. We’ll keep you posted. God Bless!!!!!!

PS: This hotel is soooooooooo much nicer and it has a pool and high speed internet. Thanks for the brilliant idea, Tina, of cut & pasting from a word document b/c I do have to pay for internet here.

A visit to the orphanage ......and finally some more pictures

LOOK HOW MUCH MOMMA IS FEEDING ME

Today Dominic and I WALKED to the orphanage....bruce trail is a breeze compared to that trek. Gladly all the sisters were there and I got a tour and they allowed me to take pictures for memories. It was very emotional to see all 137 children all under the age of 5 but 1 little girl who was 5 yrs and awaiting for placement to another orphanage for older kids with little hope for a bright future.

When you walk in there is a very clean and tidy courtyard with a large sanctuary and statue of Mary and the picture of Mother Teresa beside it. She was in that orphanage serving the the 1980s. The courtyard is surrounded by gardens of flowers and vegetables. I walked down a path into a large building that houses all of the children. The first room had 40 or more cribs, all filled with infants 12 mos and under. When it gets full there is 2 extra long cribs against the wall which sleeps 3 or more infants.

The next room is the area that the children 18 mos to approx 3 yrs sit and eat. On saturdays they fortunately have lots of volunteers to feed all those children. Normally they have young teenage girls that help look after these children along with the sisters. There's about 14 on staff to cook, clean, wash and look after these children with no luxury of machines....amazing. The laundry hanging outside is overwhelming. Cloth diapers all washed by hand. The 2 rooms next to that is where Dominic was. Again filled from wall to wall with slightly larger cribs. The last 2 rooms are filled with toddler beds, when they are old enough to sleep in one. There is a little 2 room nursery school and a little playground. Outside I saw the biggest playpen I've ever seen with about 10 or more crawling and barely walking toddlers. The most amusing thing I saw and heartbreaking at the same time was a room with no less than 20 walking toddlers all sitting on potties at the same time. I found it hard potty training 1 child at a time never the less 20. AND they do this 3 times a day. I can't believe how all the children sit there and don't get off with only 1 young girl caring for them all.

Farther down the compound there was still another 2 buildings (one for men and one for women) housing older adults with handicaps (blindness,etc). Like I said, it was very emotional.

Despite all the sorrow I felt for these children, I felt a joy seeing the love of God being poured out through their care and dedication for these children. When I entered the orphanage the sisters and the young girls just hovered over Dominic calling out his name. A couple of them really wanted to hold him but surprisingly he started to cry and hold out his hands to me. Despite his crying I was so pleased that he felt secure in my arms and is starting to recognize me as his momma. Hopefully I can upload the picture... but in the final picture I took with Dominic and the sisters he was beside himself. The sisters were happy to see that as well. We also saw a family from Switzerland with 2 boys who adopted a little girl who basically grew up with Dominic which was neat to see.

Well tomorrow I go to Nairobi. Hopefully I can update you then. Kenya is 8 hours ahead. So far I ve been able to upload a few pictures but I think the server is starting to slow down again. So I will try to show more tomorrow. I apologize for the layout of the pictures....I should have gotten a quick tutorial on how to put together a blog.

A mountain that is getting more and more difficult to climb.

This morning poor little Dominic woke up beside me acting a bit confused and scared. He started crying a little and backed up against the wall and wouldn't come to me. I got him to calm down but he was still a bit reserved. By the afternoon he was constantly lifting up his arms to me and said mama (which brings me great joy) and literally tackling me on the bed. It seems like we start new every morning until he recognizes that I will be a constant in his little life. Another highlight of my day was hearing my dear husbands voice and the voice of 2 of my children. A week has passed and I miss them so much. I'm trying to stay focused on the bigger picture.

About the process....every day seems to be a mountain that gets bigger and more impossible to climb. Dale spoke to our agency person Teresa. The ministry says once again that everything seems in order but they dont like the wording of one of the documents that states "found abandoned and appears APPROXIMATELY 3 weeks old". The ministry wants the documents to be sure about the date of birth???? Can you believe that....the child was abandoned with no birth record but THEY want a birth date. But Teresa says they'll probably issue the letter Friday or Monday. To make things more complicated....in these countries, dates on documents are often incorrect so you always have to double check for consistency. Fidele (our lawyer who is now gone to Belgium) forgot to mention that the birth certificate was actually incorrect...Dominics birthdate is actually June 3rd not 7th, which is not the birthdate the provincial ministry is aware of. Our choices....do a proposal to the ministry all over again which could take over a month....change, translate and notarize all the documents here....not......or head to Nairobi and see how God works. It gets better...Teresa (our agent) is leaving for Ethiopia, so we will have no one to confirm when the "no objection letter" gets to the high commissioner. I'll be honest, I am very concerned (and I've had my freak out) but (now that I've had some time to calm down...hehe) I know it is in these circumstances that the Lord reveals His power and is glorified. Didn't Jesus appear AFTER Lazarus was dead, when all hope was gone, to raise him from the dead. So...as of now, I will be travelling to Nairobi on sunday and showing up on monday morning at the high commissioners. We will see how they receive me. After that I have to take him to a canadian designated doctor to fill out a form which I managed to call and book from here. That's all I can do for now, the rest is up to HIM.

We went into town this morning. My supposedly comfortable flip flop crocks bore a hole between my toes from all my walking so I needed to buy open toe slip ons. I also wanted to buy some cool rwandan music to take back with me. My usual taxi driver Alfred took me to a place that did NOT look like HMV. It was the size of a small walk in closet. When I DUCKED to walk in this place it was I, Dominic and 4 young Rwandan men who wanted me to sit down and listen to their selection. I initially stayed close to the exit. One of them,Alan, who spoke really good english asked if my husband was black and I explained Dominic's situation. I didn't know if Rwandan people would be accepting b/c I am taking one of their children out of their country to Canada. After that they couldn't be more gracious and helpful. Alan even got half off a pair of cool leather sandals. I offered to give him something afterwards and he said "no thanks, that's cool, you just take care of that little boy"....isn't that sweet.

Feeling even more comfortable than yesterday I toured the shops in a different part of the center. I'm even getting used to people literally stopping right in front of me (close enough to be in my personal space) and stare at Dominic and then me....no kidding. I say hi in kinyarwandan, they smile and walk away. Its quite humorous. I'm just so greatful that the city is very safe. I brought an umbrella stroller to Rwanda, I don't what I was thinking. There are NO flat roads or sidewalks that would accomodate such a thing. I'm so greatful that I brought my sling also or I wouldn't be able to go anywhere. Dominic is quite content in it, it keeps us close and he even has a power nap once in a while.

I find it amazing how Dominic responds to the Rwandan men. They'll shout out "Bité" (which means hi) and he waves at them, when the women or I say that he doesn't even respond. He certainly didn't see many men in the orphanage, must be instinctual.

Leslie (food guru), when I've think I seen every possible way to prepare tilapia, its served on skewers....very yummy.

Once again...thank you for your continued prayers. I apologize again, this computer is just not fast enough to upload photos at certain times of the day. And can't even access hotmail sometimes. Until tomorrow........

Blessings......and ANOTHER prayer request

We started off the morning with a relaxing breakfast and planned to go to the immigration office for the passport. I was really encouraged by the scripture I read in 1 Peter...

"So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God and in His good time He will honour you....After you have suffered q little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation. All power is His forever and ever. Amen."

The passport was to be ready at 11 and I arrived early planning to wait and I was back at my hotel by 11 with the passport in my hand...YEAH. I then booked my ticket to Nairobi for sunday.

One huge problem, I mentioned in earlier blogs, we need the "letter of no objection" from the provincial ministry. They have had it since Dec. 23rd and on Jan 6 they confirmed that everything appears satifactory with the documentation and they would issue the letter. I cannot show up at the High Commissioners without that letter faxed or emailed directly to the High Commissioner himself. The province was also made aware that my lawyer would be travelling end of Dec. (which he post poned until Jan12) expressing some urgency. Our agency called the ministry on Tuesday and her response was that she wasn't sure if she sent it and that she had alot on her plate. It was left like that and today Dale called our agency to find out anything and she said not to push it (working on our behalf???). It is very difficult to sit back when they've had the documents for 15 business days. I'm really trying not to be angry but when I think of someone in OUR ministry(NOT a third world) is allowing this document to sit on her desk, not remembering whether she sent it or not, while my time away from my family is being prolonged because of this. I keep reminding myself that God is sovereign and His promise above will get us through this....I guess I'm just fustrated.

On a positive note, I went to the orphanage to day...I walked. Rwandans must have incredible legs, thighs and buttocks because that was quite the workout and I couldn't imagine walking up and down hill every time you went for a walk. I obviously wasn't thinking, thursday is a day of prayer for the sisters and they don't really like visitors. It wasn't in vain b/c I had to drop a copy of our dossier to them. They said Saturday would be a good day to return, so that's the plan.

I also went downtown. I thought Brazilians were crazy drivers...I think Rwandans win that one. When I see crosswalk signs and stripes on the road I can't stop laughing b/c its just a decoration. Crosswalk in Rwandan means good luck getting across the other side without getting hit. The streets are very crowded but having lived in Brazil I felt pretty comfortable. You just have to watch for pick pockets like any big city. I fell in love with the Rwandan artisans in the local shops. I'm going to have to give all my clothes away (and Dominics) to bring back the things I really want. Boy does pier 1 really mark up their merchandise.

Interesting fact.....the prison is faces the downtown. Its quite large but what I found extraordinary was that the prisoners wear pink bubble gum coloured uniforms. Is that humbling or what? It is common to see 20 or so prisoners doing construction work in the city with no shackles or chains and 1 armed soldier and none dare to escape. I was told that they would not hesitate to shoot to kill if one tried to run.

Layed back Dominic is starting to show his true colours. He's a ham when walking around in public and is behaving like your typical BUSY BOY who likes to throw things and literally laughs when you say no and then runs away giggling. Now I'm starting to get concerned about our flight home??? Today I had to take my plate out of the dining area and eat in my room b/c he pushed a chair over and almost pulled the table cloth off the table...with other peoples plates on them. He's very quick too. Its all joy....for now. It'll be easier when I'm home with another pair of hands.....right honey???? Well, that's enough for now. Thank you again for all your prayers and encouragements through your comments, they really mean alot. When you think of it could you please pray that this letter from the ministry be sent to the high commissioner as soon as possible.

PS I'm sorry but I can' seem to upload anymore pictures right now

A little about today....a little about Rwanda.....and finally pictures

One picture is of Dominic and mommy hanging out at the coffee shop.

The other picture is of Sister Gracias, the head nun at the orphanage. Shes an amazing person.

The other picture is of Dominics first bath when I brought him to Jens.







It is amazing how much weight Rwandans can hold and balance on their heads.




This morning I went to the Canadian consulate to get a bit of direction on when I should be heading to Nairobi. Through much prayer I was asking God if I should start the file here or wait until Nairobi and hand in everything there. The lady official said their mailbag will only arrive on late thursday and my application for the visa wont even be looked at until monday morning. Also the high commissioners office doesnt see anyone on fridays. It doesnt get much clearer than that. I will see if Dominics passport is ready tomorrow morning (I pray it will be) and plan to fly to Kenya sunday, at noon. Hopefully I can visit Jen and Serges (missionary friends) church on sunday, fly out in the afternoon and be at the high commissioners monday morning first thing.

Today Ive decided to go to a guesthouse walking distance from downtown and the orphange where I would like to visit again. I can finally have my first hot shower...I think Im going to deplete the hotels hot water supply.....hehe. Boy do I take some things for granted (running water all the time not just some of the times, hot water which Im finding out is a big luxury for many if you have water at all).

I ordered supper when I arrived. They said it would be served at 8:00pm. I find people eat supper very late here and it takes along time to be served. Amongst many things, Rwanda has definitely taught me patience. Its not our time (the customer) its their time (the one who is serving) and they will serve you within a PERIOD of time and thats if youre kind and they like you. For example, my lawyer (bless his heart and this is most people) would say I will be there at 8:00 which really means call me on my cell phone at 8 and I be there 30 to 60 minutes later. Waiting 1 or 3 hours for anything is not uncommon. So I wont freak out anymore in the tim hortons drive thru if Im sitting there longer than 10 mins....right?....hehe.

The food here is awesome. Leslie, they make the best tilapia. Ive eaten Tilapia 3 out of the 4 days Ive been here, prepared differently each time. The people here are lovely and so kind. They first look at you very seriously. Especially when they see a "muzungo" which means white person carrying a black baby. As soon as you say "muraho" which means hello people smile and want to assist you in any way. I passed a little boy who placed his hand right in front of me. I was kind of freaked out and pulled away when I realized he wanted to touch Dominics hand. I was carrying Dominic in my sling. I spoke to the boy and the other children, took their picture and showed them the image which they just loved. I am amazed how alot of children can speak some english (some very well), french and kinyarwandan. Three languages and some are so young.

There is also FREE internet at this hotel but its on a computer that dates back to my high school days and my grammar is soooo bad because this is a french keyboard. Dominic is telling me to get off now. Bye for now.

I'm finally communicating!!!!

Hi everyone.....I finally have a chance to communicate with you. I've been soooo busy these last couple of days trying to finalize everything before my lawyer had to fly out to Belgium for 1 month. If I didn't come Dominic would have been in the orphanage for at least a couple more months. Now having been there I couldn't bear it. The nuns love these children & are incredibly dedicated but their resources are UNIMAGINABLE.


To start....I arrived here sat. late and went to the hotel that my lawyer recommended. He wanted to save me some money so lets just say that I was in the middle of Kigali, with no phone (everyone has cell phones so it is next to impossible to access any type of residential/business/payphone) & definitely no internet & NO HOT WATER unless boiled with a tea kettle. Fidele (my lawyer) was kind enough to take me to his church Sunday morning. There worship was a blast. I just love there music here (even though I didn't understand what they were saying). Fidele translated the whole service for me.

Monday-I have Dominic with me now....praise God. Everyone here, including the nuns couldn't believe that I had the "To whom it may concern" letter in my hands by 8:30 monday morning. THis letter gives me all authority over Dominic & allows me to take him out of the orphanage. You can wait hours or days for this letter & it was ready to be picked up. Then it was running around notarizing, making copies, etc. My sweet Dominic was in & out of a car for about 6 hours! But didn't complain once, which I was concerned about b/c he was so withdrawn & in shock. For the first 2 hours his arms hung lifeless & just stared. After about 4 hours he would consider holding a cookie but wouldn't even put it in his mouth, so I had to feed him. By the evening he was playing & even said mama. The transformation was amazing in the course of a day. This morning he still was in a bit of shock & still acts a bit withdrawn but I can make him smile occassionally which gives me n incredible thrill. I believe I've gotten this far by your prayers. (PS:Thank you Tina for your encouragement!)

I was a bit dissappointed this morning (Tuesday) b/c they promised me his passport would be ready. But I was asking the Lord for direction of when I should be travelling to Nairobi & I believe the Lord wants me to wait little longer here. Thursday morning they assured me it would be ready. Until then I have been spending every moment with my new little boy & exploring more of the culture. I've actually been staying with Jen & Serge. They have been a real help in driving me & directing me where to buy things (food, etc). And that is why I have access to the internet. Dominic has also been very compliant with sleeping through the night, etc. I haven't been able to figure out how to upload pics with my camera on this computer. Hopefully tomorrow I will have more time to problem solve.

Thank you for your continued prayers. The most challenging part is yet to come at the high Commissioners. I have been hearing some discouraging news with another Ontario couple that ended up going to the US b/c they couldn't obtain a Visa. But I know God knows our hearts & situation & He is bigger than the High Commissioner.

I miss all of you & my family at home like crazy. PS: Thank you for the mommy blog it means so much....now that everyone in the room has seen me blubbering like a baby!!!! Until the next time....hopefully tomorrow:)

We've decided........I'm going!

Spoke to Fidele (our lawyer/power of attorney) today. He reassures me that he will have everything needed (travel document & passport) to send in the immigration application by Monday. He also confirmed that he will be leaving Tues. Jan. 13th on business for a month. Our agency confirmed that the Ontario ministry has approved everything & will be sending the "no objection" letter to the Canadian High Commissioner in Nairobi, Kenya (needed to process the Visa)....praise God...another answer to prayer. Now....the decision to leave for Rwanda or sit back and wait an undetermined amount of time. This started by faith with many officials saying it wasn't possible and God sought us through that and now this will end by faith. Very scarry of the unknown but at peace knowing God is in control.

Having said all of that we have decided that I should go to Rwanda on Friday, Jan 9th. I will get Dominic and all the paperwork and go straight to the High Commissioner's Office in Nairobi, Kenya. This way no paper gets "lost" or "misplaced" via the courier system and if something is missing (ie: document) I'm right there to give it to them. Spoke to our MP & she reassures me that they will not leave me stranded. The MP also said to keep in touch by e-mail, keeping them posted every step of the way. I will keep in touch along the way. When you remember please keep me in your prayers. Prayer that Dominic will transition well with me and that God place compassion & understanding in the heart of the High Commissioner to issue us a Visa quickly.

Needing a miracle(s)

The court part was finalized on Dec 29! Dominic is officially ours. One huge problem....the Ontario ministry has not issued their "no objection letter" stating that his case falls all within the guidelines and we can proceed with the adoption....that should of happened first. All of this occurred during the holidays which created a bit of a mix up to the whole process.

Last friday (before my 2 night shifts) I found out that Fidele is leaving Jan 10th and wants me in Rwanda before he leaves to take over the process. Talk about a little kaos! We prayed & started down the list of things we needed done before I left. Firstly, I managed to get a flight reserved. Not just any flight . Most flights usually consist of 38-50 even 60 hrs which I was concerned about on the way back with a little toddler (especially since my mom backed out of going with me last week). I ended up reserving a flight with 1 stop & a total of 18.5 hrs each way! One miracle down, several to go. However, I need to confirm or pay for that flight by 3:00 pm today. In order to do that I need to know if I can obtain the immigration visa for Dominic within the 2 weeks that I am there. Which brings me to the other miracle I need by today.

I called the MP last friday to ask about helping expedite the immigration process to have this visa in time before I left or else I'm stuck in Rwanda with my husband caring for our 3 young children by himself for I don't know how long. Harold Albrecht's assistance said she would get back to me today or tomorrow. I need to confirm my flight today!

I also need Fidele to proceed to pick up the travel document to then process the passport (which takes 2 days). Most times the minister in Rwanda will only issue the travel document to the adoptive parents. Another miracle needed is that they will give it to Fidele. Without the travel document you can't process a passport and if that is not ready it will take me almost a week before I can send the immigration application to Nairobi.

Is this all going to come together??? Only the Lord can do this!!! I'm trying not to be anxious about everything but today (monday) is VERY hard not to be.

When this is all confirmed, I need to notify my employer that I'm off and I can't work FRIDAY! which they will need a replacement for.