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.