Kiddo, You Made Me Proud: Part I

Every Sunday morning we get up and get ready to go to our Celebration Service. Yes, that's what we call our Sunday church service. A Celebration Service. It's not another boring service with an old crochety minister reading verbatim out of his King James version of the bible.

Nope, we have a mid-thirties rather goofy kind of guy who includes relevant video clips in his messages, pulls names out of our offering bag for a Neil Diamond concert and who, next week, when our Sunday Celebration Service is at a dairy farm, will judge a pie eating contest. (...or maybe he'll be a contestant?). So truly, this Sunday service is in every way, a Celebration. It's not all fun and games, our services get down to the heart of the matter. (Sorry to be so cliche but it's the truth.) Yesterday, we were touched by a video about the love of a father. And, as we watched this clip (I know there wasn't a dry eye in the house), I found it hard to believe that our Father in Heaven loves us more than this father loves his son.

For those of you who don't know the story of Dick & Rick Hoyt, they are a father-son team. Their relationship is anything but ordinary and together, they have accomplished the extraordinary. Born with no ability to walk, talk, or communicate (or so most Doctors thought) Rick's parents were told to simply institutionalize their son. That he would never enjoy quality of life. Dick couldn't imagine simply disregarding his son, pretending he never "happened". He knew his son was "in there". There was a beating heart, a soul, a passion for life. Somewhere in the darkness of Rick's eyes, Dick saw hope.

There was a spark. And, like an old, damp match, he kept striking and striking until the flame was lit and the fire burned strong. And now we see - together, they have conquered the unimaginable. Marathons, Triathalons, a University Degree...many of these feats not Dick's ideas but rather his son's. Can you imagine what would have happened if Dick had never given his son this chance at life? If he had simply and apathetically, (though I'm sure it would have been painful) signed his son over to an institution. How much easier would it have been to let him sit there between four white walls, watching cartoons day after day...

And On The Menu Today...

...Heart Peanut Butter Sandwiches.


Because heart sandwiches just taste better.

She's Running...I'm Using Cloth

We all have unique methods to our madness and the old cliche saying "It's Our Childrens' Future" rings louder with each smog filled day...

...well, maybe not here in rural Crofton with a booming population of 2,500, zero traffic lights and only a couple of local "essentials" stores. Yet, most of the world is emanating this "oh crap what is that smell and why does my child have asthma already?" sentiment and fear.

While Steph and Matt are running around North America to raise environmental awareness (that's the condensed version) I will do what I can here in my humble abode. After all, each little action adds up and more importantly - the example I set for my children will impact them more than my words ever will. I admit to trying, truly I do.

• I turn off lights when not in a room.
• I don't leave water running unnecessarily.
  
• I recycle...well, not as much as I should but I'm working on it.
  
• I walk and don't drive, when at all possible.
• I do not buy pre-packaged.
  
• I don't use my dryer unless it's absolutely necessary.

I have done what I believe to be a good enough job. But my Dad has always taught me that "good enough" simply isn't "good enough".

My Action for you, Steph and Matt;

My effort to teach my children;

My desire to make the earth a greener and cleaner place to live;

My need to be a better person by caring about the earth's problems;

For those reasons, I present to you my newest endeavor and serious goal. A casual attempt made in the past. Now taken to a whole new level...

Cloth Diapers

• Bought on Consignment...
• Never bleached...
  
• Never tumble dried...
  
• Never (to be) thrown into a landfill...

Hung To Dry On The Line, Thanks To A Beautiful October Day

And Don't They Make Little Bums Look So Cute

Things I Am Loving Lately

I haven't blogged in a while...a week to be exact. So, to my few faithful readers I apologize. Not having anything new to report adoption-wise, and being busier than a one-armed bandit are my reasons.

So, I thought I would post some of things I have been Loving Lately...in no particular order, here we go:

Brotherly Hugs

Walking Hand-In-Hand On A Cool Fall Afternoon

Mud Puddle Splashing...In New Boots, May-I-Add

Sipping Tea (After Blowing To Cool It Off) On A Beautiful & Crisp Fall Morning

Sweet & Simple Skirts...Made By Yours Truly For A Friend

Hope Materialised

Most people know I am not into Materialism. In fact, I think it is a horrible evil manifestion, present in the form of houses, cars, clothes, hair colours, the way we dress our children, their bottles, soothers, and even the brand of diapers we buy. If you need more proof than my words, I urge you to check out the week the US has had.

I also believe in Hope. If I didn't, well...we wouldn't be here.

My hope swelled the other day with the news of our Dossier arriving at the orphanage in Addis Ababa. So I now feel I can share with you, how I hold onto hope these days...

...a handmade quilt from a very dear friend.

...a dress I made from a pattern given to me by my mother-in-law.

...the sweetest pair of pink, frilly socks from my Mum.

When the package containing them arrived in the mail, we took it to the CQ office to open. We pulled out the socks and Noah walked around the office proudly informing everyone that these socks were for his baby seester who is coming soon.

Help End World Hunger, Personally

End World Hunger is an incredible organization, committed to ending the starvation of millions of people around our world. If you want to help in just the smallest way (and it's free to you!) I would encourage you to click on the new gadget, "Free Rice" I've added to the side of our blog. I think I donated over 3000 grains this morning. You can play for a minute or an hour and each time you respond correctly, 20 grains of rice are automatically donated.

I love philanthropy.

Our Dossier Is In Ethiopia!!!

As of Tuesday morning at 6:54am local time, our Dossier arrived in Addis Ababa! (That's Monday at 8:54pm here!!!)

Date	Time	Status	City
9/23/2008	9:01	Shipment Delivered	ADDIS ABABA, ET
		SignedBy:ELIAS
9/23/2008	7:48	With Courier	ADDIS ABABA, ET
9/23/2008	6:54	Arrived at DHL facility	ADDIS ABABA, ET
9/23/2008	6:53	Arrived at DHL Facility	ADDIS ABABA, ET
9/22/2008	11:12	Depart Facility	FRANKFURT, DE
9/21/2008	22:18	Arrived at DHL Facility	FRANKFURT, DE
9/21/2008	16:24	Depart Facility	LEIPZIG, DE
9/21/2008	13:26	Arrived at DHL Facility	LEIPZIG, DE
9/20/2008	13:30	Depart Facility	NEW YORK NY USA
9/20/2008	5:47	Arrived at DHL Facility	NEW YORK NY USA
9/20/2008	4:31	Depart Facility	WILMINGTON HUB OH USA
9/19/2008	20:43	Check In	TORONTO, CA
9/19/2008	18:54	Facility Scan	WATERLOO
9/19/2008	13:26	Picked Up by DHL	KITCHENER, CA

13 Pounds

So, Ben just located our Dossier and it is currently (as of 11:27am Sunday) in Germany!!! And, it weighs 13lbs. That is just incredible to me.

WoooHooo...maybe it'll be in Ethiopia tomorrow!?

How Do We Love The Poor?

I'm really thankful for this article about Loving The Poor, blogged by Jason our friend who works for the ABBA Fund down in the States.

Our Dossier Is On It's Way To Ethiopia!!!!!!!!

Good Morning Ashleigh and Ben!

I have some wonderful news for you. I have received your file back from Ottawa and it is ready to go to Ethiopia!!!!! We will be sending it via DHL and the tracking number is ******** if you wish to track it on the DHL website (www.dhl.ca) I would give it a couple days to show up on the website.

Over the next several months while you are awaiting a match, we will continue to send you updates and please feel free to contact me if you have any questions during the waiting period. Once a match is made we are notified right away and we receive a medical report, social history report and photos of your child. We review the information to ensure it matches against your provincial letter of approval. Then I will send your referral to your homestudy worker who will present the referral to you. And please make sure you call me or email once you receive the referral, I always love to hear from you! You will meet with your homestudy worker and sign a formal consent form. I am then able to inform Ethiopia of your acceptance and they will then open an immigration file for you and schedule a court date.

So that is a short update of what to expect in the coming months. And please feel free to contact me at any time, even if you just need to chat about the process!

Have a wonderful day,

-------------
Africa Adoption Case Worker

Imagine Adoption

your dreams of family coming true

H20...A Journey Of Faith

We started a new series in our Life Group last night called H20. These next 10 weeks will be a journey... a more in-depth glimpse into faith & the life of Jesus. Aimed at non-believers, those of us who already know the Savior will undoubtedly learn more.

Last night we talked about Thirst. And, CS Lewis (in his book Mere Christianity) simply and accurately described once again the proof that Jesus is all and everything we need. I know I don't usually get "religious" or over the top when it comes to my faith and Christianity on this blog, but if you're not a believer - because you've been turned away or because you simply don't think you have the time or "religion" is just not your thing - I would encourage you to continue with me for just a few seconds. (I plan to post about this in the weeks to follow too.)

Last night ourgroup discussed the fact that there is no need we have or are born with that cannot be filled. If we are hungry, we find food. If we are sad, we cry. When we are tired, we lay our heads down and sleep. However we all need something more.

We long for meaning in life...

• why am I here?
  
• what is my purpose on earth?
  
• what is this all for?

And the answers...

• will love fill me?
  
• will money take care of all my worries and needs?
  
• will tangible things like a bigger house, a newer car, the most in-style clothes
  

...can they possibly fill this void.

What if there is nothing in this world that will fill the emptiness? We need to seek something higher, something more spiritual, something that is "out of this world". CS Lewis concludes that his God (that's my God too) is the only One who will fill this void; this eternal meaning for our life. It is here resting in the arms of Jesus, where we will find peace and understanding that will transcend all other meaning.

I am resting easy in this.

I am comforted in knowing that finding purpose is not in vain, that disappointments will inevitably happen; that I will never have the nicest house, or perfect life (although I feel pretty close!). I have been put on this earth for a reason and everyday I seek His desire for my life...because when I thirst, He is there.

CIC...Don't Be Afraid

For some reason, filing with Canada Immigration & Customs freaks me out. Kind of that "being pulled over for speeding" in-the-pit-of-my stomach feeling. (For me, that would be right up there with the "speaking in front of a huge audience...I want to throw up", feeling. And by large audience I would mean 20 or more people...don't laugh, I'm serious.) Urg I hate that. I'm not sure why. The form while not intimidating, had that "fill me out perfectly or else" feel to it.

But, it's done. Our fees have been paid and the application is somewhere between here and Sydney, Nova Scotia. I know what you're thinking: Nova Scotia?...seriously? Why not Toronto or Ottawa? That's where all of this really official stuff seems to take place.

Anyhow, now (drum roll please...) we wait some more.

A Fabulous Find

Ben found this at a yard sale the other day and we went back just as they were closing, to scoop it up for a toonie. (It sells for just under $30 new!)





What better way to have fun with the kids, than the old fashioned way?!..and there are some cool recipes out there, too.

Warmland Kick-Off

We had a great time at our church's annual Fall Kick-Off yesterday. This is the second year (well hey, we're not even 2yrs old yet) and it proved to be even better than last year. A BBQ, bouncy castles, a dunk tank, cotton candy, great friends and this year it was beautiful and sunny!

We can't decide if Noah and Anna Kate will get married...or if it will be Tait and Anna Kate. If it's Noah, then she'll definitely be wearing the pants in the relationship. If it's Tait...well, there'll be a lot of screaming.


Straight up juice made it an extra special day!


Ben and I also both connected with a guy from our church who used our agency to adopt his beautiful little girl. What an incredible story about God's perfect timing.

Breakfast Conversation

I love the innocence of a child's thoughts.

While sitting at the table eating breakfast this morning, Tait was cutting up (as is commonplace).

Me: Tait, you are a funny little boy.

Noah: Why, Mama?

Me: Because God made him that way. Just like He made you so cute.

Noah: No, Mama. He made me little.

Show Hope: You Can Change An Orphan's World

143 million orphans in the world may seem overwhelming, but if only 7% [yep, only seven] of the 2 billion Christians would care for orphans in their distress, there would effectively be no more orphans. We can each do something.

$50 can purchase a crib

$600 sponsors an orphan's surgery

[I can't think of a better way to spend money.]

Learn more about how to Raise Hope.

By-The-Way: November is Adoption Awareness Month.

-Courtesy of SCC's Shaohannah's Hope Today (italics mine)
Vol 3. No 2

"Down By The Bay..."

...if I listen to Raffi again within the next week it will be too soon. If I never hear him sing again (which I know I will...and this is not a personal slam as I hear he is a very soft spoken, kind man, but if I never hear him sing again,) it may possibly be too soon. "Wilabee Walabee Woo" and "Brush Your Teeth" are forever ingrained in my head, along with "The More We Get Together" and "On A Hot Hot Day In July" (which Noah will randomly spurt out).

We had an awesome time down in the States last week at Birch Bay. However, the trip - from our place to the ferry, across the great Pacific, through the construction-filled lower mainland to Burnaby (to pick up a key), across the border (yay for kind border patrol officers...an aberration!) and - down to Birch Bay allowed for many hours of sing-along with Raffi. Aside from that...

We had a week of adventures...not to mention some fabulous shopping deals. I believe I may have the world's kindest, most thoughtful and caring husband (that was a rhetorical comment, by-the-way). He kept the boys occupied for more hours than I can count, between shopping malls, outlets, and department stores...oh, not to mention my couple long morning runs. (I couldn't miss the opportunity to run on flat ground!!)

The C-Shop is an old sweet shop to many and to most. To those who don't know the store, they wouldn't think it anything but an old yellow building with lots of highly priced salt water taffy, (because tourists will pay good money for their sugar,) and with a run-of-the-mill staff. To me, it's not that at all. I've not even been able to go inside 3 out of our past 4 years down at the Bay. It closes with the summer. Labour Day is it's last day of business until the following season and we usually arrive the following day. However, every year we walk the short 1/2km down the road to visit and take a look. To me it represents a childhood memory. It reminds me of my Mama and Papa, and of my Dad. And, in a world where I don't think kids are always given a chance to be kids, to laugh, ride their bikes carefree, to run and play with non-jugmental friends, this is a priceless thing.

Our week was also filled with parks...

...with beaches...



And with hours of family time. That was the best part of all.

Dossier Update

Wednesday, Sept 3, 2008

Good Afternoon Ashleigh & Ben!

I just wanted to let you know that I received your homestudy, fees and dossier documents today!

I have reviewed all the documents and I’m happy to say that everything is in order. I will be sending your file to Ottawa shortly to be legalized and authenticated. Once I receive it back (should be a week or two) then I will be able to forward it on to Ethiopia!!!! Would you be able to let me know which immigration method you are going to choose, either PRV or Citizenship. We just need to know this before I send the file to Ethiopia.

This is a very exciting time and if you have any questions, please let me know.

----------
Africa Adoption Case Worker

Imagine Adoption

your dreams of family coming true

Goin' On A Road Trip Baby

Every year we end our summer with a trip down to my aunt and uncle's trailer in Birch Bay. And, each year it proves to be more fun as the boys get older and more independent...this year is no exception. Ben came downstairs this morning a few minutes before 7am and found Noah sitting on our couch, (he NEVER comes down alone in the morning!) with all of his cars lined up. I came down a few seconds later and he looked up at us from the couch:

"Is it time for our Road Trip Baby now, Guys?" he asked.

TOO STINKIN' CUTE.

See ya'll soon.

Youth Camp 2008

And We Made It...




Every summer we end with our Youth Camp. Notorious for mega free time, wonderful food, lots of skin, and a banquet that is quite the to-do. This year was no exception...and the boys are ending the summer on a great note!

Approved Approved We're Fabulously Approved!

Yessssss...the biggest of a few big milestones we were excited to attain is here. I didn't think I would ever be so excited by the knowledge that the Ministry Of Children and Families deems US fit parents. (Actually, until many months ago I never thought of even seeking their approval at all.)
Our Dossier is now on it's way to Imagine Adoption in Ontario and from it's brief visit there, it will then hop over to beautiful Ethiopia and stick around there for awhile to be translated, and then over to the Orphanage.

In comparison to pregnancy, I feel as though we have just heard our baby's heart beat for the first time. I can't imagine seeing her face.

A Former Canuck Reaches Out Globally

We are using the same facilitator (similar to an agency) as former NHL player, Ron Stern and his family used to complete their adoption almost 1 year ago.

Because Treats Should Be Rare

I love this post written in the blog of a friend of a friend ... !

"...How much stuff do we have to own? When (insert your child's name) gets his/her free Webkinz, then I will have to get one for (insert your other child's name), right? And they have to have friends for their Webkinz. And they will have to spend hours on the computer….the floodgate opens. Am I a bad mother because I don’t let them have Webkinz? I know I’m not. But I am frustrated that the world makes me feel like I am. I feel as though I am constantly on guard about teaching my children what I believe. I believe in exercising imagination, creating an environment which stimulates curiosity and building a home where we talk and be together doing some old fashioned fun–read books, play games, art and building a fort...

On a typical day of running errands, we have to say ‘no’ about 5 times to someone wanting give my kids candies. I know they mean well and my kids are cute. I hate being the bad guy always saying ‘no’. I want to be the one to give treats to my kids. And when they get treats, I want them to be excited because treats are supposed be rare...

It would be easy if I just did things to keep peace and let my kids have everything they want or everyone else have. I believe in being the change. Living wholeheartedly what I believe and hopefully inspiring others to do the same. But if I am not teaching my next generation what is important, what good does that do?..."

Signage Papers Complete

Ben and I completed the Signage Papers last night so we are very excited!! This means no more interviews...we have been analyzed and written about. It is always interesting to hear about yourself from a third party perspective. We don't look all that scary after all. Ha ha.

This picture basically depicts how excited I am to be done.

I have been seeing this quote quite a it lately so thought I would share. It's not a new one but simply impactful:

BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD.

Proximity Equals Responsibility

This article written by friend Jason Kovacs for his ABBA Fund Blog is compelling.

Going Gold With True Talent

In all the Olympic hype, I find that one gold blends into one silver blends into one bronze...well, maybe not the 8 golds with which Phelps cleaned up...but you get the point.

What stands out in my mind though is the Girl from Ethiopia who won the First Gold Metal in all of Africa...and she took it before Canada took our first Gold. Interesting that a country which is ranked among the poorest not only with most of the world but even within it's own continent, would be the first to take home Gold. There are no million dollar tracks in Ethiopia, not many elite treadmills, and I am quite sure that Tirunesh Dibaba (the 23 year old metalist) did not wear any $300 runners while in the early stages of her training. (By the way, this training took place at any time she could, before or after school and chores. She had barefeet and the dirt roads were her track.) Her drive and determination not to be stuck in a life of poverty and destitution, were her coaches and trainers early on. Her raw talent has been refined, strengthened, and she has pushed herself in ways that many trainers push their athletes in training.

In some consumer-world way, it's sweet to know that for some athletes it is the raw talent and genetic composition...not the Nike, Saucony, Aquafina, Coke, and numberous other lucrative companys' financial endorsements or elite trainers...that really do win out. I'm not trying to minimize the need for hard training, for hours of sweat, sprints, and sports drinks. I am however, trying to capitalize on the fact that if we go back, if we go way back through ancestries and through generations of multiple familial couplings, we will see that for some of these olympians, the pre-determined make-up is how the raw talent and the specific strengths came to be.

Last night while listening to Donovan Bailey critique some runners and reflect upon his own experiences, I couldn't help but wonder; While he is a Canadian Citizen, he was born Jamaican. He obtained his citizenship after moving to Canada at the age of 11 years old. Does a person, when they fight, earn, and win gold in something as world reknown as the Olympics...does he feel Canadian pride? Does he feel Jamaican pride? Or, does he feel that he has won a metal for both of his countries? How has his heritage and his upbringing affected his feelings about cultural pride?

I'd love to know.

Do Not Be Shackled By Indifference

Summer Family Time

Something every child should remember with happiness is family times, trips, and adventures (or "Road Trips, Baby!" as Noah would call them). While the summer is a busy time around here, we still love to head out for short adventures on Ben's weekly day off.

Here are a few shots of only a few of this summer's adventures...to the Lake and Blueberry picking. I also took the boys to our local Forestry Discovery Centre and we rode the train (among other things) but Murphy's Law came into play and my battery died as we arrived. Guess we'll just have to go back again!

Ben and I also got away for a night to the Tigh-Na-Mara while my parents were visiting. We had a great, relaxing time...headed up to Coombs (my first!) and to Cathedral Grove for some impressively tall tree gazing.

One Step At A Time - Thank Yous!

There have been many many many friends who have supported us in our journey so far. There have also been many people whom we have either gotten to know or still do not really know who have helped. It's pretty incredible to hear of different stories about those who are reaching out to help us, those who are teaching their kids about lessons in selfless giving to help us, all for a little girl we don't even know - who lives half a world away.

Hopefully we'll see a copy of our Homestudy Report within the next week or so, we'll read through to ensure it is an accurate depiction of "us" and then we'll wait for official approval. I can't wait to say "we're waiting". Though I know it will be hard to have no ability to speed things up or control any situations, it will also be a bit of a relief to know we've done all that we tangibly can, up to that point.

So, as we wait at this point I feel it is important to make mention of the many who have touched us with their support. Whether prayerfully, financially, time, bake sale giving, yard sale giving (or buying) we are very very thankful to so many...young and old, it's unreal how many people have offered continual support.

Nana & Pops, Papa & Grandma, Frank & Tracy, Sue, Scott & Tammy, Linda, Chris and Dolores, Mark & Lola, Bruce & Cristina, Janet, Scott & Julie, Dan & Roxanne, James & Lydia, Art & Connie, Toban & Bryony, Tara, Chris & Kirsten, Anna, Russ & Michelle, Pauline & Gary, Ernie & Carol, Toni, Phil, Wolff Family, Dice Family, Dunford Family, Dales Family, Bertram Family, Kuntsi Family, and to the guy who bought $3 worth of baked goods from the Suprise Bake Sale but paid $30.

Thank you...words really can't express how touched we are by your kindness & generosity.