Tim, till we meet again

Our dear friend Tim passed away peacefully this morning. As we laid his body to rest this afternoon, we rejoiced in the fact that we will meet again.

Tim was laid to rest at a place that only God could have orchestrated so perfectly - under a massive wild fig tree, overlooking one of his (as well as his son Raymond) favorite fishing spots. I have to share that Tim was a man who loved being outdoors, whether it was golfing, fishing or bird watching, you name it. He also had a wonderful teaching gift, he encouraged life as he taught golf.

To me this photo spoke of what Tim's life was about. He never hesitated to share his faith. He knew that God's light can reach each corner of our lives, it can reach deep into dark places - the grave / death is no exception.

We started this afternoon with an empty grave and hurting hearts .........

BUT

because of one specific empty grave many years ago,

we know that we can rejoice in Him - always!

"Thank you Lord for Tim and his life here on earth.

Thank you Lord that we as a family was privileged to call him a friend.

Thank you Lord for Your amazing peace and strength that has carried

and will continue carrying Tim's family during this time.

Thank you Lord for perfect sunsets in our lives, for Tim's perfect sunset today.

Tim is loved and will be missed."

Two months

I can hardly believe it has already been more than 2 months since Michael officially became part of our family. On the one hand it feels as if he had always been part of our family, on the other it feels like yesterday when the life changing words "adoption granted" was said. People remark on how "lucky" he is to have found a family - we are the "lucky" ones to be blessed by this bundle of giggles!

This little man has changed so much from this first photo sent to me by Bernard.

This photo was taken on 19 Sept, his 1 month adoption celebration.

From these two "unwilling" brothers on Michael's first night out of BH......

To this very willing loving brother, who is maybe over the top still for Michael.

This was taken on Michael's 2 month adoption anniversary.

Finger painting with the boys.

The paint looked so yummy, we had a hard time

keeping their fingers out of their mouths :)

Then Samuel discovered this.........

Which led to this .........

And this - Michael just sat there as if he was under the hand shower in the bath :)

When I look at our children I feel so incredibly blessed, we have so much to be thankful for. God has blessed us with 3 awezim daughters who love their 2 little brothers to bits. We have two little boys who have the rest of us wrapped around their little fingers - and their bonding process is like watching a miracle unfold. There is nothing like unconditional love :)

The joy of a brother

A few photos taken over the past 2 months.

We have settled in well and the boys are getting along like "real" brothers :) Some healthy sibling rivalry, yet lots of bonding.

Samuel makes it very clear when his space is invaded or he needs alone time - he has become very possessive of George. Yet, he is very protective as an older brother - he doesn't like strangers wanting to pick up Michael and at playgroup he checks up on Michael.

Michael is a very verbal little one, laughing & "talking" most of the time. He loves his food, balls, bubble baths and hugs & kisses. The two little ones can leave a bathroom, play area in fact any space looking like a war zone!

BUT we would not change this for anything.

Getting to know each other at BH - Aug 2010

Reading with Daddy at the lodge on our way back to Zimbabwe


Have some of my juice.......

Samuel did not bargain on Michael having a will of his own......
he wanted all of Samuel's juice


Michael checking out the drum..........

O yeah, it makes a noise...... even though I can't see over the top!

1 Laundry basket + 2 boys = loads of fun


Is this the best toy ever :)

Brothers ought to look cool :)

Samuel "reading" to Michael, Samuel loves his books

Well done applause on reading & listening


Michael chilling with Yvonne....... she also loves books :)


Michael's 1st Mummy & Me gym - I was one of the
4 "mummies" he had that day, yes all the girls went with :)


Did I mention Michael loves balls & can throw them accurately?

Ellen & Michael and again a ball

Doing "row, row your boat" with Marina - not quite sure if he likes it.

Samuel doing an obstacle course - he has gained so much confidence on the obstacle courses.

Samuel swinging through life with Marina.

Michael knows this face has us wrapped around his finger.

I love watching our children finding their "groove" in our new family.

I love how Michael has found his place in our family.

I love watching our children loving each other.

Thank you - such inadequate words.

Families who adopt will be quick to admit that without a support system, it would be a nightmare. On the roller coaster ride of adoption, prayers carry you through when paperwork, court dates, passports and visas are added into the mix of emotions of longing to get your child(ren) home. The fact that your "at home" family is cared for and you are upheld in prayer whilst being away from home is such a blessing.

In Ghana:

With Samuel's adoption I was away for 3 weeks - our girls stayed at home in Zimbabwe with George and Lizzie (his sister) came to stay with them. In Ghana Samuel & I stayed with 2 precious families who covered us in love and prayer daily. God even sent Chris to travel back with me - his extra weight allocation, as well as help getting around the airport both in Ghana and Johannesburg was a blessing.

With Michael's adoption I fully intended for Samuel & me to stay in a guest house for the duration of the adoption - approx 1 month :) However I did not take into account that on day 3 in Ghana I would have a "mini breakdown" :( - being separated from his family was hard for Samuel, having to share Mommy with a new baby surrounded by other BH babies only added to his level of insecurity. Then there was Michael - I have never had to learn to "love & leave" a baby at the same time. My brain knew the importance of the transition period, my heart though was a different story.

One of the generous families last year, was Samuel's foster family and without hesitation the Paul family opened their arms and home to Samuel & me. They loved on Samuel and "mothered" me - it was amazing to be part of this family. Together with other families that we still know in Ghana, they prayed for the process and Mariette was in court with me. She and her family took care of Samuel when Michael's paperwork had to take priority. They will forever be part of our family and there is no words to say thank you for what they have done for us in both adoption processes. We can't wait for our "holiday coffee dates"!

George arrived in Ghana at the end of August in order to fly home with the boys and me. I had already booked us into a lodge, but again we were blessed by the generosity of friends. This family offered their home whilst they were away on business and holiday respectively - I know its an old photo, but it was the only one I had:) It was wonderful for Samuel and Michael to be with George in a home environment. It is amazing to think that we already know this family for almost 7 years -they were already in Ghana when we arrived - what a blessing they have been to us :) - then and now!

This photo was taken when we left Ghana in February 2009 and most of the people in it are still in Ghana and were there for us now. Their love & prayers; open arms & homes; countless cups of coffee; tissues to dry tears and lots of laughter carried us through this journey.

The evening we left Ghana, God brought one more person from last year across our path. Unfortunately he was camera shy :) As I was walking in around in the departure lounge with Samuel & Michael - Samuel was in fact running with me trying to catch up - a heard a familiar voice. It was Chris, yes same as last year ! He was again on a business trip, returning home on the same flight as us - of course we felt that this was God's way of just rounding off our trip.

To our "extended families" (which includes our prayer warriors around the world) - thank you will never be enough. Your unconditional love for our family is awezim!

In South Africa:

Back home in South Africa an amazing Oupa, Ouma & my sister, Gretch took in the 3 girls and completely changed their routine to accommodate the girls.

Oupa & Ouma tackled home schooling in their stride - they did "voice" certain concerns regarding Algebra that is not what is used to be; Chemistry being Greek and Spanish not necessarily a language to learn when you are more "mature" :)

Gretch spoilt the girls with proper girly things like shopping, shopping, more shopping and then some :) Many late night talks about our changing family setup and lots of hugs.

My brother, who stays in the Strand, near Cape Town, dropped in for a visit whilst we were away as well as the weekend we returned from Ghana. Our girls love him to bits and he seldom has a quiet moment when they are around :)

Adoption involves an entire family, without each member's unconditional love and support it would be pretty daunting. We are blessed with a family who have accepted and loved our 2 new sons from day one; a family who has been there for our girls when they felt insecure during each adjustment period; an Oupa & Ouma who is a phone call away and who can dry tears even over the phone :)

We love each of you so much. Thank you will never be enough.

Sometimes we have to let go, never easy

A precious family is going through a heart wrenching process

of having to let go.

Tim, Felicity & Natani came back from South Africa a little over a month ago

and although Tim was still very frail, he felt stronger than before.

However the past few days Tim has had various setbacks and

they really need the power of prayer to carry them through this time.

Especially Natani is finding it difficult to understand that God has brought

about healing, even if it is not physical healing.

" Lord, we know that Tim is precious in Your sight.

We know that You love him.

Our prayer Lord, is that Felicity and each of Tim's children

will experience Your presence and peace in a mighty way.

We ask Lord that You strengthen them in the decisions that they

have to make regarding Tim.

Cover them in Your love.

Amen"

Saying Goodbye to Ghana...... for now

Bernard, Samuel & I arrived back in Accra on Thursday, 2 September at about 9am. We went straight to BH to finalise the last paperwork, signing Michael's release form and collecting his clinic cards, Social Welfare Reports etc. Michael was going home!

Saying goodbye to two people who were instrumental in growing our family was not easy. Both Bernard and Romana have a passion for children in need. They actively live out what God has laid on their hearts in terms of these precious jewels in our world. The need will always be greater than the help they can offer, but that doesn't stop them. Each day brings new challenges, but each day also brings surprising joys & blessings.

There are many others who work in this beautiful country to help those less fortunate. People who dedicate their lives to serving others. We have so much - so much to give; so much to learn; so much of God's never ending love to share.

God moves mountains in Accra

Whilst I was up North for the day with Michael, George (who arrived in Accra Saturday 28 August) & Samuel were in Accra waiting under a tree at the Passport Office for Michael's passport.


Sunday, 29 August, we stood up in church for prayer for travel mercies, not only for my Wednesday / Thursday trip North but also for our return to South Africa on Thursday night.
As we stood in front of the congregation, the pastor explained that we were standing in faith as we had no passport, thus no visa and also no red ribbon embossed adoption court order.


We were in the same situation with Samuel's adoption, but then I only left Accra the Saturday, 5 working days - we are talking max 4 working days here!! BUT nothing is impossible for our God!


Monday saw us again handing in our passport application early and told more than halfway through the day to "go come" the next day to "pick" a letter that needed to be signed by the Registrar confirming our adoption. Tuesday after many hours, we had the official passport receipt and the wait was on. But no success, we had to leave empty handed at about 5pm.

To me it is amazing how perfect God's timing is.

On Wednesday whilst Michael was closing one chapter in his life story, God opened the new one. George received his passport a little after 2pm, the visa & official ribbon adoption order were both in his hands by 4pm.


God's timing is always perfect - 1 September is Spring Day in South Africa, a day of celebrating new life & growth. Michael's paperwork came full circle, giving him a new life.

God moved a paper mountain in 3 days!!