tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75016356136084251932024-03-13T17:45:45.737-07:00Britton's Adoption JourneyOur adoption journey from Ethiopia to Colorado to Uganda and back.Jody Brittonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601227149766819463noreply@blogger.comBlogger147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501635613608425193.post-63204295870949293152013-12-16T12:42:00.001-08:002013-12-16T12:47:16.622-08:00Add to the beautyIt's been a long time since I've had adoption fever. It's been an even longer time since I've had baby fever.<br />
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Today I had the privilege to visit with a friend who just came home a week ago with her newest BABY boy. This child was a doll. I held him, tickled him, played peek-a-boo, and snuggled for a glorious couple of hours. Oh, and I can't forget the part where I got to sing Jesus Loves me while rocking this sweet boy to sleep. Precious.<br />
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It was so amazing to sit and listen to the story of my friend. The grueling process of adoption never ceases to amaze me. It just shouldn't be THAT hard. But I love hearing how God shows up every.single.time to perform the miraculous. Her story was, in my opinion, as Norman Rockwell as it can get in the world of adoptions. The process was long, fraught with pain and hardship and trial, and ended with this chubby faced baby boy that you kinda just want to eat. (Who invented that phrase? It's kinda weird to think about eating a child because they are cute.....or at all....) Her story was .... in a nutshell....beautiful.<br />
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She proceeded to show me a couple of pictures of this darling girl who lived in the same home as her now son. Did I mention this baby girl is only 4 months old?? Um....HELLO!!! Call the social worker!!! As I left, the feelings of longing that I had for that baby girl, and even the feelings that were evoked in cuddling with HER baby (don't worry K, I'm not gonna steal your kid) left me a bit of a hot mess.<br />
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Two years into our "new normal", and our canvas feels anything but beautiful. Certainly not one that good ol' Norman would approve of. It's hard, messy, painful, and at times maybe feels a bit scarring even (for everyone), with threads of joy woven in between. Aaron and I were just talking last night about the differences in adopting babies vs. older children. And actually, the reality that some parents deal with even with bio kids. Parenting is just hard, no matter what cards you are dealt. But I can't help but find myself longing for it to not be THIS hard. Maybe it's because we never cuddled as a baby, maybe it's because she shouldn't have to get used to a new mom, maybe it's because we just haven't figured each other out yet, maybe it's because I'm not who she needs, or maybe it's just because this is OUR story.....but whatever the reason, I found myself longing to love and mother this little 4 month old girl across the sea more than I've longed to love and mother my own child most days lately. What a not beautiful feeling.<br />
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In this moment, God - as usual - met me where I was at. He brought home to my heart the end of me and Aaron's conversation last night - the remembrance that parenting isn't about our children loving us, or even liking us. Love isn't about a feeling of cuddles and roses - it's an action, one that requires choosing time and time again. Instead of longing for my friends beautiful story (which I somehow envisioned as mine were I to run off and adopt that squishy faced doll), God reminded me that even in the hard - our story is still beautiful. The pretty pictures that we paint in our mind of what family should look like is NOT where the beauty lies. It's in the story that God has for us and faithfully living that out. Every beautiful, hard step along the way.<br />
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Our adoption stories once felt beautiful to me. Life got in the way. Which means sin got in the way. So as a parent (adoptive or not), I'm reminded of my need to repent for my needy, emotional based parenting and limp my way back to the feet of Jesus where he sustains me in real life.<br />
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All our stories are beautiful. It's what we do with them that turns them ugly. Time to add to the beauty again.....<br />
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<br />Jody Brittonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601227149766819463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501635613608425193.post-42227226542464394762012-06-11T21:08:00.002-07:002012-06-12T13:20:58.708-07:00Truth.I haven't been around these parts for a while. Every time I try, nothing seems to come out right, so I stop. I will try again tonight.<br />
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Older child adoption is harder than I thought it would be. Which is funny, because going into this last adoption, I had read all the books, talked with other adoptive families, read all the blogs, etc.... and I KNEW it was going to be hard. I prepared for the worst, in fact. But living it? Huh. Living it is an entirely different thing. </div>
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Kira is not the worst case scenario. In fact, she is far from it. She is amazing. She is adventurous, sweet-spirited, loving, generous, full of life, and she seems like she truly WANTS to be here. That is big, people, BIG. So why the hard then?</div>
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Adopting an infant, you are given a piece of paper (if you are lucky) detailing the facts known about your new child. Usually the report will include nothing more than date found, living family, POSSIBLY cause of death of parents (again, if you are lucky), and maybe the child's weight. (We didn't even have that!) You go into infant adoption anticipating "gotcha day" as this romantic encounter in which a cute child that looks vastly different than you is placed unknowingly into your arms and hopefully won't cry out of shear terror. You? You will be a sobbing mess as you welcome this precious little one into your life. You've dreamed of this moment. You've longed to feel that baby's hand around your finger, to look into their eyes as you feed them their bottle, to wipe their tears, to be their "savior" when they cry in the middle of the night. After all, they never had that. They deserve that. You will be that. And they will love you for it.....or at least you hope. </div>
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Now we come to adopting the older child. You are given the same piece of paper documenting their history. Knowing their age, the information never seems to be enough. You long for the holes to be filled. You know there is more to the story and wonder who is holding out on you. You still feel the same feelings of this child being "yours", and you can't wait to welcome them into your arms. But when the day actually arrives and you see them face to face, you realize the playing field is vastly different. This child is not an unknowing infant. No. You see this child coming toward you, this child with fear in his/her eyes. They've been told what is happening. They know their world is about to be turned upside down and inside out. They want to be excited because surely you will be better than what they have now, but they are scared to death all at the same time. You see their fear and realize in that moment how terrified you yourself are...and that they too see your fear. Your heart stops in this moment of complete awe and wonder over this beautiful child mixed with complete fear of the unknown. (This mixed feeling won't go away for a really long time.) Will I ever be enough for this child? They might not love me.</div>
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Fast forward to the homecoming and the months afterwards. The older child now has to learn an entirely different life. A new language, a new family, everyone looks different, the food is different, their friends are different, the sounds and smells are different....but mostly??? Mostly Mama (and sometimes Daddy) are different. And that is hard. See, because the older child has memories. Their story isn't just what the agency gave you on paper. Their story has been the years of their life leading up to you. Years of unknown. Years of joy and sorrow that had nothing to do with you. And that will, at times. feel very strange. Their story is locked up in their mind and soul. And it is up to them to trust you with their wonderful, amazing and hard story as they see fit. </div>
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As the adult, you may have the tendency to see the way this little one responds, and you will psycho-analyze their every move. You will wonder if they are responding out of fear, grief, confusion, anger, manipulation, or purely the desire to appease you. You will do this every moment of every day until you exhaust yourself. It will only take about a month to exhaust yourself before you yourself go into "dis-regulated" mode. (Disclaimer, not every adult will do this...but moms??? Beware. You most likely will. It's what we do. We take it all on and think it is our fault, and gosh-darn-it, we WILL NOT screw up our kids, so we MUST get to the bottom of it.) It doesn't take long before your insane tendencies (remember folks, the definition of insane is, "doing the same things over and over again expecting different results"...AKA: parents. ha!) will drive your child into an an equally dis-regulated state of being and you will begin this odd dance with your child. </div>
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Your child will long to trust you because it is what children do. You will long to have your child love you, because it is what parents do. But both of you know their is no guarantee. And both of you have your guard up most of the time. You are trying to teach new rules, and the child will be trying to decide if it is worth it to follow them. You will be trying to figure out how to love the child in the way they need it, and the child will be trying to decide if they will receive it. You will be asking for every detail of the story you can squeeze out of your new son/daughter, and the child will be trying to decide if they trust you enough with it....if it's worth trusting you. And most of the time - none of this will be pretty. You will take things personal, and your child will long for what was before they were "orphaned". Wouldn't you?</div>
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Pretty picture, huh? I know, maybe this all falls under the "worst-case-scenario" picture. But even in all the good that is, there is a level of truth to all that I just said - and that is hard. <b>As parents, we aren't wired to undo harm. We're wired to protect from harm. As children, they aren't designed to fear the world around them, especially their story. They are wired to love and trust and belong. And when the wires are crossed, or even worse - broken...well, it's just hard. </b></div>
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So here we are. Almost 9 months since we left for Uganda to meet Kira. Wow. 9 months? I keep telling people 6. Anyway... I won't lie. We've had our ups and downs. People will ask me if I've "bonded" with Kira. I tell them yes...but with the disclaimer that either I haven't bonded with any of my kids or I don't understand what bonding means...because my bonding isn't in a feeling. My "bonding" is in the choice I made when she became my daughter...before she became my daughter, really. I CHOSE to love her then, and every single day - in the hard days and in the good days - I CHOOSE to love her still. I also am often asked if she has bonded with us. To which I say yes, but with the disclaimer that she too must CHOOSE as much as any 7 year old can figure out how to choose to love us. Some days I do better than others, and some days so does she. As the adoptive parent, it is up to me to put my fears aside, to deal with my shortcomings (which are many), to put aside what is "natural" to me in parenting in order to take a hold of what she needs. I'm not good at that. She's trusting us more and more with her story. And her story is hard. I feel ill-equipped to love her the way she needs to be loved with the hope of ever covering the pain she has had to endure. But maybe that is the thing - maybe I'm not supposed to love her enough to cover the pain. Maybe I'm just supposed to love her in her pain...no matter how she loves me in return, no matter what I do for her, no matter how deep her hurt goes, no matter how much I want her to love me, maybe I'm just supposed to love her. Yup, that's probably it. Because as I recall, that's a small glimpse of how Jesus loves me. </div>
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I wouldn't change this story for the world. Well...unless changing the story meant that Kira could be with her Mama still. Then I'd change it - because that was always plan "A". But as for plan "B"? I wouldn't change it. I'm so thankful she is here. I think that anyone considering adoption should consider older child adoption. It will be hard. It will mess up your world. There will be no normal anymore. You may or may not get anything in return. But this child who is wired to be a child and wired to feel the love of family and the security that comes through love - the children are worth it all. </div>
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<br /></div>Jody Brittonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601227149766819463noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501635613608425193.post-7495613410830607582012-01-09T20:06:00.000-08:002012-01-09T20:06:08.909-08:00A little then and nowPosting about Kira's first day of school here in America, it dawned on me that I don't think I ever talked much about the school that she was in.<br />
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800 kids in once school. 80 kids per classroom. Uniforms. Kids walk 1 1/2-2 miles to get to the school. (Uphill both ways.... kidding....sort of.)<br />
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Now that you saw the "now" with the <a href="http://brittonadoptionjourney.blogspot.com/2012/01/first-day-of-school.html">last post</a>, here's the "then".<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kira's classroom</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">random signs all over the walls. <a href="http://brittonadoptionjourney.blogspot.com/2011/10/signs-signs-everywhere-signs.html">africa and their signs. :)</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this was the attendance board for the entire school</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kira saying good-bye to her teacher.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIWJ_CTHAGrvJKLz5YvYn_xI9Lk-bWNU6yJKKfzJ-xJEcxegjeYtShn0TpM0cHuv0uBopBpVqfdXLBwsrvKLuSxuFSXMkQKlslV2KQFalo576b9exiQr5Z9KmrM5VoP8T0WUYAfi0GyM/s1600/IMG_3922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIWJ_CTHAGrvJKLz5YvYn_xI9Lk-bWNU6yJKKfzJ-xJEcxegjeYtShn0TpM0cHuv0uBopBpVqfdXLBwsrvKLuSxuFSXMkQKlslV2KQFalo576b9exiQr5Z9KmrM5VoP8T0WUYAfi0GyM/s320/IMG_3922.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">classmates</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNF4zB8z9JuFLJ6N-76kXVf9tAMdOm8icdM6ZBydMToEbUpSpViS0rgn72wVwbehVcCnltzwLPFx9X70r9-h6V6eiI-sI3EHzFh_F5qPk6gCUrRhd8Wb4TMlGmP5KjwyTbXDJdAgwYqK8/s1600/IMG_3928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNF4zB8z9JuFLJ6N-76kXVf9tAMdOm8icdM6ZBydMToEbUpSpViS0rgn72wVwbehVcCnltzwLPFx9X70r9-h6V6eiI-sI3EHzFh_F5qPk6gCUrRhd8Wb4TMlGmP5KjwyTbXDJdAgwYqK8/s320/IMG_3928.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">just taking it easy on the school grounds during lunch break.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jody Brittonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601227149766819463noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501635613608425193.post-33265321781986990662012-01-09T19:51:00.000-08:002012-01-09T19:51:44.060-08:00First day of School!Kira had attended school in Uganda, and had just started Primary 2 when we got there. (Primary 2 is about the equivalent of American first grade.) We were unsure what grade we would enroll her in here at home. We finally decided that because of the language barrier alone, and all that first graders know here (and especially because most first graders would be fairly solid readers half way through the year), we decided to place her in Kindergarten. We wanted her to be home for a while before sending her off to school, and we are thankful for that choice. It really helped her and us all connect with one another, and also prepare her a bit through language, security, and schedule before sending her off during the days.<br />
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The big day finally came! Kira was beyond excited. She tells us she enjoyed school in Uganda, and was very excited to go here. Her response was cute when we told her she would be in Kindergarten. She piped up and said, "I in P2"! She didn't hold too tightly to her previous grade level, she was just excited to go. She is in afternoon kindergarten, and on her first day, all morning long kept asking if it was time to leave yet. We finally headed out the door and she could not stop grinning from ear to ear. She was skipping and singing and shooting me the happiest little glances I've ever seen her give. I stayed with her for about 15 minutes, and it was obvious that she was going to be more than okay, and that I was free to leave. There was one little girl who was so very welcoming to her, which I'm very thankful for. At the end of the day, she came running up to me with the same grin on her face. She had had a wonderful first day! YAY! And every day since, about 30 minutes after breakfast, she begins asking if it is lunch time ... she knows that school comes right after lunch. :)<br />
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I'm so thankful for yet another smooth transition for her here in this strange land. I'm thankful that she felt secure to leave our little nest and know we were returning for her. I'm thankful that she truly has a love of learning, and that adventurous spirit of hers.<br />
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Oh...and she's smart! We had received a list of 40 sight words that the kids had learned so far. We had Christmas break to begin studying them. (Remember, Kira is still learning all of our strange English words (like their, they're and there). She has not really begun to read yet. Some sounds here, especially vowel sounds, are very different to her.) They tested her on the sight words on her very first day. The teacher was impressed and proud to report to me that Kira got an 85% ! <br />
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Anyway....enough story telling. The pictures, as always, tell a better story than I could!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rx_To69_YPWRNqoS2bxpBTSDkyO2a9ydENXEB8NZKOtfV1EKhusk-Olfi7CUR8vK6Cf24WIkh5_RfH4tb_fKytaAewM8_HqxZ0yKGp-rsO8XTXQNbtbQ9-O94oLiDLy7lZ6G0qlflQk/s1600/IMG_4515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rx_To69_YPWRNqoS2bxpBTSDkyO2a9ydENXEB8NZKOtfV1EKhusk-Olfi7CUR8vK6Cf24WIkh5_RfH4tb_fKytaAewM8_HqxZ0yKGp-rsO8XTXQNbtbQ9-O94oLiDLy7lZ6G0qlflQk/s320/IMG_4515.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">so we begin the 15 minute walk to school. compared to the mile and a half she used to have to go to get to school, i think she didn't mind. :) </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJ2C9i04RG8mB_IeswmUqnbcIxuTArC5MufG5rwbWaqb9n9RwaZkSvTPwYec_WWIJL5g6iHuDv7gkFdlcGQ_LLCAmosuoI4UldSZrWcvvOguUjoT49wp1zvlp4bdai4BLr9TqCnLmTek/s1600/IMG_4519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJ2C9i04RG8mB_IeswmUqnbcIxuTArC5MufG5rwbWaqb9n9RwaZkSvTPwYec_WWIJL5g6iHuDv7gkFdlcGQ_LLCAmosuoI4UldSZrWcvvOguUjoT49wp1zvlp4bdai4BLr9TqCnLmTek/s320/IMG_4519.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we got there early, so kira had plenty of time to try out the playground equipment.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvqof8rTGwDoVYZL5mEY_b_vnM4-vJCkOmamnxZ1nzevwI9SFOce0mg0AhuVsj9viVxM4rYQRFOQi7IK4p4iZzZAMHeytpbL7DTwCUNLtJfucKXgDjJvPmgkD3356tYvXdAN8SAXBbYQ/s1600/IMG_4522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvqof8rTGwDoVYZL5mEY_b_vnM4-vJCkOmamnxZ1nzevwI9SFOce0mg0AhuVsj9viVxM4rYQRFOQi7IK4p4iZzZAMHeytpbL7DTwCUNLtJfucKXgDjJvPmgkD3356tYvXdAN8SAXBbYQ/s320/IMG_4522.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sitting on the alphabet rug first thing. kira took her spot and joined right in on the topic of the day - Your favorite Christmas present! (She told the class about the new puzzle she got.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlST_jaFm6kRrA460UQRsnt5SF9juXLCJC-h7p9W-ORij5-LM-0fWdvaWWHNjD_zz71PsS-hAycehrvjzacp50fpedUVUuwUFC6j2KzKzwRvpijAGUaldQ241RZ1DbYX7qoDNmja51h0/s1600/IMG_4523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlST_jaFm6kRrA460UQRsnt5SF9juXLCJC-h7p9W-ORij5-LM-0fWdvaWWHNjD_zz71PsS-hAycehrvjzacp50fpedUVUuwUFC6j2KzKzwRvpijAGUaldQ241RZ1DbYX7qoDNmja51h0/s320/IMG_4523.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"really mom, you don't have to stay." :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3XQfEZFo2VLPLGQUqTciDYO1q3yh_u-naYPWeE60RnVaPzHoj-vnD-lFvh8YTtp9p8TAQ3Cu9jGdFtWdeYRQf4uo8nKmxBIYYh7_dOhdWyuNJOogn59SrafS3r8lzWOx7to2aEvfCQQ/s1600/IMG_4525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3XQfEZFo2VLPLGQUqTciDYO1q3yh_u-naYPWeE60RnVaPzHoj-vnD-lFvh8YTtp9p8TAQ3Cu9jGdFtWdeYRQf4uo8nKmxBIYYh7_dOhdWyuNJOogn59SrafS3r8lzWOx7to2aEvfCQQ/s320/IMG_4525.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the kids move from rug time to "movement". super cute. kira joined right in with the crazy dancing and motions!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRP5UblbzrCbOtzYHnLvNZyAS1svMAyFM0yZe4a_9xUa2bkEBpfu3ajmfmmrbx9d3FWUgtqwCxRYqtEaZIJWnjPiSSEtGLJwCYMVeJNbILYPWG0UNGbHwLop7rYICp0_lHuiyjHd7i3Q/s1600/IMG_4526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRP5UblbzrCbOtzYHnLvNZyAS1svMAyFM0yZe4a_9xUa2bkEBpfu3ajmfmmrbx9d3FWUgtqwCxRYqtEaZIJWnjPiSSEtGLJwCYMVeJNbILYPWG0UNGbHwLop7rYICp0_lHuiyjHd7i3Q/s320/IMG_4526.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">after school she spotted Eden waiting for us. she ran to her sister with such joy. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQeyD3Egw1ilmLEW_IBU7HkfDI4DiGnAjNtBN4omQU2dgvlsqZvvpprkp_s2E5SKxa6tJXEjkcj4mYqE1ytiO0CATdAYPC-ak1yjdqjYxEKnb6iRRJy7diyfK8bBoJGnO7PfoWa93SNw/s1600/IMG_4527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQeyD3Egw1ilmLEW_IBU7HkfDI4DiGnAjNtBN4omQU2dgvlsqZvvpprkp_s2E5SKxa6tJXEjkcj4mYqE1ytiO0CATdAYPC-ak1yjdqjYxEKnb6iRRJy7diyfK8bBoJGnO7PfoWa93SNw/s320/IMG_4527.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">walking home with the girls. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jody Brittonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601227149766819463noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501635613608425193.post-34592428624040222752011-12-28T11:53:00.000-08:002011-12-28T11:53:49.202-08:00Kirabo Dorcas Linda BRITTON !!!Today was our final step in the adoption process....our court date in the US to finalize the adoption of Kira. This was amazing on two fronts. One - the court squeezed us in today....3 days before the end of the year. And two - the Court made an exception for our family to be seen before the 6 month mark that is normally required in the state of Colorado. (You adoption folks understand WHY this is amazing!)<br />
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It was such a great time. The Judge started by telling us the proceedings were very casual and informal. The kids got to sit in the Jury chairs the entire time. The Judge asked Kira and all the kids questions about if they are nice to each other (of which I am now using to remind them that they swore before a Judge to be nice, so they better not break the law!). Aaron and I were then asked a handful of questions about if we are able to provide for Kira. One of the questions was if we had the financial, emotional and mental ability to care for Kira ..."and the energy". To which I replied, "most days". :) My favorite question though was when he asked if we realize that if he is to grant a favorable ruling - Kira will be our child AS IF BORN UNTO US ... "even when she's a teenager". YES! YES! and even then... YES! <br />
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Upon giving our resounding yes - he stated that it was then his pleasure to grant our petition of adoption. Kira is now a US Citizen and legally a Britton !<br />
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When we were done, he asked the kids to take their seat at his bench. :) He began to interact on a personal level with us as well, telling us he has 3 Internationally adopted children, and 2 bio. We thanked him for allowing us to be seen today, to which he responded that it was his pleasure. And I kid you not - tears were in the kind Judge's eyes, and a few streaming down his cheek.<br />
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We know that none of this was coincidence. From the moment we asked for the Courts to make an exception to see us before the end of the year until we had the decree in our possession - we know the hand of God orchestrated this all. Even our Agency Director stated she had never seen them wave the 6 month rule, and told us we must have "special favor". I don't know about any special favor - but God certainly answered our prayers over the last year regarding the entire adoption process.... Some the way we asked, others the way He willed (of which we also asked). To God be all the glory!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture includes our amazing social worker and agency director. If you live in CO and need a good agency, CAC is the best! </td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ihdPQN_L7mA/TvtwfJIv2iI/AAAAAAAAWDA/bDGukQix75E/s1600/IMG_4509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ihdPQN_L7mA/TvtwfJIv2iI/AAAAAAAAWDA/bDGukQix75E/s320/IMG_4509.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-odmw6j2kwxo/TvtzRC-9_HI/AAAAAAAAWDM/rLAjYijrqcY/s1600/IMG_4510.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-odmw6j2kwxo/TvtzRC-9_HI/AAAAAAAAWDM/rLAjYijrqcY/s320/IMG_4510.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Jody Brittonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601227149766819463noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501635613608425193.post-71017249917972995082011-11-02T16:27:00.000-07:002011-11-02T16:27:51.314-07:00Fall DayzAfter Malachi's haircut at Precision Kutz and Sytlz, I decided to always spell with a "z" instead of an "s". It just seems right.<br />
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Welcome to Colorado, Kira! Cold, lots of blood work (I won't make you endure the picture again for those of you who saw it on Facebook, but basically imagine 15 viles of blood - yes, that was it), scary costumes and strange decorations, snow ..... oh wait .... a break in the snow! Quick! This is what we call "fall". <br />
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We weren't sure how to explain trick-or-treating to Kira, but hey, what kid doesn't enjoy playing dress up and walking around getting free candy. It was quite the delightful evening after all! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXfmsVEzlN8JjPPL0Yj7ygn86OUsT50hMpfjd4mkc288V0zjK65_lv9JyrKCMS-0bt-Fh7nLnURow32nwB4V6bABLniHGT6ljRIc3AY-gm8aEyp1sTM5EmiONS6NwsKumWbj_vgiwsHw/s1600/2011-10-28_12-05-54_717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXfmsVEzlN8JjPPL0Yj7ygn86OUsT50hMpfjd4mkc288V0zjK65_lv9JyrKCMS-0bt-Fh7nLnURow32nwB4V6bABLniHGT6ljRIc3AY-gm8aEyp1sTM5EmiONS6NwsKumWbj_vgiwsHw/s320/2011-10-28_12-05-54_717.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Barber kept singing Lionel Richie songs. Nice.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm16LWqUQFaliaigsxP7E_kc4vMA2sKiBMsJ7RwHGTUbRO9bfPKEJ27ONqqT_acwNev7ei_n2_SKnzhg14loPGJYz3a-P4tYD0ihBieajB_Qxatrwvpn4hbtgVk5Q1huqzPLVzy1DH5K0/s1600/2011-10-31+17.19.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm16LWqUQFaliaigsxP7E_kc4vMA2sKiBMsJ7RwHGTUbRO9bfPKEJ27ONqqT_acwNev7ei_n2_SKnzhg14loPGJYz3a-P4tYD0ihBieajB_Qxatrwvpn4hbtgVk5Q1huqzPLVzy1DH5K0/s320/2011-10-31+17.19.45.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner at Chili's before trick-or-treating. (The treat was for the parents - kids ate free!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3wTBuKYpUiYjYnZ8lhtsvFhUS7lHbc1MPhLwL2Wzdg8Tffvvhrbf0g02zXaypIfKDrcH8X7bEmKaTB7svprLufrLLjEakP1tilJxz_vQh1PAU6vtE3aquSRQDU9XxaU8xsUm1Bwco2I/s1600/IMG_4219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3wTBuKYpUiYjYnZ8lhtsvFhUS7lHbc1MPhLwL2Wzdg8Tffvvhrbf0g02zXaypIfKDrcH8X7bEmKaTB7svprLufrLLjEakP1tilJxz_vQh1PAU6vtE3aquSRQDU9XxaU8xsUm1Bwco2I/s320/IMG_4219.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All dressed up, so pretty in pink. Is she a fairy? A ballerina? A butterfly? (She has wings on the back)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBc68oVkOI8RH5UoUr4CU1YsUslRrwmH8OXTS7EhcFS4XxjMVNhxK_46nKXmOr3avzhW6Je9de4qlY-SrQrleAgf_zPnggO2RjdILf4HQn0h2iqw2tOe2BoXf7WO_9VmEvlA9XWGX6Mrc/s1600/IMG_4220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBc68oVkOI8RH5UoUr4CU1YsUslRrwmH8OXTS7EhcFS4XxjMVNhxK_46nKXmOr3avzhW6Je9de4qlY-SrQrleAgf_zPnggO2RjdILf4HQn0h2iqw2tOe2BoXf7WO_9VmEvlA9XWGX6Mrc/s320/IMG_4220.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh no! Here comes the Storm Trooper! ("Corn trooper" if you ask Malachi)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAudxG_O1pendlRyRdYBZaAWIZSbwytwJarNRjmXzD2mUWp-PRNv7OEcZsl65xdr8gKSNZenLKuG0qB1aC6IB2D_sMijJAexOtR_cf6w0Utdyp5gxGRIEE9TsiJtQMNb7Nv9qROMPCtE/s1600/IMG_4221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAudxG_O1pendlRyRdYBZaAWIZSbwytwJarNRjmXzD2mUWp-PRNv7OEcZsl65xdr8gKSNZenLKuG0qB1aC6IB2D_sMijJAexOtR_cf6w0Utdyp5gxGRIEE9TsiJtQMNb7Nv9qROMPCtE/s320/IMG_4221.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kira would stand at the door before anyone answered saying trick-or-treat. It was really a bit funny...</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtye07MaZVPUjns0yb6uWn0eEnRayuqBxGg4EeOTnIJLuhV4TG2ZTkAwnZkq8xR77MUvvr4J-m3nSuxNA1wBiwLgQcV7x5n7VsiQPafHPqGvP31JJT-FxaORTTAiQPO58cMfxenvV7i8/s1600/IMG_4226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtye07MaZVPUjns0yb6uWn0eEnRayuqBxGg4EeOTnIJLuhV4TG2ZTkAwnZkq8xR77MUvvr4J-m3nSuxNA1wBiwLgQcV7x5n7VsiQPafHPqGvP31JJT-FxaORTTAiQPO58cMfxenvV7i8/s320/IMG_4226.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Many candies!", she would exclaim after every house. The final loot was more than enough.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3goCyWixeScq5L6MfomEjkTljUY4XS0CYajxECXVEZBuC9dpYOsyPiAOYA_1BgCrDxO5-dGZqAFcZKzWH7KkDvBC6PQ-0sA3Fjt6xLe2KMuI0hIxBwjQsljHvKkK-NJX94YdTcWLJFE/s1600/IMG_4228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3goCyWixeScq5L6MfomEjkTljUY4XS0CYajxECXVEZBuC9dpYOsyPiAOYA_1BgCrDxO5-dGZqAFcZKzWH7KkDvBC6PQ-0sA3Fjt6xLe2KMuI0hIxBwjQsljHvKkK-NJX94YdTcWLJFE/s320/IMG_4228.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhMZP0CAYLR2yIfM-Wv16vIjNLb9o9VtJAFVemNI6xwgsieYIQE6GoM1-wv1LKhKWNN_89jlNWOiqqplQtIQRNnZvn3NK5AbRXVYA5aBboaRtLGR7z6zYMo2quEVtigvn8pUFkJXXXwU/s1600/IMG_4230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhMZP0CAYLR2yIfM-Wv16vIjNLb9o9VtJAFVemNI6xwgsieYIQE6GoM1-wv1LKhKWNN_89jlNWOiqqplQtIQRNnZvn3NK5AbRXVYA5aBboaRtLGR7z6zYMo2quEVtigvn8pUFkJXXXwU/s320/IMG_4230.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quick ... time to play in the leaves before it snows again!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvwnnNNfiLGACQTHApud0UqbxWDOm1nNiUGpSf324MgWe1hW8qdb400M9YqCSUfEBnDn1mEQlxIUVH_TZ00x9lw7q-JpJB4yK3mBwMYfmRgxaoRx0xmeqAxOB016dpVpm6gPRcWh8VWI/s1600/IMG_4232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvwnnNNfiLGACQTHApud0UqbxWDOm1nNiUGpSf324MgWe1hW8qdb400M9YqCSUfEBnDn1mEQlxIUVH_TZ00x9lw7q-JpJB4yK3mBwMYfmRgxaoRx0xmeqAxOB016dpVpm6gPRcWh8VWI/s320/IMG_4232.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TY14KfsM_TsWMstg7SmMoTjVghlel00v_ffVgkAwqLn1Thhb1pmoojqFAgENnVVo1V_ctG7e_6WyHTB6c6_LPkzaY9jKgtii3m5oi8CxAQPdbuPhzaPrK808prcXMCVhxfDtdbyNbB8/s1600/IMG_4233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TY14KfsM_TsWMstg7SmMoTjVghlel00v_ffVgkAwqLn1Thhb1pmoojqFAgENnVVo1V_ctG7e_6WyHTB6c6_LPkzaY9jKgtii3m5oi8CxAQPdbuPhzaPrK808prcXMCVhxfDtdbyNbB8/s320/IMG_4233.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowing leaves are as much fun as snowing snow.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HFkCuv_UDRSpMEGahgtO_XNmf_Aw4E7ry6ybm86leLJFH8qI6YK2JiTBvYz2cKK7Xu14OHfmo2zrBBv64jk5wuWvDIH1EoTfhqv0r42k_xvhroo539lLrDV09jTOZH3fBuumxABRlMs/s1600/IMG_4234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HFkCuv_UDRSpMEGahgtO_XNmf_Aw4E7ry6ybm86leLJFH8qI6YK2JiTBvYz2cKK7Xu14OHfmo2zrBBv64jk5wuWvDIH1EoTfhqv0r42k_xvhroo539lLrDV09jTOZH3fBuumxABRlMs/s320/IMG_4234.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet joy - jumping in leaves for the first time ever. </td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EYIoaEBR18gQVxEF9xjStSlfFEaC3ObBAwCgZJmpVoV2VRHChzTfElgP7i9koyp0xD5LYD86ueRDl8h1ZwnCsJkXdNS3N0g9tlUWY7CPiieiZ8KzWNPn3Kpm4fc_3tusR97b_37BK90/s1600/IMG_4237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EYIoaEBR18gQVxEF9xjStSlfFEaC3ObBAwCgZJmpVoV2VRHChzTfElgP7i9koyp0xD5LYD86ueRDl8h1ZwnCsJkXdNS3N0g9tlUWY7CPiieiZ8KzWNPn3Kpm4fc_3tusR97b_37BK90/s320/IMG_4237.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7avGe4AVAq1z8UtOD4P8zew1hyphenhyphen3EeRwwydhZpmKVSW559f-uY4AP_CZV0h1bZiVTExG04paEMtQbXbKShLEmCnvkp7ji9w8Vsw4wkMcu_lOccy69cSj0HUcl_PFe37R2jKxMcNlYhCE/s1600/IMG_4238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7avGe4AVAq1z8UtOD4P8zew1hyphenhyphen3EeRwwydhZpmKVSW559f-uY4AP_CZV0h1bZiVTExG04paEMtQbXbKShLEmCnvkp7ji9w8Vsw4wkMcu_lOccy69cSj0HUcl_PFe37R2jKxMcNlYhCE/s320/IMG_4238.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcuNmHYDyf1aSeah6kfXIIW_fA1EgKi8rFzrJIbLqLOhLOlr0blhP-RXysckagZwHXbA4Ve_NvcdJ8hF8dAiaHcya6CYnwg533chphc8rVPeJqF-U5uJRpLedsnsQUqTTp0OjkPJkpw0/s1600/IMG_4240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcuNmHYDyf1aSeah6kfXIIW_fA1EgKi8rFzrJIbLqLOhLOlr0blhP-RXysckagZwHXbA4Ve_NvcdJ8hF8dAiaHcya6CYnwg533chphc8rVPeJqF-U5uJRpLedsnsQUqTTp0OjkPJkpw0/s320/IMG_4240.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66CIaN6RXiJR6DDf8ZQd9higu8qMdjUYV9JO73k-eTUR48EA4hPJkW_PpSNcP4UV58MiS9pNp69iT8aDrLyBP_sXGRSySbBl4X63S3hq-ZJgMZNxmgIhPLl0qs9y_cdBmjMmW-YG9U7Y/s1600/IMG_4242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66CIaN6RXiJR6DDf8ZQd9higu8qMdjUYV9JO73k-eTUR48EA4hPJkW_PpSNcP4UV58MiS9pNp69iT8aDrLyBP_sXGRSySbBl4X63S3hq-ZJgMZNxmgIhPLl0qs9y_cdBmjMmW-YG9U7Y/s320/IMG_4242.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doesn't get much cuter....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6aJ2LFz8U-6WvKQqcruULrwhdeTKfPsinzgWyShwpNF-InEIcaUt8VGCAFSW8Dc3iNDZQ3QuJSZpyeJf8k_uT_F4InujeioSQTUNBHMPwP0IjHvpnMAKKnlPY9HrqTrdtRvAiLmlNYA/s1600/IMG_4247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6aJ2LFz8U-6WvKQqcruULrwhdeTKfPsinzgWyShwpNF-InEIcaUt8VGCAFSW8Dc3iNDZQ3QuJSZpyeJf8k_uT_F4InujeioSQTUNBHMPwP0IjHvpnMAKKnlPY9HrqTrdtRvAiLmlNYA/s320/IMG_4247.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kira really liked the raking part when we were all done playing. Malachi decided to "help".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jody Brittonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601227149766819463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501635613608425193.post-5104926809348169662011-10-26T20:11:00.000-07:002011-10-26T20:20:14.055-07:00A Ugandan Snow PrincessHere we are, 2 days back home, and the snow has begun. Welcome to Colorado, Kirabo! The day passed with us all warm and cozy, just staring out the window at the snow .... until the other kids came home from school and asked to play in said snow. Sigh. I'll admit, <a href="http://flibbertigibberish.blogspot.com/2011/10/difference-day-makes.html">along with my friend Angie</a>, that I sorta loathe getting the kids ready to play in the snow. So.Much.Work. And now that we have 5 kids to bundle up .... oh my. It is quite the production that quickly sends my mood in a downward spiral. But we'll forget about that and focus on how much fun the kids had....including Kira.<br />
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For a Ugandan Sweetie who has never seen snow, you'd think she was born on the ski slopes or something. She LOVED it! It didn't take her long to understand the joy of throwing snowballs (and the pain of being hit by one). It didn't take her long to realize you can fall completely backwards into the snow and not get hurt. It didn't take her long to realize that you can fall face forward into the snow and your face gets really cold ... but that didn't stop her. She couldn't get enough of face planting into the snow. I thought for sure that once she felt the sting of hats coming off and gloves coming loose, she would be DONE. But nope. She would just walk over and ask for help re-adjusting and then return to face planting.<br />
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The other kids had a blast introducing their new sister to the joy that is snow. (And the yumminess that is hot chocolate afterwards!) <br />
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Finally I realized that frost bite must be setting in, and seeing how Kirabo wouldn't recognize the feeling, I called them in. Aaaaand then I made them all help each other get out of the snow gear, because I was still recovering from getting them in it. And sorry Angie - I gave up having them pile it by the back door inside, because like you - that drives me nuts. Nope, all the wet stuff is out in the garage growing icicles until tomorrow when it will be 60 degrees. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSJ6Nb-Jc5ghKqe-eDyFsm8k1wZqMrC-Qc3hEQ56D5LEkI6FSFpSIRphE7PmFoGkpcZGKelRtHB1SaIuiEkgo2dNnUsojCw9ryDDfGWh7HjULfoK5iUpVuKmkotjUfPtV5T5g-f4KyXI/s1600/IMG_4193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSJ6Nb-Jc5ghKqe-eDyFsm8k1wZqMrC-Qc3hEQ56D5LEkI6FSFpSIRphE7PmFoGkpcZGKelRtHB1SaIuiEkgo2dNnUsojCw9ryDDfGWh7HjULfoK5iUpVuKmkotjUfPtV5T5g-f4KyXI/s320/IMG_4193.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watch out, Malachi!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnt6QDavYCVExVVGqLDC3ctOk4O7_4j8EfRz13LsLlh60TL1sJvqfsUNpEVn6AnVSw0lAMZPfnTKbJZlUfFBCBbh0v43-si5dVQj_5M64VQlTJnIqLcDXcg_G4wpj6Oi7uhfxR9-PyHA/s1600/IMG_4197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnt6QDavYCVExVVGqLDC3ctOk4O7_4j8EfRz13LsLlh60TL1sJvqfsUNpEVn6AnVSw0lAMZPfnTKbJZlUfFBCBbh0v43-si5dVQj_5M64VQlTJnIqLcDXcg_G4wpj6Oi7uhfxR9-PyHA/s320/IMG_4197.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy getting some snow balls in.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhag64YBCRKDuMNP-3LdEOL-299f7O8pAtywjFrmX_YNGBeu0OOLPEDrL4DltEZj63cLQhs-glAi7L4hdkU8ZQfvqWKm5U1sQLoTveVDgp5du_zy6hZ2HrWRY3dbReoRT6dEUVluXzS2no/s1600/IMG_4209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhag64YBCRKDuMNP-3LdEOL-299f7O8pAtywjFrmX_YNGBeu0OOLPEDrL4DltEZj63cLQhs-glAi7L4hdkU8ZQfvqWKm5U1sQLoTveVDgp5du_zy6hZ2HrWRY3dbReoRT6dEUVluXzS2no/s320/IMG_4209.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow Angels</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj681nfwcsgnj_y6-QvgYud4rN7a0YIBiHJC1LUdwl06JLLQ1Ys4rPgQ4QVLKigXqiYn444QYYVAoNEnN4eYYBq2Rlqg5fSCT0jpMkmbx4XjOKPJl1Kf9JCARR4EwWZl4m-wD1sGKiEYk0/s1600/IMG_4211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj681nfwcsgnj_y6-QvgYud4rN7a0YIBiHJC1LUdwl06JLLQ1Ys4rPgQ4QVLKigXqiYn444QYYVAoNEnN4eYYBq2Rlqg5fSCT0jpMkmbx4XjOKPJl1Kf9JCARR4EwWZl4m-wD1sGKiEYk0/s320/IMG_4211.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating more snow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRs1W7zrMFN9OIICn915YKnLBeBq2Nhsb7_trzoWAODAPl0JrWTO1-d1am4EpGKV_u-puklWaArg6_YEwgjMBLmcQxhBRgZ9F1MmjaDpyf2GbCwvKpJ9epFZMjZgRqyXwF_mlLIb26vmo/s1600/IMG_4214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRs1W7zrMFN9OIICn915YKnLBeBq2Nhsb7_trzoWAODAPl0JrWTO1-d1am4EpGKV_u-puklWaArg6_YEwgjMBLmcQxhBRgZ9F1MmjaDpyf2GbCwvKpJ9epFZMjZgRqyXwF_mlLIb26vmo/s320/IMG_4214.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Jody Brittonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601227149766819463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501635613608425193.post-25077340313880193162011-10-26T09:41:00.000-07:002011-10-26T09:41:49.316-07:00Friday MarketEvery Friday in Kampala, the "Friday Market" is in business! This is a group of vendors who come together to sell their local treasures at unbeatable prices. True African finds, and bargaining to boot! (I don't even know what "to boot" means, but I wanted to say it there.)<br />
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The atmosphere is fast and furious. Every booth you walk by, you are greeted with the traditional greeting of, "You're Welcome. Come see." And just about every booth, I couldn't say no.<br />
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I went two Friday's in a row, and left both times with my arms weighed down with items. Top finds? Maybe the drum for 30,000 shillings. (Um, $10 US Dollars!) The scarfs, as beautiful as they come. And my favorite??? The beaded jewelry, purse and wallets that are handmade by the women there. To think that many women make their living on wrapping and stringing paper beads blows my mind. And after learning more about Kirabo's mother, these beads hold an extra special place in my heart. She was one of the women who did this for a living....and she didn't just keep the talent to herself, she would teach other women how to provide for their families through this amazing gift. <br />
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Friday Market was one of the highlights of my trip!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_RdHW_CdAtyokaW5-RdZpgQkjMyhcU7pjRaKVcnXcVRJ_gwHsqlil_4Tm_RRKL_Oii3UPnjqrIn6YsmMVmcvK8PXeSnZNueL-XG1mqp78IKDzdHPbTgZAiMIBF8hxz-19EHpgvQd5A4/s1600/IMG_4147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_RdHW_CdAtyokaW5-RdZpgQkjMyhcU7pjRaKVcnXcVRJ_gwHsqlil_4Tm_RRKL_Oii3UPnjqrIn6YsmMVmcvK8PXeSnZNueL-XG1mqp78IKDzdHPbTgZAiMIBF8hxz-19EHpgvQd5A4/s320/IMG_4147.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bead-makers!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7k_E7LodE0swAEkP2HLTey0zOUB97RwsFtRYwnY2yYBgFmtiZClcj67mLEbMZPdMYMQSzekEngVZ4Yg8RuFB69hECGoqf5Ftk1pp1ncYJRZ59D5tFqbQfL9WDQje-ac_w-LPXnP9Qzyo/s1600/IMG_4148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7k_E7LodE0swAEkP2HLTey0zOUB97RwsFtRYwnY2yYBgFmtiZClcj67mLEbMZPdMYMQSzekEngVZ4Yg8RuFB69hECGoqf5Ftk1pp1ncYJRZ59D5tFqbQfL9WDQje-ac_w-LPXnP9Qzyo/s320/IMG_4148.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXF_kH25TcHlnEg3HBESIoFpaBUJ6WoEdvMLh4yfLm2AZsnrIdnprJyUIAZM1OVAP3hPAG2T4GYd4tgxy6KIQ2OcrGIyV5eGV2BsT0Ehyphenhyphendk-mnQfdLB8l3_ipNLBeoAGVB9-8LkRobOc/s1600/IMG_4149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXF_kH25TcHlnEg3HBESIoFpaBUJ6WoEdvMLh4yfLm2AZsnrIdnprJyUIAZM1OVAP3hPAG2T4GYd4tgxy6KIQ2OcrGIyV5eGV2BsT0Ehyphenhyphendk-mnQfdLB8l3_ipNLBeoAGVB9-8LkRobOc/s320/IMG_4149.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many to choose from!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvKREDH4fYwL8xCyKGdRxEwzyveZUYAWzietGpe5b1cgD_Y4dCGGpzz0T7AXYw3O7igqDreeH4kKbNbVSVaVXFunZTnTtA8ZjuMqNnIya-b4xcwBYDJRXESkL0MN18rHOfZEAjgylgwQ/s1600/IMG_4150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvKREDH4fYwL8xCyKGdRxEwzyveZUYAWzietGpe5b1cgD_Y4dCGGpzz0T7AXYw3O7igqDreeH4kKbNbVSVaVXFunZTnTtA8ZjuMqNnIya-b4xcwBYDJRXESkL0MN18rHOfZEAjgylgwQ/s320/IMG_4150.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bargaining away!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKT3XOLmkgoQRtCLebX9vPuZE8Hr1aXbtRjJ94dqvTAppZmczthyseJQFXMhaEfEQfq62vrLbtiBRD4H3OLVimmmzqekcAaprjlAbSxd626IS25hzjyZIV6Tv1TEHaqZeFSCAy66QdFw/s1600/IMG_4152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKT3XOLmkgoQRtCLebX9vPuZE8Hr1aXbtRjJ94dqvTAppZmczthyseJQFXMhaEfEQfq62vrLbtiBRD4H3OLVimmmzqekcAaprjlAbSxd626IS25hzjyZIV6Tv1TEHaqZeFSCAy66QdFw/s320/IMG_4152.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm supposed to pack this how???</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvyeymsWh8YQY91fIqgON0XQHqoKM2PSmP2GWJHEBHwc0agkpkm1lBtyi7vHs8nmvv8rcvdcjGOMUNU-RInzDbFm5s5iXjVMiNOBjc7wqgdbIYZ3r76So8gku_OCZ2THGdv7A5ZiQwc0/s1600/IMG_4153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvyeymsWh8YQY91fIqgON0XQHqoKM2PSmP2GWJHEBHwc0agkpkm1lBtyi7vHs8nmvv8rcvdcjGOMUNU-RInzDbFm5s5iXjVMiNOBjc7wqgdbIYZ3r76So8gku_OCZ2THGdv7A5ZiQwc0/s320/IMG_4153.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Jody Brittonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601227149766819463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501635613608425193.post-12229758032084606322011-10-26T08:27:00.000-07:002011-10-26T08:32:40.906-07:00First days home**Warning, this post may be a bit scattered. My eyes won't stop crossing and the world is spinning.**<br />
<br />
Thank you everyone for the kind messages and checking in on us. Kira and Malachi finally stopped moving long enough to watch an episode (or two) of DORA, so I'm going to get out as many posts as possible now. (Hopefully you caught the pictures in the <a href="http://brittonadoptionjourney.blogspot.com/2011/10/picture-is-worth-thousand-words.html">previous post</a>!)<br />
<br />
So here's a little update:<br />
<br />
I couldn't have imagined our first moments home to be any better than they were. After the long, annoying flight delays .... we finally arrived at DIA around 10pm on Monday. We were greeted by the 5 most beautiful people I know. What a sight. Lots of hugs, lots of giggles, and everyone trying to talk Kira's ears off. She would just laugh - probably because this foreign language sounds a little ridiculous coming from 4 little mouths all at once. In fact, just about every time Malachi talks to her in his sweet little voice - she laughs. So cute.<br />
<br />
We got home and the feeling that came over me was that it was RIGHT. All of us in one place, under one roof, about to sleep in our own beds. Aaron had done an amazing job getting the house cleaned up, and some friends hired a cleaner for the deep cleaning. Clean sheets and everything! Oh, my husband and friends love me! It was so peaceful to walk into MY HOME all clean and lovely! After introducing Kira to our house, her new room (which she LOVES the Zebra bedding) and the dog... it was off to bed for everyone.<br />
<br />
The dog. Oh the dog. She wasn't super excited at first about him. We'd talked a lot about him, and I had been warning her that he would try to lick her. He did. I'm not sure she could fathom the size of his head or tongue in all our talks, so it was a bit much. She would run away from Gunther, in which he of course thought she was playing a game and would chase her. A short 24 hours later though, and she goes in search of him. She loves to pet him and play the game of chase now. This morning she ran into our room at 7 am asking where Gunther was. So thankful that went as smooth as it did. We have heard horror stories of families bringing kids home from Africa who just can't ever get used to the inside dog thing. I think Gunther even likes his new pack member.<br />
<br />
Yesterday we heard the forecast of snow. WHAT?!?!? I only saw those red leaves for one day, and really? Snow. So off we went to stock up on hats, gloves and boots for our new little African Sweetie. Eden stayed home from school to spend some much needed time with mom, and her new sister. The giggles and the wonder went on all day. I could barely keep up. Correction, I couldn't keep up.<br />
<br />
The cold weather has been interesting, to say the least. Yesterday afternoon as the storm was thinking about moving in, the kids were outside playing. Kirabo had on 3 coats .... but refused to put on her new warm shoes and kept the flip flops on. She wears her hat inside. Poor thing can't stop being cold!<br />
<br />
Between 8 loads of laundry (nothing says welcome home like that much laundry), unpacking, chasing after Kira and the others as we introduced her to her new Village (aka - the park up the street), and jet lag - I began to shut down fast. By 7 pm, it was all I could do to stand up. I took a hot bath, fell asleep in the bath (shh, don't tell Aaron - it's his biggest fear) and headed to bed by 9 pm fighting a fever and some kind of cold/flu thing that I'm sure I picked up on one of our 45 plane trips. Or maybe just exhaustion. (Does that cause a fever though?) (No Mom - I don't have malaria.)<br />
<br />
On to day 2. We will stare out the window and stay warm inside. There is more laundry to do. And I'm feeling a little better - but not much. So I'm thinking that laying around and watching the wonder of my two little African babies sounds like it will make for a fantastic day!Jody Brittonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601227149766819463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501635613608425193.post-50404530755149167162011-10-26T08:03:00.000-07:002011-10-26T08:04:40.835-07:00A picture is worth a thousand words<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAoIZG48TM0_7wipiHjgrdLMMwm5u_6-UBWsOvVPwxxprfqahulj3izhIQk_8C0CcnAdsdX-Wus9nlFnQooGbSxjocqxWZWlFe9ybNVbDcvulhze-2DdzUzbjMzv0NP663JU2hNiyCEd4/s1600/IMG_4167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAoIZG48TM0_7wipiHjgrdLMMwm5u_6-UBWsOvVPwxxprfqahulj3izhIQk_8C0CcnAdsdX-Wus9nlFnQooGbSxjocqxWZWlFe9ybNVbDcvulhze-2DdzUzbjMzv0NP663JU2hNiyCEd4/s320/IMG_4167.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So excited to be on the plane! (Until the second flight, when she began to say, "no more plane.")</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVoSdXL49aqRSW3Z5jySNhyphenhypheniNnLWrl7PShYsKomotmszhTnYPtLMB_G2Q6rQBSzkFOWknALsGE82YVFnUU0K2IrvIENGbhbPnPHAda1HuvrWg3QSbeYMJ79fgjpCVQoQOv4YntM2Ws8Pg/s1600/IMG_4171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVoSdXL49aqRSW3Z5jySNhyphenhypheniNnLWrl7PShYsKomotmszhTnYPtLMB_G2Q6rQBSzkFOWknALsGE82YVFnUU0K2IrvIENGbhbPnPHAda1HuvrWg3QSbeYMJ79fgjpCVQoQOv4YntM2Ws8Pg/s320/IMG_4171.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New sisters are the best!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqcqULRJcmb10dO5LW1zwqD4X76-x4WSQSDzz0r6Oep48ZcN2Z5ZqFVvj_3DLOQCiUBUj0XJhhuZChq4npm0G3F-fK4Ri9-KDlwgjT6mkeko0HKD4l3vkD1nsg7U58jY8bmgfKZ5NRRM/s1600/IMG_4172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqcqULRJcmb10dO5LW1zwqD4X76-x4WSQSDzz0r6Oep48ZcN2Z5ZqFVvj_3DLOQCiUBUj0XJhhuZChq4npm0G3F-fK4Ri9-KDlwgjT6mkeko0HKD4l3vkD1nsg7U58jY8bmgfKZ5NRRM/s320/IMG_4172.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WxVVGcy-jAl6e52YGc-qiKKktz5nK0-nalP6uGcbnlkJOmdZgVgSaKZhK-Wf1MBlrPgNhryf6e9isMJuCBs1Ntqhyphenhyphen2gaT4Hq1dLxOgO6Hk5g85GLqD91xN8VE4WiK3YCIhZlthi_kn8/s1600/IMG_4174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WxVVGcy-jAl6e52YGc-qiKKktz5nK0-nalP6uGcbnlkJOmdZgVgSaKZhK-Wf1MBlrPgNhryf6e9isMJuCBs1Ntqhyphenhyphen2gaT4Hq1dLxOgO6Hk5g85GLqD91xN8VE4WiK3YCIhZlthi_kn8/s320/IMG_4174.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone trying to talk to her at once, and she just would laugh.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsNjvgjFq2M0J6t1l8hGZ6GTa6OeTFRzhab6PmmWWHVpNWZIKxzG5NermQw7dKaEhWy5V8u1FiWMloIltC3PWEM4GFHWpNrUMohGagXOVeDHNeH-UW_wcp1PIRx5yk2kMj1PgDQeA0aA/s1600/IMG_4175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsNjvgjFq2M0J6t1l8hGZ6GTa6OeTFRzhab6PmmWWHVpNWZIKxzG5NermQw7dKaEhWy5V8u1FiWMloIltC3PWEM4GFHWpNrUMohGagXOVeDHNeH-UW_wcp1PIRx5yk2kMj1PgDQeA0aA/s320/IMG_4175.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOVE !</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rOKkP97bq9yBC53GPi9adpnDfaW2XFMy7hWJciZS31loQ3X0na9nhA7lsTWyUMjBv-iwOjstRKhzH0b2J1Y2kz1aNFs4N779AmrGg8EEPCbbFSwtyrqYhoBj_EgBiBPWUn9WSoo52Rk/s1600/IMG_4177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rOKkP97bq9yBC53GPi9adpnDfaW2XFMy7hWJciZS31loQ3X0na9nhA7lsTWyUMjBv-iwOjstRKhzH0b2J1Y2kz1aNFs4N779AmrGg8EEPCbbFSwtyrqYhoBj_EgBiBPWUn9WSoo52Rk/s320/IMG_4177.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Britton Bus is filling up!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrkWnAQwhGUCKPNiGi3tQ1mecnckidpEqbCZdEQw11LmchlAXZWqF21qZzHqKHt1j1Q8bvfOf3Y0rY9A9sE5h64cC14a4HbaECynLPLSWEDR-lRRZqVE5ZzI2jUs23RXpdGjizoiOXuk/s1600/IMG_4179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrkWnAQwhGUCKPNiGi3tQ1mecnckidpEqbCZdEQw11LmchlAXZWqF21qZzHqKHt1j1Q8bvfOf3Y0rY9A9sE5h64cC14a4HbaECynLPLSWEDR-lRRZqVE5ZzI2jUs23RXpdGjizoiOXuk/s320/IMG_4179.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SNOW?!?!?! She decided to eat it. We told her to stay away from the yellow stuff.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-DjsRk8mNctz4zCwP6qC1JLXOR4FjaS9GlhJXVyDmPngK5AwoWJBDKH59PU5CHGltJMYaCmyw0gxwxxtWww15lEpqSPHB4DTlMo4yQJb3Er1Ez-q2iZs9eT0w6vAUZg0HpAQfkHZfpQ/s1600/IMG_4180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-DjsRk8mNctz4zCwP6qC1JLXOR4FjaS9GlhJXVyDmPngK5AwoWJBDKH59PU5CHGltJMYaCmyw0gxwxxtWww15lEpqSPHB4DTlMo4yQJb3Er1Ez-q2iZs9eT0w6vAUZg0HpAQfkHZfpQ/s320/IMG_4180.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"COLD!!!", she exclaims, but can't stop sticking her hand out the door. Yes, yes we were in the jungle 3 days ago.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1GzhNm7gOIS9-pfJFSpBE4GjIt2Dh8kQZWlTIE8T2W0t3tO1_0FN9C5BPIajhfZGZxugvJYQhUyrbNBdjR9763IgFT1WaCedu4u6mjjEQ5QnAd7RE6lineQZfJGEoXiYKChanTlfH1c/s1600/IMG_4182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1GzhNm7gOIS9-pfJFSpBE4GjIt2Dh8kQZWlTIE8T2W0t3tO1_0FN9C5BPIajhfZGZxugvJYQhUyrbNBdjR9763IgFT1WaCedu4u6mjjEQ5QnAd7RE6lineQZfJGEoXiYKChanTlfH1c/s320/IMG_4182.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking in all the white stuff for the first time ever!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkjGgR87Dc1t2w4KAZAm0YKl2S12znqkjvAus_ps-N8ZawgBDC8n7dKltycJFacMCm7sGR9RfvZQ0c-XNDFteo9uUEmglan2BaEqvsy6jxy_98hG0pWSOr_iQbpVmpdumvoQC0BdbeeM/s1600/IMG_4183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkjGgR87Dc1t2w4KAZAm0YKl2S12znqkjvAus_ps-N8ZawgBDC8n7dKltycJFacMCm7sGR9RfvZQ0c-XNDFteo9uUEmglan2BaEqvsy6jxy_98hG0pWSOr_iQbpVmpdumvoQC0BdbeeM/s320/IMG_4183.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I finally had to tell her to shut the door. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jody Brittonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601227149766819463noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501635613608425193.post-34197207743189681592011-10-24T14:01:00.000-07:002011-10-24T14:13:52.804-07:00Delta, meet Satan.I need to re-read my words that I wrote prior to leaving Uganda, because right now I'm feeling pretty defeated. 48 hours on 4 hours of sleep probably isn't helping. But seriously, when I mentioned that the Enemy doesn't like adoption (I mentioned that, right?) .... apparently Delta Airlines is now the anti-Christ. This is unreal.<br />
<br />
We made it through our first 2 big flights without a glitch. So thankful! Kira slept for the first flight (for about 6 or 7 hours of it). She too has been awake since. She and I are walking Zombies at the moment. We got to Detroit with a little over an hour to make our connection. I kinda want to go on a big rant and complain about every failure Delta has had - but why? The point of the annoying story is that we made it to our gate with 3 minutes to spare as the man at the ticket counter told us to RUN because there were no other direct flights available today to Denver. So like Forest Gump, I ran - w/ 80 lbs of carry on luggage and a Kirabo. When we arrived, they were just pulling the walkway away from the plane and would not let us board. We tried to go standby on a 3:00 flight, but it didn't happen.<br />
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All that to say - I would like to fall in a heap on the floor, but then someone would probably put something in my luggage when I'm not looking, and the man overhead keeps telling me that is bad.<br />
<br />
Kira is a little traveling trooper. She has had her share of "moments" during our travel, but all in all - she's amazing. I took advantage of our time in Detroit and had dinner at Chili's. 4 weeks without Chili's is not right! It was so yummy! (Oh, and I'm also sitting here with a Pumpkin Spice Latte to get me through the next 7 hours. Mmmmmm......) At Chili's, it was perhaps a bit too much too soon for Kira to be knocked up side the head with the reality that her world is about to change - big time. She took a chip, stuck it in the Salsa (of which they DO NOT have in Uganda) and bit into it. Her eyes got huge, she spit it out and began to cry. Oh my. I of course thought it was funny until I realized she wasn't joking. Fail. She bit into the chicken strips though and got a big grin and yelled, "YAY"! So, good - Chili's will be somewhere she won't cry at upon remembering the salsa. This is necessary since we eat here about once a week.<br />
<br />
She's having a hard time understanding why we have two more planes to ride on when she and I have been talking for the last 2 days that we had 3 planes. Now it is 4. She has made it clear that she is not happy about the change of plans. I guess I have too.<br />
<br />
So, there you have it. What I do know is that at the end of today - we will STILL be home, and we will all be together. I'll take it!<br />
<br />
****After posting this rant, I remembered something to be thankful for in the midst of this. The kindness of one woman toward me was a breath of fresh air. She offered to the people at the counter to give up her and her 2 sons seats so that Kirabo and I could get home. They wouldn't let her - but the fact that a woman who doesn't know me would offer up such kindness was unreal. You don't see that often. (She saw me miss the flight and crumble into tears.) So....there's one to remember! I pray that God blesses that sweet woman.****Jody Brittonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601227149766819463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501635613608425193.post-61197592417250438342011-10-23T08:56:00.000-07:002011-10-23T08:56:04.662-07:00We're coming home!Tonight is my last blog post from Uganda. Tonight has actually been bittersweet for me. I've been gone exactly 4 weeks. That is too, too long. I miss my kids more than I can express. I miss Aaron. I miss the dog. I miss my bed, my shower, my tap water, my car. I've made new friends here. I've lived in the birthplace of my new daughter, I'm taking her away from her birthplace. Bittersweet.<br />
<br />
In the last 4 weeks, God has revealed Himself to me in ways that I think he needed to get me to Africa for me to see. (Yes, that is just how thick-headed I am.) I honestly did not think I had what it took to get through 4 weeks in a foreign country, with a new daughter, and without my husband for half of it. There were moments I thought I would crumble. But here I am, a short four weeks later (when it could have gone much longer) and I realize I did have what it took - God.<br />
<br />
This morning we went to church again, and I'm so glad that I did. It was only the second time I've gone here....and this morning was amazing. God gave me a little gift in this morning's service. The song, Our God is Greater, has been one of "my songs" throughout this adoption. So many times during adoption, it feels like nothing is going right, and the Enemy is winning. There is a line in this song that would always remind me of truth...."and if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us. And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?" Hearing it sung (with soul) here in Africa brought me to tears. A special going away present from the God who has been with Kirabo for 6 1/2 years. The God who brought us through another adoption. The God who has been with me for the last 4 weeks. Nothing stopped us!<br />
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We said good-bye to our home from the last few weeks, I said goodbye to new friends, and we are on our way!!!!<br />
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Praying for safety, rest, and joy on the long journey home. (Oh, and connections to be made.)<br />
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Thanks for hanging in there with us on this ride!Jody Brittonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601227149766819463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501635613608425193.post-19803196473181285872011-10-20T22:54:00.000-07:002011-10-20T22:54:31.489-07:00Signs, Signs, everywhere Signs.If I don't laugh, I might just cry. So everyday here in Uganda I allow myself to find humor in some of the things around me, despite all the sorrow.<br />
<br />
The signs posted throughout town have proven to be my source of comedic relief. The thing I love about the signs here, are how blunt they are. Right to the point of what you should know. I appreciate that.<br />
<br />
Some signs are as simple as ZEBRA CROSSING. This one took me by surprise, as I of course thought it meant we might see Zebra crossing the road. My driver laughed at me, explaining that it was to tell you that the stripes on the ground are for people crossing the street. I laughed in return, explaining that in America, we call it a Crosswalk....and at the humor in there being a sign posted telling people where to cross - um.... the lack of signs everywhere else in the country don't seem to stop anyone from crossing whenever and wherever. (Oh, and BTW - pedestrians DO NOT have the right of way here. Scary!)<br />
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Then there was the shop we passed called, China Home Furnishings and Furniture (meaning, made in China, not Chinese decor...). Oh the clarity of it all. In America, we call it Walmart.<br />
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The gas station called MoGas. Why yes, I do need mo' gas, please.<br />
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The rest I was actually able to catch on my camera. Enjoy.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyregwcSpL4jEFYrivzvVe9uEMzSDvxkNWbvQHmXH7UXjhAiO71jA8LOPyuVlHVSr8UWpWO3kIjQ4q7Sqz7MkQmTQfKTcRa6M5yNxHquBjUBC7D_uk_TeWXd77cg1mwh88T8dK9px_oO8/s1600/IMG_3902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyregwcSpL4jEFYrivzvVe9uEMzSDvxkNWbvQHmXH7UXjhAiO71jA8LOPyuVlHVSr8UWpWO3kIjQ4q7Sqz7MkQmTQfKTcRa6M5yNxHquBjUBC7D_uk_TeWXd77cg1mwh88T8dK9px_oO8/s320/IMG_3902.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay, so maybe this one isn't FUNNY - but it's still something you wouldn't see in the US. Although, it is very true!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSKq6o_dsf3fVbKG0itjwmHxB4loccT5eqOTUe0ENSXUi8-oYWt8wQhGvW1DBbj8rVRRyb0JP2jolXiaFvEHfOyWF4IMbXJ5nor3WcMJuzH_mivjM6_gCFHzOPmPyRtM4fj46kkjoTSs/s1600/IMG_4018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSKq6o_dsf3fVbKG0itjwmHxB4loccT5eqOTUe0ENSXUi8-oYWt8wQhGvW1DBbj8rVRRyb0JP2jolXiaFvEHfOyWF4IMbXJ5nor3WcMJuzH_mivjM6_gCFHzOPmPyRtM4fj46kkjoTSs/s320/IMG_4018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beyond this sign was a cliff into the swirling waters of the Nile River. In the US, it would read something like, "For your safety, please do not pass this point." Then all the teenage boys would dive in head first.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAK70vdm5U8NfKMadnH7how5dfxRHHyJ77ft6_vQM9jletU8LxbWRAeeugTlNhWRIgnY2VqVxmXLY-_NFAehtVhDjftegEtRTjXTZKnIi_nJKLMva7sPkD7m8ZhQixfxIJXFaHsDEKVk/s1600/IMG_4051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAK70vdm5U8NfKMadnH7how5dfxRHHyJ77ft6_vQM9jletU8LxbWRAeeugTlNhWRIgnY2VqVxmXLY-_NFAehtVhDjftegEtRTjXTZKnIi_nJKLMva7sPkD7m8ZhQixfxIJXFaHsDEKVk/s320/IMG_4051.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this one. Really? I can't urinate ANYWHERE? Then what is the key for? In America it would simply read, "Private Restrooms available. Please ask attendant for key." </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlq9WzkKqTzJtY7pUl1fd6prHnRsiDXZDPlEKlgsc43YwCb1BRJpXperrpQPC1rlS_Q2fRV1qnb0NVXgND7EZqH31gihuNHu2rXfLFWJLYH94aLC6-W4PtiqyCFytvYQTW65xE_QwSBIE/s1600/IMG_4087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlq9WzkKqTzJtY7pUl1fd6prHnRsiDXZDPlEKlgsc43YwCb1BRJpXperrpQPC1rlS_Q2fRV1qnb0NVXgND7EZqH31gihuNHu2rXfLFWJLYH94aLC6-W4PtiqyCFytvYQTW65xE_QwSBIE/s320/IMG_4087.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I would probably be granted some form of Political Office in Boulder if I managed to get this sign back to the US with me. Oh wait, maybe Uganda stole this sign from Boulder.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwzIBowosHUgtyFlSo_DBhot7sg97bOWdn4mkK1xvlu70cxgL-Pt610mLO8adz_Jk8gy5O0juQwaeMcdnEf5vJhOn5kXf7Kyr7eYeK85y0piSpaNBYapUcMOaNCnhta_k-dRPg3lFJ6s/s1600/IMG_4138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwzIBowosHUgtyFlSo_DBhot7sg97bOWdn4mkK1xvlu70cxgL-Pt610mLO8adz_Jk8gy5O0juQwaeMcdnEf5vJhOn5kXf7Kyr7eYeK85y0piSpaNBYapUcMOaNCnhta_k-dRPg3lFJ6s/s320/IMG_4138.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preach it! I'm going with this one, considering all 3 of those medical issues run in my family. I'm good to go!<br />
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****WARNING. THE FOLLOWING SIGN MAY BE INAPPROPRIATE FOR YOUNG VIEWERS (or those who will judge me for posting it). *****<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RHIIQE39Tdtc9HQ0oDGSmphKUrh8cbKFW2rgY-KnCeIohpLx2wVg6e4IZTrLQt9qTVWe3ITrS-i1_Tw3_Rb7oRjmFVhHEHP5A5kntbAEydINwGXlus5urK900gPG-08l5J8vAtlUtZY/s1600/IMG_4015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RHIIQE39Tdtc9HQ0oDGSmphKUrh8cbKFW2rgY-KnCeIohpLx2wVg6e4IZTrLQt9qTVWe3ITrS-i1_Tw3_Rb7oRjmFVhHEHP5A5kntbAEydINwGXlus5urK900gPG-08l5J8vAtlUtZY/s320/IMG_4015.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have no words. I'm sure it is some legitimate warning having to do with the spread of HIV or something, but I'm sorry..... it was just funny to see this huge sign on the side of the road with absolutely no understanding of what it means. Judge away.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jody Brittonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601227149766819463noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501635613608425193.post-57622557498928661692011-10-18T11:40:00.000-07:002011-10-19T02:45:51.446-07:00What's in a name?Some of you know that we have wrestled with if we should change Dorcas' name or not. Dorcas, while a pretty name, is not popular amongst cruel school-aged children in America. We were hoping to be able to call her Tabitha - which is the Hebrew translation of her name. We decided to let her decide.<br />
<br />
So since being here with her, we have offered up many different name suggestions. Dorcas, D, De-De, Akiki (her nickname at the Orphanage, which apparently she really dislikes), and even Linda (her middle name). She always says, "No, Dorcas". Aaron and I threw out the possibility of "Kira". Her last name is Kirabo.(Well, it's not really a last name, but I'm not exactly sure how to explain how it is part of her name. They tried explaining it to me several times, but I still don't get it myself.) So we thought Kira would be a cute shortened name off Kirabo. (Because also, if you know us - we shorten all the kids names somehow. It's a must.) But she continued to say, "No, Dorcas".<br />
<br />
Until today.<br />
<br />
Today she told me she wants to be called Kirabo, not Dorcas. So I'm going with it. She was referred to by any of her 3 names (4 if you count, Akiki) - Dorcas Linda Kirabo - at the Orphanage. So it isn't unusual for her to respond to Kirabo. I keep teasing and shortening it to Kira, and she just grins. (Good sign, right??) We may be on to something.<br />
<br />
So what is in her name???<br />
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DORCAS was an amazing woman in the Bible. She was also referred to as Tabitha. The name itself means, "gazelle". <br />
<b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+9:36&version=ESV">Acts 9:36</a></b><br />
Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means <b>Dorcas</b>. She was full of good works and acts of charity. <br />
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Powerful, huh?<br />
<br />
LINDA means "beautiful" (or "snake" if you are German. ha!) The other fun tidbit about Linda, is that is also my Mama's name!<br />
*****I just found out that the name Linda in Africa is in no way connected to the name Linda in the US (or in Germany - thankfully!). The name Linda in Africa means, "to wait".**** <br />
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KIRABO is perhaps becoming my favorite after all. Who knew. It means, "Gift from God". Could it be any more perfect?<br />
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We are a family that names our children based on the meanings. Some names came to us easily, and some not so much - but in the end, each name has become so fitting for each child. And while Dorcas seems fitting because that is how everyone now knows her and it will be difficult to change, I can't help but fall in love with the name Kirabo.<br />
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Providence - The goodness and sovereignity of God.<br />
Eden - Delightful <br />
Samuel - God hears<br />
Malachi - Messenger of God<br />
Kirabo - Gift from God<br />
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I like! (I also like that she will keep her given name(s)....just with one more last name!)<br />
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(oh - and here is how you would pronounce Kirabo - Key-Ra-Bo..... Roll the "r" if you really want to sound official)<br />
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<br />
*****I just clarified what Kirabo is, if not a last name. A family of 7 kids will not share a single name. There are no "family names" in Africa - like our name, Britton. So each child will have three different names. One of the names will be a Christian name, and the other names will be Western names. I guess technically, Dorcas, is her Christian name - but Kirabo seems to be a Christian name to me as well. Not to mention that Dorcas and Linda would be the Western names. Hmmmm....So maybe I still don't get it. ha!*****Jody Brittonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601227149766819463noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501635613608425193.post-31962621152619105212011-10-14T09:36:00.000-07:002011-10-14T14:26:48.180-07:00Manna Rescue HomeAn Orphanage is no place for a child to grow up. But we all know that many do....many, being millions. I have seen with my own eyes several orphanages. And so when I walked into Dorcas's Orphanage, Manna Rescue Home, to say I was impressed would be an understatement. The kids were well fed, well cared for, getting an education, and thriving - all things considered. The Matrons of the home were doing a good job caring for 30+ kids ranging in age from 5-17. I'm so thankful that Dorcas, having to enter an Institution, was able to be a part of this one! <br />
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I often stand on my soap box and preach that there are MANY ways to care for Orphans. Adoption is just one of them. I'm here to talk about two now. <br />
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Carol Adams, perhaps one of the most fantastic ladies I have ever been graced to know, is running an amazing program here in Uganda. She is a Mzungu (10 points to those of you who remember what that is) who has been here for close to 17 years. She started <a href="http://www.caroladamsministry.com/">Carol Adams Ministry Y.E.S. Uganda</a> from the ground. Hearing her stories from over the years would make anyone laugh and cry all in the same story. She has seen more than I can bear to imagine, and lives out in one day what would crush me in less than an hour. She is called "The Grandmother to All Children" in her town ... and I would say it is a fitting title! <br />
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In the world of Orphan Care, there are many schools of thoughts on how to tackle the "problem". Carol is somehow managing to pull off every option available. Through her organization, children are being sponsored - thus staying with their families who could not afford education or medication, which often results in abandonment. Through her organization - counseling is being given to young children, growing teens, and entire family units. She desires to educate the family as a whole, thereby allowing vulnerable families to remain united. She has contacts with Ugandan authorities and agencies, doing work that no outside traveling Missionary could accomplish - helping to bring aid to the most vulnerable of children. And as a last resort - she has an orphanage - Manna Rescue Home - where kids who have nowhere to call home can live and grow. All of the Children in her Orphanage are living with HIV. She is able to feed them, clothe them, send them to school, and get them on medications (ARV's) all through her program. And as of recent - she has begun to try to find adoptive families for a handful of the kids at Manna Rescue Home who are "true orphans". The best part is - she does it all in the name of Jesus !! These kids get to learn of the love of their Heavenly Father when all earthly beings have seemed to let them down.<br />
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Saying goodbye to the kids at Manna Rescue Home was bitter sweet for us and Dorcas. Each young child, upon entering Manna Rescue Home is given and older child "mentor". Dorcas's mentor was in tears at Dorcas's going away party. :( The kids put together an entire show to say goodbye to Dorcas. They have been her "family" for almost 2 years. Dorcas is the first to be taken out of the Orphanage by an adoptive family - so I can't even think about the mixed emotions these kids must have been feeling.<br />
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So I am here, not on my soapbox, but as a Mom pleading for some of Dorcas's friends - family - to be adopted as well. I'm here as an adoptive Mom, but also as a woman who believes that not everyone is "called to adopt", but that we are ALL "called to care for the Orphan". Asking that you would prayerfully consider partnering with Carol Adams Ministry through her Sponsorship program. She is maxed out in her program - meaning she cannot take in any more kids. The money is just not there. I know it can be though!<br />
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So there you have it - 2 ways to join this cause! These kids need HOPE, and Carol Adams Ministry is doing a fantastic job at offering it!<br />
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On behalf of us, our new daughter; and the countless other children she helps - we cannot thank you enough, Carol!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The Medicine cabinet" ~ I can't even keep meds straight for myself, let alone 30+ kids!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The going away FEAST! The dear cooks made up more food than I have ever cooked in one setting (and I've cooked for some pretty large crowds!) all to say goodbye to their friend - Dorcas.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids, getting ready for the show</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grandmother to All Children explaining to the kids that even though God has a special plan for Dorcas in sending her to America, He has just a special of a plan in each of their lives. AMEN and AMEN!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids being served</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It began to rain, so all the kids huddled on the "porch". </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoes donated from Calvary Bible church in Boulder, CO. The kids lined up and each got to try on the pair they wanted. It was like the Croc Warehouse Sale, folks - right down to the trampling of other humans.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dorcas's Mentor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6QiC-kFL0rk0XrZdxrO7_AGB8lxZ112EuZt4rQs4ogzyW2faHg7_ITCbECQFnV0NKfzt5tmePpUmaIuABQFgTZjs4jLWMTcyUvA99-Ph27kk2AxVRVKiNsu3FNGgttvrOaKzbAyOLuI/s1600/IMG_3887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6QiC-kFL0rk0XrZdxrO7_AGB8lxZ112EuZt4rQs4ogzyW2faHg7_ITCbECQFnV0NKfzt5tmePpUmaIuABQFgTZjs4jLWMTcyUvA99-Ph27kk2AxVRVKiNsu3FNGgttvrOaKzbAyOLuI/s320/IMG_3887.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last goodbye!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jody Brittonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601227149766819463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501635613608425193.post-14514065255478036842011-10-12T06:46:00.000-07:002011-10-12T06:46:13.084-07:00Hurdles and HighlightsIn Junior High, I gave a go at Track and Field. I tried one time to attempt the hurdles. I stumbled over the first one, and decided I was better suited for something else (not that I ever found that something else, but whatever). Well, today, I had my second shot at hurdles. And by the grace of God - I soared over 4 at once!<br />
<br />
So maybe it's a cheesy metaphor, but with the weight I feel about every document needed - it brings me joy to think of it like that.<br />
<br />
This morning we went in for day 2 of a 4 day medical routine. After that, it was time to go to the Embassy. I knew we still did not have the birth certificate, but my prayer had begun to be one of asking that they would take what we had to start the investigation even without it. So off we went to the Embassy, birth-certificateless. I handed over the documents we did have, I was kindly told that indeed - they need that birth certificate. She told me that if I had it in by Friday, I could set our Visa appointment for next Wednesday. I asked if we could do it on Monday. She told me that wouldn't be enough time for them to process everything, but that if I somehow could get her the birth certificate by the end of today - we could get in on Monday. I was crushed. I know it is only a couple days difference, but I must say - I miss my family at home, and every passing day is not getting any easier. I went "home" and just felt such sadness. I continued to pray though, asking for SOME WAY, for the certificate to make it's way to me before the day was over.<br />
<br />
Fast forward an hour and I got a call from the coordinator here telling me that she got it! She got the birth certificate (hurdle 1)! And not only that ... she had the passport in hand as well (hurdle 2) - which we were told to not expect until Friday. She also had one other form that we needed to submit (hurdle 3). So off I went for the second time today to submit all of it to the Embassy. Aside from our medical reports (which will come on Friday afternoon), we have now turned in everything we need to (that we know of!!! there could be one or two things we are missing, but nothing difficult to obtain). After I handed her those 3 documents, she sent me back to the waiting room for a bit (I wasn't sure why). She called me back in and said I could come on Monday for my Visa appointment! (Hurdle 4!!!!!) She took my email address to contact me if she sees we are missing anything. If everything goes well at that appointment, we will have the Visa in hand by Wednesday and be free to go HOME !<br />
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Once again, with so many families facing such hardship and lengthy processes here, I can't help but feel a humble gratefulness and and so undeserving of God moving at this time in this way.<br />
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So since I promised to not only have boring business updates- some highlights! Let me tell you just how adventurous our new girl is! With every step of the way since she has been in our care, she has such anticipation and joy written on her face. She looks around with eyes wide open just taking it all in. She makes sure to get the middle seat in the car so she can see exactly where we are going. She enters into public places with much caution, and will cling to my arm as often as possible. Once she finds my hand, she begins to explore the world around her again with those big, expectant eyes. Often, when she is done being wherever we are (for instance, the last two visits to her Orphanage), she will grab me by the hand and start to lead me to the car - always climbing in first, as if to state her desire to go wherever it is I'm going.....and to go there now. I think that she has a real understanding of what is going on right now, and seems so eager to be a part of a family .... of our family! When asked if she wants to go to America - she gives a big "YES!". If she likes riding in the car, I can't wait to see her face looking out the plane window! She loves to cuddle, be tickled, and laugh. She enjoys playing the tablet - especially Angry Birds! She squeals in delight at every new outfit she realizes is for her. She eats everything on her plate, one food at a time (all her veggies, then the meat, then any other side) - just like her mother! :) So far she doesn't like pizza, but everything else she will ask for seconds. The girl can pack it in! She seems to be nothing short of thriving. She truly seems to be responding to us as parents, and her siblings back home. She says hi to all of them on Skype, and will show them her drawings and play-do creations. Every time we see a dog on the street here, she yells - "DOG! GUNTHER!" (I think we mistakenly taught her that the English word for dog is Gunther. Oops. hehe) She is eager to learn our language, and laughs hysterically at me every time I try to speak words in her language. I already feel like she BELONGS in our family, and that is a HUGE HUGE HUGE praise!<br />
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Thank you for your prayers and encouraging emails and words along the way!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">car ride...she had to sit in the way back, so she kept sticking her head over the headrest to look out my open window.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angry Birds!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So determined to make the shot</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this outfit. I love that I can still pick out one of my children's clothes. :) She especially liked the hat.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7FqCuLH9LS1nsZuekUs1DAYI49gTIIpmUKe2orSDYTBRhnajMfX5FjHExfbhMhp_-Il9LV5xVcd7306twTt91is2HBq8pTaiEv-vLqEAa5fQCQ02gqJahbUjVGXDWqiTnHYbl__5j08/s1600/IMG_3972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7FqCuLH9LS1nsZuekUs1DAYI49gTIIpmUKe2orSDYTBRhnajMfX5FjHExfbhMhp_-Il9LV5xVcd7306twTt91is2HBq8pTaiEv-vLqEAa5fQCQ02gqJahbUjVGXDWqiTnHYbl__5j08/s320/IMG_3972.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elephant riding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jody Brittonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601227149766819463noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501635613608425193.post-75368808720088017992011-10-10T06:01:00.000-07:002011-10-10T06:01:28.649-07:00The rest of the storyMany of you have been asking about what is left during my stay here in Uganda, so I thought I would just lay out the rest of the process. It would be so helpful to have you praying over the many details. Every step of the way from here on out rests largely on the previous step happening in a timely manner.<br />
<br />
Now that we have our written ruling, we are waiting on Dorcas's birth certificate. This is a crucial item needed for the Visa and Embassy work to be done. Pray it comes today or tomorrow! We need the birth certificate for a series of medical visits that are required (which we have scheduled to start tomorrow morning at 10 a.m.). We need the medical visit findings to be sent to the Embassy. The Embassy will begin what is called an "Orphan Investigation" (basically, making sure that children are truly orphaned and that everything was done ethically) upon getting the birth certificate (so once again - praying for that certificate!), and it takes an unknown amount of time. We hear they take on average, 1-2 weeks. While all of this is happening, the Passport is also being ordered. As paperwork comes in, we are able to submit it to the US Embassy. Once all paperwork has been submitted, then we have our Visa appointment to turn in the remainder of the legal documents to secure a US Visa (not Mastercard - ha!) for Dorcas. That should come about 2-3 days after we file for it. At that point ... we get to come home! So while it may not sound like much, as I said, each piece of paper and the timeliness that it comes to us will determine when we can make the next step. So we're praying for papers to fly!<br />
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In other news, my sweet Provi-Anne girl got really sick on the flight home. I'm praying she didn't leave here with some sort of bacteria, and that she will be all better upon arrival home. Aaron said that she took the midnight meal on the plane that was offered while he was asleep (otherwise he would have stopped her). He's fairly certain that it was a mix of that meal and motion sickness (and pure exhaustion) that did it. I hope he's right. Poor guy said his next 10 hour flight was booked solid and he and Provi were in the middle two seats of a row of four. Hmmmm.... I'm thinking whoever is next to Provi will have been asking for a seat switch. ;) They should be coming to the end of that flight and making their way through Customs right about now. <br />
<br />
Well that was an exciting update, huh? Sorry - I had sent it out in about 4 emails already, and instead of answering the other emails, I just put it here!<br />
<br />
And now you have the rest of the story!<br />
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Thanks for praying for the details!Jody Brittonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601227149766819463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501635613608425193.post-52079082858745034392011-10-09T05:55:00.000-07:002011-10-09T05:55:53.137-07:00Daddy & SisterIn just a few hours, Aaron and Providence will be on their way back home. Dorcas and I will miss them .... a lot. Dorcas has attached to Providence. They laugh together, chase each other, make play-do creations together, play UNO, watch movies together .... be sisters together. As for Aaron - Dorcas already appears to be a Daddy's girl. She cuddles up with him, get's tickled by him (and LOVES it), laughs at all his jokes (probably because she can't understand them), and calls him "Daddy" in the sweetest little British accent. So in honor of these 2 very special new people in Dorcas's life, I thought it would be a good time to show off some recent photos.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIE-s-dln1iCUQPdhDgqnLKaPWTI5TRKiyFJvh2e-RUb4XojffIQ3bTWONEN_ZcWz2XfuC9_Ziwt42Y9Ybd0PG4O6kSdJkbJR_AR8WbSATKLcKsv07Fvd4r8x_An_IEZMoLduvkGr-rlA/s1600/IMG_3967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIE-s-dln1iCUQPdhDgqnLKaPWTI5TRKiyFJvh2e-RUb4XojffIQ3bTWONEN_ZcWz2XfuC9_Ziwt42Y9Ybd0PG4O6kSdJkbJR_AR8WbSATKLcKsv07Fvd4r8x_An_IEZMoLduvkGr-rlA/s320/IMG_3967.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>We'll miss you! See you soon!Jody Brittonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601227149766819463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501635613608425193.post-3662112240635266152011-10-07T23:32:00.000-07:002011-10-08T03:44:17.992-07:00Suburban PrincessNow that I can share openly about our story, it's hard for me to know where to start. So maybe I'll start with right now.<br />
<br />
We moved into our new "home" yesterday afternoon. We found an apartment style guesthouse - meaning we have our own living room, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a shared kitchen with the unit next door. Oh - and laundry. (Yay! Our clothes are gettin' stinky!) The room is very affordable (which is such a blessing as we come to the end of our journey).<br />
<br />
Amidst the blessing, I feel the heaviness as I battle between knowing this is good, and such a blessing - and the fact that I've turned into a Suburban Princess. I think maybe I hate that. The toilets that don't flush right, the water that never runs fully clear, the mosquito net over my bed, the smell that I can't exactly place, the temperature, the power that sometimes works, the internet that sometimes works, the water from the faucet that I can't use - all these make me face the reality of who I am .... a girl of comfort. And now in our new home, I'm also going to be doing the cooking. (I've enjoyed the last 10 days of being prepared and brought my food.) I'm scared to death to cook here! It's not my kitchen to burn down, it's not my pans, and I left all my exotic spices behind that I adore (you know, like Garlic & Season Salt). At home, I rarely cook with a recipe, and here, I feel so disabled in the fact that I don't have my cookbooks with me. (I know, epicurious, right??) I thought I would just live on black beans and rice, but the only beans I found are dried beans that require me cooking them down....um, don't tell anyone - but I have no idea how to do that!<br />
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So now I'm forced to think about my discomfort. I'm forced to alternate between weeding out the sin that is involved and being okay with the fact that I live where I do with the many gifts that I have (like tap water). I hear it often from people who travel to Africa. They begin to feel this weight of all we have in America, and how little there is here, blah blah blah. I'm sure you've heard the story. I hear a lot of people who will begin to feel a guilt over the way they live in America when there are so many people with so much less. I can't say those thoughts have never crossed my mind, for sure they have. However, it's also a topic that Aaron and I have talked a lot about. And we come to the conclusion every time that going down that road can be a bit dangerous. God, in his sovereignty has placed us where he has...and yes, in His sovereignty, placed Africans in Africa. (That maybe sounds cliche and too easy, but forgive me, I'm not typing out the entire conversation. Feel free to have it with us if you want.) BUT .... with that said, I still have a responsibility to look at all I have in America, and when I'm stripped of it - what will I do? Will I be okay? Will I survive? Do I trust that God will enable me to live in such a drastically different way for a short period of time? Will I repent of my lack of thanksgiving for all I've come to believe is my "right" in America? Will I repent of how I've allowed all that America offers to this Suburban Princess to silently and slyly make me think I need God less?<br />
<br />
So there you have it - this is where I am today. Today I am going back to the supermarket to look with more open eyes at ways to be creative in providing for my new daughter these next couple of weeks. Today I am going to plead with God to give me an ability that can only come from Him to live out the next couple of weeks (without Aaron to shelter me even...another "fear" that I'm not going into now)....and to live it out well. I'm going to ask for Him to give me a burst of adventure that I don't normally (um, ever) possess. I'm going to ask for Him to give me creativity, endurance, and joy. I'm going to thank Him for what I have waiting at home for me. And I'm going to ask Him to bring me back to it SOON.<br />
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Okay - from now on, I'll talk about Dorcas. Promise.<br />
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<br />
*****Addendum******<br />
After posting all of this, I began to read through some of the blogs that have been piling up in my RSS feed. I came across one called <a href="http://www.cbmw.org/Blog/Posts/The-Superwoman-complex?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+genderblog+%28Gender+Blog%29&utm_content=Google+International">"The Superwoman Complex"</a>. It was a good read for me, especially feeling the weight of all I am feeling right now. So perhaps it isn't so much that I'm a Suburban Princess (although that doesn't help)....but maybe it's that Africa has done what is growing increasingly hard for America to do - that is to strip me of my Superwoman Complex. So this was a good read for me knowing I'm heading back to America where all my modern conveniences as well as our culture encourage such a complex. Sigh. Ladies -<a href="http://www.cbmw.org/Blog/Posts/The-Superwoman-complex?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+genderblog+%28Gender+Blog%29&utm_content=Google+International"> this one is worth the read</a>!Jody Brittonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601227149766819463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501635613608425193.post-23767595270957246702011-10-07T06:14:00.000-07:002011-10-07T06:15:39.878-07:00Drum Roll Please !!!!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Introducing our newest daughter:<br />
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Dorcas Linda Kirabo<br />
6 1/2 years old<br />
Extremely shy a lot of the time, but around us - as smiley and giggly and goofy as any Britton child could be!<br />
<br />
Wednesday, many of you were praying for our Court date. It was a fantastic experience...much better than anything we could have hoped for. We sat in court for about 2 hours before it was our turn. After some questions, the Judge stated that he would have his official (written) ruling for us on Friday. Today is Friday! So we went to the court house once again to obtain the ruling. (This is what officially grants us Legal Guardianship of our girl!) He called us into his chambers first thing in the morning and read us his positive ruling granting us guardianship. After he said all his legal, official words - he turned to us unexpectedly and offered up some incredibly kind and encouraging words about what we are doing in adopting this child from His country. The honor is all ours!<br />
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Now that we have the ruling in hand, we were able to drive back to Kampala to finish up the paperwork needed with the Embassy (we have been 5 hours away in Dorcas's town - Fort Portal - since coming to Uganda). Aaron and Provi are going back to Colorado on Sunday night. We will miss them, for sure. Especially Dorcas. She has attached to Provi in such a beautiful way. I'm afraid she will grow very bored with just mom. Please pray for the remainder or our time to go swiftly so we can all be together SOON.<br />
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We are so blessed. We are in awe of this sweet child, and enjoying getting to know her. More to come now that details can be shared! But for now.....<br />
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Enough of my blabbering - here's what you really are interested in:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTS0nrG-3a11cMUWvGWQXZetQyAqTg2A4ENmFQ0ZiEfEqr1jveybGH71N5-ySErO-en2RH7LdbifqnG45deiCCoqgp5x342ctvsjEWmeww7iUUi-NOcRUVKar5QZdGsyUm7vWQKoPnI2M/s1600/IMG_3692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTS0nrG-3a11cMUWvGWQXZetQyAqTg2A4ENmFQ0ZiEfEqr1jveybGH71N5-ySErO-en2RH7LdbifqnG45deiCCoqgp5x342ctvsjEWmeww7iUUi-NOcRUVKar5QZdGsyUm7vWQKoPnI2M/s320/IMG_3692.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First greetings! (Kids here are taught to shake hands and bow upon meeting an adult.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypzTkLdkHInvRzU6pLEAJgh2rr7KIlbXsorDPAuNXTiNwUsrD0zRbAZgW9cY6sGS6b_a7u5R6UAujVBDRPfLPCbBaL_EOLTXzwfaACl1HR7RQbL2ndwBzzsv9-RkVQXpXnBwbf6l1Gio/s1600/IMG_3695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypzTkLdkHInvRzU6pLEAJgh2rr7KIlbXsorDPAuNXTiNwUsrD0zRbAZgW9cY6sGS6b_a7u5R6UAujVBDRPfLPCbBaL_EOLTXzwfaACl1HR7RQbL2ndwBzzsv9-RkVQXpXnBwbf6l1Gio/s320/IMG_3695.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But shaking hands just wasn't gonna be enough. She graciously offered us a hug!!!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-tb6oB0zgg_oFTbrkS5Y6FrQ9aYLMGbcVJHfvqpbXqsJWRjLW0z46G00QAqHnbfOVPb5WjOiyTH4B7p4h9pH8F558Ctu-xY1RKWG-xMq9Nd3fmkA0XmOe4rKDuqU2y23j63tfNMoblg/s1600/IMG_3696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-tb6oB0zgg_oFTbrkS5Y6FrQ9aYLMGbcVJHfvqpbXqsJWRjLW0z46G00QAqHnbfOVPb5WjOiyTH4B7p4h9pH8F558Ctu-xY1RKWG-xMq9Nd3fmkA0XmOe4rKDuqU2y23j63tfNMoblg/s320/IMG_3696.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting big sister, Provi, for the first time. She went straight for the hug!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyerEHAjwvqXLujuSPQcLC6B6zylzOXqS-I6ba295detrjixFxabtnG9uIK6UhmdBqcUcqYlFJz32lDbj4Xmz2Fl2NIDKtAzGhjorETb5jlbmR_Unz_2jdA7IJfvnAvL2d9Qg3MsyPus/s1600/IMG_3699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyerEHAjwvqXLujuSPQcLC6B6zylzOXqS-I6ba295detrjixFxabtnG9uIK6UhmdBqcUcqYlFJz32lDbj4Xmz2Fl2NIDKtAzGhjorETb5jlbmR_Unz_2jdA7IJfvnAvL2d9Qg3MsyPus/s320/IMG_3699.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dorcas showed us to her room and began to pack her bag. </td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvsEGBa4RKO4VNbaLwy3jKju7gCwNKVdXrs1ftglU9T50Uny-o8PdQ5gDOW9Unml1TLhYnRvswibq3kpLojmOE_bQXZ2eufjtR9U8pv_FVYtcTTHYXisI6tjOoBtACy8AU0Awth4OVDk/s1600/IMG_3724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvsEGBa4RKO4VNbaLwy3jKju7gCwNKVdXrs1ftglU9T50Uny-o8PdQ5gDOW9Unml1TLhYnRvswibq3kpLojmOE_bQXZ2eufjtR9U8pv_FVYtcTTHYXisI6tjOoBtACy8AU0Awth4OVDk/s320/IMG_3724.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMJomfqaRqXUrMUQqLaVjED5-6vwiRk6lVeEKfKMmP_E6zGrBKu7v8eMCeuAhtqnzpQpzjOD_Ar8AVzaOHplboWk1Bol1GFCHLyo38-H0lzmjbc0V6Wgk1XarqUq5A6K5RDD6mN84alo/s1600/IMG_3726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMJomfqaRqXUrMUQqLaVjED5-6vwiRk6lVeEKfKMmP_E6zGrBKu7v8eMCeuAhtqnzpQpzjOD_Ar8AVzaOHplboWk1Bol1GFCHLyo38-H0lzmjbc0V6Wgk1XarqUq5A6K5RDD6mN84alo/s320/IMG_3726.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy won her over by being silly! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right at home! Playing play-do with Provi</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A walk in the gardens!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goofs!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SWIM!!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Court...waiting for our ruling.</td></tr>
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</a></div>Jody Brittonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601227149766819463noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501635613608425193.post-86026340512217255332011-10-04T12:54:00.000-07:002011-10-04T12:54:01.342-07:00***URGENT*** Home neededIf ever you linked to my blog, tweet my posts, or do what my posts tell you to - now is the time.<br />
<br />
We've had the honor to meet a sweet, sweet school aged boy in our Uganda Sweetie's home. He is in DESPERATE need of a family .... like yesterday. He does have some "special needs" but nothing that you can't handle. Promise.<br />
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Please help me spread the word. Because by desperate, I mean desperate. No. Really. Desperate.<br />
<br />
Anyone who wants more info can leave a comment w/ their contact info and I will be in touch regarding details.<br />
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Thanks. Ready, set, FORWARD!Jody Brittonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601227149766819463noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501635613608425193.post-59309022399118705992011-10-03T12:14:00.000-07:002011-10-03T12:26:33.353-07:00Boredom and stuff.I don't have much to report today. Twas a slow day. In fact, we are getting a little bored. It rained a lot. And by a lot .... I mean monsoon a lot. Our hotel room is on the second floor of our building, and the rain was blowing straight onto our little balcony. I thought we were in danger of flooding even on the top floor. (It didn't...but that is really how hard it was raining.) We ran some errands in town in between "gully-washers" (as Aaron likes to call them). The girls got a bit of swim time in along with chasing the Lizards. But with all the rain, it is down right COLD here. The chattering of the teeth told us it was time to be done once again. We spent the majority of the day curled up in our little "home" just playing. It seems to be a very secure place for Little Miss, though. We see the brightest side of her when it is just us at "home". Outside these 4 walls, a look of concern and uncertainty will quickly well up on her sweet little face. So we are happy to stay in. Besides that, it's been a long time since we've had the opportunity to just be bored.<br />
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So since there isn't much news from the day, I think I will just state some random facts for the sake of memory, and possibly some good laughs.<br />
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- Little Miss has an amazing sense of direction. Our driver is not from the town we are in, and he gets lost....often. Aaron has even remembered turns before he has. It's actually kind of funny, considering he's a "professional driver". The other day, we were on the outskirts of town, and the driver made it clear that he wasn't sure how to get back. Well....Little Miss did. She would point every now and then telling us to go in a certain direction. And wouldn't you know it? She landed us right back at the hotel! As the director of her orphanage says, "They're Village kids ... they have to know their way around the village." <br />
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-Her manners are unbelievably good. I asked Aaron what we are doing wrong at home. This Sweet Child throws away even the tiniest piece of trash. She pushes her chair in. She flushes the toilet. She wipes her hands with a napkin. She falls to her knees to greet adults (cultural thing .... but still .... I can't even get my kids to look an adult in the eyes). She eats whatever food you give her, and totally clears her plate - she'll even eat the chicken down to the bone. (This one is understandable considering the amount of food she is used to eating...but still! I'm used to complete opposite at meal times.) She dresses herself promptly after waking up, puts her dirty clothes in the right spot, makes her bed, and washes her hands at appropriate times WITHOUT being told. My favorite was possibly tonight as I observed her brushing her teeth. She squeezed the tube FROM.THE.BOTTOM, folks. I can't even get Aaron to do that! (Totally teasing. Let's be honest - I don't do that either.) I'm wondering if all of this will last. All of these things are the little challenges in parenting...and the more kids you have, the easier (I guess) it becomes to overlook some of these manners. Maybe I shouldn't have been overlooking them! (Please don't hear me bashing my kids here, or their manners. No, that's not it. Instead, I've noticed the fantastic work of the care givers in teaching so many kids these small details that I can't even manage to instruct my 4 in. Fail.)<br />
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- She will school you at UNO. We're trying to get her to tell us where she learned it. Little card shark, that one.<br />
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- She can make a play-do sculpture like no-one's business. She takes one look at the side of the box, and crafts her mini replica.<br />
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- When we drive over bumps (of which there are many), she likes to chant "bumpbumpbumpbumpbump" until it is smooth again. Very cute.<br />
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- Every time we see a random dog, I will say - "DOG! GUNTHER" in a funny voice. (Gunther is the name of our dog at home.) She cracks up every time.<br />
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- The 4 foot vulture that I mentioned the other day is in fact a stork. Our director got a good laugh at our lack of bird knowledge. Whatever the thing is ... it is unnatural looking to say the least. It looks like a creature from Avatar.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1C0jd8e_erasK2AEl1UbiY83WSbtIThaRzFKUmOBByA_SkkWPRSeQdBemCVHsVtZVnVuMutSCLHuXEYHzXqNMxES4aypOn946qC-WngIeiAth9FUGGFGzQajMAcrfHBLe4Ef0hAZyVFk/s1600/IMG_3783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1C0jd8e_erasK2AEl1UbiY83WSbtIThaRzFKUmOBByA_SkkWPRSeQdBemCVHsVtZVnVuMutSCLHuXEYHzXqNMxES4aypOn946qC-WngIeiAth9FUGGFGzQajMAcrfHBLe4Ef0hAZyVFk/s320/IMG_3783.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture really doesn't do this thing justice. I was standing really far away. Up close, the thing is seriously as big as Provi.</td></tr>
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- We had a lizard in our bathroom. We tried to chase it away, but it darted behind the bathroom mirror, never to be seen again. I think it was magical. Maybe it jumped down the toilet, went into the sewage area and got eaten by the giant Avatar Stork. (Provi is hopeful that it jumped in her suitcase. She wants to take one home.)<br />
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- There are nasty, huge, black wasps here. If you've been around me at all - you know my feelings about these awful creatures. So needless to say, when I saw one, I wasn't happy. Apparently, they are unlike our Amercanized wasps that are mean and hunt humans. These ones really do leave you alone. But they are still freaky. <br />
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Well, enough randomness for today. For not having much to report, this has turned into a really long post. Sorry about that. It's a big week for us...so hopefully you'll be hearing more soon!Jody Brittonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601227149766819463noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501635613608425193.post-5683695005456023492011-10-02T05:01:00.000-07:002011-10-02T05:01:39.704-07:00CHURCH and a lazy Sunday afternoonToday we visited church here in Uganda. And by Church, I mean CHURCH ! Oh yeah. Hands clapping. Feet moving. Voices singing LOUD. They clapped for Jesus, they sang for Jesus, they jumped for Jesus, they raised their hands for Jesus, they strutted for Jesus, they waved for Jesus. (No, really - those were the words to the song, and they made the motions with each one. Strutting was perhaps my favorite. I think I'm going to strut for Jesus from here on out in church service.)<br />
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The service ran for 2 hours. Yes, 2. (And we hear that is short for this area!) There was a lot of music. All the children were invited up front for a Children's blessing. Our little Ugandan Sweetie marched right on up with the rest of the children, as the Minister prayed a special blessing over the children and their parents. I'm up for this one being added to the American service!<br />
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Next, all the visitors were asked to stand. Us Muzungu's (white people) stood out just a tad, but now we got to actually stand. Oh boy! They also recognized the woman who we were with. They called her the "Grandmother to all Children", and told about the amazing ministry she runs here. Then they recognized all the Americans who were there. (All 4 of us.) Everyone clapped.<br />
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Then came time for the offering. It took place during the music with everyone still standing and singing and dancing. Very joyful giving. It's hard to not have joy when you are moving to a beat and singing praises to the one we are giving to. Then we sat, and they asked for Thanksgivings. Apparently this is another offering for those who are thankful for something from the past week. They go up front to give thanks and offer more money in response to all they are thankful for. I thought this was fantastic. We should do this in America! Gives a whole new meaning to counting your blessings. :)<br />
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Next it was time for the Preacher (Bishop). He stood up and said that today he was more of a teacher than a preacher. He spoke about the pillars of His denomination and made it clear what they believe and don't believe, and how to live in response. It was no nonsense, there was no fear of offending anyone, and he was clear and to the point. (Very different than many American churches.)<br />
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The next part, I must admit, made me giggle a bit (just because of how different it was to me). Toward the end of the service, they had an auction. Someone had brought in a bunch (and by bunch, I mean probably 100) of Matooke (green bananas) to sell to the highest bidder. The money would go to the church. I believe the highest bid came in at about $35 US dollars. (More than double what they worth. And also quite a bit of money for this area.) Yet another thing I think they should do in America! Next week, what will you offer for the auction??? :) It was fantastic. There was more singing, communion, and we were dismissed.<br />
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What an experience. Oh....perhaps one of my favorite things here - when one is finished praying, and you say "Amen", you clap. Why would we NOT clap at the end of prayer? Makes sense to me.<br />
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We came back to our hotel after church and laid around for a bit. Aaron took a nap while I went down for some YUMMY coffee and watched Providence and little Miss UG Sweetie run and play in the Gardens. I read a bit, but mostly kept looking up to see the sweetness of these 2 girls blowing bubbles and laughing and chasing. She loves Providence so much already. (I'm actually a bit concerned about how she will be when Provi has to go home. But we'll deal with that later.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the porch.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table> Next it was time to swim! We know our UG Sweetie has swam/swum/swimmed (whatever that should be...Angie???) once before - but from the expression on her face, you'd think this was her first time ever being in water. She couldn't get enough of it. Even when it began to rain, the girls wouldn't get out. They just stayed in splashing and jumping and shivering ... it was COLD! Finally, seeing the girls shiver and shake - we told them enough for today. We promised to go again tomorrow.<br />
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We're back in our room now, and the girls are playing cards. Sweet, sweet times. The joy on this new child's face can't be explained in words. We had been told in the past that she hardly ever laughs. However, we are seeing just the opposite. She laughs often, and makes the funniest noises in response to our gestures. Her huge grin appears quickly at our slightest attempts. Seeing her joy brings us great joy - and for this we are so very thankful.<br />
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Until tomorrow.....Jody Brittonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601227149766819463noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501635613608425193.post-29435222222640249952011-10-01T04:22:00.000-07:002011-10-01T04:23:32.731-07:00HomeY'all are still asleep, and I've posted a blog post, did what we had planned for the day, and am now posting again. You people are lazy! Get up! (Of course, I'm kidding.) <br />
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We just got back from visiting our UG Sweetie's old home. We saw where she lived, met neighbors, and heard much of her history. To be honest, it was really hard. Seeing the life that is lived here, the tragedy, the heartbreaks. I suppose tragedy and sorrow are everywhere .... but the stories we just heard, and how deep the pain runs is more than most I know will ever experience - myself included.<br />
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We are so grateful to have these glimpse of "Sweetie's" history. We want to honor the life she came from and help her to never forget it. We've been afraid of her being afraid. (That sounds funny.) But at every turn, she clings to our hands and pulls us back to the car. She certainly understands what is happening, and seems as if it isn't coming fast enough for her. A good friend emailed me this morning and encouraged me that no matter how hard these days may be, I should savor every moment. The moments this afternoon were certainly savored....and will never be forgotten.<br />
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(I know that I'm being really vague still on my blog still. Please remember that pictures and details can come only if and when the Judge honors us the great privilege of guardianship of this sweet little one.) <br />
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In other news, we moved hotel today. (For the 3rd time since landing.) Living out of a suitcase is not my specialty. We stepped into our new hotel and decided it was home for a while...so I unpacked some. I was pulling out some of our Uganda Sweetie's new dresses, and she would squeal in delight.<br />
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Now, if only my kids would wake up in America so we can Skype, I'd appreciate it!Jody Brittonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601227149766819463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501635613608425193.post-57194341224674336412011-10-01T01:24:00.000-07:002011-10-01T01:24:09.726-07:00Strange and BeautifulWe are having a wonderful time here in this beautiful Country. We've been spending time just playing and giggling. Our Ugandan Sweetie has the most beautiful smile, and the sweetest little laugh. She's very soft spoken, but we're thinking that will change easily upon entering our loud home. She is smart beyond words. She has captured our hearts.<br />
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Today we are off to see where she is from, and gain as much knowledge of her history as possible. We are excited and nervous about this time.<br />
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Strange and interesting sights - 4 foot vultures outside our window. Baboons in the street (although that was very fun to see!) Black wasps. Ugh. (Although, unlike American wasps, they really do leave you alone!)<br />
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Beautiful sights - The mountains! The lush, green grass. The amazing gardens. The rainfall while still sunny. Our Ugandan Sweetie.<br />
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The journey has just begun!Jody Brittonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05601227149766819463noreply@blogger.com1