We arrived at a couple of milestones this week. On Tuesday our social worker came for a home visit with a double purpose. It was time to begin working on Isaac's SIX MONTH post placement report (how is THAT possible?) and to do the update for Pat's homestudy!
I'm told they are waiting on a few reference forms to arrive and then we should be DONE! Our social worker was so excited when she heard Pat's story and saw the photos of the things we did with him this summer. She said she was going to go home and write the report yet that night. I'm hoping our placement agency will get our homestudy draft sometime next week. This was all accomplished in less than a month! Hoping this lightning pace holds.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Saturday, August 30, 2014
ApParent Project Christmas Ornaments
Ornaments are all sold out. Thank you, everyone!
They are here! Instead of shopping Hallmark or Walmart for ornaments this year, how about making your purchase count? We are partnering once again with The ApParent Project to sell their ornaments made from upcycled oil drums. They feature their signature paper bead - from upcycled cereal boxes. In addition to improving the Haitian landscape, the artisans are bringing new hope to their families, employing themselves for a brighter future and earning the means to pay for their children's food, shelter, and education. That means less orphans, less crime, less garbage, less stress, and a whole lot more beauty. Buying from your local mall can't top that!
Ornaments are all sold out. Thank you, everyone!
They are here! Instead of shopping Hallmark or Walmart for ornaments this year, how about making your purchase count? We are partnering once again with The ApParent Project to sell their ornaments made from upcycled oil drums. They feature their signature paper bead - from upcycled cereal boxes. In addition to improving the Haitian landscape, the artisans are bringing new hope to their families, employing themselves for a brighter future and earning the means to pay for their children's food, shelter, and education. That means less orphans, less crime, less garbage, less stress, and a whole lot more beauty. Buying from your local mall can't top that!
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| HAND-MADE by Haitian Artisans Handcrafted using paper beads, metal from old oil drums. No two items are exactly alike! They are similar, but unique. |
Ornaments are all sold out. Thank you, everyone!
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Van Stalking Results in Attending Chinese Church!
Let me start out with the disclaimer that I am NOT normally a stalker... yesterday was an exception.
Here is the scoop: I remember our first trip to China and how I CRAVED hearing the English language by the time we got home. I believe this has made me more sensitive to how our dear son could be feeling right about now. He is progressing so well with his English. He has worked through the first two levels of Rosetta Stone English this summer, and I'm very proud of his accomplishment. But Chinese is his first language. It seems to me that he must crave the familiar at least from time to time.
So as I was out and about town yesterday I found myself following a big, white van. But this was no ordinary white van. It had red writing on it that said, "Cincinnati Chinese Church." Whaaaaaa? We have a Chinese church?
As I contemplated possibly following this vehicle to its destination, I decided to not be, well...a stalker. It turned left as I turned right. I decided if I happened to be anywhere near where it eventually parked I WAS going to get some information from the driver. Imagine my surprise when we BOTH approached the Target parking lot - from opposite directions!
The driver got out of his van, I got out of my van, and I walked FAST to catch up with him and get his attention. By the time I caught up with him, his wife had caught up with both of us. They were a charming couple who gladly gave me the address and directions to their church, along with details about when to show up for the services.
I was so excited to get there this morning so our sweet boy could hear the sermon in his first language! And guess what we parked next to? THE van!
The church had an awesome set up. The songs, announcements and preaching were entirely in Mandarin Chinese, but they offered Ethan, Tikvah and me little FM radios with ear buds. Someone (we never did spot who) translated everything and transmitted it over a low power frequency to our radios.
There is just something about a room full of people singing praise songs in Mandarin. I could listen to it for a V-E-R-Y long time. And thanks to the translator (whom we hope to spot and actually SAY "thanks" to the next time) we enjoyed a good sermon too. But best of all, Isaac got to REALLY understand the sermon this morning!
Here is the scoop: I remember our first trip to China and how I CRAVED hearing the English language by the time we got home. I believe this has made me more sensitive to how our dear son could be feeling right about now. He is progressing so well with his English. He has worked through the first two levels of Rosetta Stone English this summer, and I'm very proud of his accomplishment. But Chinese is his first language. It seems to me that he must crave the familiar at least from time to time.
So as I was out and about town yesterday I found myself following a big, white van. But this was no ordinary white van. It had red writing on it that said, "Cincinnati Chinese Church." Whaaaaaa? We have a Chinese church?
As I contemplated possibly following this vehicle to its destination, I decided to not be, well...a stalker. It turned left as I turned right. I decided if I happened to be anywhere near where it eventually parked I WAS going to get some information from the driver. Imagine my surprise when we BOTH approached the Target parking lot - from opposite directions!
The driver got out of his van, I got out of my van, and I walked FAST to catch up with him and get his attention. By the time I caught up with him, his wife had caught up with both of us. They were a charming couple who gladly gave me the address and directions to their church, along with details about when to show up for the services.
I was so excited to get there this morning so our sweet boy could hear the sermon in his first language! And guess what we parked next to? THE van!
The church had an awesome set up. The songs, announcements and preaching were entirely in Mandarin Chinese, but they offered Ethan, Tikvah and me little FM radios with ear buds. Someone (we never did spot who) translated everything and transmitted it over a low power frequency to our radios.
There is just something about a room full of people singing praise songs in Mandarin. I could listen to it for a V-E-R-Y long time. And thanks to the translator (whom we hope to spot and actually SAY "thanks" to the next time) we enjoyed a good sermon too. But best of all, Isaac got to REALLY understand the sermon this morning!
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Puzzle Fundraiser
Our puzzle for Pat is pretty awesome in that it actually has photos of us together! We are currently working on processing fees. We greatly appreciate your help!
We'll write your name on the back of your sponsored piece(s) then frame the puzzle in double glass when it is complete. Pieces are sponsored $10 each. Our other two adoptions had similar fundraisers at about this same step, and we love looking at the back and remembering those who helped us along the way. There is a Paypal button in the right border to make it easy. Thank you so much for standing with us once again!
Puzzle in progress:
We'll write your name on the back of your sponsored piece(s) then frame the puzzle in double glass when it is complete. Pieces are sponsored $10 each. Our other two adoptions had similar fundraisers at about this same step, and we love looking at the back and remembering those who helped us along the way. There is a Paypal button in the right border to make it easy. Thank you so much for standing with us once again!
Puzzle in progress:
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