Greetings. I am so excited. Mwende (beloved one) Johannah Alberta Hall is home. I met her on Sept. 11th and Springs of Hope Children's home. After a two hour meeting I just prayed that God would open my heart to this new life who will be a part of my life and family forever. At our first meeting she was delightful, talkative and very social. She did become angry with me because I didn't let her hold on to a doll while she was on the see-saw. She cried and won't come near me for a while. But I was okay SHE"S TWO!!!
The next week I was hosting the Willow Chicago team and wasn't sure I would be able to visit her again that week. Praise God the team went on their safari and I went to visit Mwende. It was a blessings to interact with her and her housemates. After the fourth visit the director asked if I was ready to have her come home. WOW I took the weekend to shop for clothes (thanks Agnes), toys and a coming home dress. It was more overwhelming because for so long all of this has been paperwork, plans and what ifs. October 1st it became very real when I drove off the compound with my new daughter.
Mwende is Swahili speaking only and I English. I am happy to report she speaks openly and I just nod. I ask my friends later what was said. The little Swahili I know is being used. She is getting adjusted to her new surrounding without complaint. She loves chapati ( a fried flat bread) and yogurt. So far thin pancakes are working well as chapatis. She will be three on Oct. 9th but I will wait to celebrate and have a dedication service in November when Carla from the states is here. Thanks everyone who has welcomed her so warmly on the net and here in Kenya.
She sleeps well and cries only when she is angry with me, for not doing as she commands. By the grace of God I know this is just the beginning and God will show us the way to become a solid family. Several friends have asked "Does this mean you do not want to be married?" NO WAY, the blessed brother will have to seek God on how to love a single mom and her child. Thanks for your prayers. Keep it up.
Also the first three months I am listed as her foster mother. After that time frame, the agency and children's home will submit a final report then I can seek full adoption. Until that time I can not post pictures of her on the Internet.
SCHOOL
I promise to think about school next week. I am waiting for my thesis proposal to be approved and I will do the research. Finished all of the classes and paperwork. JUST THE THESIS and then the finish line.