Peaceful

It is said that faith, hope and love abide no matter the circumstances, and that the greatest of these is love.  During the adoption and bonding processes, this wisdom serves a resolute foundation from which to operate and an important truth to constantly remember. 

The word that would best summarize our experiences since the last update would be "Peaceful".  

Almost two weeks ago, we moved to the beach town of Umhlanga, a suburb north of Durban, on the Indian Ocean.  Here, we have rented a home with a yard and a pool for about three weeks.  Staying in Umhlanga for a few weeks has allowed us to unpack, have our own space, and operate more like a normal family.  With more privacy, a routine, and a lot of time to spend together, we are coming together as a family very well!   


 
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S has adjusted incredibly well to being a part of our family.  Every day we see how she is building trust, and becoming more comfortable with our family's culture, expectations and rhythms.  She seems to thoroughly enjoy closeness and cuddling with Maman and Daddy, and she really loves playing and doing activities with her big brothers. 

A New Canadian Citizen

While S has a shy, reserved side, she is also incredibly adventurous and playful, and she LOVES to sing!  In addition, through our times playing in the pool, at the beach and during bath time, we have discovered that S loves water.  We'll be signing her up for the "expert" toddler swimming class. :) Her mischievous side has also started to come out - and she will not accept to be outdone by her big brothers.  This should be fun.  :)  S is also learning basic English quite quickly.

On the administrative front, we have recently celebrated some important steps and milestones.  The adoption order issued by the Magistrate has been processed by S.A.'s Department of Home Affairs; S's Canadian citizenship was applied for and granted(!); we have applied for S's Canadian passport; and have applied to the Department of Home Affairs to have our sweet girl's name legally changed. 

In all, life in Umhlanga has been splendid - almost surreal.  Our daily routine consists of: breakfast at the house, or at a local bakery (with other Canadian families who have also finalized adoptions in SA); homeschooling and homework (especially for G, who has just completed an excellent report about Matatiele); nap time for S (and others who may be tired); lunch; swimming in the pool or at the beach (or sightseeing); and supper at the house or out with friends. 

 

One HUGE blessing for us on our trip has been becoming good friends with a beautiful Canadian family, who have also just adopted a child from the same baby home where S lived.  Our families stayed at the Upmarket B&B in Matatiele for 10 days and we now live within a few blocks of each other in Umhlanga.  Our children are close in age and have similar temperaments, so we have spent quite a lot of time together, including going on a number of memorable adventures, such as a very fun trip to PheZulu village in the Valley of 1000 Hills.

The Rugby World Cup is also currently being played in England and South Africans are probably more passionate about rugby than Canadians are about hockey -- so we have gotten into the spirit and are cheering on the Springbok (Canada has been eliminated).

Go Bokke!

The coming week promises to be filled with a few more adventures:

• A safari at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve for two days and two nights, where we hope to see the "Big 5";
• A Hippo and Croc Safari Boat Cruise in St. Lucia;
• A trip to the quiet beach town of Ballito for a day and a half, for some beach adventures and snorkeling; and
• A visit to uShaka Marine World in Durban, to play at the waterpark.

Stay tuned!

And with all these adventures -- our time in Kwa-Zulu Natal is coming to a close.  Next Friday, we will depart for Cape Town and Stellenbosch in the Western Cape.  In 2011, we lived in Stellenbosch and made a number of wonderful friends, who we will reconnect with during this visit.  

It's hard to believe that we've already completed half of this African journey!