Parliamentary Study - Federal Support Measures for Adoptive Parents

As you may be aware, the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA), in the House of Commons, last week started a study on "Federal Support Measures for Adoptive Parents."

This is the first Parlimentary study of its kind, at least that we are aware of. The idea for the study originated from Jeff Watson, MP - Essex (ON). Last year, he put forward a motion in the House of Commons for the HUMA committee to undertake a thorough study of federal support measures for adoptions. Last April, the committee decided to undertake the study, but was delayed due to other priority issues. Then last week, the study started. The committee called officials from HRSDC, and Citizenship and Immigration Canada was called to appear before the committee. On Tuesday morning, Wesley appeared as a witness before the committee on one of two panels of adoptive parents. He used the opportunity to share about our adoption story, what role the federal government provided during the process, and measures for enhancing federal support. Wesley prepared a presentation that tells our adoption story and describes four recommendations for providing greater support to adoptive parents. As most people know, there are many different reasons and motives for adopting, especially internationally. These recommendations are fairly targeted, but broad enough to benefit all families that adopt internationally.

Brand New White Passport !

We received Gabriel’s temporary passport this morning just before 9:00 – which means that we’ll make our 14:45 flight out of Durban! Mommy and Daddy are just thrilled to be traveling home together and feel that this is a HUGE answer to prayer. Thank you to all those who prayed for our situation -- and also to those who wrote us beautiful and encouraging e-mail. We’ve cherished all the loving words we’ve received – even though we haven’t yet had enough time to reply to most of them. (Our apologies!)


We would also like to extend a very warm THANK YOU to Cathy and John, the owners of Kingston House B&B in Umhlanga Rocks - and their wonderful staff -- who hosted us for all but 4 nights over the last month! The hospitality and service we experienced at Kingston House B&B was beyond compare and the food...EXTRAVAGANT --(there really is no other word to describe it! ) breakfast upon breakfast and dinner upon dinner. John and Cathy took all the stress of cooking meals away from Mommy and Daddy (which allowed us to focus on our Little Man) and, each day, cooked and baked at the Cordon Bleu-level! Simply incredible.

We plan to keep a low profile when we get home, in order to give Gabriel some time to adjust to his new home (and much colder surroundings!) – but we look forward to seeing you all very soon and to organizing plenty of play dates and get-togethers in the very near future.

The Lord has provided for us abundantly and has been incredibly faithful in this journey. We can only stand amazed, recognizing our immeasurable blessings.

Love,

Wes, Karyne & Gabriel

Answer to Prayer ! – Please keep praying. . .

We’ve just heard from the High Commission in Pretoria that Gabriel’s temporary passport was issued today! Hallelujah! Apparently, the temporary passport will be couriered from Pretoria to Durban tomorrow morning. We are praying hard that we will receive it by tomorrow afternoon. . . and at the very latest, on Friday morning, as our first flight (of three) is scheduled for 14:45 Friday afternoon. Our timelines are very tight -- but we will not reschedule our flights -- and will instead just pray that the transfer from Pretoria to Durban can be made without any hiccups! Please pray with us.

So far our week has been a very relaxing one. Gabriel is getting more and more “settled into” his new family and Mommy and Daddy have tried to make their last week in Umhlanga Rocks, South Africa, as much of a vacation as possible. On Monday, the family drove to the other side of Durban to do a little “souvenir shopping” – and yesterday and today we spent the whole day at the beach – which just happens to be a 2 minute drive from our beautiful B&B.  Both days were sun-filled – with highs of almost 30C. (As anxious as we are to show Gabriel his new home in Ottawa – Mommy and Daddy will definitely miss South Africa’s springtime weather!)

We’ve included a few of our latest beach pictures.

Love,

Wes, Karyne & Gabriel

Crossroads Children's Home, Matatiele and Maluti

Following our trip to Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Mommy, Daddy and Gabriel made the gruelling 8 ½ hour drive (through two-lane mountain passes in fog and rain) to Matatiele (pronounced Ma-ta-TEE-el). Matatiele (or “Matat” as many South Africans refer to it) is a small rural village which houses the Crossroads Children’s Home (orphanage) where Gabriel spent the last year.

Because we arrived in Matatiele quite late, we went directly to the B&B (Upmarket Accommodation & Polliz Tea Garden) we had booked, which is owned by the mother of the Director of the children’s home and which is located on a farm five minutes outside the village. The hospitality at the B&B was tremendous - *five star* - and the food was exceptional. The owner of the B&B and her daughter, the Director of the children’s home, are also fluent in Xhosa – which made Gabriel feel right at home.

After enjoying a splendid breakfast at the local coffee shop (which is also owned by the owner of the B&B and by the Director of the children’s home), Mommy, Daddy and Gabriel headed to Crossroads Children’s Home for a short visit. (Before we entered the home, the owner of the B&B and one of Gabriel’s former caretakers took great care in explaining to Gabriel that he was only there to visit his former home and that his new Mommy and Daddy were his “forever family” who would not leave his side – and that he would be going home with his parents.)

Mommy and Daddy took many beautiful pictures of Gabriel’s former home and enjoyed the tour given by two staff members. Crossroads is truly a beautiful facility where the (approximately 60) children are given phenomenal care by highly skilled child-care workers and support staff. The Crossroads campus is clean and full of beautiful art and murals. There are individual homes -where the children live in “families” with a female caregiver - , a school, a large courtyard with a playground, and a multi-purpose room.

Then came the time for the tearful (for Mommy and Daddy) goodbye. The children sang a few songs for us and then took turns saying their farewells and giving goodbye hugs to Gabriel. Gabriel clung to Mommy and Daddy during the entire visit and chose not to interact very much with the children from the orphanage – but we know that in a few years, he will appreciate having the pictures and video shot during the visit and “goodbyes” at Crossroads.

In the afternoon, the Director of the children’s home took Mommy, Daddy and Gabriel on a visit of Matatiele and of the surrounding villages including, Maluti, where Gabiel was born. The region is a snapshot of the paradox that is South Africa. On the one hand, the landscape - with its rolling hills and snow-capped mountains is incredibly serene...and the people, in their generosity and kindness are even more beautiful. However, on the other hand, it was impossible for us to ignore the poverty all around us, the disturbing social issues the villages battle with, and the evidence of HIV and AIDS and its devastating effects on men, women and children.

Yesterday, we left Matatiele with mixed emotions and a new appreciation for all the wonderful and important work of the Crossroads Children’s Home and of its Director (who is truly a “saint”!) We couldn’t possibly say enough about her – and we thank her and her staff for taking SUCH great care of our little man.

Love,

Wes, Karyne & Gabriel

Hluhluwe Game Reserve

On Monday morning, Mommy, Daddy and Gabriel made the three and a half-hour drive North, from Durban to Hluhluwe (pronounced Shlu-shlu-wee) Game Reserve. Our two-day trip was magnificent! As we drove into the park, we were met by local village children performing traditional Zulu dances -- dressed in beautiful Zulu attire. Given that we had arrived well ahead of our scheduled check-in time of two o’clock, Mommy, Daddy and Gabriel decided to begin our first self-guided game drive. We hadn’t been driving for ten minutes when we encountered a herd of zebras (we counted approximately fifty!) which we were able to observe VERY close up.

After having checked into our beautiful little chalet (on the top of a mountain in the game reserve), our family (yes, including Gabriel) enjoyed “tea time”. We knew, from having observed Gabriel at his transition home, that our little man enjoyed drinking tea – but we hadn’t quite appreciated to what extent! Caffeine considerations aside – we decided to offer Gabriel a “small spot” of tea. When we had drunk his few drops of tea, Mommy offered him a bit more – an offer he accepted by jumping up and down and thanking her profusely in Xhosa and in English: “Enkosi, enkosi, enkosi, thank you, thank you, thank you!”

The following day and a half at the game reserve were spectacular! We were able to observe many different species of animals and birds in a natural habitat including: giraffes, rhinoceros, monkeys, elephants, wild dogs and hyenas, buffalos, impalas – and of course, zebras – many of which we observed within 50 feet! We have GREAT photos to share with anyone who is interested! Mommy went on a guided evening safari where she observed nocturnal animals, birds and rodents – which also included watching five rhinos fiercely defend their mud bed from a herd of approximately 50 or 60 buffalo.

Daddy followed Mommy’s trip with a guided EARLY morning safari which began at 4:15am! Ouch. It was well worth it though! Daddy observed a large herd of elephants at less than 20 feet and a baby rhino with its angry and protective Mommy.

Gabriel was true to his name and was an angel throughout our trip to the reserve. He watched all of the animals attentively and was quick to learn all of their names. He even had a splendid time with a pair of binoculars we borrowed. : ) (You’ll enjoy the picture we’ve posted of our little man viewing animals using his own special binocular technique and sporting a splendid “native-themed” crown he was given at a local restaurant in Durban.)

Love,

Wes, Karyne & Gabriel

Introducing Canada’s Newest Citizen

We are happy to announce that Gabriel was granted Canadian citizenship yesterday (Friday). Mommy and Daddy received the phone call from Gabriel’s social worker late yesterday morning as we were driving back to Durban from Matatiele. Later in the day, Mommy, Daddy and Gabriel attended the office of the Honourable Canadian Consul in Durban to apply for Gabriel’s temporary passport. Please continue to pray that the temporary passport will be delivered to us before our planned departure – next Friday. As much as we have absolutely loved our time here in South Africa, Mommy and Daddy are quite anxious to introduce Gabriel to his new home land and to settle back into their *real* home.

Love,

Wes, Karyne & Gabriel

Going on Safari! (and to Matatiele)

Tomorrow morning, we will be leaving our B&B in Umhlanga Rocks for two short excursions. On Monday and Tuesday we will be heading North to a wild animal reserve (safari) where we will be doing self-guided drives through the PAVED sections of the park. We will be staying at a safari camp that serves breakfast and dinner (we were told that it is quite nice). On Wednesday we will be coming back to Durban. Please pray with us that our citizenship paperwork will be completed by then ? which will allow us to sign Gabriel-Sivuyile?s passport papers. We will leave Durban Wednesday afternoon and head South to Matatiele (about 3 and half hours away) for two nights. Matatiele is very small rural town, which is home to Cross Roads Children?s Home -- where Gabriel-Sivuyile spent nearly a year of his life. There we will be staying at a B&B owned by the mother of the Director of the children?s home.

As both of these locations are fairly remote, we are not sure whether Internet access will be available. If we can?t get online before then, we will try to post something on Friday or Saturday when we return to our B&B in Umhlanga Rocks.

Love,

Wes, Karyne and Gabriel-Sivuyile
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Fun-Filled Days!

Imagine if you can, 25-30 degree weather, cloudless skies, living in a B&B (which also provides dinner at a very reasonable rate) and no work – which allows us to focus all of our attention on Sivuyile-Gabriel. Life in South Africa is pretty good!

On Sivuyile-Gabriel

The more time has passed and our routine has remained fairly... well... “routine”, the more comfortable Sivuyile-Gabriel has become with Mommy and Daddy. Over the last few days, he seems to have developed a much better capacity for “listening” to Mommy and Daddy which is likely also explained by his evolving dislike for “time out”.

Other guests at the B&B have confirmed our biased belief that his laugh is contagious and that his smile can light up a room. He is also a real “boy-boy”. He LOVES to play ball, to build things with his Mega Blocks and to rough house on Mommy and Daddy’s bed – though, we suspect that his very favourite thing might actually be water, especially the ocean waves and bath water!

Play Dates

Last Tuesday and again today, Mommy, Daddy and Sivuyile-Gabriel drove across Durban to Heaton Cottage (another B&B) where two Canadian adoptive families (and three adopted children) are staying. The visits to Heaton Cottage have served as play dates for Sivuyile-Gabriel and the other three children who lived together at the children’s home in Matatiele, Eastern Cape.

The first time we arrived for a play date, Sivuyile-Gabriel was VERY shy and distant. It could have been that being reunited with these children brought back memories of his time at the children’s home or the transition home, or a fear that he would be “returned”. Fortunately, Sivuyile-Gabriel’s social worker was there at the same time and explained that his reaction was very normal, and actually a good sign that his emotions are intact.

Both times we’ve visited Heaton Cottage, the owner of the B&B has brought out a snack of chocolate cake and juice for the children (and the parents!) – and what a treat that’s been! After a snack of chocolate cake and juice Sivuyile-Gabriel typically begins to warm up and to play ball with the other parents and children. : ) Seriously, we’ve observed that Sivuyile-Gabriel warms up fairly quickly to other adults and children and that it doesn’t take much for him to get into his jovial ways of chasing balls, laughing and having a GREAT time. Hopefully, we’ll be able to visit Heaton Cottage one more time before we leave for Canada.

uShaka Marine World

Yesterday, Mommy, Daddy and Sivuyile-Gabriel spent a wonderful day at uShaka Marine World (named after a great Zulu king). uShaka Marine World is a gigantic oceanic experience with hundreds of shops surrounding a beautiful beachfront that extends almost a kilometre, and acres and acres of aquariums and pools for the shows. We were able to catch all three shows for yesterday: the dolphin show, the seal show and the penguin presentation. Sivuyile-Gabriel watched attentively as the dolphins jumped and flipped in the pool, as a seal starred in a play about pirates looking for treasures, and as the penguins swam and were fed in their enclosure. Mommy and Daddy aren’t sure whether Sivuyile-Gabriel knew what to make of it all – but he appeared to find it intriguing at the very least. Between the shows, Mommy, Daddy and Sivuyile-Gabriel viewed the thousands of species of fish and aquatic life in the impressive aquariums, including ragged-tooth sharks.

Another highlight from yesterday was Sivuyile-Gabriel’s first hair cut with Mommy and Daddy. As we were passing through the “mall” at uShaka Marine World, Mommy and Daddy spotted a hair salon and between the seal show and the penguin show decided to that it was time for Sivuyile-Gabriel to get a trim! As it turns out, we went for the “Michael Jordan Style” which is very fresh for South African summer and will allow Mommy and Daddy to “start over” with Sivuyile-Gabriel’s hair which needed a good trim.

Finally, ice cream was the perfect end to a wonderful and amazing aquatic day!

Love,

Wes, Karyne and Sivuyile-Gabriel

Prayer Request: Our Documents

This is just a little note to ask you to please pray that all of our documents will be registered and prepared (quickly!) by both the South African and Canadian governments prior to our (booked) departure date of November 27.  Changes to the South African government's computer systems caused delays this week for adoptive parents filing adoption court judgments -- and the adoption practitioner here in South Africa has warned us that we may have to extend our stay if all of the paperwork and citizenship and passport applications cannot be finalized before the 27th. 

(Some parents have had to extend their stays in South Africa by as much as one week already. . .and Wes has been told that he *must* begin his new job on the 30th, which means that he will return on the 27th or 28th at the latest.  As you can appreciate, Karyne would rather not return home alone with a 3-year old who has never flown and who can be rambunctious at times.)

As most of you are aware, we have already experienced miracles around document approval in our adoption process and we know that God's hand has directed everything so far.

Please feel free to pass on this prayer request.

Thank you for your support!

Love,

Wesley, Karyne & Sivuyile-Gabriel 

The Beach, Church and PheZulu!

Over the past three days we have had a number of very fun outings into the surrounding area which has made large portions of our stay feel like we are truly in paradise and on vacation (this does not include those tough 'parenting' moments).

The Beach

About a 5-minute drive from our B&B is a gorgeous sand beach on the Indian Ocean. The sand, wading pools and the shallow waters make for an excellent place for a toddler to play. Sivuyile-Gabriel's little face lit up as he ran up the beach to avoid the incoming waves, and then proceeded to chase the wave back into the ocean as it receded (followed by a lot of giggling and splashing in the shallow water). He also loved to explore the tidal pools (with all the minos, starfish and sea creatures) living amongst the rocks. Our B&B has a number of children’s beach tools (buckets, shovels, etc.) which we have borrowed to make a few sand castles. I think it would be an understatement to say that Sivuyile-Gabriel was VERY disappointed to be told that it was time to leave.  We plan to visit the beach almost every day.

Church

When we arrived at Sivuyile-Gabriel's transition home last week, we were invited by the Missionary couple to attend their church service. We immediately jumped at the opportunity, and on Sunday we navigated our way to the service with our handy GPS (we are not sure how we would manage driving here without it). This is the same church that Sivuyile-Gabriel had been attending while he was in the transition home, so he was familiar with the surrounding. The church is fairly similar, in size and demographics, to Pine Grove Church (our church in Ottawa). The musical worship was very contemporary and led by a young worship leader-pastor, while the excellent sermon was given by the senior pastor. (When traveling in South Africa you quickly learn that people do not say 'Amen', but rather 'Ach-men'! -- which sounds almost Aussie). It is quite incredible that we can literally be on the other side of the world, and be welcomed as a brother and sister in Christ so easily to fellowship and worship with other believers.  We truly belong to the universal Church of our Lord Jesus.

PheZulu

The most recent adventure was yesterday’s trip to the PheZulu Game Reserve (about a 45 minute drive from the B&B) in the Valley of a 1000 Hills (which is a breathtaking piece of South Africa). This scenic, remote reserve has three major components: demonstration traditional Zulu village, a reptile museum and reserve (with hundreds of crocodiles) and a game reserve (which we didn't go to - as we are planning a trip to a different (larger) reserve later on in the trip). The highlight certainly was the traditional Zulu dancing and interpretive tour. The 'village' had 6-7 different buildings including a central meeting house, homes, etc, where Zulus were dressed in their traditional clothes, furs and beads. At the end of the tour we were treated to a 20-minute dancing extravaganza (which included a re-enactment of a Zulu wedding proposal)!

We have now been in South Africa for one week and are enjoying experiencing incredible adventures as a family. There is so much to see and do!

Love,

Wesley, Karyne & Sivuyile-Gabriel

Everyone Loves Pictures! Here Are a Few Moore --

Disconnected, Re-Connected & Connecting

Our blog is finally up and running again! We received a message from Google yesterday explaining that the blog (and attached e-mail account) had been disconnected in error and that we have been re-connected. We are truly relieved!

On Friday, we also got ourselves "connected" to life in Umhlanga Rocks. After a few days of feeling "stuck" at our B&B - which is beautiful, but outside of walking distance to *everything*, we decided to rent a car. For safety, we also "hired" a GPS system and a cell phone, for safety (two *must-haves*!). Wes has already adjusted amazingly well to driving on the "wrong" side of the road and to shifting with his left hand. We have found driving in Umhlanga Rocks to be fairly safe -- though we have heeded the advice we received -- to always lock our car doors before we leave the driveway of the B&B and to try not to drive after dusk. So far, so good. Our new car has given us quite a lot of freedom.

Onto the parenting side of things. . . At times we have felt as though we could write a book on parenting toddlers! Just kidding! -- but, honestly, we have experienced some of our best and worst parenting times over the past four days. . . And as much as we have wanted to sit down and blog we have either been running furiously after our (almost) three year-old, "napping" when he is napping, grabbing a bite to eat, or full out sleeping! Sivuyile is an absolutely beautiful angel -- but he is also just starting to learn that when Mommy and Daddy say "no" or "please", they actually mean business! On a more serious note, this time of change has also been a BIG transition for our little man, and we must also appreciate that he is experiencing strong feelings of separation and grief. (Over the past three days Mommy and Daddy have dealt with multiple temper tantrums - in private and in public - which have been difficult to bear.) The situation has also been exacerbated by the fact that although Sivuyile is fairly comfortable in Xhosa and understands some Zulu --he has just started learning English, which has led to some frustration for him as he struggles to communicate with his new Mommy and Daddy. It's a good thing that kisses transcend language! We ask that you please pray for comfort and peace for Sivuyile and A LOT of patience and overflowing love and understanding for Mommy and Daddy.

Sivuyile, Mommy and Daddy are connecting!

Love,

Wes, Karyne & Sivuyile-Gabriel (We will be moving into "Phase 2" of the "name change" starting tomorrow - Monday : )

A Few Technical Glitches!

Hi All. . .

Just a little note to let you know that we've been experiencing a few technical "issues" with our Blog. . . Please don't be alarmed if you see a message that our blog has been disabled. We're trying to iron all this out as quickly as possible!

Love,

Wesley & Karyne

Third Day and Faith Like Potatoes

Sivuyile experienced quite a few "firsts" today - including shopping at the largest mall in the southern hemisphere, attending a rock concert and listening to a world-renouned preacher!

Ironically enough, on Mommy and Daddy's "third day" in South Africa, the Moore family got to attend an incredible concert by one of Mommy and Daddy's favourite Christian worship bands, Third Day! Third Day was playing at the Umhlanga (pronouned "Oom-Shlanga") Rocks Wave House (a sort of surfer club attached to the Westgate Mall), only a few minutes drive away from the B&B. And to top it all off, the speaker for the evening was none other than Angus Buchan - the South African farmer and preacher whose life story was the inspiration for the recently released movie "Faith Like Potatoes". (If you haven't yet caught the movie, we highly recommend it!) Angus shared in both English and Zulu about God's love and desire for His people.

At times it feels as though our adoption journey to South Africa has been one of investing in, and growing "potatoes" in the most unlikely circumstances and in the midst of the unknown. The journey has required complete faith in God -- and following much prayer, waiting, and trust, we feel as though we are slowly digging up that which God had promised us in our dreams and that which we felt in our hearts He was calling us to. Sivuyile is a true miracle in so many ways and he is even more perfect and beautiful than we could ever have imagined. As an example of his temperament and character, when we tell him we love him, Sivuyile consistently smiles, says "Love You" in his cute little soft voice - and gives us wonderful little kisses on the cheek.

God really has a way with his "potatoes".

Love,

Wes & Karyne

Introducing --- Gabriel Sivuyile Dlamini Moore

We are proud to introduce our beautiful son, Gabriel Sivuyile Dlamini Moore!!!

Bright and early yesterday morning we went back to Sivuyile's transition home. As soon as we rang the bell at the front gate, he ran to the front of the house, anticipating our return. After a few minutes of re-acquainting ourselves, Mommy, Daddy and Sivuyile went to the backyard, where we played ball for nearly an hour. (I don't think that either Mommy or Daddy anticipated just how strong, fast and coordinated Sivuyile would be...nor, how his infectious giggles and laughs would make our hearts dance). Sivuyile is such a happy and content child! We know that we have only known him for 2 days, but we are blown away by how intelligent, observant, industrious and gentle he is.)

After playing soccer in the yard, it came time for the "big good-bye". We changed Sivuyile into the "court attire" his house mom had picked out. Then was the tearful "see you later" from the transition home staff and the missionaries who run the home. We had a number of pictures taken, and then, after Sivuyile received a parting gift from the transition home, we walked the 400 metres back to the B&B. Sivuyile rode on Wes' shoulders the whole way - which has quickly become his preferred mode of transportation. When we got to the B&B, one of the other (adoptive) Canadian couples was waiting to take us to the Richmond courthouse.

We had a brief stop-over at another B&B, where we met up with some of Sivuyile's orphanage siblings who had recently been adopted. After partaking in some chocolate cake and milk (Sivuyile)/tea (Mommy)/coffee (Daddy), we drove the hour-and-a-bit to Richmond where the magistrate and Sivuyile's social worker were waiting for us. The magistrate stamped approximately 40 documents, asked the social worker a few questions about Sivuyile's background, and asked us a few questions about our home life, work and pastimes. He then stated that on the basis of the information he had before him, he believed that it would be in Sivuyile's best interest to be adopted by us and he granted the adoption and legally added the name "Moore" to Sivuyile's African name. Sivuyile, Mommy and Daddy had a few pictures taken with the magistrate after they officially became a family!

After our court appearance, the Moores (and the other couple who had driven us to court), went on a brief visit of a South African settlement (township).

We finished the day poolside on the patio of the B&B, enjoying a wonderful and extravagant home-cooked meal. Sivuyile joined us for dinner for the first time -- and ate beautifully. He has a very healthy appetite and definitely knows how to use his utensils.

After dinner, Mommy and Daddy prayed with Sivuyile, and all three of us fell asleep in our King-size bed. Wednesday was a memorable and historic day -- One that we will never forget.

Love,

Wes & Karyne

Our Little Man

We were so nervous when we woke up yesterday morning. The day we would meet our son for the first time! We were up at approximately 7:30 am and took some time to get organized for the day, including packing a day-bag that included some books and a little stuffed tiger for SD.

John and Cathy, the owners of the B&B, greeted us when we left our room, and served us an excellent (and huge) breakfast - a bowl of local fruit, cereal and yogurt followed by eggs, ham, sausages, tomatoes and toast. They were so generous and welcoming. At breakfast, we also discovered that there are two other sets of Canadian adoptive parents staying in the same B&B with their tiny South African infants, but they are both leaving in the next 24-hours.

R.S., SD's social worker, came to the B&B at about 9:00 am. She provided us with an update on SD and on what to expect over the next two days. She was very sweet, but professional about all the steps that are required for the adoption - before we go to court this afternoon (the courthouse is about an hour away from the B&B). She then drove us up the hill to SD's transition home (which is run by local missionaries).

The moment we had been waiting for. When we pulled up to the house, the "house mom" opened the big sliding gate, and we walked around back. There on a little toy motorcycle was SD, playing away like the little boy he is... RS had indicated that we should give SD a lot of space and time to get used to us as he would be overwhelmed with the situation, so when we first said "hello", we gave him the little tiger we had packed as gift. He seemed to cherish it immediately. He held it very gently, studying and touching every inch, especially the whiskers and tail. He then came out into the courtyard where he stood nervously with his "house mom". After a few minutes the house mom took out a little rubber soccer ball, which he immediately loved! Instantly, he seemed VERY interested in playing catch and soccer and he starting having the great time -- laughing, jumping, kicking the ball... (it was during this time that RS quietly left for the day). Our morning with SD was AMAZING!!! We really had so much fun playing in the grass yard behind the house with the ball -- he has the cutest laugh when he gets excited.

We were pleasantly surprised at lunch time how well fed the children are at the transition home, and what a large appetite SD has. (The children eat small meals five times a day.)

Nap time is typically between 1:30-3:00 - but when we put SD down for his nap, he started sobbing, because he didn't think that we were coming back :(... During the nap time we walked back to the B&B, had a little nap ourselves and got a little more organized.

The rest of the day we spent at the transition home. He is such a sweet, tender and observant little boy, who LOVES to play and laugh, but enjoys being held and cuddled by both Mommy and Daddy. The end of his day came at about 6:30 -- Karyne got to bath him, and then we put him in his pajamas, kissed him goodnight and walked back to the B&B.

It was SUCH AN AMAZING day -- and it really was what we expected. SD is such a wonderful little man, with an incredible demeanor. Mommy and Daddy are so blessed and could not have asked for a better first day.

Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement.

Love,

Wes & Karyne

We've Arrived!

Hello from Durban, South Africa!!! After 26 hours of travel we are absolutely exhausted, but we can't wait to meet SD tomorrow morning.

We felt so blessed yesterday to have had a big breakfast celebration with our families, followed by church -- and followed by the BIG send off at the Ottawa airport (pictures to come). Overall the trip went VERY smoothly (and all of our luggage arrived with us in Durban...phew!). We had a two-hour flight from Ottawa to Washington, D.C. This was followed by a 17 1/2-hour flight from D.C. to Johannesburg, which included a 1-hour re-fueling stop in Dakar, Sénégal. After arriving in Johannesburg we took a one-hour flight to Durban. The trans-Atlantic flight was VERY rough and we heard stories of people getting sick (fortunately not in our area). (In terms of hospitality, it is our opinion that Air Canada could learn a few things from South African Airways. . . )

We were picked up at the airport by John, the owner of the B&B, and given a brief tour of Durban at night. We learned that Durban has a population of 6-million people (including 4 million people of Indian heritage).

When we arrived at the B&B, we received a message from SD's social worker, RS, saying that she will pick us up at 9:00 am tomorrow morning....to meet SD for the very first time. WOW!!! To our surprise she has suggested that we spend the whole day with him (except nap time). Please pray for us, and we will keep you posted.

(FYI - There is a 7-hour time difference between "Durban Time" and Eastern Standard Time, a 9-hour difference with Mountain Standard Time and a 10-hour difference with Pacific Standard Time.)

Love,

Karyne & Wes

We're Off!

In a few hours we will be boarding our flight to Durban, South Africa! We are just two days away from meeting our beloved son, SD! This is both an incredibly surreal and amazing time. We are surrounded with our packed (or mostly packed) luggage, which includes one very special little bag stuffed full of gifts and the cutest size 4 cloths you have ever seen.

We would like to sincerely thank so many of you for your gracious prayers, gifts and help (especially our parents and siblings)! The amount of support that we have received has been truly astonishing. We would also like to give honourable mention to I.C. for building a book shelf, folding our laundry, helping us fight serious sleep deprivation, and handing out Halloween candy at our house on our behalf. (You are true friend, man.)

The speed at which this last week has passed would make Usain Bolt look like a turtle. Every night we have been up till the wee hours of the morning getting SD's room prepared, washing clothes and our house, and (for Karyne) preparing for Wesley's surprise murder-mystery Birthday party (which was organized well before the referral was conceived). Wesley was SHOCKED when he walked into the party because there, just past the front entrance of the LLC, and amongst all his Ottawa friends was....his family from out West! They came all the way out for the big b-day celebration and to see us off! Wow. Two amazing friends also came all the way from Calgary to attend church with us tomorrow and to be a part of the "send-off".

"That's the kind of week it's been!" Needless to say, we are going to sleep a lot on the 17-hour flight from D.C. to Johannesburg.

Love,

Wes & Karyne

BIG ADOPTION ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

We were approved for our international adoption today. . . and received our referral!!!

Our beautiful son, SD, whose Xhosa name means "We are happy (or blessed)" or "Joyous celebration" is 2-years and 10-months old.

Over the past 12-hours we have experienced virtually every human emotion. And more specifically, we have been overwhelmed by our love for SD -- a little man we haven't even met.

After reviewing his profile, speaking with our Adoption Practitioner and studying his photos, we know in the depths of our hearts that he is truly God's gift to us.

We will be flying to Durban, South Africa on Sunday, November 1, to attend court on November 4th. We estimate that we will be home in approximately one month.

We have seen the Lord's hand and incredible Providence throughout this process, and especially in the last two weeks. We would ask that you keep us in your prayers as we prepare to travel and to spend the next month abroad -- on our very special journey.

Love,

Wesley & Karyne