tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88083510580193689562024-03-13T10:04:25.213-07:00The four ski bums... loving the fifth from afar!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01697308378409781091noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808351058019368956.post-79346294212782731302008-05-19T09:27:00.000-07:002008-05-19T09:30:15.906-07:00I love me some BIG BEN!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXGAxQ8UG5F8mMwDMqBEezyGWHZdQMDcpGLw_VWM6usTbmzTY63HvIVPpQPqMQ3EB32vinZr6vjHIvaWQ1uisbbionR6zmY4qomvdj5gy-SQ_pK4RBT4GbpiaSbTRf0JM1dYYJC8b4ks/s1600-h/nblog10.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202127055701887666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXGAxQ8UG5F8mMwDMqBEezyGWHZdQMDcpGLw_VWM6usTbmzTY63HvIVPpQPqMQ3EB32vinZr6vjHIvaWQ1uisbbionR6zmY4qomvdj5gy-SQ_pK4RBT4GbpiaSbTRf0JM1dYYJC8b4ks/s400/nblog10.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:180%;">Look who is in Rwanda and staying at our hotel...BIG BEN AFFLECK! Next time I see him I am going to give him a big high five...watch out BENNY BOY!</span></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01697308378409781091noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808351058019368956.post-78018206640283478352008-05-19T09:17:00.001-07:002008-05-19T09:20:51.053-07:00We love you all!<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">I am so sorry it has taken so long to blog, but as you read on we have been very busy and this was our day of rest. Please start from the begining which is down at the bottom. We miss and love everyone and can not wait to be home and shaqre our wonderful experiences. Glacier misses all her friends at school and says hi to all of you. Me, I miss everyone especially my buddy boy. I also can not wait to hug my wonderful husband, to see my sister Eve and Brother EEk and to kiss my little twins, Cedar and Eden(Aunt Cole misses you soooo much). We think of everyone everyday and thank you for allowing us to come to Rwanda. An experience of a lifetime!</span></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01697308378409781091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808351058019368956.post-54125890654751965682008-05-19T09:13:00.000-07:002008-05-19T09:15:34.623-07:00Where dreams come true...<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Well, after such a long yet empowering day I was very excited for our time we were going to spend at the Dream Center. I knew this may be a highlight of Taylor’s trip and could not wait to share it with her. On Saturday the Kigali sponsor kids come to the Dream Center for activities and praise. We met Robert there and were greeted by all the children in the hall. They were all so sweet and most of them could’nt be any taller that Canyon. They stared at us all in amazement and after we sat down they sang to us as a group. They were so enthusiastic and so proud to share with us. Violet had brought Esther’s father, sister and brother from Butare and so they got a chance to see what ANLM has done and where Esther has come from. They beamed with pride and they all sat quietly as the children greeted us all. At one point my emotions took over and I again teared up. Glacier leaned over to me and whispered “You are just like Opa”. It made me smile as like him I too am over taken many times on this trip and was crying because of the joy I felt from their love and admiration. They performed for us the traditional dance and again got us al out there dancing. I looked over and seen Taylor dancing and the smile on her face will forever be etched in my mind. She was truly having a great tine and I could see that she too was very thankful for the love they were showering upon us. Grandma Bun Bun was sitting behind me and when I turned around I could barely see her as she had a least 12 kids sitting on her lap, stroking her hair and looking at the veins in her hands. She was beaming and I could see that this truly was a day to remember. So simple yet so powerful. We all sat and listened and at the end they asked Esther to tell her testimony. She spoke of her life on the streets and about her father being in prison. She told them how Violet had taken her off the streets and how her life ahs changed since coming to African New Life. She explained to them who I was and that she is waiting for the Minster to approve the adoption. A few minutes later, all the children had bowed their heads and all you could hear was the murmur of prayer for Esther. I could not keep my eyes closed and I was deeply moved by their power of prayer. They prayed for her and the adoption and I looked back to see Esther’s family also bowing their heads to pray. We were all asking God for the same thing and I could see his work in all these children. After prayer it was time for all of us to leave to go back to the hotel. We said our goodbyes and in an instance were mobbed by all 200 children running up to us al to get in their hugs. It was so powerful that we all were caught in a mob and unable to move. It was a mad rush and they had to softly push away the kids so we could get out of the hall. Glacier was lost in the middle, yet I looked over and she had a giant smile on her face. She loves the little ones and they were so anxious to hug her and feel the warmth of a little white girl. There were many blessing in this day and we al went back feeling complete and feeling loved by the Rwanda children. It truly is a place where dreams will come true and we are very proud of the work ANLM is doing for these children.</span><br /><br /><br /> </div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01697308378409781091noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808351058019368956.post-21842243968737459332008-05-19T09:09:00.000-07:002008-05-19T09:13:21.819-07:00Never will I forget what I have been blessed with<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipGhNhjT47pZdfBC5MxovhGTqiYt0NzAyFHmjiyHaxi97Ir9YtOyJVhd3YCbhCUNo7LEocEB9wxoGiVQrpiVY41P9_gKmKyvNhE920cT60TZDbO43Gl987QMez0uETY5O4YDJmFc13y8/s1600-h/nblog6.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202122283993221746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipGhNhjT47pZdfBC5MxovhGTqiYt0NzAyFHmjiyHaxi97Ir9YtOyJVhd3YCbhCUNo7LEocEB9wxoGiVQrpiVY41P9_gKmKyvNhE920cT60TZDbO43Gl987QMez0uETY5O4YDJmFc13y8/s320/nblog6.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMaPm7K1yt_YdoSWn_Ad1BgxL1aZHh0PD3tjEj3r6E5uvbBV_0xsH4u2lCMdjWywLsHDmxtxSxmAT34p41mto6-mhKHWZy_jQjlvnuxSCWIL-YQ07K9GGbcetfhMk1Wr91zDrPQG5Y-E/s1600-h/nblog7.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202122288288189058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMaPm7K1yt_YdoSWn_Ad1BgxL1aZHh0PD3tjEj3r6E5uvbBV_0xsH4u2lCMdjWywLsHDmxtxSxmAT34p41mto6-mhKHWZy_jQjlvnuxSCWIL-YQ07K9GGbcetfhMk1Wr91zDrPQG5Y-E/s320/nblog7.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofOhBRNpAHmVbsm_FNeHu08mCiEpGQ1vXczIQ3N7f_asp-Vd7giJlHwCZcHc4pP_gbSOBygAKzc78_hN4-WK-_bPmLnHdd-4V8rjPxbEL7bnh9b-NMbvVwUKGzdfevW6XStYRoJkoXno/s1600-h/nblog8.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202122288288189074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofOhBRNpAHmVbsm_FNeHu08mCiEpGQ1vXczIQ3N7f_asp-Vd7giJlHwCZcHc4pP_gbSOBygAKzc78_hN4-WK-_bPmLnHdd-4V8rjPxbEL7bnh9b-NMbvVwUKGzdfevW6XStYRoJkoXno/s320/nblog8.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Q9BtLOgd80cWad08yZtSRf31ZxRJOHKZTdjqIsgzwDfnRFK9LvJDhR2noU0_eAa04A8t5sNvxluwJYsHCLlrOZ89qSn0iRNkJaayr2SOaShvUUE1GUKiRcqcNgT0Y0clTTsf4VTNBY0/s1600-h/nblog9.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202122292583156386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Q9BtLOgd80cWad08yZtSRf31ZxRJOHKZTdjqIsgzwDfnRFK9LvJDhR2noU0_eAa04A8t5sNvxluwJYsHCLlrOZ89qSn0iRNkJaayr2SOaShvUUE1GUKiRcqcNgT0Y0clTTsf4VTNBY0/s320/nblog9.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">My new friend...I gave her my Karma bracelet and it only fit on her ankle.</span><br /><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">This day we started out very early going to the refugee camp. This was the same camp that Mom and I went to in November and I was excited to go back again with Taylor, Glacier and all the other team members. I also was very happy to be able to bring Esther with us to share in this process of giving to those in need. For so many years Esther was one of those who needed more than she could give. I was proud to be able to bring to her the opportunity to now give back and to see what work God is doing in these people’s lives. She is a very lucky girl and yet I do not want her to ever forget where she came from and to always understand what can happen in your life if you give back to others. It was fun to see her with Glacier giving out candy and balloons to all the children at the camp and to see Esther protecting and helping her sister when the people started coming to the feeding area. Many times I would catch them being silly together and it warmed my heart to see the love and friendship between them. I was very proud of both of them as they too went amongst the team and worked hard scooping the corn meal to each family. They stuck next to each other all day and I will never forget their smiles and laughter they shared together. It was a day in my life that will always bring me happiness when remembered….my two beautiful girls helping those in need and seeing what a wonderful life they have and the blessings that they have been given.</span> </p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01697308378409781091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808351058019368956.post-47642074334335945412008-05-19T09:02:00.001-07:002008-05-19T09:09:36.781-07:00Soon she will be ours...<div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">Today was a long but happy day for us…Opa, Esther, Hilary and I were off to Butare to meet Violet and Esther’s father to see if we could get her adopted in the sector of her village. There is now a new Minister of Family and Gender and so we decided to go a different route in the adoption to see if it would help our case. The old Minister denied us because she said “this child according to the law of Rwanda is non adoptable”. So we decided to go through the court and actually prove this statement incorrect. So we were off to get the Act of Adoption. Of course dad and I were very skeptical that this was going to actually happen, but were determined to make sure we did not give up on this process and just rolled with the punches. Too many times we have been disappointed and yet we knew that it was something we still had to try. But we went with the attitude that it will not be a disappointment to us if it does not happen and that God will provide for us when the time is right. Of course like all trips to Butare we did a lot f waiting and time ticked slowly as we waited for Hilary to get everything he needed to get this process facilitated. He himself seemed a little unsure if he was going to be able to pull this off but we finally made it to the Executive Secretaries office in the tiny village where Esther was from. We all waited out front while Hilary and a fellow lawyer friend went in to plead our case. Our nerves were all in a bundle and I sat and talked with Esther’s father while we waited. He is a very kind man and wanted to make sure that this was all going to work out. He loves her very much and only wants the best for her. He feels guilty that he is the reason this is not going smoothly and I tried to reassure him that there will be a way and that it will al work out in the end. Time will tell. He told us about the village coming together to build him a house and that it is almost finished except for the roof. He is working hard at a local market to earn the money to finish this house. He also told us that a woman in the village wants to marry him and so he is trying to finish it soon so he can marry her and so he will not spend the remaining time of his life alone. He was worried that he being married would hinder the adoption and I assured him that we are very happy for him and that had nothing to do with it. He was very happy and you could see that his life was finally coming together and getting better. I was so happy for him and cold not be prouder of his work to provide a better life for himself. About 45 minutes from when we got to the office Hilary called me in. When I got to the Executive Secretaries office I could see the Act of Adoption paperwork on his desk and the emotions swept over me. I was doing all I could to not yell out in joy and sat there as he asked me basic questions about myself and my family. My eyes welled up with tears many times in that hour and a lot of things ran through my head. Hilary proudly sat next to me and kept smiling to me out of the corner of his mouth. We both knew without speaking that this was truly a moment that we have all worked so hard for. After our witnesses; Violet and her sister in law, signed the paperwork it was my turn to sign. I took a deep breath and knew that this moment my life was to change. That after all this time Esther was truly going to be our child. We shook hands with the Secretary and walked out of the office. My emotions immediately swept over me and I cried tears of joy behind my glasses. I knew that before it was truly official we needed to get it notarized in the courts, but as far as the sector went she was ours. I did not know what to tell Esther and so I tried to keep quite. Although I am certain that the courts is just a formality of it all I did not want to get her hopes up in case something does not go well. But in my heart I know it will all be fine and this step in the process is over. I am so close to completing what I wanted to when I came. Get her adopted so she is our child and no one can take that away from her. So it was a great day for us, yet we are not completely celebrating until the courts notarize it. We ended the day traveling back to Kigali and Esther and Opa blew up at least 100 balloons throwing them out the window of the van to the kids on the village roads. It was fun to see them laughing together and at one point Opa was lying in the back seat and Esther had her head on his stomach resting. My emotions swept over me again that time and I was very proud to have such a caring father who not only loves me so much but also ALL my children.<br /> </span></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01697308378409781091noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808351058019368956.post-3435821857537872302008-05-19T09:00:00.000-07:002008-05-19T09:02:51.475-07:00Unconditional Love<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJASG0ZgUzvq5WtD-qC4M35-KklYcMAE2VOehyD2CFTsBhEDSWCsVcaT3m9rBjySYocccuRFd7pRAipmgR3XJSCpZ01cIh45SCK3yMcIHgr3lgjocawJGIVTX4BuYB3M5pJo6o6hmDWpI/s1600-h/nblog5.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202119986185718306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJASG0ZgUzvq5WtD-qC4M35-KklYcMAE2VOehyD2CFTsBhEDSWCsVcaT3m9rBjySYocccuRFd7pRAipmgR3XJSCpZ01cIh45SCK3yMcIHgr3lgjocawJGIVTX4BuYB3M5pJo6o6hmDWpI/s400/nblog5.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Our day was about to end but we still wanted to see our Esther. So we had Robert bring her to the hotel for dinner. I was so excited and anxious to see her and when I did she ran up to me and squeezed me tightly. It felt good to hold her in my arms and I was taken aback on how those feeling of unconditional love was so apparent in this embrace. She still felt like my daughter and I was so happy to share this with Glacier. I had many worries before I came about how Glacier and Esther would react to each other after so long. I talked with Glacier about the time I will be spending with Esther and tried my hardest to bring comfort to her and let her know I love her just as much and although I will be very close to Esther in the next few days, she gets me all the time and will have to share her Mommy with her. But not once was there any sort of jealousy or sadness between them. At first they just sat next to each other and I would catch an occasionally smile between them, and by the end of the night they were the best of friends and did not want to say good bye. As the mother I was very proud and could see God’s work directly in front of me. I went to sleep dreaming of our new family and very happy to see the unconditional love that they shared for each other. It solidified to me that our decision to adopt Esther was in deed the right thing and that we will be fine and one big happy family someday.<br /></span></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01697308378409781091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808351058019368956.post-11537612119600081492008-05-19T08:54:00.000-07:002008-05-19T09:00:40.902-07:00YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDCqT3Yb2n97RTKuBgvLsUuHeVytLDIcR5REYSzGR9_a85NYyNiJFnlSqZCDvd-A5CqvD7OvU3KMU6xJWouUpvnr85yv7RdeSE2fuJMOiY3v_Ec01a7B7V7uIvp7L52JI5Ewkj08geG_8/s1600-h/nblog1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202118276788734434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDCqT3Yb2n97RTKuBgvLsUuHeVytLDIcR5REYSzGR9_a85NYyNiJFnlSqZCDvd-A5CqvD7OvU3KMU6xJWouUpvnr85yv7RdeSE2fuJMOiY3v_Ec01a7B7V7uIvp7L52JI5Ewkj08geG_8/s320/nblog1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhW4v9ATkwWEVFAXdNBuobaLZZlSbT4E0nWTRfW69j70MCduhchlSQ0hvql6r6_XDXwsBfJ_i1tr61Ckkx0E-xbpEVEDvvbqiXbpxSjHXt4VobW5aBj4qKYY4UXNUXU3pIvAIqY-pe_Ao/s1600-h/nblog2.JPG"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpAj3Mb8DPS9ij6ji36DO-fflCwSXsOzoMJ2hGduLCYgKB_DyTD1TIdJm6uLi_-RyV2P5rEs1dJsDPncKW4_YSKaDGRY7szaDDRyYgcE4I2SOfU_rX4ziTQwh3bSp-8Xzhk5hd8fHcQk/s1600-h/nblog3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202118285378669058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpAj3Mb8DPS9ij6ji36DO-fflCwSXsOzoMJ2hGduLCYgKB_DyTD1TIdJm6uLi_-RyV2P5rEs1dJsDPncKW4_YSKaDGRY7szaDDRyYgcE4I2SOfU_rX4ziTQwh3bSp-8Xzhk5hd8fHcQk/s320/nblog3.JPG" border="0" /></a> Glacier and Norah-the third grade sponsors this girl for school<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_IjKpKgRwDzTjmSu-THvZ1DM4P5Y2kDc0xgfQl6voKNGh6OoMEj-2FpiVHl8yQgBQE1BkE21z7efS1QlISgA5lQff-UHkLEJ2X9YyvJIq2hQboW4weYEvMLhbBR7d7AU8j5iZVEvPY4/s1600-h/nblog4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202118289673636370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_IjKpKgRwDzTjmSu-THvZ1DM4P5Y2kDc0xgfQl6voKNGh6OoMEj-2FpiVHl8yQgBQE1BkE21z7efS1QlISgA5lQff-UHkLEJ2X9YyvJIq2hQboW4weYEvMLhbBR7d7AU8j5iZVEvPY4/s320/nblog4.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">We all started this day rested and ready to go an experience Rwanda. I am never disappointed when it comes to seeing the children at the New Life Junior Academy. They are all so happy to see us and I was excited to have my cousin Taylor experience this for the first time. It is a great introduction to both the need and love that Rwanda holds and I knew the children would be fascinated by her and very curious. I could sense that Glacier was a little nervous as last time she was here they bombarded her all at once and she anticipated this again. But with some strong reassurance she too became excited. It was a beautiful day and the hour long trip again showed me what a beautiful country Rwanda truly is. The hills were glowing in the sunshine and everything was plush and green. I watched as Taylor was quite and just took it all in. I was so happy to see it all again but even more happy to share it with her. With so much devastation that Rwanda has had, the beauty of its country goes unnoticed by those who have not seen it. The land around them is just as beautiful as the people who live on it. <br /><br />When we pulled up in the van slowly you could see the children coming from their classrooms. Our friends Mike and Lisa McColm were also there with their team and I was very excited to also see them. As we got out of the van the children started to cautiously came up to each and everyone of us to say hello and to hug us with greetings. I could see their smiles and the joy they all felt because we had come to visit with them. Glacier stood very close to me and the children just stood by her and stared at her. A few came up to greet her and many whispered to me in their best English how beautiful she was. Once in a while a child would be brave enough to walk up to her and touch her hair or try and rub her white skin to see if it will come off and expose the blackness in her, with no luck of course but lots of curiosity. Out of the corner of my eye I could see a large group gathered around Taylor and she was hugging each and every child within her reach. She is a very tall girl and she stood way above them but they managed. I myself could not get enough hugs in. They were all so sweet and I was taken back by their love for us all. It is those times when you forget all about the things in your life that may have been hard and challenging and just focus on the moment. It is always an experience I go back to in those times of sorrow. These children love us as much as we do them. I of course asked about Esther first and was told she was in the city and was not there. I was disappointed and especially was Glacier but I knew that night we would coordinate to see her so I was not worried. After many special moments interacting with the kids we all filed into the feeding hall to give the YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL presentation and give out the 1000 buttons that Fran, one of the team members, put together. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">We explained to them the concept of being beautiful not only on the outside but in your mind, your soul and your heart. We also told them about the program that Glacier’s class did in giving each student at St Agatha a button. They all stood up ad tried to get a peek of Glacier while Oma was explaining that the third graders in Oregon also would like to spread the message to them and that they love them all too. At this point they all clapped in excitement as they formed into a line to receive the buttons from our team. We also had our friends on Mike and Lisa’s team help in handing them out. One of the head girls taught Taylor and I the way to say YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL in Kinya-rwanda and so for each child we did our best to tell them that they Are beautiful. Taylor was better at it than me, but each time we said it the children would smile and laugh. I am sure they thought we were crazy and that our accent made the words seem very foreign to them. But they were very appreciative and smiled with great pride when receiving the buttons. We knew we had more than enough buttons, but we could see that there were many more children in line and our surplus was running low. Fran was very upset as she did not want to leave anyone out and so as we ran out we let Rebeka, the leader of the kids, know and she had them all sit down. She then proceeded to speak in a “guilty tone” to them in their language and it was so sweet to see them slowly coming forward with more than one button. Some had taken two and their conscience got the best of them. As sweet as they are they are still children and do the same things our own children do. It was wonderful to see that with such hardship they still had the innocence of little kids about them. What kid do we know that does not try to push the envelope a little? But they all love each other so much and they did not want their fellow friends to go without. Those who did not get one came up afterwards and we were able to make sure every child had received a token of our love. They then did a wonderful performance of dancing and singing for us and even got most of us on the dance floor for some traditional dancing. It was quite a sight I must say, but we all enjoyed each and every bit of it. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">The day was getting late and we had just enough time to go to some of the sponsor families’ houses to visit with them. As we were on our way to visit these families it was such a great sight to see little children walking home from school proudly sporting their YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL buttons. This day was a special day for all of us and I think we truly spread the word from so far away that in deed YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!<br /></div></span><div align="justify"></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01697308378409781091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808351058019368956.post-56881932829542654392008-05-19T08:50:00.000-07:002008-05-19T08:54:08.953-07:00We have only just begun!<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Wow where do I start…The flight was long like expected but the anticipation kept us patient. It was wonderful when we go to Kigali to see the entire Esther Home girl dressed in the traditional dresses there to hug us. Oma was entering the main lobby before me and all I could hear and see was a mob of girls screaming and hugging her all at once. Then as I went after her the same thing happened to me. There was so much action that security had to push us all out of the way. It was a great start to a great trip. They welcomed everyone and did not leave one person out. Of course when Opa entered they greeted him with the same excitement bringing him to tears. Cathy’s luggage was left in Brussels but she stayed optimistic and we continued to the hotel for some much needed rest. The next day was going to be a big one as we were off to see the children in Kayonza for the YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL program. </span></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01697308378409781091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808351058019368956.post-83148082313600814322008-05-08T08:55:00.000-07:002008-05-08T10:25:00.528-07:00Happy Birthday Glacier...She's 9!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZDOjAY47cnhyphenhyphenrSQhEnsyp4HOBVyvfkB-gFjMgjmohbzFjfZgtkAZYzXMHTVQv0iP62iw5LWW4kRK7lD2EZYrZkOufzVzLoOVP8KC23h7w_sXfgy53GVJXjRc6Bdzmmc2YM9T8Xr511Q/s1600-h/glacier8.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198047491256340610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZDOjAY47cnhyphenhyphenrSQhEnsyp4HOBVyvfkB-gFjMgjmohbzFjfZgtkAZYzXMHTVQv0iP62iw5LWW4kRK7lD2EZYrZkOufzVzLoOVP8KC23h7w_sXfgy53GVJXjRc6Bdzmmc2YM9T8Xr511Q/s200/glacier8.JPG" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198047255033139314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbqHiSWvtGME6gDrJ_kgtFIM_IMUEYnI1PnPd5N38LETqjXkld4vQS20PNthkCJxCma5Em-SoJ3vsfATzOLr1h4mgC3x8Ir1UEtITAlomWJgjtBq9goSOn1OTR5mSlDGZcYu1pEsEcIs/s200/glacier3.JPG" border="0" /> <div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198047654465097874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2a7rIuJe1NgMoBGBaKt1HDX35KFTGFcGnCrWkm422Xld_dppkH9VgIh1RjR6kfXwN0eJuSsZC5dWFj4rq7qQg4UjEwFsr8IMQIV9dI68xGz6qMSTHHi2Z7hlDLnfR-FFTBJJVuiEoU3s/s200/glacier5.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198045945068113954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52G1CSqed81C6MQj7t2igQyCRY2lAwD1WT2F2fRXzNFCZm6ieIxD5ZAX1SimITnFDnAgY9Ed1i9s5u-uLMmHmArnw76zIhiROF9SX65g-xW5VbjIkivez2TIIMlMv9G-N2T99hIv8HII/s200/glacier6.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198047005925036130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIWOi-RgPmkBwCiFaAcTTEGwn9sVvTSIjzPj6z9COTWlj9GaCfq-B0dOOsFuVCZf9f-67zAJe8B6h4s87BhIQpRtY_szT7l_it9c089KlLDA6WbsLnoeCcU3J2eRiO54C8snsZwd4lktc/s200/glacier7.JPG" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Happy Birthday to my little girl! I can not believe that 9 years ago our little girl was born. The first grandchild ever born and still as spoiled as then. What a day that was...May 7th 1999. The team of Oma, Opa, Daddy, Uncle Eric and Aunt Eve all waited patiently for over 20 hours for her to come into this world. That day she brought us all so much joy and still to this day does the same. She is a wonderful daughter, a loving grandchild, a kind niece and a sweet cousin to the twins. She is growing up to be such a beautiful young girl and I look forward to new memories with her. She is quiet in her demeanor, yet has a lot to say always. She is loved by all her friends and is a great role model to the littler ones. We all love her so much and never will forget the day she was given to us. God was great to us that day and I will forever be grateful for her and the rest of my family. Happy Birthday Munchie...I never thought I could love you anymore than the day you were born, yet I love you more each and everyday! </span></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01697308378409781091noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808351058019368956.post-88610557318159794562008-03-13T11:21:00.000-07:002008-03-13T11:35:29.250-07:0010 year later!<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Wow! So it has been along time since I last wrote in the blog. I know I should be better, but I seem to have been really busy lately and not had time to sit and post. We have spent almost every weekend skiing and it is a shocker I can still walk. We did have a turn around in our 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> ski bum. He went last weekend and tried it with an instructor and is even asking to go again. We will get buddy boy skiing sooner, hopefully than later. I must say it being almost 40 degrees and sunny that day made it an even better sell. I think he will be our fair weather boy. Unlike his dad who is skiing today with a fresh 4 new inches of snow and cold temperatures. We even got to ski with Aunt Eve a few weeks back and our CRAZY cousins John and Scott. I could elaborate on the CRAZY part but for those who know them, the adjective fits them both perfectly. But I must say the time we spent with them on there visit was fun and truly memorable and I will hold it close for a long time.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Rich and I celebrated our 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> wedding anniversary on the 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span> and our 16<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span> year as a couple. We spent a few days without the kids skiing up at Timberline and it was great to look back on that special occasion we shared with our family. That was a fun weekend 10 years ago and I know it brought <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">a lot</span> of great memories to those who attended. Thanks to everyone for making it so fun. We had a great anniversary and it was a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">weekend</span> of renewed love and admiration. Looks like we need to make more of those weekends without the kids. Right <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Oma</span>?</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">This week has been a very eye opener for me and I have some renewed hope and faith. I promise to blog about it all soon and just want to extend my thanks in all the support we have <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">received</span> this past year. it has been tough but we are turning the corner this year and look forward to all it will bring. Love to you all.</span></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01697308378409781091noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808351058019368956.post-57111615611253894642008-02-18T11:35:00.000-08:002008-02-18T11:56:30.410-08:00Our Powder Puff-Grandpa Ed would be proud<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5yAlgUO2pHOR1R6TTfA2yjrB5Eg_Znv1XFW_iAjdQL6wOag77J75qCmh1STU39ep4PsupQG3N7A1Lh3eKvkPVn7pfBCEWteAyys7po7TLt_VcFkqh_derY1V5bDdg28545QNdUudPEU/s1600-h/glacier1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168410637365863090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5yAlgUO2pHOR1R6TTfA2yjrB5Eg_Znv1XFW_iAjdQL6wOag77J75qCmh1STU39ep4PsupQG3N7A1Lh3eKvkPVn7pfBCEWteAyys7po7TLt_VcFkqh_derY1V5bDdg28545QNdUudPEU/s320/glacier1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">So, we have spent alot of time skiing this year and our little Glacier loves it. This picture was taken by a friend who was up there with her family. She is standing just like her daddy does when he is waiting for us at the bottom of the hill. She so looks up to him as a skier and watches every turn he makes. She is now trying to do the "hockey stop" so she can spray us at the end of her stops. What can we say...we are both very proud parents and since we named her Glacier we are proud she stands up to her pretty name. </span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Oh and buddy (Canyon)...he is mastering the art of keeping Oma busy. He loves to hang out with her and Sophia. I think Oma has had her fair share of kid shows, but I know she enjoys her special time with him.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">It has been a good winter for The Raymond family after such a hard summer. We still miss our Esther and think of her each day, but we know that someday she will be on the slopes with us, or if she is like her little brother hanging out with Oma.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01697308378409781091noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808351058019368956.post-826026524149366442008-02-07T13:55:00.000-08:002008-02-07T14:14:12.270-08:00Happy Birthday Oma!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIqqQM5jlf6nXQE5tow2r2hUvazazpSSTFWbcbv5udFYbfVWomKOFB4gRHn4nvZ6738MCWAcNpiCMvXQ-9tEou7fH0IgFr2qZ2knbNkjWZ2VVUTa1QnC1PIFTSWrCASJptoyurMxbto0/s1600-h/OMa.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164364398209620802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIqqQM5jlf6nXQE5tow2r2hUvazazpSSTFWbcbv5udFYbfVWomKOFB4gRHn4nvZ6738MCWAcNpiCMvXQ-9tEou7fH0IgFr2qZ2knbNkjWZ2VVUTa1QnC1PIFTSWrCASJptoyurMxbto0/s320/OMa.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Well, yesterday was mom's birthday. She is still as beautiful as the day I met her 35 years ago. She has such a wonderful spirit and like you all we love her so much. I feel lucky eveyday that she is in my life and must honestly say I miss her on those days I do not see or talk to her and look forward to seeing her each day. </span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Last year was a trying year for her and I as we embarked on the adoption as a team and have fought tooth and nail to get Esther here with us. She has been a rock to me during those times I felt God was deserting me and my family and has been there to cry with me when all was going so sour. She is truly what has kept me going through this all and I love her for it. Her realtionship with my children amazes me everytime she is around them. She teaches them to be such good people and shows them how far a little kindness will go. They love her as much as me and I admire that relationship. I would not want it any other way. She is also been such a wonderful influence on Esther. Those two have a bond that will never go away. She loves her so much and has taken care of her from afar. She writes her letters weekly and reminds me to stay strong for her. She is always making sure Esther is present in our lives and make sure everyone treats her like our family.</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">I guess I just love her so much and could go on and on. For those of you reading this I am sure we feel the same way about my beautiful mother. She inspires us to be better people and to remember to love those around us. She is truly a remarkable woman! I hope to grow up to be even half the lady she is.</span></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01697308378409781091noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808351058019368956.post-71772485190917705982008-01-15T11:19:00.000-08:002008-01-15T11:22:42.224-08:00Esther Home<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#ffcc33;"><strong>My Mom has a new Esther Home blog set up with updates and the newsletter. Please visit it when you have time. We deeply appreciate those who have supported this program in 2007 and look forward to the new year to come. You may either click on the link under "My Favorite Blogs"...Esther Home or visit </strong></span><a href="http://www.estherhomerwanda.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#ffcc33;"><strong>www.estherhomerwanda.blogspot.com</strong></span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#ffcc33;"><strong> . Enjoy!</strong></span></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01697308378409781091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808351058019368956.post-6573478115268609772008-01-14T19:28:00.000-08:002008-01-14T19:39:04.211-08:00One of those days...<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Boy am I missing Esther these past few days. I guess not a minute goes by when I do not miss her, but some days are tougher than others. I have been introduced to the world of blogs by people who are adopting and it has stirred up a different set of emotions for me. Some are adopting from Ethiopia and some are adopting from Guatemala. There are a few I visit often and I get different emotions from each one. I see some of these families so excited they will be bringing their child home soon and I am so happy for them and feel as if I am sharing in their joy. But I must admit, my heart aches each time. I know deep in my heart this is a natural feeling, but I do admit I feel guilty for feeling so blue over my heartache and not so excited for those whose dream is coming to life. I am leaving it to God, yet again it is a hard road to travel. Then there is a couple who is also going through the same sort of heartache as us. I understand their emotions more than most. I feel for my new friends and would not wish this feeling on anyone. I am just using this to vent, but with all the great things that God has given me, he is also sending me a message I still can not figure out and it is so frustrating at times. I am so blessed to have all my family and friends and am blessed to have the ability to love Esther from afar. Pleased pray for my sanity and that I too will someday be celebrating bringing my child home from Rwanda.</span></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01697308378409781091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808351058019368956.post-56271073016744375312008-01-09T19:04:00.000-08:002008-01-09T19:16:07.710-08:00Help..one of our bums has dropped out!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnaIN4xl-R6EWGASQYRqqlAHxAzZjEzfl8PcuG2s8IuRqM6L1aObT98O9ubxUm_-Vk4n24EWgtYI5gs53yNmMvz7ia_C1ZlGV1ML0CpmsUMhTZ2smBiFn3MFft9LuGdMPun4WrUNe6-k/s1600-h/richkidsski.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153681206231785874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnaIN4xl-R6EWGASQYRqqlAHxAzZjEzfl8PcuG2s8IuRqM6L1aObT98O9ubxUm_-Vk4n24EWgtYI5gs53yNmMvz7ia_C1ZlGV1ML0CpmsUMhTZ2smBiFn3MFft9LuGdMPun4WrUNe6-k/s320/richkidsski.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Okay, so I am working on coming up with a new name for this sight as Canyon told us this weekend that he will not be skiing until he is daddy's age. Being that Rich just had his 38th birthday, and Canyon is 6 that will be a looooooong time! I guess it stays true that your children may not do or love the same things you do. We will give him some time to reconsider and will make sure he gets back out there this year, but as of two runs after this picture...Canyon is no longer one of the ski bums...he's just a bum! smile smile!</span></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01697308378409781091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808351058019368956.post-29236637257151966202008-01-09T18:34:00.000-08:002008-01-09T19:03:57.376-08:00CRAZY AMERICANS!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0r4uicVTLH128x4owm-yMgXwFuQM9DXiJxcWmgZRwZw08dzLJ8Os8M_Tpwtac3jFUmzNAS95bhzE2g6MLDZe3AGS8m6bPVMt9clymDYQ2CCSwn7dOvNWs9umLVT3i_P4lCj-zVKah2oQ/s1600-h/canyonface.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153678191164744002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0r4uicVTLH128x4owm-yMgXwFuQM9DXiJxcWmgZRwZw08dzLJ8Os8M_Tpwtac3jFUmzNAS95bhzE2g6MLDZe3AGS8m6bPVMt9clymDYQ2CCSwn7dOvNWs9umLVT3i_P4lCj-zVKah2oQ/s200/canyonface.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbu_5UYid2YkanQvJD2VcS4ydwiSA8JYz5DXAT5HG0uhkSvBttwck-V_8wnND__z39L_huNmMtdrMEj5rb-PGuhyphenhyphenWdYshBK8Vi0bK9RRUOnJT1vSU3cMrqBsNs_g5lomaCIHHLrMOQ40o/s1600-h/glacierface.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153678204049645906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbu_5UYid2YkanQvJD2VcS4ydwiSA8JYz5DXAT5HG0uhkSvBttwck-V_8wnND__z39L_huNmMtdrMEj5rb-PGuhyphenhyphenWdYshBK8Vi0bK9RRUOnJT1vSU3cMrqBsNs_g5lomaCIHHLrMOQ40o/s200/glacierface.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BiUDx1UulaoAbeJ6gykQVPlTt73D0MRL1U1AjNAy64CmZVNvw2CxIJmP7HGOzIOL-GhRpqg4dwsfBTVIILTUSJ_wCdA1b50WqEKyPlBI0WAbBubLd7l-vjzuX9tpf0cFJSUS769Sn1g/s1600-h/richface.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153678212639580514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BiUDx1UulaoAbeJ6gykQVPlTt73D0MRL1U1AjNAy64CmZVNvw2CxIJmP7HGOzIOL-GhRpqg4dwsfBTVIILTUSJ_wCdA1b50WqEKyPlBI0WAbBubLd7l-vjzuX9tpf0cFJSUS769Sn1g/s200/richface.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZMa5AQXdxsPkJW8GYaoKtLdXF8YZkX-he56PF5CrNtVfT-d-qgyor94vG0NAmNhwerAHqn7v58Usyagrzq1Yh-dtOzU6uc1DQaSo8Wg9s_0VK1uPbhPlmy85HVxAVW-xpaiI0jBjyMg/s1600-h/momsnowman.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153678216934547826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZMa5AQXdxsPkJW8GYaoKtLdXF8YZkX-he56PF5CrNtVfT-d-qgyor94vG0NAmNhwerAHqn7v58Usyagrzq1Yh-dtOzU6uc1DQaSo8Wg9s_0VK1uPbhPlmy85HVxAVW-xpaiI0jBjyMg/s200/momsnowman.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Well, our winter break is over and we are all back to work and school. Rich is only half at work, as I think his mind is still on the mountain getting powder face shots and his spare time is definately taken away with ski days. We had such a great time this year at the cabin, skiing and playing in the deep snow. As you can see you can pretty much get a kid to do anthing if it involves snow. Okay and I guess you can pretty much get my husband to also do anything that involves snow. They all had so much fun sticking their faces smack down in the icy snow to see their face molds. Me? Well, I spent alot of time wearing my new goggles and hanging out with Mr. Snowman! Oh, how I wish we could have shared this with our Esther. I could just imagine what she would think...CRAZY AMERICANS!! The sad thing is she would be right...we are a crazy family, but we love each other and have so much fun together.</span></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01697308378409781091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808351058019368956.post-50432667238328404802007-12-28T17:22:00.000-08:002007-12-28T17:34:04.039-08:00Wishing you all a Groovy New Year!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiiPcF4FTi9SoVhHBpFHeYIgty17cO4QqAnuY4aohFFXCaYCqX_QTNIDUMU0yDL1Sqj-D-MlH-3WZW9ANYJdDNFG09BlVSQhB_EJ3IfFNpHi7QOYRpsZ5tnK5n0Kw2gRJ_ttf19xDbFDA/s1600-h/esther1A.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5149201881759572034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiiPcF4FTi9SoVhHBpFHeYIgty17cO4QqAnuY4aohFFXCaYCqX_QTNIDUMU0yDL1Sqj-D-MlH-3WZW9ANYJdDNFG09BlVSQhB_EJ3IfFNpHi7QOYRpsZ5tnK5n0Kw2gRJ_ttf19xDbFDA/s320/esther1A.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">So we have a new picture of Esther and I just love how it shows her contagious smile and beautiful face. I so missed her this past holiday and there was not a minute I was not thinking of her. I know she is doing fine with Violet and Devota's family, but as my child it hurts that she is not here with us. I have been really thinking of the next step and can not wait for the new year to get back to a game plan. I have not given up and will continue to hope. This time around I promised myself not to get my hopes up, but in reality I can not do that. Still everyday I hold out hope and every night I am disappointed. Does it still consume me? Yes very much, but this year has made me stronger and I am able to go on day to day. I also sat back and felt very blessed this year for the family we do have together and all the love we have for one another. The twins are getting so big and my kids are having more fun each Christmas. Santa Claus actually wrote Glacier a letter and she is still chatting about it. It seems as everyone got their wishes. This year I had the family make wishes and stick them in ornaments so next year we can see if they have been granted. I am sure you can all guess what one of mine is. Oma and Glacier both wished for snow and on Christmas Day our houses were dusted with a beautiful light snow fall. So, it was a wonderful holiday for the Raymond's and we are now off to our annual ski vacation at the cabin. I am looking forward to the New Year and can not wait for what will happen. Keep your fingers crossed that our sweet Esther will someday be here with her family. I hope you all had a great Christmas and will have an even more fun New Years. be Safe and take care of one another. We loved every one's holiday cards and once again was reminded of what a wonderful amount of friends and family we have. Our love to all of you and HAPPY 2008!</span></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01697308378409781091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808351058019368956.post-53401186528420376202007-12-20T12:30:00.000-08:002007-12-20T12:50:37.760-08:00Dear Santa, Please deliver Esther to us!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggd4e3zY0ag-4LraPcSImJTA3Ac9_8GaHiZ72z4PiVk4QuE2_goKqaGqcEqI8APViShXAkQjQrl_OuPi2aHDzonLPy2HV5vpFAcYu-McJrRz-qKndIm8x4EnV1C_VARzPqC29lpr3vyeo/s1600-h/all41.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146158387760741346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggd4e3zY0ag-4LraPcSImJTA3Ac9_8GaHiZ72z4PiVk4QuE2_goKqaGqcEqI8APViShXAkQjQrl_OuPi2aHDzonLPy2HV5vpFAcYu-McJrRz-qKndIm8x4EnV1C_VARzPqC29lpr3vyeo/s400/all41.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQtrKGkMCane_DWIIuR6rjpBgC10Chzs-J4kgjlXm5MjVG_gnNKGWQz9OGDCXteFyJQvwr6y9V5oPqhU4V7FMqg6_OEMeAWJ82k-zek82bunH2JfuIRspUh92_ouyjQt3iOOeeT2wQfE/s1600-h/rayfam1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146158392055708658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQtrKGkMCane_DWIIuR6rjpBgC10Chzs-J4kgjlXm5MjVG_gnNKGWQz9OGDCXteFyJQvwr6y9V5oPqhU4V7FMqg6_OEMeAWJ82k-zek82bunH2JfuIRspUh92_ouyjQt3iOOeeT2wQfE/s400/rayfam1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Well, the holiday is almost here and we are very excited. The kids are getting out of school on Friday and they are just besides themselves. It is kind of a sad Christmas this year as we had many dreams of our Christmas this year with our sweet Esther. But as we are learning is that things just do not always happen as you plan. We are making the best of it and will miss her each minute of the holiday season. I have had many sad moments this past week , but I know she knows we love her and that she will someday be celebrating with us in the future. I have explored the world of the blogs and have found some wonderful caring human beings that are adopting out of Ethiopia and a very caring couple who are trying from Guatemala. There have been great moments for some of them as they have gotten their referrals for a child and some very heartbreaking ones who are still waiting for immigration approval. As you understand we feel for those who are hurting as our journey down the adoption path has been far from perfect and very heartbreaking. Please send your prayers to our new friends and so they can heal as much as they can and enjoy the holiday season with some peace. I do know how it feels to not be able to be with your child on these family occasions. On the brighter side of the Raymond household, we are very excited for our time with the twins, Aunt Eve and Uncle Eric, Oma and Opa. We have been practicing our lip sync and are ready for the day. Although last night Glacier replaced me in the family band and Aunt Eve now gets to be there in my place. I did like Aunt Eve, once, but she is staring to get lower on my list. Smile...Smile! We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and we hope your New year is full of great new journeys and great Peace. We love you all and thank you again for your great support this year through our trying times. Please send out your positive thoughts to our Esther, and our prayers to those who too are missing a loved one this holiday season.</span></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01697308378409781091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808351058019368956.post-61461827932697833292007-12-06T08:49:00.000-08:002007-12-06T09:23:49.349-08:00My other brother from a different mother!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JJuvSD1QgcfO-AMvP0Q9eVOv31ptYpHwdUq1eco_eLYP5FR4pbkgcYk45VqXUO3Gg6NH5lpKn1qL2kFBgw3jjZw98JGGmSwOjzwvwH8PM8ZFb_serUh-mPdAd4C5z0b2L7jraorVe4A/s1600-h/robert+esther.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140911774549466914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JJuvSD1QgcfO-AMvP0Q9eVOv31ptYpHwdUq1eco_eLYP5FR4pbkgcYk45VqXUO3Gg6NH5lpKn1qL2kFBgw3jjZw98JGGmSwOjzwvwH8PM8ZFb_serUh-mPdAd4C5z0b2L7jraorVe4A/s400/robert+esther.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Okay, so I wanted to just talk to you about another new member of our family. My parents sponsor a boy named Robert in Rwanda and are sending him to college. He holds a very special place in our hearts as he is not just a wonderful person with a lot of compassion and love, but he has been a great support for Esther and our family through the whole process. When Esther was taken off the streets he was living in the same home as she ending up in. They became great friends and he has continued to be a big brother to her. He traveled with my parents during all their past trips to visit with Esther's family and recently took me to visit the father and her siblings. He is the one I rely on the most to continue to be the rock for Esther in Rwanda. She calls him when she needs to and he is constantly reassuring her of our love and Gods plan. He has no family in Rwanda and so I asking that everyone send a little prayer for him during the holiday season. We love him very much and he is truly my new brother. The funny thing is that he reminds me a lot of Eric, except his coloring is a slight bit darker. They both have that funny personality, the caring ways towards family and the likability factor. I know that the two would get along great. So my dear brother Robert, if you are reading this, please know that I thank you so much for all you do for Esther and our family. I also want you to know how much we all love you and I think of you everyday. Stay on the right track and continue to be yourself. You truly are part of our family.</span></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01697308378409781091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808351058019368956.post-82755511533863606732007-12-06T08:33:00.000-08:002007-12-06T09:21:39.038-08:00Aching but full heart...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhV01TC9OV0qb8cYS7QtjmWrQ0IK6uooS6obTMX8MIBYDohVCYOXEZKoVqrbUUTyIn0kEx9a6PP6JVm3_H3eIfDF-TD_MjcL-U-iqy5dlJT-mWCN802eAFycaCltV7hgJVowIRTMZwYc/s1600-h/nicesther.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140911074469797650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhV01TC9OV0qb8cYS7QtjmWrQ0IK6uooS6obTMX8MIBYDohVCYOXEZKoVqrbUUTyIn0kEx9a6PP6JVm3_H3eIfDF-TD_MjcL-U-iqy5dlJT-mWCN802eAFycaCltV7hgJVowIRTMZwYc/s400/nicesther.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Well, I figured that since I have a little time I better blog some. It has been crazy since we returned and we are all in the midst of getting ready for the holidays. I must say I miss Esther very much and think of her every day. It was such a wonderful trip, but now that I have had some great quality time with her it makes my heart ache even more being so far away. I spent two weeks with her loving on me and the physical contact I miss the most. everyone keeps asking me what the next step is and I ma just not sure. After the holidays I plan on writing a letter to the Prime Minister and the President of Rwanda. This may not do much for our case, but it will be another step in the process of not giving up. But my trip was very healing and it really solidified to me just how much Esther truly is part of our family. She felt like my daughter and that is something no one can take away. It is hard to explain how someone so far away and so different could feel like family, but it truly works that way. God has placed her in our hearts and we are so happy for it. Leaving her was so sad and I must say it was not my most favorite day. But I knew that soon I would be seeing my family in America, so that helped some. She cried very hard and I knew that her heart was aching. She hugged Oma so hard that day and I could see the love she truly felt for my mom. They have been through so much together and they are truly Oma and granddaughter. So today m,y heart is aching for missing Esther and I am asking everyone to continue to pray for our journey. Everyone has been so supportive and i am so thankful to you all. A few days ago I got some Christmas gifts in the mail from my cousin Todd and his family. There was a gift also for Esther. My heart was very full for now I know that she has touched our whole families lives and I feel so proud to have family that is embracing her and our new journey in life. Again thank you to all and know that she feels all the love from her extended family her in America and someday I promise she will meet you all face to face. For now I ma sitting by waiting for God to show me his plan. Until then...love to you all.</span></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01697308378409781091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808351058019368956.post-38917558808998082852007-11-15T08:52:00.000-08:002007-11-15T08:59:50.889-08:00Go Storm!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkPYReeUaFJa5Bj7VmtreGy6ACRazemgO8wuH_DMTcCofIUw9T1kWMJNwBBR8dCy0apNdnb0oDpp-TZFGhWkNPGVTbXRT1X2QJLGfGx3QXgQZuxnIJMLbTQqO-P1Ztd1b2ZQMV1gCEdk/s1600-h/volleyballnet.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5133112843502626658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkPYReeUaFJa5Bj7VmtreGy6ACRazemgO8wuH_DMTcCofIUw9T1kWMJNwBBR8dCy0apNdnb0oDpp-TZFGhWkNPGVTbXRT1X2QJLGfGx3QXgQZuxnIJMLbTQqO-P1Ztd1b2ZQMV1gCEdk/s400/volleyballnet.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#000099;"><strong>GO STORM!</strong></span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;">I am so proud of all the third grade girls and so sad I have not been at the games. Galcier is so happy talking about your games and I know that you are all doing your best. I have seen you all improve so much this season and my heart if full. You are wonderful little girls and I can not wait to hug you all. I am keeping our little Emma in my prayers and I know she is a tough little girl with alot of love. We love you very much Emma and know that we are all parying for you to feel better. I love each and everyone of you and know you will do great tonight. </span></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">I thought of you all when I took this picture. This is the net they use to play volleyball here in Rwanda. It makes you thankful for all we have in America. Play Hard!</span></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01697308378409781091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808351058019368956.post-71520057834116946512007-11-15T08:31:00.000-08:002007-11-15T08:46:29.533-08:00My sisters!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_d_waFZkUkuOeAXxR_WgtYmiQre2xoYNgySlAphHanwfDkJSN7TywBnAWN8eagdTnIkbKDi4_8ocKPYfubWqdEz-Vs2ykeipPTzMGiRzukorNp4H4bhh5e5PWe03co2COWJqWPgPHhY/s1600-h/feedinggirls.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5133109042456569682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_d_waFZkUkuOeAXxR_WgtYmiQre2xoYNgySlAphHanwfDkJSN7TywBnAWN8eagdTnIkbKDi4_8ocKPYfubWqdEz-Vs2ykeipPTzMGiRzukorNp4H4bhh5e5PWe03co2COWJqWPgPHhY/s320/feedinggirls.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">This is a picture of my 13 new sisters at the camp we were feeding. I have grown to love them so much and will miss them all. I spoke to Glacier and Canyon this morning and they were very tired. It seems like it has been a tough couple of days and I think they are ready for their mommy to come home. I am too am so ready to see them and everyone. I want to thank everyone for watching after them and for giving them comfort while I am away. I especailly want to thank my sister in law Eve. I love you so much and appreciate all that you have done. During my trip I often worried that although they love their daddy, Opa and Uncle. They really yearn for that mother figure. With both Oma and I gone, I knew it woud be hard on them. But my sweet sister you have been that for them and I love you so much for that. We have been friends for so many years and have gone through so much together. I truly feel you are my sister and I can not wait to have coffee and tell you what a wonderful new relationship I have developed with all the girls in the Esther Home. I have told them all about you and about your kind heart and how they are also lucky to have such a wonderful sister like you as their extended family. You are a awesome aunt, my special friend and a wonderful mother, but most of all to me you are my favorite sister. Thank you again and remember how much I love you.</span></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01697308378409781091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808351058019368956.post-75223840034655345482007-11-15T08:05:00.000-08:002007-11-15T08:30:53.013-08:00To my goofy little brother<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeb9-L2qFBCNRLA6YR-mOGef1jh9_9IQdfJmXplInACrav9sRYYNVCxcdDi2Wf3MeAPOPObJXwTQJ_OqpyB7LCk-4WB2A7qM41E7Kks8Gxy-79QeOZtgswsP7wOQIUvd2vWgMuLJ7cdI/s1600-h/mariabrother.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5133105297245087554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeb9-L2qFBCNRLA6YR-mOGef1jh9_9IQdfJmXplInACrav9sRYYNVCxcdDi2Wf3MeAPOPObJXwTQJ_OqpyB7LCk-4WB2A7qM41E7Kks8Gxy-79QeOZtgswsP7wOQIUvd2vWgMuLJ7cdI/s320/mariabrother.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">This day that I am writing about was truly an act of God's. My mom and dad spent $4000 to buy a truck full of beans and corn meal to go to the refugees that come from Tanzania. There are over 1000 of them living there and it is far back into the country side. The rain made the dirt roads extremely muddy and so we were all praying that our trip would not be wasted. The truck was as big as an american dump truck and was full of bags of food. These people have not recieved food in three months and it was wonderful to be a part of easing some of their suffering. </span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">There were many special moments this day, but none can compare to that of Maria seeing her brother after a few weeks of being at the Esther Home. Maria and her brother are orphans who together have survived and put themselves through school. They have lived in many different places like this camp and have ended up amongst these people we were feeding. Their camp was amazing and you could see the partnership they had in making it a beautiful home. She lit up as we were walking to her part of the camp and my heart grew warm as I understood her love for her only sibling. It made me think of the special relationship I have with Eric. We have not been through the hardship that these two have endured, but we have accomplished many things together and have the same sort of bond. They embraced eachother and never let go. I know that when I am having a tough time that Eric will aways be there to also embrace me and hold me tight. I envisioned those times when I come to work and I am tired or the moments through this adoption process when my hearet was aching. He is always there to crack a funny joke (well he thinks they are funny and so it makes me laugh). He loves me very much and he would always be there to protect me and to provide me a safe environment. I really missed him on this day and thought of him often. It was so sweet to see them so happy to see eachother and to see how proud Maria's brother was of her. It was truly a time to sit back and relish in your love for those who love you and support you. These two wonderful people have had no family for so long and it made me appreciate all that God has given me. I truly love my family and friends and feel very fortunate for them. To my brother, I thank you for being so good to me and for the love and respect you have always shown me. You are truly my hero and I love you more and more everyday.</span> </div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01697308378409781091noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808351058019368956.post-26448365332720136772007-11-14T08:52:00.000-08:002007-11-14T09:14:28.998-08:00Bittersweet moments<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-4x88M4ToFhPEY67y73S7s9ZjQwBIKv3k_iN-vS0A-PfwbX3VpT8ikXLuTDSge-ALdQvunuRN0QxI68YwPlvscwzVNJS_EIf03yMvAt8bvAPWQCFGXgw6bqt4eVm5ISEth7cEdCa9Bc/s1600-h/kayonza1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132745384653857026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-4x88M4ToFhPEY67y73S7s9ZjQwBIKv3k_iN-vS0A-PfwbX3VpT8ikXLuTDSge-ALdQvunuRN0QxI68YwPlvscwzVNJS_EIf03yMvAt8bvAPWQCFGXgw6bqt4eVm5ISEth7cEdCa9Bc/s320/kayonza1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">This day I knew was going to be bittersweet and very trying for me. When we awoke it was pouring and in Rwanda because the roads are made of mud, a rainy day meant trouble. Our plans were to go tp the refugee camp with the Esther Home girls to feed over 1000 refugees. It was also the day I would be saying good bye to Esther for a few days. When we picked her up I could tell her heart was breaking and she sat abnormally close to me on the way to the school. When I was having a hard time with my faith after the Ministers decision I bought a book called "God is in the tough stuff". I gave Esther that book and she read it while we traveled. We did n ot alk much and she spent some time writing a letter to her sweet sister Glacier. She loves Canyon and Glacier so much and she is most sad when she thinks of them. She longs to see them and to be in America with her. Glacier is her little sister and she talk of her so often. I have shown her many pictures of Canyon doing goofy faces and she looks so forward to meeting him and laughing with him. She keeps speaking of how much she wants to see the twins and how much she loves little kids. I showed her some pictures of them and she always asks me what words they speak. I try and go through the whole list and yet I tell her that if she asks Unlce he would say that they are speaking like one million words. She said she is so poud of them to be playing the violin and I tell her how cute they are playing it. She is so bonded with our whole family. She says she knows that Uncle is probably a funny guy, from what she hears from me and from Aunt Eve's pictures she thinks she is a very pretty woman. It breaks my heart when she speaks of them all as I can not express to her the love she would be given and how much they all care for her even from afar. I can see that God has placed these feelings in her heart and that it gives her hope and comfort to talk about them all. </span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">As we approached the school Pastor Emma told me it was time to say goodbye to my daughter. I must tell you I felt neeles go through my heart, but I knew I must be strong. I whispered in her ear that I love her very much and that she must be strong. I told her she must spend this time in Rwanda loving her friends and cherishing each moment she has with the, as when she comes to America she will miss them all very much. told her that God has granted this time for her to do this and that she must be happy and thankful for the time he has given us to be together. Surprisingly, she smiled and was happy. She knew I would be back in a few days and I think she was very anxious to see her friends and to tell them of our time together. As she left the van my heart was aching, but I knew we were off to make a difference in the refugee's lives and that God will take are of her and will help in healing my hurt.</span></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01697308378409781091noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808351058019368956.post-78030481668985921772007-11-14T08:19:00.000-08:002007-11-14T08:52:03.714-08:00Hope in memory of my Grandma Mary<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOmX2DYEpnYKmJjkFkyflUbYPhksrPMMUjb5Ls4n7iu7F-CMZJPjJahBlREyxTmWe9zDbd7NZ_E2qkFBZ9c5P3ewZbBvYpptubgmcq1qlUrxnRwc_xa7Oe_u3RJ4IzmbaJ3W4N8fx4jM/s1600-h/grandma2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132738877778403554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOmX2DYEpnYKmJjkFkyflUbYPhksrPMMUjb5Ls4n7iu7F-CMZJPjJahBlREyxTmWe9zDbd7NZ_E2qkFBZ9c5P3ewZbBvYpptubgmcq1qlUrxnRwc_xa7Oe_u3RJ4IzmbaJ3W4N8fx4jM/s320/grandma2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNLEImYazN4_YYKOV4GF0UncTAdTPM1aTufFhTXZCH2sFQki0iFq6_i-wtb99NgN-Ov-SrSdQSSBfZsbGKuTKBzRtoZf6OA33pbhIDuv5Ifz6kTkVXFnkmH5NCrc9qJRcVtrTZCo99ZE/s1600-h/grandma1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132738882073370866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNLEImYazN4_YYKOV4GF0UncTAdTPM1aTufFhTXZCH2sFQki0iFq6_i-wtb99NgN-Ov-SrSdQSSBfZsbGKuTKBzRtoZf6OA33pbhIDuv5Ifz6kTkVXFnkmH5NCrc9qJRcVtrTZCo99ZE/s320/grandma1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">After a long but wonderful trip to visit Esther's family, we ended the day with deep sleep and were ready for a great day at the Esther Home opening. I knew it was going to be a special day for Mom and was beaming with pride from the early morning. We started our day visiting the mother of my sweet friends Devota and Violate. Devota is a beautiful woman I met last time I was here in Rwanda and we quickly became great friends. She fell in love with my sweet little Glacier while we were here and was such a great "Auntie" to her. She is now married and lives in Indiana and so I get a chance to talk with her often. She was the first mommy to Esther when she came from her Grandmothers in Butare to African New Life. She loves Esther very much and has taken all her efforts to provide her stability here in Rwanda. Violate is her sister and I got the chance to meet her in person for the first time on our trip to see Esther's father. She was the wonderful lady who saw this poor little girl begging on the streets with her grandmother and could see the potential of her. She took her from the streets and saved her life by bringing her to Devota to live in the Kinombe house in Kigali. These ladies will forever be my friends and family and I love them very much. Violate has helped us so many times during this process of adoption and never will I be able to pay her back for her genorosity. During holidays from school the children in the boarding houses that Esther resides with must leave the school and return to their families or friends. Because Esther has nowhere to go, Devota and Violate's mother take Esther in for that time. She has loved her and taken care of her for the last few years and is one of the most loving and kind woman you will ever meet. She has a funny sense of humor and is so welcoming. We got to go greet her when we stopped to pick up the girls for the opening of the Esther Home. She is generally a healthy woman, but as I could see Pastor Emma interpreting for us, you could sense her hearing was not so good. I told her how much Esther loves her and how much I appreciate her taking care of her. You could see tears in her eyes and she told us that her hearing is not so well and that each days her vision is getting worse. She fears soon she will not be able to see and then will not be able to take care of the girls. She also cares for Barbara, her grandchild who lives with Esther. This woman has given all her life to being a great mother, Auntie and grandmother and I could see her heartache as she spoke of this ailment. I was very sad as she reminded me of my late Grandma Mary. I loved Grandma Mary very much and remebered as she started to lose her eye sight, the saddness and helplessness she felt each and every day. My heart was aching and wanted to hold her in my arms and make it all go away. Of course, my dear mother just could not let this go. She too remembers Grandma Mary and the heartache it caused her and extended an invitation to get her to a doctor to see what can be done. The blessings that my mother has shown the people of Rwanda is overwhelming and I can not tell you the new repsect and admiration I have even more for her than before. She is a true humanitarian and just a kind and caring person. So, on Thursday Violate will take grandma to the eyes, nose and Ear doctor here in Kigali and she will hopefully be fitted with some glasses. God is truly present here and we are seeing his work each and every day! Wow!</span></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01697308378409781091noreply@blogger.com0