We have only just begun!

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.

Happy Birthday Glacier...She's 9!

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!

10 year later!

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 4th 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.

Rich and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary on the 7th and our 16th 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 a lot of great memories to those who attended. Thanks to everyone for making it so fun. We had a great anniversary and it was a weekend of renewed love and admiration. Looks like we need to make more of those weekends without the kids. Right Oma?

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 received 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.

Our Powder Puff-Grandpa Ed would be proud

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.

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.

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.

Happy Birthday Oma!

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.

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.

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.

Esther Home

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 www.estherhomerwanda.blogspot.com . Enjoy!

One of those days...

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.