Wednesday, October 26

Reflections

Our three months home together as a family is coming to an end.  I can't believe how time has flown by and how much KC has progressed.  He is growing like a weed!  He has gone from a size 6 shoes to an 8 and a half.... I think he's a 9 now...... I need a new measurement.  He has grown about an inch a month.  He's a pretty happy go lucky kid for his age.  
I have not shared much about the details of our trips.  It is very difficult to put those experiences into words.  But, I'll try to share a few details as time goes on.  Over the last few days, I've been reflecting on our last night in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and specifically our trip to the airport.  

I hold KC now and can't believe how small he was in my arms that night.  It was past 8:00 pm in the evening.  He was scared..... he covered his ears with his hands and reached for my hands to cover his.  His eyes were huge.... I had asked Alto Tefera to explain to KC what the next few days would be like for him.  Alto Tefera, the guest house manager and all around support for families, acted out the flight and shared about going to his new home.  KC was excited about the airplane..... but that is much different than what he expected.  The streets were empty and the rain came down.  I was terrified as well.  Soon we would leave Alto Tefera..... the guest house was now miles away..... and we would be on our own.  Our flight was about three plus hours away.... no translator..... no cooks our cleaning ladies to come and play with KC.  Solomon the driver would be gone as well.  And the other family that we had been blessed to be with our entire trip..... gone.  We had stayed longer than most families at the guest house... due to difficulty with arranging our flights.  Solomon, the driver, and Alto Tefera took our belongings off the bus.  We all embraced and there we saw tears in Alto Tefera's eyes as well.  We turned and walked away.... with our luggage... and our little boy..... and three days of travel in front of us.  This hour continues to play in my mind.... over and over again.  ~more later

I've added a few new items to my shop for Christmas giving.  I'm also honored to be asked to donate a few pieces to Ethiopia Reads.  Those are off and shipped for their December Auction.

Wednesday, September 28

Progress

 Title:  Hope On A String
12 inches by 24 inches 
K has been home about 8 weeks now.  People say to me, "And it must be like he has been with you forever by now...."  Hmmmm.  No, not really.  Not long enough.  But time is flying by..... and he is a joy.  On my kitchen island is the piece above.  Between my new parenting adventures I've been working on this new piece.  Seeking to meet my goal of completing larger pieces and originals.  I'm hoping that "Little Boy Hope" turns out.

Sunday, September 4

Oh Aslan..... My Friend...

My Christmas cards are finished and I'm now working on some ornaments for my shop.  CK is beginning to play in the house and outside.  And my painting supplies have come out sooner that I have expected.  He is healthy and adapting well to his new surroundings.  Still, it seems like only yesterday... we were in Ethiopia waiting to see him for the first time.  Someone said to me... "Gosh, it seems like he has been with you forever already...."  No.... it does not.... I thought to myself.  Seems like only a few seconds.... *