She is 27 lbs. According to this growth chart, she is in the 50th percentile. This means she's completely average... which is an amazing thing for a little girl in an orphanage in Africa! This eases our mind to know that our little girl has been well cared for... giving her such a great start.
She has spent 96% of her life in this one home. It's a relief to know that she didn't spend too much time in a hospital or at other homes, being moved place to place.
Her social history is a best case scenario. While abandonment is never an easy pill to swallow, I have dreaded the thought of having to explain a worse case scenario to my daughter. Infants left in latrines. So sad, and I am so relieved that I don't have to explain that one. While we will never know why she was abandoned, we do have reason to believe that she was loved... and we do have some pieces of information that may bring her comfort later on. An abandonment with ill intention, abuse or perhaps simply having no information at all... were my worst fears.
Her name. I'll be honest with you... I am not a big fan of 'older' Americanized names, or many common biblical names (most likely because they are 'old'... lol) - which is the majority of names of children in Kenyan Orphanages. I'm not going to start listing names that I wished she didn't have, as I'm likely to stick my foot in mouth... so I will tell you that I had always said that I hope her name is 'Faith', 'Hope', 'Imani' or something else, that I can't say without giving away her name (obviously!). So when I heard her name... I had tingles run up and down my body. What are the chances?
Her big beautiful eyes. We have originally requested 2 children because we wanted them to have someone in the family they could identify with. This went out the window when we were only approved for 1 child. Knowing there is so much about her that will be different from us, Muffin and I wished that she could at least share our big eyes, so we had a physical feature that all of us girls shared.
It is Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada... and wow, do I have a lot to be thankful for!
We have a travel date now, flying out on the 21st and landing in Kenya on the 23rd. We will be leaving our home on the 19th to get to Calgary. A lot of miles to cover in those few days, and a lot of things to do before now and then.
I will leave you all with a perfect little smile. (Look at those little chiclet teeth!!)
5 comments:
You leave on the 21st!?! WOW!!! I am so excited for you. This is going to be the most amazing adventure of your lives!!
Sending you huge love and blessings.
Do you mean October 21st? Because holy smokes! Actually, I have goosebumps down my arms and tears in my eyes for you. What a wonderful thanksgiving this year for your family. I am so excited for you guys, lots of prayers coming your way! (And I totally understand you when it comes to the old biblical names. That's how it was for us in Congo, and our daughter's original name was Dorcas, and while her story in the Bible is a good one, let's face it, that name would never fly here in the States. Although it is common in Africa.)
Thank you ladies. Yes - the 21st of this month, what am I thinking!? That's a lot to do in under 2 weeks! I agree - Dorcas is not a name that would be well received here or there!
Hi Jolene,
I was just cleaning out my email and came across your blog. I just spent the last hour catching up and WOW . . . I am thrilled that is finally happening for all of you. I am endeared by your words, your love, and your commitment to adopting a child overseas. Thank you for opening up your hearts and loving a child that needs it most. You, Dano, your Muffin, and your Mister are all a gift to this world and a gift to this little girl. She is a blessing to you. I wish you and your family nothing but the best on this new journey in life and love. Your Thompson Treehouse is growing!!!!
Sending you all my love and support always xoxoxo
Kristi Mortell-LeBlanc
You leave in 11 days!!! I am so excited for you!!!
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