tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36131362365509085822024-03-14T07:11:29.275-04:00Tarsha's Treasure ChestMy treasure chest runneth over with faith family and friendsTarsha Downinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00345263492386508134noreply@blogger.comBlogger258125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613136236550908582.post-55119609069886893022017-02-10T07:22:00.001-05:002017-02-10T07:22:46.583-05:00#teamruslanIn December of 2016 our family was given the opportunity to host a boy from Ukraine for a month long stay over his Christmas break. We welcomed Ruslan, 13, into our home and our family. He lives in an orphanage in Ukraine, referred to as a school, and was able to be part of the Host Ukraine organization. This wonderful organization allows orphans to be with families and have a travel experience during Christmas and summer time. The hope is that they will experience love and family, and just maybe, find their forever family.<br />
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This past December, we heard about hosting, decided to host, and were hosting all within 5 days. We heard about the opportunity on Sunday at church and he came very late Thursday night. We filled out the application, did background checks and paid the fees fast. He had a signifaciant grant to bring him here and someone also blessed all Maine families with an additional $300 grant. We made the decision to invest in Ruslan's life and we're happy to do so.<br />
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Needless to say, we fell in love with Ruslan. He is a wonderful and very typical 13 year old (14 on Valentine's Day 2017) boy. Kenny and Heather Tripp also fell in love with Ruslan. we have the opportunity to host our boy again for 10 weeks this summer. <br />
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<b>We have decided to host him together with the Tripp's! </b></div>
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This way he will get to have more family experiences and more love.❤</div>
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We fully intend to host Ruslan again, but are asking our friends and family to consider helping us bring him back. There aren't any grants this time, so we need to come up with all the fees.<br />
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The fees are as follows:<br />
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$2,995 + $25 application fee<br />
Or ONLY $2,745 if paid in full by 2/21/17<br />
$250 deposit (plus application fee) due by 2/21/17<br />
The remainder is due by sometime in April.<br />
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Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a team to give an orphan a family for Christmas and the summer. Want to be a part of #teamruslan? Here's how!<br />
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You can make a tax deductible donation to <a href="http://www.hostukraine.org/"><span id="goog_712894228"></span>Host Ukraine<span id="goog_712894229"></span></a> directly with Ruslan /Tarsha Downing in the memo. That way they will know who the money is going toward hosting and you can get the deduction.<br />
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You can make a payment to a friend or family member on PayPal to tarshadowning@hotmail.com with the memo Ruslan. The money will ALL go directly to hosting fees.<br />
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You can give Kenny, Rudy, Heather or myself a cash or check donation. If you want to donate an item for Ruslan that is appreciated too. He will need summer clothing/accessories. However, we will purchase all his needs this summer.<br />
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Regardless of any donation you may or not make, please keep us ALL in your prayers!<br />
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Thank you for joining #teamruslan on our journey!<br />
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Kenny, Heather, Logan & Dayla<br />
Rudy, Tarsha, Sadie, Lil Rudy & Imani<br />
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<br />Tarsha Downinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00345263492386508134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613136236550908582.post-85358783972633799062015-07-04T09:50:00.001-04:002015-07-04T09:50:48.685-04:00Harper Joy in the news 2<br />
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Tarsha Downinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00345263492386508134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613136236550908582.post-62119901715710631082014-10-22T14:34:00.001-04:002014-10-22T14:49:05.951-04:00Laugh Out Loud<div>
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I heard a song in the car a few days ago. I laughed out loud and then sang along. The lyrics were catchy. It reminded me of my girl. She's always laughing, emitting joy and singing LOUD! She knows she's safe and loved, by her people and her Jesus!</div>
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I heard it again today so I decided to look up the lyrics. </div>
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And to my surprise it starts like this.</div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: center;"><i>I shake my head at my good fortune</i></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><span style="text-align: center;">As I shake the dust off of my boots</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><span style="text-align: center;">Yesterday I was an orphan</span></i></span></div>
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Somehow today I belong to You</div>
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Somehow today I belong to You</div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: center;"><i>Ha ha, don't it make you wanna laugh out loud?</i></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><span style="text-align: center;">Ooh ooh, and shout, "Hallelujah!"</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><span style="text-align: center;">Oh yeah, if you got joy go and let it on out</span></i></span></div>
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Ha ha ha ha, laugh out loud!</div>
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Jason Gray ~ Laugh Out Loud</div>
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I know it's God who we belong to and He who brought us our <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>good fortune</i>. I just love<i> </i>how it's a song about all of us, but before I even knew all the lyrics, I was reminded of my girl. :) </span></div>
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https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Fsy5vVCO-J4</div>
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Tarsha Downinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00345263492386508134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613136236550908582.post-3820229696883811412014-05-27T14:00:00.000-04:002014-05-27T14:09:40.623-04:00Home is where your heart is!Imani and I have moved into Harper Joy! The plan is to stay the summer and see how it works for us. After a week, so far so good! <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Everything has a place and there is a place for everything. Putting them there is key :) We brought what we needed and our other stuff went to storage or an aunts house to use when we are visiting. Imani was a little scared of the (composting) toilet at first, but has now mastered it. </span><br />
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Living in Harper Joy has been a dream of mine for nearly 5 years. It was June 2009 when I saw Elizabeth Turnbull's tiny home featured in a magazine and September 2009 when I decided to build my own. I am happy to finally be fulfilling this dream with my girl. It's important to me that she understand simple living and how community works. She loves her people more than stuff, and she only knows spending lots of time with family, but living in the tiny home will make it a reality. She currently thinks nothing of the tiny house, besides wanting to show people. It's got everything we need and we spend about the same amount of time here as we did at the 'big' house. </div>
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Our first night!</div>
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We still need to build front stairs, come up with a better ladder system to the loft, and finish the floor. But we are living in our tiny house and we feel right at HOME!</div>
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<i>Dear Jesus,</i></div>
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<i>Thank you for this wonderful opportunity that you have given Imani and I </i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">to live in Harper Joy. </i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> I am so excited to share this experience with her; to teach her living simply by actually doing it and about</i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> community</i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">. I've said it before, I can't believe I'm the girl in this story. My beautiful daughter, my tiny home, and a family that loves us immeasurably. Thank you for your faithfulness, your provision, and your plans that are always better than mine! Please give us patience and grace to live in such a small space together. Help me to remember she's only 5 and still has so much to learn. Give me the knowledge and wisdom to teach her well and lead her to you. </i></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">In Jesus Name,</i></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Amen</i></div>
Tarsha Downinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00345263492386508134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613136236550908582.post-56456990228587135952014-05-13T10:30:00.000-04:002014-05-13T10:34:58.627-04:00REPOST: "I will wait for you" by Poet JANETTE...IKZ<div align="center">
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First, I LOVE this poem. Second, how did this girl know my story? Oh I'm not the only one whose impatient and takes things into her own hands?! My favorite words come in the criteria she sets for knowing when its 'him' and the promises of where she'll be. Last but not least, I am reminded {<em>AGAIN}</em> that I need to die to self. <em>EVERY.DAY</em>. And I'll be busy while I wait, because these Ladies have BIG shoes to fill.</div>
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<em>And I will know you</em></div>
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<em>Because when you speak </em></div>
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<em>I will be reminded of Solomon’s wisdom</em></div>
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<em>Your ability to lead will remind me of Moses</em></div>
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<em>Your faith will remind me of Abraham</em></div>
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<em>Your confidence in God’s word will remind me of Daniel</em></div>
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<em>Your inspiration will remind me of Paul</em></div>
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<em>Your heart for God will remind me of David</em></div>
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<em>Your attention to detail will remind me of Noah</em></div>
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<em>Your integrity will remind me of Joseph</em></div>
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<em>And your ability to abandon your own will, will remind me of the disciples. </em></div>
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<em>But your ability to love selfishly and unconditionally will remind me of Christ.</em></div>
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<em>And you will know me and you will find me</em></div>
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<em>Where the boldness of Ester meets the warm closeness of Ruth</em></div>
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<em>Where the hospitality of Lydia is aligned with the submission of Mary</em></div>
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<em>Which is engulfed with the tears of a praying Hannah</em></div>
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<em>I will be the one drenched in Proverbs 31, waiting for you.</em></div>
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<em>But, to my Father, who has known me before I was birthed into this earth</em></div>
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<em>Only if You should see fit.</em></div>
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<em>I desire Your will above mine</em></div>
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<em>So even if You call me to a life of singleness, my heart is content with You. </em></div>
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<em>The One who Is.</em></div>
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<em>You are the greatest love story ever told, the greatest love ever known.</em></div>
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<em>You are forever my judge and I am forever Your witness.</em></div>
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<em>And I pray that I am always found on a mission about my Father’s business.</em></div>
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<em>I will always be Yours.</em></div>
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<em>And I will always wait for You Lord</em></div>
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<em>More than the watchmen wait for the morning. </em></div>
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<em>More than the watchmen wait for the morning,</em> </div>
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<em>I will wait.</em></div>
Tarsha Downinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00345263492386508134noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613136236550908582.post-65796416165588730752014-05-04T21:12:00.001-04:002014-05-04T21:14:30.662-04:00BIG Happenings in the tiny House!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikK1HkzPFwJzzhM_phhxvWnOucSkJAyyMUja17UTmp4kGLXMWl01svsWDBM1qgeEYLpCKofRcfeNTxvGMPIwkBoytBFCzncRCRWLt5NCRQRczbNzesTNr-8tjj2wQOk0X666NoJE9vjwnP/s640/blogger-image--527667434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikK1HkzPFwJzzhM_phhxvWnOucSkJAyyMUja17UTmp4kGLXMWl01svsWDBM1qgeEYLpCKofRcfeNTxvGMPIwkBoytBFCzncRCRWLt5NCRQRczbNzesTNr-8tjj2wQOk0X666NoJE9vjwnP/s640/blogger-image--527667434.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAm_vHA-8Sh1RygduEWhEFVDBSikdMzGgRkBypkQsaGWiVelNcxQ3xw7hSkdupjAHaOeHh37S0rWLNHaM9VayLqkFFVJ6WHtg1SNld2j3yy7BEi7dc_xhyphenhyphenij2TbjR63sx51m3IaT9v657i/s640/blogger-image-481041794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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It kick started my international adoption journey into high gear and gave me my most important title yet, Mommy!<br>
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Just 12 weeks from that phone call; the first mention of her name, I held her in my arms.<br>
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My daughter Imani Ruth</div>
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Our very first meeting ~ June 29, 2013</div>
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<i>I wrote this back in November 2013.</i><br>
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<i>Imani adds a great deal of joy and laughter to my life. She is amazing and resilient. Her presence in my life came so quickly and so perfectly timed. She also adds challenges and obstacles that have put me in an occasional tailspin. Being a parent is the best and most challenging gift I've ever received. And with it, God has revealed to me how much I need Him, and His people.</i><br>
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<i>So, as it turns out, I am not a Superhero. Becoming a mom has put the ki-bosh to this charade. I fail. Miserably. Everyday. I am no longer the organized multi-tasker I used to be. Multitask? I can't even task these days!</i><br>
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<i>I left my sisters house with no shoes on. As in, left my shoes at her house, to go to a public place. I didn't even realize I was driving with no shoes until I was closer to the appointment than to her house. </i><i>I pack my daughters gear for outings and sleep overs, but forget to pack my own. I remember my toothbrush, only cause it's next to hers. </i><i>I've left my house without my cell phone, my girl's school bag, and so many other things. I've taken to writing things down or dictating to Siri, who can remind me when I get to a location.</i><br>
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<i>Then there is this little person who NEEDS my undivided attention, right when I feel I need to concentrate on something I have previously deemed important.</i><br>
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<i>"No go n-e-wear ok Mommy?" from the toilet (where she sits for ages, especially in the middle of mealtime) and appreciates an audience. Mine, that is.</i><br>
<i>"Mommy wer-ah you goin?" if I try to sneak away to clean up, organize, or get one more thing done.</i><br>
<i>"Mommy, you ok?!" if all is quiet for 5-10 seconds and I'm not in her sight.</i><br>
<i>"Mommy look! Mommy look! Mommy look!" from the living room 10 seconds into my shower.</i><br>
<i>"Mommy sit!" Says the little one from the table as I try to prepare, set out or clean up dinner.</i><br>
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<i>How do I complete tasks/remember/be a superhero with this competition?! How could I do it alone? I don't. I can't. I'm not. I'm leaning on God to handle the details, the stress and anxiety. I'm learning to care about them less and focus on the most important little person in front of me. My house is messy but my girl is loved. She is going to figure out sooner rather than later, if she hasn't already, that I'm not a superhero. No need to keep up appearances right?! :)</i><br>
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<i>What I am is Imani's mommy; her fiercest advocate and her biggest fan. </i><i>Superheroes have nothing on this gig!</i><br>
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Fast forward 5 months and I've moved beyond the foggy brain. I'm doing better at remembering and multitasking. We are a team and she likes to help me :) Her English has EXPLODED and she now asks "Mommy what's that mean?!" She's a sponge, listening and watching EVERYTHING I do, then questioning it. She likes to throw me curve balls too, like "Mommy, can Jesus come here? I want to SEE Him!" My personal favorite is when she throws my words back at me. "Mommy, Downing's DON'T waste!" She's onto Papa, who shows his love by giving change and buying ice cream or candy. She reminded me "Mammy can fix it" when her pants ripped. She told me to call Aunt Tanya when we needed something once, cause Aunt Tanya has something for everything. <br>
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Aunt Tracy and Uncle Ben are like second parents, keeping Imani before and after school, teaching her balance (life and literally) and LOVE!</div>
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Cousins Quinn 1, and Johanna 11, provide sibling-like relationships for my girl. She loves them fiercely, and fights fiercely with them! <br>
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Quinny adores his 'Mani. He thinks she's supposed to be with him everyday. Aunt Trina and Uncle Rob host us lots of weekends so they can have their QT.</div>
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Aunt Tricia spoils her to no end! I guess that's her job! Isaac and Liam think she's pretty great too!<br>
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Swimming at Sunday River with Hannah, Johanna and Drew</div>
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Music continues to be a great learning source for her. She sings and dances to music of all kinds. I love hearing her sing her little heart out and get excited when she hears a song she knows, out of the context she's used to hearing it in. She's seen Frozen 3 times now and has <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moSFlvxnbgk">Let It Go</a> memorized. She started piano lessons too! </div>
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Any chance she gets to be with her people, she takes it. Sleep overs, dinners, shopping, hanging out, playing outside in the snow, anything really. She's been ice skating, snowmobiling, and sledding. She doesn't mind the cold and just keeps wanting more! And enjoying herself. Always enjoying herself! :) She loves the iPad and iPhone because FaceTime is just another way to be in touch with her people. And take selfies or watch YouTube. </div>
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There is this description of an artist's greatest achievement called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnum_opus">Magnum Opus</a>. My Magnum Opus was actually created by God and on loan from Him, but she is by far the best gift I've ever been entrusted with. She's one of a kind and this child, who I get to call my daughter (I still can't really believe it) has forever changed me!</div>
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We have been blessed by change, growth, beauty, lessons learned the hard way, and SO. MUCH. LOVE! It hasn't always been easy or pretty, but its all been worth it. So glad God chose me to be Imani's Mommy.<br>
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One phone call.<br>
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One year ago.<br>
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One very special little girl.<br>
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Thank You God for my resilient, smart, brave, strong, kind (and most recently a dash of naughty) little lady! I love you to Africa and back Imani Ruth Downing!</div>
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Tarsha Downinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00345263492386508134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613136236550908582.post-47230076271952437782013-11-02T20:54:00.001-04:002013-11-24T07:41:32.784-05:00It's HappeningShe stopped saying popopcicle. She just says Popsicle now. <div><br></div><div>Dis one, or Dat one is used to reference the person sitting next to her. </div><div><br></div><div>She requested boots like Hannah and Johanna have, except in pink, not brown. This was at 6pm on Sunday night and she wanted to "go shopping now Mommy". </div><div><br></div><div>She answers her own "why" with "cause."</div><div><br></div><div>"Please and TH-ank you Mommy?!" When she really wants something!</div><div><br></div><div>She's recognizing more letters and colors, zipping her own jacket, and putting her own shoes on. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7gGIEBteDym12iDPgW6vK0LfBxzz_tvUmfElFCR5k9-O5s342ZPntXXrF1Z_Uo_b77WwUQHPlPKMAIELPVuDLUfFI4Wv34zRVBABl6ICBR1PHWUze7QUTAVt7CL2_kerwllW67OrlZ1D/s640/blogger-image--1958500481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7gGIEBteDym12iDPgW6vK0LfBxzz_tvUmfElFCR5k9-O5s342ZPntXXrF1Z_Uo_b77WwUQHPlPKMAIELPVuDLUfFI4Wv34zRVBABl6ICBR1PHWUze7QUTAVt7CL2_kerwllW67OrlZ1D/s640/blogger-image--1958500481.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>"<i>I wanta dis</i>" she tells me, often. </div><div><br></div><div>She's asking hard questions. </div><div><br></div><div>I watch her run off constantly; to go play again after a scuffle, after a bathroom break or after letting her mom get a quick squeeze. The little girl I see running off is not the same little girl I saw walk into the room on June 29. </div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Her new favorite things are Docta McFuffins (originally Doc McF**kins), tangerines, and Papa. She loves a sleepover, your house or ours, and is elated when "<i>ev-e-budy</i>" gets <i>togetha</i>.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">She says "<i>mommy hold you</i>" as she passes her arms for me to hold her. She's excited for Jesus' birthday and wondered if "Jesus come cuddle" on that day. </font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">She loves love. She loves family and togetherness and Jesus. I think this girl is teaching me more than I am teaching her. </span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">It's happening. My daughter is watching me and taking it all in. </font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">She's growing, in every way imaginable, right before my very eyes. She's learning English incredibly well, speaking and understanding it more every single day. She's learning lots of western ways (many to my dismay) and developing her own little personality. She's physically growing too. She's heavier and taller I'm certain. </span></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">If it's happening this fast already, I can't imagine what the next 10 years will be like. I tell her often that I don't want her to grow up. She laughs and I laugh with her, but a little piece of my heart just doesn't want her to lose more teeth, grow out of anymore of these cute clothes or start saying some words correctly without her little accent/mispronunciation. </div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">But alas, it's happening. So I'm soaking it all in and enjoying all these moments, making memories with my little girl!</div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xwId_iabzU1Qz1vlhbQVWulLkVs01FtkkmTwnxnVt_4lB3Tw7razwykdPDVEIybZVysWpzUNmGBEfu7p5gaKCNBrxFzGYRvDNBty2qJasnsQ99RuTLSzKYEP0zzC1wQ4lPaIPq-5Hb7u/s640/blogger-image--224304159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xwId_iabzU1Qz1vlhbQVWulLkVs01FtkkmTwnxnVt_4lB3Tw7razwykdPDVEIybZVysWpzUNmGBEfu7p5gaKCNBrxFzGYRvDNBty2qJasnsQ99RuTLSzKYEP0zzC1wQ4lPaIPq-5Hb7u/s640/blogger-image--224304159.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Tarsha Downinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00345263492386508134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613136236550908582.post-61284603718875288172013-10-17T17:00:00.000-04:002013-10-18T10:02:37.613-04:00I Love You to Africa and Back!I was exhausted the other night after a long day. We usually read as many books as Imani can negotiate, but I just wanted to turn the light off and snuggle my girl. "How about Mommy tells you a story and you try to imagine the pictures in your head?" She agreed with enthusiasm so I turned out the light, snuggled my girl <i>thisclose,</i> and began:<br />
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Once upon a time there was a girl named Tarsha. </div>
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She was feeling like it was time to do something bigger than her. </div>
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<i>BIG Mommy?!</i></div>
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Yes, BIG Imani Ruth! Life was good but she was not content in just flying by the seat of her pants so much anymore. It was time for something BIG. She prayed and God told her adoption was indeed the next step in His plan for her. She knew right away there was a little girl in Uganda that was her daughter! She wondered about what that little girl was doing in that very moment and imagined what she looked like too!</div>
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<i>Africa? Uganda? {giggling}</i></div>
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She decided this little girl's name was Imani. It means faith in Swahili, a language spoken in Uganda. </div>
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<i>Me!!</i></div>
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So she got all her paperwork together (it was A LOT OF PAPERWORK) and tried to plan for when she would become a mom. On Sunday, April 7, 2013 at 7pm Tarsha got a call from her social worker Sharon in Florida. Sharon said she wanted to tell her about a little 4 year old girl. </div>
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<i>Mommy, Imani 5!!!</i></div>
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"But you were 4 when I got the call," I said smiling! This is where it became more intimate, with me as her Mommy telling her our story. <br />
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Sharon told me all about you and then a couple days later she sent me a picture. I couldn't stop looking at it or wait to finally meet you. I had to wait 11 weeks before I could travel to Africa.<br />
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On June 29, 2013 at 10:15am Kampala, Uganda time, we finally met! Do you remember when I came to the children's home to get you?<br />
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<i>Yes! And Danny!</i><br />
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Yes, Danny did come with Mommy to pick you up. We took you back to the guesthouse and you took a <i>looooong</i> nap! Then we all stayed in Uganda for almost 7 more weeks. We went to court twice, the lawyers office, Cafe Roma, the tooth doctor, the ear doctor, the American embassy, the American Club, on safari, to the equator, the zoo, and we made some really great friends!<br />
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<i>Farouk! {smiling}</i><br />
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Yes! Farouk! He wasn't just our driver, but our life saver there wasn't he? Farouk knew where everything was and he helped us find what we needed! He took great care of us and that's why we still thank God every night for him!<br />
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<i>Mommy, Farouk Uganda?</i><br />
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Yes, he is still in Uganda. He lives there and helps other new families like he helped us. But if all works as Mommy hopes, we can see him in America next summer!<br />
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<i>Smiles</i><br />
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Then on August 14, 2013 after getting your very important paperwork from the American Embassy, we finally got to get on a plane home to America! Well four planes actually, until we were finally here right?! Imani liked the planes; we ate in the sky and watched movies! Now we are home; you go to kindergarten and you have a family that really really loves you!<br />
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So, that's our story thus far my girl. And when I tell you I love you to Africa and back, its a true story!<br />
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<i>Why Mommy?</i><br />
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Oh my girl...<br />
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Tarsha Downinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00345263492386508134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613136236550908582.post-90216035368470897652013-10-09T20:30:00.000-04:002013-10-17T15:19:19.769-04:00I don't want to forget Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-3COsZe65y_tetDtQNEQU57UAVmdawSj3KAwYd6-kTiNYPrjkmjhM1P3B_c2DSPAq6KBVn0c-_2phm846dENgytwpEe5EbiABAuM_GqICkppGqIiOro-y_Bz6zML43QcERz8q-C8KMXe/s640/blogger-image-709544721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-3COsZe65y_tetDtQNEQU57UAVmdawSj3KAwYd6-kTiNYPrjkmjhM1P3B_c2DSPAq6KBVn0c-_2phm846dENgytwpEe5EbiABAuM_GqICkppGqIiOro-y_Bz6zML43QcERz8q-C8KMXe/s640/blogger-image-709544721.jpg" /></a></div>
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Our time</div>
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together</div>
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getting to know </div>
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one another </div>
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in</div>
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{Africa}</div>
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The place I begged God to go. Twice.</div>
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So He sent me twice, just like I asked. </div>
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Both times I have returned exceedingly </div>
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aware of my incredible need for more </div>
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{Him}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBENyIZh7qqXP77-hay1ZRpi3osehEbciVRkhOOVq7z45e5azqO_v_PGDyQG32ejQG-uRwlJa3tNRS66Xhusb338k02LxC6eMqzRkksO1mBVcjefOaGrvJhhva75faCMUbDiiN8QTrUM4l/s640/blogger-image-876222699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBENyIZh7qqXP77-hay1ZRpi3osehEbciVRkhOOVq7z45e5azqO_v_PGDyQG32ejQG-uRwlJa3tNRS66Xhusb338k02LxC6eMqzRkksO1mBVcjefOaGrvJhhva75faCMUbDiiN8QTrUM4l/s640/blogger-image-876222699.jpg" /></a></div>
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I do believe in </div>
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{His plan}</div>
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And I don't want to forget!</div>
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Tarsha Downinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00345263492386508134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613136236550908582.post-52369107975714404652013-10-07T19:24:00.001-04:002013-10-09T21:13:51.956-04:00I don't want to forget...<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The way she looked the first time I saw her</span></div></div><div><br></div><div>How she asked who was taking care of my house while I was in Africa</div><div><br></div>The way she sang "now I know my D-F-Gs"<div><br></div><div>The way she pronounced red pajama like eid jamama</div><div><br></div><div>The irony that her favorite book when we got home was <i>Are</i> <i>You My Mother? </i>pronounced "R U ma motha?</div><div><br></div><div>The adorable space between her two front teeth</div><div><br></div><div>The first time she called me Mommy</div><div><br></div><div>The way she says "Imani do it sof" (self)</div><div><br></div><div>How she sang "touch my felix" (spirit)</div><div><br></div><div>The way she says her full name: Imani <i>DOWN</i>ing!</div><div><br></div><div>Imani has now been home with me as long as we were in Uganda together. This little girl has lost three teeth, grown out of lots of clothing, has a vocabulary that is exploding with English, and an amazing amount of resiliency. She's independent like her mom! Her sweet spirit and sassy attitude are still shining bright, but she's added some defiance, tantrums, and yelling. It's almost a joke because all of these are actions she has seen a cousin or two do and she just had to try them on her Mommy. One or two minutes after the attempt, which has been thwarted when I walk away, she's right back to herself. I admire her learning experiences (trial and error) and am reminded that it's just because she's smart. :)</div><div><br></div><div>She gets a good report from school daily in the note I get of the basics of her day. I'm amazed at the schedule she keeps and the quick way she adapted, like this was nothing new. She wants to be with family whenever the chance arises and is quick to join both boy and girl cousins at play. </div><div><br></div><div>She eats like a champ and still enjoys chicken and rice any chance she can get them. 'Popopcicles' and avocados rank pretty high too. </div><div><br></div><div>Books are still a delightful passtime and she's memorizing some. She can tell me the story and while she isn't '<i>reading</i>', she's well on her way! She knows where things go, reminds me of random things at the right time, and keeps me on my toes! She negotiates "one more time Mommy" with big eyes and several fingers up. She plays with my hair and says "I like it Mommy", rubs my back (when she doesn't want to go to sleep) and says "Good morning", which is just music to my ears. </div><div><br></div><div>Every doctor is the tooth doctor. She has had 2 series of her vaccinations so far (icky) and was totally onto the situation the 2nd time around. I felt horrible even bringing her. </div><div><br></div><div>Being this little girls mom is what I was made to do. It's rewarding, challenging and just awesome to watch her grow and learn with all the love showered on her everyday! </div><div><br></div><div>Thank you to my family and friends for all your unconditional support! Thank You God for holding us in the palm of Your hand and for the gift of being this little girls mommy. I don't want to forget any of it!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1iFFheZm3aE827tTY8s1MDvIo8SAsqnKMUyv6EMmrq9obS4T8eMVOD_FDWgsmzxgru9Sqih3z0_mpS34DPPopQqgQOuxNYH0vgSQ5Pc66Q_x5aaNW2vwSISbO53ECniU92_OwHNak1zL/s640/blogger-image-1808876908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1iFFheZm3aE827tTY8s1MDvIo8SAsqnKMUyv6EMmrq9obS4T8eMVOD_FDWgsmzxgru9Sqih3z0_mpS34DPPopQqgQOuxNYH0vgSQ5Pc66Q_x5aaNW2vwSISbO53ECniU92_OwHNak1zL/s640/blogger-image-1808876908.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqFvAwg_O6JrouL56pGBSbwZLOimdNJwrKNAW7hWCprEM7WlUedGJcX8EpmSFcy4zruMFv-o3wzih_S8Jy20YTvRqfpAL6BidcKX9uCzPev_252O-DApSrei_TWQPEw9BXR-EGWdGnxrY/s640/blogger-image-502876357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqFvAwg_O6JrouL56pGBSbwZLOimdNJwrKNAW7hWCprEM7WlUedGJcX8EpmSFcy4zruMFv-o3wzih_S8Jy20YTvRqfpAL6BidcKX9uCzPev_252O-DApSrei_TWQPEw9BXR-EGWdGnxrY/s640/blogger-image-502876357.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_IWitM7ojMOSXbvom4ZOMTF7YeqZhgjg4-nwu6aWE9E2wdez9WWsR4WmFbiI94WdWmYiy1WuOlWITu4Sl9k3vmlrCW96P0mMJgf-qxo7IpBIyBtGEP_FA6X6uuoi5DMM-LWmEtFazD9b/s640/blogger-image-184662573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_IWitM7ojMOSXbvom4ZOMTF7YeqZhgjg4-nwu6aWE9E2wdez9WWsR4WmFbiI94WdWmYiy1WuOlWITu4Sl9k3vmlrCW96P0mMJgf-qxo7IpBIyBtGEP_FA6X6uuoi5DMM-LWmEtFazD9b/s640/blogger-image-184662573.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnqC-55srdMVy5C7blPDL9Gre8WH_eFzpJfw-HVqr3EH1YOu5gzekAD_FA1Z2rqXsgV9V33oxdPdAR9BJw7xehVVxCvwML95gol85mwa1NSglA0XpDQ_o0hqcS3tXYw-yXr2QFvE34O-M/s640/blogger-image-317405342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnqC-55srdMVy5C7blPDL9Gre8WH_eFzpJfw-HVqr3EH1YOu5gzekAD_FA1Z2rqXsgV9V33oxdPdAR9BJw7xehVVxCvwML95gol85mwa1NSglA0XpDQ_o0hqcS3tXYw-yXr2QFvE34O-M/s640/blogger-image-317405342.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGKgPaZ37ksVPGJx4WxMpjbouQDYq9FbJr25tzyPZCyWvMEj9RmDO3P-YHqr_tDTiouyJfeC7OsymDXdIwPPnwzy6MqzoKoBXH-xqLCsCz1edysmGYJZrCmCqhbPtQCK7jVx1tuyJRkwf/s640/blogger-image--1670536117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGKgPaZ37ksVPGJx4WxMpjbouQDYq9FbJr25tzyPZCyWvMEj9RmDO3P-YHqr_tDTiouyJfeC7OsymDXdIwPPnwzy6MqzoKoBXH-xqLCsCz1edysmGYJZrCmCqhbPtQCK7jVx1tuyJRkwf/s640/blogger-image--1670536117.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjdbxAVN4ThpMIpjUICcJIuHgU-AzbWGMt2UVtckGQFgfDghCex-phdhysdXOljqXqhMXXIO9ZF-cKCpprXsVz3U0N8ENF5G5aXuVvKuqRyLn2DA3OeZLc_swLiJZhpGpWhBm1NoLMzow/s640/blogger-image-1009657747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjdbxAVN4ThpMIpjUICcJIuHgU-AzbWGMt2UVtckGQFgfDghCex-phdhysdXOljqXqhMXXIO9ZF-cKCpprXsVz3U0N8ENF5G5aXuVvKuqRyLn2DA3OeZLc_swLiJZhpGpWhBm1NoLMzow/s640/blogger-image-1009657747.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHqbbAbc9T-t45TRLB91KLe-vimAvJ-dIZw3hK-WOZPSK8rddIkToRYa4hekE1MqhGywkcOCTTT535Mk8S27lcyL3M5JjEy9PiEd2khvM9X1BJ9JxpFlnkeb0e0YLVsceAB-JCn-3Jqje/s640/blogger-image--1393967202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHqbbAbc9T-t45TRLB91KLe-vimAvJ-dIZw3hK-WOZPSK8rddIkToRYa4hekE1MqhGywkcOCTTT535Mk8S27lcyL3M5JjEy9PiEd2khvM9X1BJ9JxpFlnkeb0e0YLVsceAB-JCn-3Jqje/s640/blogger-image--1393967202.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Tarsha Downinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00345263492386508134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613136236550908582.post-15037310938848558872013-09-10T10:12:00.000-04:002013-10-18T10:13:09.952-04:00HomeWe are <i>Home</i>.<br />
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<i>Home</i> in America. </div>
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<i>Home</i> at our own little place in the world.</div>
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<i>Home</i> to begin our new normal. </div>
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<i>Home, </i>where routines are created and fostered. Like getting ready for work and school, bath time, specific songs in the car, and bedtime. </div>
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S<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">ometimes its a good night shower and others its a good morning shower, but it always includes all 10 rubber duckies and 2 Barbie dolls. I love that she calls it good night and good morning. She has such a positive attitude!</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">Bedtime consists of reading </span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">800 books before we sing and pray. Well maybe not 800, but</span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"> Imani would read/let me read every single book she owns before sleeping each night if she could! Prayers always include thanking God for Farouk and the days people and events. She even thanked Him for the doctors who have filled a cavity, given shots and removed the bead from her ear. This girl knows how to forgive!</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">When we get into the car Imani requests 'Ethiopia' or 'So Mighty'. Ethiopia means Who Built the Arc (thats what she hears and I admit, I hear that too now) and So Mighty means My God is So Great. They are song number 23 and 3 respectively. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Mornings usually go fast. Imani wakes up about 7am. If I'm not in sight, I hear "Mommy? Mommy. MOMMY?!" Once her feet hit the floor she's got an agenda, which</span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"> she wants me to be involved in all of, so she narrates what's next.</span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"> </span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">It involves putting on new/different clothes, "brush brush brushing her teeth" and washing the sleepy seeds from her eyes. Not necessarily fast or in that order, but without interruption. Then she counts me down when I'm trying to get ready. "1-2-3 all done Mommy" when I'm hardly even all wet in the shower or when rinsing my toothbrush after the first go round. "One more time" as she holds her little pointer finger up towards me. Do I really limit her this much I think to myself?!</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Get dressed, or change clothes, has been relabeled put new/different clothes on. Imani was hearing 'dress' or 'change' and getting distracted. She doesn't wear dresses anymore so she contests it immediately. Change means coins, and any you have in your possession become hers. She will unabashedly empty your cup holder or pants pockets of all change you have and move it to her basket. Pennies are fine. All change makes her smile. :) </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">After her first day of school I asked her if she made new friends. "Friend, </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Friend</span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">, </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Friend</span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">, Friend..." she said as she showed me at least 7 of her little fingers. :)</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">All dogs are named Saige. But this doesn't mean she likes all dogs. Just Saige, who she walks to school in the morning. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Chicken and rice are still the go to food, but she will try anything and everything off your plate at dinner time. She's a bottomless pit and I seriously don't know where it goes. Breakfast and lunch are small meals, but at dinner she just stores up. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Her English is exploding. She speaks of herself in third person, which I find so adorable. She <b><i>LOVES</i></b> reading books and has a few favorites she has practically memorized. Llama Llama Red Pajama, Are You My Mother and Good Night Maine are three of the books I could recite and draw illustrations for. She labels everything on the pages, imitates the faces of the characters, knows the plot and when <i>oops, I by mistake, miss a page! </i><i>Stop judging</i>, <i>you know you've done it too! :) </i></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Imani<i> </i>loves Jesus, life and learning. She embraces them all everyday and teaches me in the process. I tell her how brave, strong, smart, kind and special she is. I want her to know these things about herself and never question otherwise. She now lists them off on those cute little fingers! </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">I had a small plate of food for dinner so I finished first the other night. Imani pushed her plate to me and moved right into my lap. She said "Mommy all done?" as she tried to share hers with me. "Sit down Mommy" she'll say as she pats the table next to her so we can be "togetha!"</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">She rubs my face and hair and says "Guud Job Mommy" when I read to her.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">We looked at a magazine at dinner and talked about what we saw. It had children's winter clothing and I told her I had a jacket for her already. "Show me Mommy" she said as she jumped into my arms. We walked to her closet where there were actually 2 used winter jackets others had given to Imani. She squealed with excitement and hugged me saying thank you! This makes my mommy heart happy!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">She adores her aunts, uncles, and cousins and will do anything for them, especially things she won't do for me. Things like wear a certain outfit or shoes, her hair a certain way, or a certain food. An aunt suggests it and shes all "yeah!" like its the best idea ever and the first time it's been offered! She wants to go all the time and she makes a liar out of me constantly! Shy? Not since coming to America. She doesn't wear pants? Dresses all the time? Well since coming to America... :)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">I'm thoroughly enjoying watching life from Imani's view. She gets ecstatic to just see cows in a pasture or when she makes a connection from a book we've read. She embraces life with all her being and really appreciates the smaller things in it. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">In Uganda, I was careful to say lets go back to the guest house or to the room. I would correct myself if I said home, because I always referenced America as home and said we would go in an airplane to get there. My girl understood. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">She knows we are </span><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Home</i><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>Home</i> in America. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>Home</i> at our own little place in the world.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Home. Where my heart, and </i><i style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">my little girl </i><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">are! Thank You Jesus!</i></div>
Tarsha Downinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00345263492386508134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613136236550908582.post-31662278739949708022013-08-20T17:49:00.001-04:002013-10-18T10:08:00.411-04:00Picture post!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-wSRuZxaU1KJXq2JzdKB1gOSZJH9kg_fahgrPpfYbaKiLP_ucV-r9NOcGybLw-wnF7LdKIhoslrRbjScucL0iiX_aHvPcWNqHo9T2cDQz8cw3hp8Vnjkcf-iONSY8nM_pNiuEEQa8IjA/s640/blogger-image-1946098602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-wSRuZxaU1KJXq2JzdKB1gOSZJH9kg_fahgrPpfYbaKiLP_ucV-r9NOcGybLw-wnF7LdKIhoslrRbjScucL0iiX_aHvPcWNqHo9T2cDQz8cw3hp8Vnjkcf-iONSY8nM_pNiuEEQa8IjA/s640/blogger-image-1946098602.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPURertryfhsO_t9BzZJeicdOzy9j1GsXGkeb3Rp9JIHSKVcjpQvEfDf_KM6R2fZdY7c1A27e-es-Lnddg7w5Vm-48CvqIPhaNFwZWKD4tHYcqg9soi5hqNwJt43KYcqASxyexTr7p_Uij/s640/blogger-image--1047715921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPURertryfhsO_t9BzZJeicdOzy9j1GsXGkeb3Rp9JIHSKVcjpQvEfDf_KM6R2fZdY7c1A27e-es-Lnddg7w5Vm-48CvqIPhaNFwZWKD4tHYcqg9soi5hqNwJt43KYcqASxyexTr7p_Uij/s640/blogger-image--1047715921.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCn7EbemonYtct4itG1bkLYXF_F6hRHOhnka6qJ3z33RZGZY99IW9oeUILP1iFIouwK9uF-JyaNnUc2MVOihDOxm8hVH4MVhPpAKaamrFgV9v4vhlH10FhfE2tzGFe4RqrtCGjLiX6ff7/s640/blogger-image--392427506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCn7EbemonYtct4itG1bkLYXF_F6hRHOhnka6qJ3z33RZGZY99IW9oeUILP1iFIouwK9uF-JyaNnUc2MVOihDOxm8hVH4MVhPpAKaamrFgV9v4vhlH10FhfE2tzGFe4RqrtCGjLiX6ff7/s640/blogger-image--392427506.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNKa7y121KpxToiaYQ5p3Qk6yNuAOrr-s6l2H6W8EZ44b-DowgQHytIwANB9FRNiH9ehEFdMelvsO046JbGHqwiCFGr8eDU_shSbymGLqVXH8Qf2O7n1MY6MtnsycW19_YAU7LiO7fItP/s640/blogger-image--1876040694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNKa7y121KpxToiaYQ5p3Qk6yNuAOrr-s6l2H6W8EZ44b-DowgQHytIwANB9FRNiH9ehEFdMelvsO046JbGHqwiCFGr8eDU_shSbymGLqVXH8Qf2O7n1MY6MtnsycW19_YAU7LiO7fItP/s640/blogger-image--1876040694.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVV9uMhRBTgoo2T8D6si4jHHo4LtLxiK0wmU9ZYnR__V_4n3skGooFr6eTL9TGq3gT0ctWhR39-5YHeG7B3C_eBTPQ4Nkp3Q4-WGDBzo5Noy5FYdGDYZMALBpCXi7EgvG5W0Ec08J-JKvb/s640/blogger-image-1426231749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVV9uMhRBTgoo2T8D6si4jHHo4LtLxiK0wmU9ZYnR__V_4n3skGooFr6eTL9TGq3gT0ctWhR39-5YHeG7B3C_eBTPQ4Nkp3Q4-WGDBzo5Noy5FYdGDYZMALBpCXi7EgvG5W0Ec08J-JKvb/s640/blogger-image-1426231749.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbx1TqkbJK1u27fImO9V-WuZzW90cC9PjpyTC_RNjIaDD0TUxISzG8KkutVP3d8r8WtcvXhCf63h3H9oCHZ5NOsHrEDD9UUVdPdD1_9B2bIz9K2_HmhCcGX5yrXIQtyQMWiMg6DLpghnv/s640/blogger-image--261089901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbx1TqkbJK1u27fImO9V-WuZzW90cC9PjpyTC_RNjIaDD0TUxISzG8KkutVP3d8r8WtcvXhCf63h3H9oCHZ5NOsHrEDD9UUVdPdD1_9B2bIz9K2_HmhCcGX5yrXIQtyQMWiMg6DLpghnv/s640/blogger-image--261089901.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VGqxXGjHple0Q_IHsAKZ7vockLgn448IZ3pmoNy0xqiWhq2ghI7PHY7sahaelEBjrmpf4Ly2bp9xg2HKt_Yc7VRBbryt6juAZ1DS6iz5B7gM2d7HyKRgqEt1fVKlbJEXQG8TQZrRAi58/s640/blogger-image--960266966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VGqxXGjHple0Q_IHsAKZ7vockLgn448IZ3pmoNy0xqiWhq2ghI7PHY7sahaelEBjrmpf4Ly2bp9xg2HKt_Yc7VRBbryt6juAZ1DS6iz5B7gM2d7HyKRgqEt1fVKlbJEXQG8TQZrRAi58/s640/blogger-image--960266966.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrT1urPgyqWQ0_uBUVqb8hEjpy2N22V_XLhSRMhSK-UXGYOcr3CJ8n3SExyVoYF7-fsWsWTLf3tAoVYHnD6AAnyt1eLxSu5FwgVsV94t5DtZWDd2GyqnKDlVqyD8F7iRIZgIK5C0EyGecl/s640/blogger-image-1660232043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrT1urPgyqWQ0_uBUVqb8hEjpy2N22V_XLhSRMhSK-UXGYOcr3CJ8n3SExyVoYF7-fsWsWTLf3tAoVYHnD6AAnyt1eLxSu5FwgVsV94t5DtZWDd2GyqnKDlVqyD8F7iRIZgIK5C0EyGecl/s640/blogger-image-1660232043.jpg"></a></div>Tarsha Downinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00345263492386508134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613136236550908582.post-83805177923973556272013-08-13T14:34:00.001-04:002013-08-26T22:03:48.942-04:00Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya tomorrow...your only a day away!<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Been singing this often with Imani! </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Here is the new checklist:</span></div><div><div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Blue Form at Embassy- CHECK</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Medical appointment-CHECK</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Court hearing- CHECK</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Verbal ruling- CHECK</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Legal Guardianship- CHECK</span></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Passport process- CHECK</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Written ruling- CHECK</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Visa appointment-CHECK (PASSED)</span></div><div><br></div></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">DEPARTURE DATE- August 14!!!!! TOMORROW!</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Thank you God for moving papers and people here in Africa! I'm worn out and flat broke, but blessed beyond measure by this brave, smart, kind and beautiful miracle I get to call</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "> my daughter!</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Meet Imani Ruth</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">(<i>I told you she was beautiful!)</i></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VjMFn1rGQh_faIPKg_smIMsUgVpudjOEmPRzK6dkwNdKIaxYRNa9IzKqlgNbFwTTb2qPCvv9vzVb0vFv0XyTA6KInl1KI9cq2zOF30Lq_ni9X8zO8qq_VOOtumSmruBALcMH1c_Fk0Kc/s640/blogger-image-2005322806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VjMFn1rGQh_faIPKg_smIMsUgVpudjOEmPRzK6dkwNdKIaxYRNa9IzKqlgNbFwTTb2qPCvv9vzVb0vFv0XyTA6KInl1KI9cq2zOF30Lq_ni9X8zO8qq_VOOtumSmruBALcMH1c_Fk0Kc/s640/blogger-image-2005322806.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>Tarsha Downinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00345263492386508134noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613136236550908582.post-44347251548170971812013-08-07T09:19:00.001-04:002014-05-13T13:03:49.458-04:00I might finally be able to bring Imani HOME!<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Here is the new checklist:</span></div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Blue Form at Embassy- CHECK</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Medical appointment-CHECK</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Court hearing- CHECK</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Verbal ruling- CHECK</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Legal Guardianship- CHECK</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Passport process- CHECK</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Written ruling- CHECK</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Visa appointment-CHECK</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">August 12- 3pm Kampala time- 8am EST</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">TENTATIVE DEPARTURE DATE- August 14!!!!! Pray for available and inexpensive flights please! </span></div>
Tarsha Downinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00345263492386508134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613136236550908582.post-85183556437296810252013-08-06T17:21:00.001-04:002013-08-26T22:03:48.945-04:00I'm SOOO ready to come home!I think an end date may be in sight after tomorrow. <div><br></div><div>I'm shooting for less than 10 days. Dear God please be near!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Here is the new checklist:</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Blue Form at Embassy- CHECK</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Medical appointment-CHECK</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Court hearing- CHECK</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Verbal ruling- CHECK</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Legal Guardianship- CHECK</span></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Passport process- CHECK</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Written ruling- CHECK</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Visa appointment-I'll know tomorrow!</span></div></div>Tarsha Downinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00345263492386508134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613136236550908582.post-58621537605989386642013-07-23T05:25:00.001-04:002013-08-26T22:03:48.936-04:00Things I've learned in Africa...Patience. Seriously, I'm being patient here!<div><br></div><div>I don't want to be a stay at home mom, just a mom at her own home!</div><div><br></div><div>There is only One who knows my future, and it's <i style="font-weight: bold; ">NOT </i>me! I don't think I learned this here, it just keeps hitting me <i>HEAD ON. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY!</i></div><div><br></div><div>My mother (and sisters) wished a child like me on me, and I think I got her! :)</div><div><br></div><div>Rice can be eaten for all meals. </div><div><br></div><div>Loving something doesn't mean you always have to like it. </div><div><br></div><div>Christians are not always Christ like. Again, I don't think I learned this here, it just<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> keeps hitting me <i>HEAD ON. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY!</i></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><br></i></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Children can spot trustworthy people and the sketchy ones alike. My daughter has got a great sense for this and I'm following her lead here from now on. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">I'm so blessed with what I have. What I want or need pales in comparison with I have. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">I'm not homesick, just ready to come home. <i>Or at least know when that is!</i></span></div><div><br></div>Tarsha Downinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00345263492386508134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613136236550908582.post-28356293136167727962013-07-22T05:49:00.001-04:002013-08-26T22:03:48.652-04:00Legal Guardian!Apparently this order I've been speaking of to get the passport process started is <span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><i>THE</i></span> legal guardianship order! I guess I misunderstood this, as my lawyers office has just referred to it as an order. So I now have custody!<div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">It is another step in the process that can be checked off! :) Once we have passport in hand, we'll only be waiting for the written ruling to be completed by the judge so we can make an appointment at the embassy for Imani's visa. If you would like to help us, there are two ways. You can pray that He moves papers and people here in Kampala, and/or you can call Senator Susan Collins office and inquire about the long wait for adopting families visa appointments at the US embassy </span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">in Uganda. We have heard there are only 4 appointments a week right now. We know there are several families here waiting for their written rulings to make an appointment, and the back log could create an extra long stay.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">I'm trying to be patient and understanding that this process is what it is. My eagerness to come home is to create some sort of schedule with Imani before returning to work. I have 8 weeks off and at this rate, I'll return just in time to go back. I'd love to have at least 2 weeks to just be home with her. </span></div><div><br></div><div><div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Here is the new checklist:</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Blue Form at Embassy- CHECK</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Medical appointment-CHECK</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Court hearing- CHECK</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Verbal ruling- CHECK</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Legal Guardianship- CHECK</span></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Passport process- APPLICATION IN 7/22/13</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Written ruling- UNKNOWN</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Visa appointment-UNKNOWN</span></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Please pray!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div>Tarsha Downinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00345263492386508134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613136236550908582.post-5423784257812270952013-07-21T14:42:00.001-04:002013-08-26T22:03:48.930-04:00Proceed to Passport Office!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6vPJbiyaBEBEEYzrmzjULi0g68rdasgiJ1YZ4V1twHxT1Aazh_w5LXKUUh7G-q-t_IiXwdrMJuEGTbguRahkq-JXpNdMh0_iV3t9MOomdgb9zlnd6fXl3pF0VafyicWo-6Vsc-1_Awno/s640/blogger-image-1760708306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6vPJbiyaBEBEEYzrmzjULi0g68rdasgiJ1YZ4V1twHxT1Aazh_w5LXKUUh7G-q-t_IiXwdrMJuEGTbguRahkq-JXpNdMh0_iV3t9MOomdgb9zlnd6fXl3pF0VafyicWo-6Vsc-1_Awno/s640/blogger-image-1760708306.jpg"></a></div>Tarsha Downinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00345263492386508134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613136236550908582.post-44934063907053208542013-07-21T07:49:00.001-04:002013-08-26T22:03:48.927-04:00Groundhog DayMany have asked how we are doing. I share stories and abstract photos, but I don't share the everyday things we do here. Let's put it this way, this phase we are in right now gaining legal guardianship here in Uganda is like the movie Groundhog Day. The same things happen everyday, maybe in a different order, maybe even spiced up a bit, but the same none the less. Everyday feels like February 2. <div><div><br></div><div>Let me give you a glimpse into our February 2nd. This is not a pity party, just an idea of what our days include and why I haven't posted much. </div><div><br></div><div>We do nothing. <span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Nothing of importance, or purpose.</span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "> Nothing</span> except wonder how long we will be here. The unknown is really something you can drive yourself crazy contemplating. </div><div><br></div><div>We do nothing A LOT. But we also enjoy watching Imani clean her toys, the clean floor, or the dirty porch (with her white doll shirt because that seemed like a good rag) after we've played all we can but she's not done. </div><div><br></div><div>We do the same puzzles, read the same books, play the same iPad games, sing the same songs, and watch the same iPad videos everyday. Good thing repetition helps children learn. Imani will not only know her alphabet through song, but by recognizing the letters and tracing them. Danny and I will be singing it in our sleep. :) </div><div><br></div><div>We watch tv that is constantly resetting, or goes out and coming back in blurry lines. Sometimes its in another language and there are no subtitles, but the lip movements don't match at all. I've also seen Richard Marx "Waiting for You" and <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Sinéad O'Connor's "Nothing Compares 2 U" music videos. </span></div><div class="kc-xpnd" style="margin-left: 10px; "><li class="mod" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; list-style: none; "><div data-hveid="89" data-ved="0CFkQziAwBw" class="kno-fb-ctx kno-desc" style="overflow: hidden; margin-right: 10px; "><div></div></div></li></div><div><br></div><div>We get excited about our daily (sometimes 2) trip to Caffe Roma. It's decent prices and we get a lot of yummy food. It's enough for a take away meal for Imani the next day. It's also cheap gelato. 2000 shillings for a small cup. That's less than a dollar. </div><div><br></div><div>We eat the same foods just about everyday here <span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">at the guest house </span>for <span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">breakfast.</span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "> </span>Mango, pineapple or banana, french toast/toast with coffee and juice. Rice and any kind of meat you put in front of Imani for the other two meals. Girlfriend hasn't met an animal (goat, cow, pig, lamb, chicken, fish) she doesn't thoroughly enjoy. Even it means chewing said animal for 5 minutes. She cleans the bone and leaves nothing besides it on the plate. </div><div><br></div><div>We try to go on an outing (the ATM machine, lawyers office, grocery store, the american club) each day to keep our sanity. But outings cost money and we could be here a while so we must budget the little money we have. </div><div><br></div><div>We talk about home. We try to contact home as often as possible, but it's usually when friends and family are still sleeping, or at work, or it's not a convenient time. FaceTime and Skype leave us feeling refreshed, for a few minutes anyway. Imani likes FaceTime because she is so shy and interacting via the iPad is easier. She'll sing, dance, and wave to lucky people over the Internet, but only started speaking to our driver yesterday! Girlfriend is just so much cooler online I guess :)</div><div><br></div><div>We go to bed at about 8:30 or 9pm each night. Imani is usually sleeping by 7:30, but it gets dark out and there is really nothing else to do. </div><div><br></div><div>So with that said, we went on safari to change things up a bit. Three days, two nights, hundreds of antelope, dozens of giraffes, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, water buffalo, baboons, monkeys, birds, a leopard, a lion practically within our reach and ONE ALL AROUND AMAZING EXPERIENCE! </div><div><br></div><div>But alas, we woke up from these days and it was February 2 again. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Tarsha Downinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00345263492386508134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613136236550908582.post-39869922434085708122013-07-17T13:15:00.001-04:002013-08-26T22:03:48.916-04:00Favorable Verbal RulingSee below for what that means... Baby steps! This. Is. Africa!! :)Tarsha Downinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00345263492386508134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613136236550908582.post-16138963455782343002013-07-10T09:29:00.001-04:002013-08-26T22:03:48.646-04:00This. Is. Africa.<div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">TIA, I learned today. This. Is. Africa! :) Asking why here solicits this answer!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Court went well. I felt confident and nervous, but Danny and my lawyer Victoria said I did good! </span></div><div><div><br></div><div>Many people have asked, now that court is over, when are we coming home?! I wish I knew!! </div><div><br></div><div>Here's a brief synopsis of what the Ugandan adoption timeline includes in the order it is supposed to happen as I understand it. Think general. Items are subject to change on a moments notice, and you may wait an extra day, or week. TIA. </div><div><br></div><div>Court date- a general date when you may or may not be seen by the judge. If he has too many cases, you may get bumped until tomorrow. Or next week. The case number assigned to you does not mean a thing. TIA. </div><div><br></div><div>Meeting/picking up your child- this generally happens as soon as you are in country, which is usually scheduled for about a week before your court date.</div><div><br></div><div>Blue Form at Embassy- this is an excuse to introduce yourself to the Embassy and its your 'ticket' to a medical appointment. You NEED the blue form to get an appointment at IOM. </div><div><br></div><div>Medical appointment- (IOM) your child needs a physical and TB test for the Visa appointment (last step). This should happen as soon as possible. However, they only see certain ages on certain days, so you must coordinate accordingly. And wait there for your turn for the 8am appointment they have given to five other families as well. The number they give you when you check in, it's just a number on a piece of paper people. I had number 5. 11, 12, and 13 were called before us. TIA. </div><div><br></div><div>Court hearing- you need to have a hearing before the judge to get the actual ruling for legal guardianship. The basics of court are to present the orphan's case. Witnesses and current guardians are questioned under oath to make sure the child is actually an orphan and thorough investigations have been completed. The potential parent(s) can also be questioned. Some questions he may ask are why Uganda? Why adoption? What is your money source besides your work? Why do you live alone? Do you have a dog? TIA. </div><div><br></div><div>Legal Guardianship- I have Imani with me now, but I do not have 'custody' of her yet. We petitioned for that yesterday at court. So I guess you could say I'm parenting her, but essentially I'm just a nanny in the eyes of the law here. TIA. </div><div><br></div><div>Verbal ruling/written ruling- yes, there are two. You get the verbal first after about a week usually, basically the judge has drafted the order and made his decision. If you get a yes ruling, your lawyer can ask for an order to start the passport process at this point, instead of waiting for the carefully proofread written ruling, which could take another week. Or two. TIA. </div></div><div><br></div><div>Passport process- your child needs a passport to travel. In order to issue a passport, the passport office needs to know the child's legal guardian. Also, the passport office is busy. I'm not sure of the actual process that happens behind closed passport office doors, but I basically paid a professional waiter to go to the passport office everyday until Imani's is complete. He's simply a gentle reminder that he's waiting for a passport. TIA. </div><div><br></div><div>Visa appointment- This happens at the embassy and is the appointment that brings it all together and is our ticket to leave the country with Imani! All the very important paperwork (copy of dossier, 3 years tax returns, DS-1981, DS-230, I-600, and I-864) that Danny and I have been keeping close to our person AT ALL TIMES, along with the IOM medical file, court ruling, guardianship order, irrevocable release from previous guardian, orphan file, passport, and a fee, gets me an appointment to get a Visa. The appointment can only happen on a Monday or Wednesday and there are only so many time slots. It may be the day you get everything. Or 2 days later. Or a week. But they tell me the appointment lasts an hour and you can usually get the Visa issued within 48 hours. But, this is Africa, so don't hold your breath :)</div><div><br></div><div>So when you ask me (or Danny) when we are coming home, and we don't have a concrete answer, this is why. Because this is Africa people. This. Is. Africa! :)</div>Tarsha Downinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00345263492386508134noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613136236550908582.post-12542471284382342412013-07-07T05:56:00.001-04:002013-08-26T22:03:48.642-04:00Getting to know ImaniAs we wait for court and the TB rest results, we just spend time together and get to know each other. Imani is opening up more each day and talking too. We are counting, singing ABCs, doing color puzzles and looking at pictures of herself and family the most. Bedtime has been adjusted and nap time almost cut out. <div><br></div><div>We went to the American Recreation Club (like a country club with pool, tennis, food, playground) on Saturday and met up with other adopting families. It was $10 to go and its close. We may need this place if we end up staying longer than anticipated. We traded adoption stories, lodging accommodations, agency/lawyer support and watched the kids in the water. Imani didn't really go in past her waist and we tried to keep the arm dry. Not fun!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Tarsha Downinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00345263492386508134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613136236550908582.post-31319354574413585942013-07-04T05:04:00.001-04:002013-08-26T22:03:48.911-04:00Second times a charm?!I went to the airport to depart for Africa once, but whether delayed us for 2 days, so I ended up 'departing' <i>a second time.</i><div><i><br></i></div><div>I went to court once already, but the judge just couldn't see anymore cases after 8:15pm, so I will end up going <i>a second time</i>. </div><div><br></div><div>I went to IOM today, but my appointment is actually tomorrow, so I will end up going <i>a second time. </i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div>It's funny<i> </i>and we are trying to make a joke of it. We just keep showing up early I guess. Or it's the thunderstorms, a tired judge, a mistake made by office staff. You see, I called and made the IOM appointed for Friday at 8am myself. They only see 4 year olds on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. I knew that because the special blue paper I needed to get from the embassy says that. But the girl at the office told me I needed to go on Thursday at 9am. I checked with her three times, and I even had her call back to double check! She wrote down Thursday at 9am and insisted I be there. I waited 1.5 hours and when my number was called, the nice man at the desk said I didn't have an appointment until tomorrow. I'm not going to lie, for a split second I wanted to throw a grown woman temper tantrum. But I quickly thought better of and was glad I didn't miss my 9am Thursday appointment by showing up Friday at 8am. </div><div><br></div><div>What can you do right?! I've got this beautiful little blessing who I will do anything for, <i>a second time!</i> :)</div>Tarsha Downinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00345263492386508134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613136236550908582.post-30662768529772399512013-07-03T15:53:00.001-04:002013-08-26T22:03:48.655-04:00Sharing is Caring<h2><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sharing- to allow<span style="text-align: left; "> someone to use or enjoy something that one possesses</span></span></h2><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Caring - to be concerned or interested, to provide needed assistance or watchful supervision</span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>Sharing is caring. I believe this to be true on the playground and with resources one might have that can help another or brighten their day. I believe the more we share the more we have. Like love.<br></span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It's also the sacrificial part of sharing that represents caring. (Think candy bar!) <i>This</i> is mine. I like <i>this </i>and I like you too. Ill <i>give</i>you<i> </i>some of <i>this </i>so that you can enjoy <i>this </i>too. I will now (physically) have less of <i>this, </i>but I will be able to watch you enjoy <i>this </i>too, and that is (almost) better than more<i> this! </i>:). And it might just brighten their day!</span></div><div><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></i></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">All that to say I believe in sharing. I'm a sharer. It's in my blood people, I grew up with four sisters and 1 bathroom.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><b><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But not everything is to be shared. </i></b></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My daughter was deemed an orphan. There are many ways this can happen. She has a story, like we all do, about the first 4 1/2 years of her life. This story has been shared with me, her Mommy (kind of an important person!) It can be shared, by her, when she deems it ok. It's her<i>this</i> to share. Until then, sharing it doesn't help others or brighten their day. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My daughter is going to be adopted. It's going to happen once. Adoption is a way that a family is made. It's not something to be ashamed of or kept secret, but once it's finalized, it's not a verb that happens again every day of her life. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My daughter has a biological mother. There is a story about how they separated. There is also a story about how this woman chose life. I'm choosing<span style="font-weight: bold; "> </span>to share that. My daughter has a biological father and there is a story about how they separated. Adoption is born of loss and separation. It's beauty from ashes. I'm going to acknowledge the loss my daughter has endured (and address it as I see fit) and adopt her into my family <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1">at 4 1/2</a>. Sharing about her biological mother and father or her loss isn't<span style="font-weight: bold; "> </span>going to help anybody or brighten their day. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'm a first time parent. I've been an after school homework helper, summer camp counselor, nanny, Aspirations VISTA and most important thus far, an Aunt. I am aware that none of the above will have prepared me enough for parenting. These positions were mostly a) paid work or b) part time in the grand scheme of life or c) pure enjoyment of my nieces and nephews. I had nights and weekends off or I worked nights and weekends. I gave these children back to their parents and I went to do what I do after caring for these little people. For many years now I've acknowledged that I will parent different than I was a nanny and different than I am an aunt. Cue sharing. I don't need to be told this. If it helps, I've considered this aspect of becoming a parent for years now. I've acknowledged it's different and harder. It's also beautiful and rewarding; I'm sharing that part! I appreciate (solicited) advice and I'm not against constructive criticism. However, I did not go into this blindly. I've considered, researched, and asked questions about many aspects of single parenting, adoption, attachment, having a boyfriend and a child, time, money, and countless other necessities. I've got it covered. Please note that I'm an adult and I'm human, so I get to make these choices and I will not be perfect at any of it! Grace people, grace. I'm asking you to grant me some grace as I step into parenting. I am a new mom through international adoption who is in a foreign country trying to bond, attach, and get to know my daughter. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Consider this your sacrificial part of sharing in these departments. "I won't share<i> this </i>right now because while I might feel like I'm helping or brightening someone's day, they may not receive <i>this</i> that way at this time." You might also consider "is this really my business?"</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Please <i>listen</i> to what I do share. Just <i>listen</i>. You don't need to respond with a story of your own, advice on how to do such and such, or even ask questions. Just <i>listen. </i>I'll share what I am comfortable with sharing. If you just <i>listen</i>, you'll hear our story. </span></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>So not sharing in various situations is actually caring. It is typical to be interested in adoption related and/or new parent topics and I appreciate that. My job as Imani's mommy is to protect her and not constantly question my choices and consider everyone elses ways of doing it. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'm completely immersed in this life changing event and ready as I'll ever be with the One who wrote my story. Please join me on this adventure with these truths in mind!</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); "><br></span></div></div>Tarsha Downinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00345263492386508134noreply@blogger.com1