Angels

Before this world of adoption became a big part of my world I had no idea that there were so many people dedicating so much time and love working in orphanages or safe homes as they are called in South Africa.  From what I have learned many young  people take a year or more to volunteer and make a difference.  Many people spend their lives  fighting  for donations endlessly to make ends meet and care for these children.  I can't even imagine what it would be like to feel responsible for so many little ones often on around the clock schedules.

Recently, I was wandering through a craft fair and stumbled upon this card which again reminded me of these angels.

                                                                                                by  Roxane Tracey
                                                                                                   http://www.poeticart.ca/

What's in a name?

Some days I can swear that I can sense our daughter's name starts with the letter "N" but then I think I am seriously going crazy and shake my head.  I just wish I had a crystal ball!! I feel she is out there and I don't want to call her "she" or "her" any longer.."she" needs a name!...hmm..her name..such a big decision.

We are expecting a toddler so of course there are so many things to consider.  By now I am expecting "she" knows her name..is it really fair to change it?  So much will already be new, to have a new name too..If her birth mother chose her name, a big part of me feels like I should honour that and of course keep it..but then what if it is so very difficult to pronounce in our country..is that fair to her?  Will she care?  Will she just love it because it is unique and part of her or will people constantly ask her where she got her name and question her "story" even more than is already expected.  I guess there is no right answer..I have to believe we will know as this plan unfolds..

Some families I have learned move the childs birth name to her middle name..some children come home with more western names that orphange care givers have given them. 

Many of the children who have joined their forever families from the South African program have a Zulu background.  For fun, I have been cruising through the Zulu names hoping that one will pop out at me and I will just know..didn't work..soo here are some that I have discovered :)

Amahle - the beautiful one
Ayanda - they augment (the family)
Busisiwe - blessed
Gugu - precious
Mbali - flower
Nkosingiphile - the Lord gave me
Nolwazi - the one with knowledge
Nomathemba - hope
Nomusa - with grace
Siphokazi - gift
Thabisa - bring joy
Zama - try

wish upon a star

        My sweet babe turns 8 today..

I want to tuck him into my pocket and keep him little forever.

He blew out his candles and whispered "I want my little sister home soon"..

Love this boy :)

On with the festivities!