Day 9: Adventure Golf

This morning when we woke up, the skies were a little overcast, but they soon cleared - giving us another beautiful day!  After breakfast and some time playing with cars, we all got ready because we were going to surprise "N".  Up until now, we had asked him what he wanted to do, but Kevin had planned our day this time.  "N" asked where we were going, but we asked him if he wanted to know or wanted it to be a surprise.  He chose a surprise, but still continued to ask where we were going. :)  We hopped in the car and headed into town.  Soon, we arrived at Adventure Golf - the coolest putt-putt golf place we have ever seen! It had three 9-hole courses, each hole three to four times longer than anything we are used to.  This course also had the world's longest hole, according to their website.  It cracked us up!  It would say par 4, but that would only be appropriate if you drove it on the first shot! :)  Nonetheless, we had a great time golfing and enjoyed the weather and the beauty of the course.  After golf, we went to Spur for lunch.  Bev has described Spur as the South African's attempt at an American steakhouse.  They have gone the Native American route in their decor, yet there are also covered wagons on the walls.  Classified as a "Steak Ranch", I have to say the food was very good!  I decided to order cream soda because "N" had.  It was green.......(I asked Auntie Beth about this later and she could not explain it).  It definitely had the cream soda flavor, but there was something extra as well.  I can't place it.  Not bad, but mysterious.....  We each had a burger with chips (french fries) and they were great!

After lunch, we headed to the office to skype with family.  "N" was so tired.  I actually gave him a piggy back ride to the car and he fell asleep in my lap on the way to the office.  I wasn't so sure he was going to be able to stay away to skype at all!  We asked him if he would try and he agreed.  He didn't say much in the beginning, but then Wiley popped up on the screen and he woke up!  Soon, he was back to his goofy, chatty self - no nap necessary.  It was so nice to talk to family and to finally have a connection fast enough to have conversation and video.  We also discovered that, while our netbook is more than sufficient for word processing and web surfing needs, it isn't able to process fast enough for skype.  So, we will use our phones going forward.

Anywho, after skyping, we headed back to the guest house to go in the pool!  It's still chilly, but lots of fun!  After the pool and a quick shower to warm up for each of us, we had dinner and did schoolwork as we do each night.  "N" continues to impress us with his knowledge and ability to learn.  He'll tell us he can't spell a word, but then does it all by himself!

After schoolwork, we rewarded him with a little chocolate and an encore presentation of cars (that Kevin and I were both dozing off during).  Our plans for tomorrow aren't set yet.  We might stay here, or we may go to the bird conservatory at Monte Casino.  I guess we'll see what we feel up to in the morning.

Below are some pictures from our day of Joburg and of the adventure golf course.  Enjoy!

Laura and Kevin

This is the road Auntie Bev lives on, lined with beautiful purple-flowered Jacaranda trees.

This is Molibongwe Drive, which is a major road we travel on a daily basis to get around town.  I would compare it to M-37 or US-31, but busier, the lights are closer together, and there are people standing in the road trying to sell you sunglasses, sun shades, something that looks like a hockey puck, pop - you name it.  And note - we are on the LEFT side of the road :)

This is Kevin and I at Adventure Golf.  "N" is also a pretty good photographer! :)

Ok.....do you see how long this is??  And there's more that isn't in the picture!  Totally worth the $18 we paid for all 3 of us to play 27 holes!  Also note the massive Koi fish.

Amazing, right??  You just don't get this kind of feel at Craig's Cruisers :)  If we could bring this place home with us, we would!

Day 8: Lazy Day

Hello!

Today, thunderstorms were forecasted to roll in around noon, so we planned to stay in for the day.  This morning, we played card games and did some coloring and word search activities.  Once we were all ready, we headed out to run some errands.  First, we went to Sportman's Warehouse to pick up some floaties.  While "N" is very comfortable in the water, he cannot swim on his own.  After that we went to Cresta (one of many gigantic malls here).  Cresta is big, and when I say big, I mean Rivertown times 5.  It has two full levels and a basement as well!  Anything and everything you can imagine is inside - from currency exchange, to stores like Walgreens, to Woolworths (I would compare it to Target with full grocery), and everything else you can imagine.  Even The Body Shop :)  We went to the toy store to pick up some more hot wheels cars and then got groceries at Woolworths.  We expected the thunderstorm to come in soon after that, so we headed back for lunch.

Well, the storms never came!  We played soccer and "rugby" (with a rugby ball the size of a hacky sack), and then Dad and "N" had some fun in  the pool.  Since I got a little sun yesterday, I thought it best add insult to injury and burn my burn.  I, instead, hung out along the shaded side of the pool and played photographer. Kevin was teaching him how to float and how to kick properly.  It was fun to watch!  Since the pool is a little chilly, the guys headed in to hop in the shower to warm up and then they played some games on the ipod and  also with "N's" new cars while I made dinner.

"N's" request for dinner tonight was chicken sandwiches with cheese, so that was what I made.  I must say that cooking in our guesthouse has its challenges, but I think I have adapted pretty well.  I am used to ample counter space and a full size stove, not to mentioned a dishwasher. :)  Here my counter space is pretty limited, I am the dishwasher, and my stove has 2 burners and is about the size of a crisper drawer.  I have to plan out the menu so as not to overcommit my appliances.  So, with the chicken sandwiches, I prepared another version of pap with sweetened condensed milk and sweet corn, and one of my favorites roasted potatoes with onions and peppers.  So far, everything I have made "N" has loved, which is awesome.  Tonight when he tried his pap he said "Mom, you should be a chef!"  Seriously, so cute!  So, I guess my South African cooking is pretty good! :)

After dinner, we did flashcards, reading, and spelling again.  It is amazing how much he remembers (even little details - so don't tell him anything you don't want him to remember!) and how quickly he learns.  He was having trouble with some of his subtraction and when he struggles, he starts to get pretty silly.  We showed him a few different ways that might help him.  He chose the one that worked for him and BAM!  There he goes, doing his math like a pro!  He seems to be strong in all the areas we have worked on, so we hope he will have a smooth transition into his new school.

After schoolwork, we had some ice cream and watched Toy Story.  At one point, he looked over at me and said "This is a deep story." :)  We snuggled through the movie and he is increasingly affectionate with both of us.  Having him practically knock us over to jump in our arms never gets old. :)

Tomorrow, we are planning to take him to an adventure mini golf place before we head to the office for our skype dates.  We continue to remind him that our time here is like holiday (vacation) and that we won't be able to hang out and have fun all the time once we get home.  I have a feeling it will be just as hard for us to get back to reality as it will for him.  We have so much fun together, and we don't want to miss out on all the funny things he says or his smooth dance moves!

One week down.  5 more to go.  We pray they will not fly by!  Our court date is next Thursday (coincidence?  I think not!), so one week from tomorrow, "N" will be legally ours!  What an amazing day it will be!

To those of you who have kept us posted on what's going on at home, thank you and keep it coming!!

Laura and Kevin

Day 7: Making New Friends

Good Afternoon (Evening)!!!

Today was another beautiful day in Joburg!  We had some rain this afternoon, as well as some this evening, but the rest of the day the sun was shining and I even managed to get a little pink :)  Only a little; no worries! Today was a day spent here at the guest house which is quite tranquil.  This morning we had breakfast and spent some quality time together.  We played soccer in the garden, had clementines on the patio, and recorded our very own Michael Jackson impersonator performing Smooth Criminal and Skinny Jeans.  Yes, I said skinny jeans.  No, I'm not losing it or deaf, "N" has his own version .....'Skinny Jeans, not my love. *musical interlude* I am the one....and the jeans were not my size'. :)  Completely adorable and he has the moves!

After having lunch, another adoptive mom, Lee, (adopting through Bethany as well) and her son "T" came over for a swim.  The boys had a blast in the pool!  "T" had a boat and cars and a beach ball that he brought along and it kept the boys more than entertained while Lee and I chatted about the experience so far.  We had a great conversation and I think it was great for both of the boys to have a friend to play with!  The boys had met at the med center when they were getting their physicals recently, so they warmed up to each other quickly.  We plan to get together with Lee and "T" throughout our stay and hope to keep in contact with them when we return home.  It's great to have another family here at the same time! :)

After our play date, we played in the room (today was a dance party with Dino and Chocolate).  I don't believe I have shared that "N" is a big fan of Toby Mac, Group 1 Crew, and Royal Tailor.  I truly enjoy our shared taste in music!  As I had mentioned in my post yesterday, tonight was my first attempt at South African cuisine.  I made curry spiced chicken and pap (looks like mashed potatoes, but with the consistency of grits) with tomato sauce.  Kevin and I didn't think it tasted quite right (not that we have much to go on), but when "N" tasted it, he told me it was perfect.  What a sweetheart! :)  Now to see if I can get the pap meal at home....It is a staple food here.  "N" is used to having it practically every day.  Like most foods, you can make it several different ways, so I hope it can become a regular dish in our home as well.

After dinner we did subtraction flashcards, spelling, and reading.  After a job well done, we had a bowl of ice cream and watched Kung Fu Panda.  It was another fantastic day!  Tomorrow is supposed to be rainy, so we plan to make the grocery store run and hang out at the guest house.

We got word of snow on the ground in Michigan!  We pulled up a webcam to show it to "N" and he said COOL!  Not sure he really understands how cool it is :)  He can't wait to throw a snowball!

Until tomorrow!

Laura and Kevin

Day 6: The Lion Park

It was another beautiful day in Joburg today!  One of the first things we had put on our 'to do while in Joburg' list was to go to the Lion Park.  Let me say, AMAZING!!!  It's like nothing we would ever see in the U.S. and the set up reminds us of the movie Jurassic Park.  Beautiful animals, roaming freely....standing within feet of your car.  Only a door panel separates you from some of the most amazing creatures I have ever seen!  "N" has been to the Lion Par before, so I don't think he was quite as excited as we were, but we had an awesome time.  Here are a few pictures from our adventure:

This lion was within 10 feet of the car!

White lions.....beautiful!

Can this possibly be real?  Looks like it came out of National Geographic!

Moooom! :)

No wonder they move so fast!  Look how long their bodies are!

After the Lion Park, we headed to another one of "N's" favorite places.....McDonalds. :)  We grabbed lunch and headed back to our guest house to eat.  After lunch, we went out to the garden to play for a bit.  Dad and "N" played some soccer and wrestled around for a bit and then we headed back inside.  "N" got a lion at the Lion Park today, which he first named 'Simba' but then changed to 'Chocolate'.  Chocolate got into a heated battle with Dino and Lightning McQueen and received no real help from the red Power Ranger.  Let's be real, Dino and Lightning never had a chance :).  

We also headed to the grocery store this afternoon.  One thing that we have noticed in Africa, is that most all foods are made with far less preservatives, which means that they don't last very long.  Milk says you should drink it in 3 days.  All vegetables say to consume in one day.  Juice, 3 days.  Bread, I believe, said it needed to be consumed within one day.  I will say, the food does taste fresher.

One thing we are working on is trying to be more planful about organizing our schedule for meal times.  We have been eating lunch late, then consequently having a late dinner.  I am happy to report that we ate dinner at 5PM tonight. :)  And it felt odd to have so much time to hang out after dinner before bed!  We did some school work with "N" - we did math flashcards, spelling, and reading.  We may be biased, but "N" is one smart guy!  After schoolwork, we had a bowl of ice cream (also tastes fresher and more flavorful as well) and watched Cars.

While at the grocery store, I picked up some braaipap (which makes the traditional SA pap dish I mentioned in a previous post), so tomorrow will be my first attempt at SA cooking.  We'll see how it goes! :)

Tomorrow we don't have an agenda.  We're going to lay low around the guest house and see what the day brings.  Every day here is such a blessing.  To have no responsibilities other than to bond with our son is an amazing gift.  We are praying that it doesn't go by too quickly.  And with regard to prayer requests for "N", thus far he has not woken up coughing, so thank you for those prayers!

Good night!

Laura and Kevin

Day 5 - A great day of worship and soccer!

Today was a beautiful day!  It was sunny and in the 80’s.  We woke up and went to church at New Creation Family Church.  That is the church that runs The King’s School where “N” attended.  We met many people that know “N”, so it was great to hear how excited everybody is for him.  Our first impression of the church was that it didn’t seem that much different than what we are used to.  They meet in a gym/auditorium.  Shortly after arriving a praise band started playing and the majority of the songs we sing at Corinth.  The service order was very similar to what we are used to as well.  What struck us the most was how friendly and welcoming everybody was towards us.  It wasn’t a very large church so it was easier to pick out the visitors, but it was still amazing how many people greeted us and asked us where we are from and why we are in South Africa.  It was also awesome to see how others worship the Lord.  While singing I found myself looking around and it was easy to see how much they loved singing and worshiping God.  Not that we don’t in America, but it just seemed different here – there was a different energy or feel to the room.  I saw a women drop to her knees while singing, people raising their hands, and people moving to the music.  Nobody cared what they looked like or what others may think of them.  It was an awesome sight to see just the intensity they worshiped with.  After the service they had coffee, tea, and scones.  Which also amazed me – nobody rushed out of there in order to get on with their busy lives.  They all sat at tables and just enjoyed each other’s company as a family of believers.  Once again we were invited to sit down at a table with somebody that volunteers at “N”s home and talked with her for probably another half an hour.  All of the kids just played outside on the playground equipment while the adults sat and talked.

Another interesting part of today’s service was that the whole thing was done by one of their adult small groups.  Every adult and even the kids participated in leading somehow.  Three different people gave a short sermon, but all were about perspective and how it’s so easy to lose sight of God’s plan when we are too busy trying to live our lives the way we want to.  “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11  After hearing this sermon it was a good reminder that we need to stop trying to live our lives our way and keep our focus on God in order to follow His call on our lives.  Even with all of our frustrations with delays with our adoption we are reminded that everything happens in Gods perfect timing.  Our perspective at the time just gave us frustration, but ultimately God knew what was best which is so apparent after spending the last 3 days together as a family.  During church they played a video expressing the need for help to stop the orphan crisis here in South Africa and it reminded us of how big it really is.  Just driving around we see people at every corner begging or trying to sell you something.  We've seen people keeping warm by fires along the road.  There is so much need that it somewhat saddens me to think about what we take for granted in the United States.

This afternoon it was nice and sunny so we played in the yard most of the day.  Our soccer skills are definitely improving with so much practice!  We had a wonderful pasta dinner and tried to do a Skype, but our internet has been very slow.  We are very fortunate that we have internet at all though! 

“N” has had a runny nose for the last few days and is now beginning to develop a cough.  Please pray for him for health and strength.  We have so many fun things to see and do and we want him to be able to enjoy them all!

Day 4: Traditional South African Braai

Hello from Joburg!  Today was another excellent day!  It rained through the night and was cloudy in the early morning, but cleared up just in time for us to play catch after breakfast!  Today was pretty warm, I would guess 75-80.  Don’t worry, I had sunscreen on J  After catch, “N” wanted to watch Despicable Me during which I took the opportunity to get ready since I am slow.  Once everyone was ready, we headed to the store for a very important item, a soccer ball!  We also had a few other random things we needed to pick up while we were out.  We headed back to the guest house for lunch and then out to the garden for soccer!  We played soccer until it was time to head to Auntie Bev’s house for our traditional South African Braai (barbecue). 

It began to rain on our way to Auntie Bev’s house, which was a major bummer since she has a swimming pool, but it did clear up pretty quickly after we arrived, so the kids were able to go swimming after all.  We had the opportunity to meet Bev’s husband and children, as well as Oma and Opa who gave "N" a present!  The food was excellent!  We had chicken kebobs, ribs, and a South African meat that reminds me most closely of bratwurst (they told me the name of it more than once…..cannot remember!), two versions of pap (looks like mashed potatoes, but tastes stickier – it’s very good), and a South African salad which actually has no lettuce in it.  It was made up of cherry tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, olives, and a crumbly cheese (like feta).  It was so nice to be able to experience a home-cooked traditional South African meal and spend time with Bev’s family.  Bev and her family have known “N” since he went into care several years ago.  He actually lived with them for about a year, so they know him very well and we are so grateful for all that they did to shape him into the young man he is today. 

While at Bev’s, we also had the opportunity to watch a rugby match on TV.  I have seen very little rugby in my life, so I had a lot of questions. J  I don’t understand why people would want to knowingly put themselves in a position to have the wind knocked out of them with absolutely no padding on.  They, however, seem to enjoy it….so to each their own.

From there we headed back to our guest house, “N” read from the Bible, and he headed off to sleep.  He ran a lot today, so he was pretty exhausted.  While we were at Bev’s, I was picking up some wrappers from the candy that “N” was eating and went to the kitchen to throw them away.  Johan (Bev’s husband) asked me if I was picking up after their kids and I said “No, just mine”.  Three simple words, but it caused me to stop for a minute and repeat myself.  No, I am picking up after my child.  My child.  Something so simple makes it hit home more today.  He is our child.  Our amazing, kind-hearted, thoughtful child.  When people tell you that once you finally get to meet your child all of the frustration along the way doesn't matter anymore – they’re so right!  I would do it all over again in a heartbeat to have that moment to say I am picking up after my child.

Tonight, Kevin and I are praying that we will be able to sleep through the night.  Our first night here we were exhausted and had no problem sleeping.  The last couple nights, however, we have woken up around 2AM SA time and really struggled to fall back asleep.  Of course, with “N” spending his first night with us last night, we weren't sleeping soundly to begin with.  At about 3AM last night, we heard a thud and “N” had fallen out of bed.  I went to help him back in and we asked if he was okay.  He said “I’m fine, I just fell out of bed” and proceeded to get back in bed and fall right back to sleep.  It was so sweet.  Duh mom, I just fell out of bed. J

Tomorrow, we will be going to “N’s” church.  Can’t wait to experience God in a whole new way here in SA.  Thank you for all your prayers and encouraging posts!!  I apologize that we haven’t responded to many of you, but as you can imagine, we want to spend every moment possible with our precious boy. J  We do read them and they mean the world to us.  We are the most blessed parents ever to have such an amazing group of family and friends!

Laura and Kevin

Day 3: Happy Birthday Grandma G!

Hello Everyone!

It’s day 3 in Joburg and day 1 of “N” living with us at the guest house.  We got ready and went to his house this morning to pick him up.  We expected to stay for a little while and talk to his house mom but he was packed and walking out to the car before we could even get to the door!  I think he was pretty excited! J  We had to run back inside because he almost forgot lightning mcqueen and dino, but then we headed over to the mall to buy him some shoes (the ones I brought along are actually 2 sizes too small!).  We were able to find suitable replacements of the shoes we brought along pretty quickly.  Any of you who know me well know that a.) I like shopping and b.) I have an innate ability to find good deals!  Success!

After the mall we headed back to our guest house.  We chased each other in the garden and Kevin and “N” played catch.  We came in to skype with Grandma and Grandpa G (it was Grandma G’s birthday today so of course we had to sing her happy birthday! – HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!) and for lunch and then watched How to Train Your Dragon.  We then played catch again for a bit until Auntie Bev stopped by to drop off “N’s” sunglasses and guitar that he had forgotten at his house.  She gave us some suggestions on where to find some of the items on our shopping list and we chatted for a bit until she had to head home for dinner.  Then, Kevin “N” and I drove to the drug store to pick up his toiletries.

Tonight was burger night, one of “N’s” favorites!  Here’s a quick lesson in South African food terminology:
ketchup=tomato sauce
potato chips=crisps
french fries=chips
jelly=jam
jello=jelly
mayo=tangy sauce

After dinner, Kevin and “N” played chess, then we wrote a note to Stefan (owner of the guest house) who brought “N” a special spiderman towel and blanket.  Then after a shower, we read our devotionals, prayed, and he headed off to sleep.

Our first full day together was awesome!  He is so kind, well-mannered, polite, and helpful.  He volunteered to help me dry dished after lunch!  I hope that continues when we get home as well! J  I still can’t believe that it’s finally all happening, but it’s truly amazing.  Can’t wait for another day!

Tomorrow we are going to Auntie Bev’s house for a traditional South African dinner cooked on the braai (grill).  If it’s nice out, we’ll also go for a swim in her pool!

Good night! J

Laura and Kevin