So naming a child can be a challenge at the best of times. Add in there the element of planning for major international travel, the unexpected arrival of a gender you hadn't anticipated....but rejoice in, and two parents with opposite name preferences and you have a recipe for a three week long discussion on names. After much deliberation, I am happy to report that we have agreed....that's right....agreed.
I would love nothing more than to post a sweet picture of our little lady right now....but, alas, that will have to wait until after June 25th when she officially becomes ours. Think bright eyes, beautiful curly hair and the cutest little smile. The name we have chosen for our sweet girl is:
On another note, I cannot believe that in five more sleeps (according to the countdown on our chalkboard) we will be leaving for South Africa. Today J and I ventured forth to clarify a few concerns at the airport. To think that we will return in five days is unreal. The time has come. We are actually doing it. Our daughter is waiting.
In our preparations I have felt blessing upon blessing. Our freezer is full thanks to loving friends who have served us in an incredibly practical way. Gifts arrive almost daily in the mail from excited relatives too far to pay us a visit. Even our family doctor joined the excitement and contributed a load of over the counter medication and baby supplies for our daughter's baby home. We are blessed. Thank you to all who have loved us, prayed for us and continue to care for us as we continue on this adventure of international adoption.
Many have asked what you can do to support us. At this point the most practical support is prayer. Here are a few things that we would appreciate prayer for:
1) Traveling mercies - That we would stay safe, healthy and sane on our long trek to South Africa. There was some concern about short layovers and the three separate Air Canada reps I have talked to have assured me it will be ok.....that said, a little prayer couldn't hurt.
2) Our Health - We will arrive in South Africa exhausted....with not much time to revive ourselves before we enter an emotionally and physically charged time. Please pray that we stay healthy as we enter this transition.
3) Our Son - J is pretty excited to go to South Africa and meet his sister....and hug her...and make silly faces so she giggles. The workers at the baby home said she loves to play peek a boo....so he is practicing. That said, he has been an only lonely for a long time. Pray that he adjusts well and that Tim and I would have the wisdom to know how to support him in this transition. To be creative in how we involve him, and that his relationship with his little sister would flourish.
4) Our Daughter- Please pray for Ada as she enters our family, leaving the people and environment she has known her whole life. Help us to be sensitive to her needs and to learn quickly what things help set her at ease. Pray for a growing attachment to us as caregivers and her new family.
5) The Staff at Westville Baby House - There are some amazing workers and volunteers that serve faithfully and love the children at Ada's home. Pray that their hands would be blessed. That they would be sustained as they care for 6 young children.
Ok, long post and no pictures. Thanks for hanging in there. Will try for one more post before we go. Yikes! Five more sleeps.
I would love nothing more than to post a sweet picture of our little lady right now....but, alas, that will have to wait until after June 25th when she officially becomes ours. Think bright eyes, beautiful curly hair and the cutest little smile. The name we have chosen for our sweet girl is:
Ada Kietumetsi Ehmann
Ada (pronounced ay-dah....like Ava with a "d") has African roots meaning "first daughter". It also has European roots for "cheerful or happy". Kietumetsi also means "happy". These meanings encapsulate how we feel about our precious girl. She is indeed our first daughter. A long prayed for, long anticipated child we are incredibly blessed to call our own. We were also able to, in some way, honour the meaning of the name her African name "Kietumetsi" which will now be her middle name.
There has been some discussion about adding a second middle name. Will keep you posted....the Ehmann naming saga continues in a small way :-)
On another note, I cannot believe that in five more sleeps (according to the countdown on our chalkboard) we will be leaving for South Africa. Today J and I ventured forth to clarify a few concerns at the airport. To think that we will return in five days is unreal. The time has come. We are actually doing it. Our daughter is waiting.
In our preparations I have felt blessing upon blessing. Our freezer is full thanks to loving friends who have served us in an incredibly practical way. Gifts arrive almost daily in the mail from excited relatives too far to pay us a visit. Even our family doctor joined the excitement and contributed a load of over the counter medication and baby supplies for our daughter's baby home. We are blessed. Thank you to all who have loved us, prayed for us and continue to care for us as we continue on this adventure of international adoption.
Many have asked what you can do to support us. At this point the most practical support is prayer. Here are a few things that we would appreciate prayer for:
1) Traveling mercies - That we would stay safe, healthy and sane on our long trek to South Africa. There was some concern about short layovers and the three separate Air Canada reps I have talked to have assured me it will be ok.....that said, a little prayer couldn't hurt.
2) Our Health - We will arrive in South Africa exhausted....with not much time to revive ourselves before we enter an emotionally and physically charged time. Please pray that we stay healthy as we enter this transition.
3) Our Son - J is pretty excited to go to South Africa and meet his sister....and hug her...and make silly faces so she giggles. The workers at the baby home said she loves to play peek a boo....so he is practicing. That said, he has been an only lonely for a long time. Pray that he adjusts well and that Tim and I would have the wisdom to know how to support him in this transition. To be creative in how we involve him, and that his relationship with his little sister would flourish.
4) Our Daughter- Please pray for Ada as she enters our family, leaving the people and environment she has known her whole life. Help us to be sensitive to her needs and to learn quickly what things help set her at ease. Pray for a growing attachment to us as caregivers and her new family.
5) The Staff at Westville Baby House - There are some amazing workers and volunteers that serve faithfully and love the children at Ada's home. Pray that their hands would be blessed. That they would be sustained as they care for 6 young children.
Ok, long post and no pictures. Thanks for hanging in there. Will try for one more post before we go. Yikes! Five more sleeps.
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