Flower Power

The other day we received a surprise gift from the family that delivered our last care package to our daughters. Three pictures that T had drawn while the family was visiting with them. She wrote her name in both Amharic and English at the top of the pictures. I have hung them in a place of honour on our refrigerator, but will be putting them into an art portfolio for her soon. The most amazing thing is that one of the pictures is of beautiful flower. She is going to fit right in. When her momma was out photographing flowers, she was drawing them. Homer is hoping that she is a budding gardener. I'm hoping for a budding artist. Either way, we already have a connection and we have not even met.

Here is the picture drawn by our sweet rose. I am a proud momma.

Let your Bright Star Dreams blossom

Just When Africa's Luck was Changing

Blog (Red) had a link to this article about the impact of the global credit crisis on Africa and it really hit home. I've been worried about my job situation as a result of the economic downturn. Since I work on contract, I have no guarantees of a job when I return from parental leave. We are lucky and have been saving for a long time to do this, so we have resources to last a while if we need to.

Africa had hoped to weather the storm of the global credit crisis, but it has been hit hard as well, as foreign investment is drying up. For Africa, this crisis is the difference between subsistence living and long-term sustainable economic growth. For me, it is the difference between one car or two. It really puts perspective on how lucky we are to have been born in Canada.

The article has caused me to think about how I could invest in Africa to move them closer to their long term goals. KIVA is an organization that provides micro credit to small business owners in impoverished nations. I am going to go look to see if there is a business owner like myself that needs my support.

Supporting others
Bright Star Dreams

Medicals are Done!!!

T & M's Immigration medicals were completed on Wednesday, along with the other families in our travel group. Our documents are finally on the way to the High Commission in Nairobi!!!

We hope to get confirmation that the documents have been received at the HC later next week. CAFAC (our agency) is projecting 8 - 12 weeks for travel after the documents are received by in Nairobi. 8 weeks from Monday is October 5th, so we could be in Ethiopia for Thanksgiving and we will have a lot to be thankful for. Visas were "only" taking 6 weeks in the spring, so maybe just maybe, we can travel sooner and give our thanks in Canada. A girl can hope can't she?

Both girls have really grown and are very healthy. CAFAC now has a teacher that comes to the transition home 5 mornings per week. T knows her ABC's and can count to 20. She led a song at a concert they put on for the representatives from CAFAC when they were in Ethiopia. M is picking up English words from T and the other older children at the home.

It has been a long hard summer waiting for our medical news and watching the tragedy of the Imagine families from the sidelines. I am starting to get excited again about the prospect of traveling. I even emailed our travel agent with our update and she has never even met me. I guess I just was so thrilled I had to tell everyone. Hopefully, we can start looking for flights again soon.

Keep dreaming to reach
Your Bright Star Dreams

I've been slapped

Last night I noticed that my wrist and thumb were extremely itchy. It looked like I had hives. At first I thought it was an allergic reaction, so I took some benedryl. No response. This morning I woke up stiff and sore and then I remembered someone else at work had a similar rash and aches a couple weeks ago. Turns out it is likely Fifth Disease - aka the slapped face virus. The kicker - once the rash appears you are no longer contagious. However, I could have a rash and other symptoms for up to 20 days. There is not much that can be done for it either. That's one smart virus. I guess it is a good thing that we are not travelling to Ethiopia this month.

Here's a picture of what the rash looks like - lots of small red dots. I think is is spreading to my ankles now.

Pookie is also not feeling well. You know a beagle is really sick when he turns his nose up to food. I had him at the vet and they gave us something to settle his stomach. Hopefully this will pass quickly.

I guess we will be having a quiet family weekend at home.

Be well

Bright Star Dreams