Life in a whirlwind…

Ming – the boy behind the mask

Today we had a home study follow-up report about how our adoption is going. It is conducted by the local government and is important documentation.

So they got a REAL insight to our world, because we FORGOT. Oops.

Yep, the house was in top chaos form, the kitchen was overloaded, the doors were hanging open, Jonas had taken Astrid to the doctor with Ming following along, and I was laying on the couch with a bag of frozen peas on a twisted ankle from the front yard when…

Ding-dong. I didn’t even recognize her.

Then I did. OH. NO.

Quick call to Jonas at the doctor’s office who promptly hangs up on me saying that they are just going in now. (Drop-in hours…how fun.)

So after washing my dining room table and pushing some chairs back up while hobbling around and offering something to drink, we started the interview. Of course, she wanted to see Ming’s room…which was also in prime form.

Jonas and the kids came 35 minutes later. And Ming…

Well, he was an absolute gentleman who shook our social worker’s hand. Wow!

So I guess we survived.

And in the end, it was simply hilarious.

3 days before Beijing…

In 3 days we will travel to China. In 3 days we will start an adventure like no other. In 3 days…

Life is a huge collage of events. This (hopefully – and we need hope in life!) is one of those amazing events.

A beautiful new chapter.

A new story of hope!

So for those following our long story, probably the most interesting bit of information we have received recently is that our son’s nickname is Mingming. It makes me smile. Warms my heart. Makes me think cuddly thoughts.

We are more or less packed. Our clothes from Costa Rica have simply been placed back in our suitcases while we wear our warmer Swedish “summer” clothes here. (So far we have had rain every day…woohoo.) I have a few new clothes and some toys for Mingming. A strong wrap to carry him in. Soft picture books. A new phone to take pictures. I’m not sure that I need more.

Tonight the entire family gathered with a woman experienced in adoption and advising families – to ask our questions, to gain some insight, to simply focus. We are a very unique family with 3 adult kids and a 5 year old little sister. So we will each need to discover our path but together during this time. Jonas’ and my greatest hope is that we as a family will find connection and support from each other as we start this very special journey. I know that the older kids have so many siblings and experiences as big sisters and brother. And I also realize we have shared a very long and rocky road these past years. However, here is a new opportunity to re-unite as a family. Sigrid, Ragna and Gunnar have so much experience working with children that gives them insight and skills…and they can use these abilities to create something very special as they come near to Mingming during this tough transition. So many thoughts and wishes here…

We are packing. We are preparing. We are dreaming.

Sending a gift to China…

Two days after our approval for adoption, I learned to crochet. Ironically, I have watched my grandmother do this for at least 35 years of my life. And not once have I learned how to do this.

So now it is time!

And wouldn’t you know – that of all the crazy things in the world – I am actually very good at it. I learned the basics quickly and was learning a new pattern by my 3rd meeting.

Yep, a little blanket completed in less than 2 weeks. Amazing! Especially as I am not crafty. Not. At. All.

So we placed this little blanket with a soft rabbit toy, a wooden car and a photo album of us into a box and shipped it to Ming.

I truly hope that he receives it soon and that it brings some comfort and familiarity to him during this upcoming time of transition. It breaks my heart how much he will have to lose before he can gain his new family.

But we are a family that understands loss, grief, healing and love. It all takes time. That’s what we are planning – to simply be parents for the rest of our lives. To walk through this and much, much more.

It’s a very exciting and overwhelming time here. We are taking many small steps to prepare. Steps to towards hope and discovery. It’s been a very long road. And now the journey truly begins…

Changing direction!

So the door to adopt from Kenya is closed.

Thanksgiving Day 2014 the President announces a moratorium on all international adoptions. Wow.

Just like that.

Amazing, isn’t it? How life just suddenly changes, stops, or surprises us…

Our adoption application to the National Adoption Committee was “next” so we were standing just outside the door.

So after some time (not much) and hopefully a bit of perspective, we decided to NOT give up… Not yet.

The adoption game is not over. We have until November 2015 to get a “referral” to adopt as Swedes. So we have decided to stay on our journey and not stop until our time is up.

However, we are changing our destination.

Next stop – China!

First, we fly back to Costa Rica for a bit more relaxation as our paperwork is processed for adoption from China. I need to surf a bit more and just escape.

Wish us luck. We need it.

Meanwhile, we begin this next chapter in life. Our family is now starting Project FlaMINGo.

Curious?

We’ll keep you posted.

Hejdå Kenya!

Nín hǎo China!