Friday, March 14, 2008

Ready To Come Home ...

Well I (Kelly) talked to Cindy today (Friday, 10:45am our time). Grandma and Grandpa Klassen asked me to call today as they had appointments in Saskatoon so I was the lucky one to get the report and blog about it!!
Cindy said she is doing good but is tired and ready to come home. Their days have been filled with sightseeing. Today they went to the hot springs which was a 2 hour drive one way. I asked Cindy how the boys liked the water and she said Mesele was fearless - even though he can't swim. She said they had to watch him very closely as he would just jump in regardless of whether or not Cindy or Brent were there to catch him! Abinet, on the other hand, hates the water. Cindy said even in their hotel room when they would fill the tub with an inch or so of water he would not sit in it but rather stand in it and cry. So it took Cindy awhile at the hot springs to get Abinet comfortable and she said that in the last half hour he was splashing a little bit and getting his face a little wet. Progress!! Cindy told me that it is so important to be persistent with the boys as the experiences in their lives have been so different thus far. A lot of things they will be experiencing in the next few months are going to be completely new and different for them, and also scary.
The next few days for them are a lot less busy and for that they are thankful. Tomorrow morning they are going to a soccer game that CAFAC is involved in.
Cindy mentioned that the communication is a big challenge. She said that often the African people would help them out by first talking to the boys and then to Brent and Cindy to try to get them to understand eachother - they have been very hospitable and genuinely nice.
They had a visit to the Doctor to make sure the boys were healthy. Cindy had a few questions for the Doctor and he reassured her that the boys are perfectly healthy, so both Brent and Cindy were very pleased to hear that!
Abinet and Mesele sound like they are typical boys - very active and curious. They like to poke and touch everything. They are also very happy and full of smiles. Abinet has very long eyelashes and is adorable! Cindy said the boys are smaller that what she thought they would be and a lot of the clothes she brought with her are too big for them! Cindy said everyone was amazed at how their boys came out smiling the day they took them as opposed to some of the other children who were hesitant and had tears.
Bedtime continues to be a struggle. The first few nights went well and the boys slept all night long, but lately they have had a hard time getting them ready for bed and a hard time settling them. They have been whimpering in the night, not fully awake.
Cindy said she is nervous and scared about the flight home and asked for lots of prayer on the 17th and 18th as they make their way home. The flights are long and very draining and she is nervous about how the boys are going to do.
Overall though, Cindy sounded upbeat and happy. She said she "has her moments" (which I think all parents do!!) but they are all doing well. She is really looking forward to coming home to stay and getting settled in their house. She said trying to be a "family" in a hotel room has been challenging.
They have not had access to the Internet at all and are still hoping to find access somewhere. I told Cindy that there have been lots of comments on their blog so far and Cindy was quite excited to hear that. I know they are very thankful for your prayers and continue to need them as they get closer to their departure back to Canada.
So, please continue to pray for them. For communication between parent and child, for patience and understanding on both parts. Please also pray for the flights home.
Thanks for being a part of their journey!!
Kelly Klassen

P.S. Leave comments!!!!!

13 comments:

Dorindath said...

It is really exciting to read your blog because I have been to Ethiopia before and it is very close to my heart. I have been to those hot springs before and I loved the drive because I found it fascinating to watch the country side. Good luck with your flights home (I can understand how long they are) I pray that the boys will do well and their transition into Canadian culture will be an easy one for your family.

Ashley J. said...

We are sooo excited for you guys, can't wait to meet your beautiful little boys!! We are keeping you in our thoughts and our prayers!!

Verna Hamm said...

I check your blog every day,hoping for new up dates on your adventure.I enjoy reading about how God has been and still is so faithful.Ger & I will continue to pray for you.

Brent & Cindy, Mesele & Abinet said...

Well Hague is taking their ice out soon, and so it will be an entire summer to adjust and prepare for hockey season. I'll look into a summer league for you.

I'm very excited to meet my new nephews. I love you guys.

Brent & Cindy, Mesele & Abinet said...

That last comment is not from Brent and Cindy its from Kenton, I'm just signed in their blog.

Anonymous said...

Glad to read your update again. We are continuing to pray for you guys as you adjust to being mommy and daddy. We're also praying for the boys that they will adjust to the new culture and language. Have a safe and good flight home.
Love &Hey, Brent and Cindy,
Prayers

cjoyunger said...

Praying for you on your flights tomorrow and tuesday - that God would calm your hearts and the boys too as they again experience something so completely unknown to them. I pray that they would be able to sleep as much as possible on the flights so that they will be at least somewhat rested (and the two of you as well!) when you land in Saskatoon - ready for everything new and exciting (and the not-so-exciting and difficult too at times)that now is their new home, new family, new friends. To God be the glory for all the good things He has done and will continue to do! Hope to meet your boys soon, although I'm sure Easter will just be a bit too soon for that.

God bless!! ~ Joy ~

Roy said...

I sent you a comment a few days ago but we were checking and can't find it so I will write again. It was so good to hear your voice on the phone the other day. I wish I could be there to help you with the boys and encourage you both. Today you begin the long journey home and we will be praying for your family as we know it will be long and tiring. We are anxious to see you all in just one week -God bless and see you soon-Love Mom A

Victoria said...

Well it's almost time for you guys to be flying out today. We are praying that the boys are calm and easily entertained on the long flight back. Also that you would all get some rest before you touch down in Saskatoon. I'm sure everyone is going to be exhausted and we'll be praying for you all as you adjust to the time change. Well guys we are sure looking forward to seeing all of you, (well maybe we are a little more excited about seeing and meeting the boys!!) I know you are amazing parents already, and we look forward to seeing you in action! Love and prayers Victoria ( and the gang)
WE LOVE YOU GUYS!

Kelly said...

Brent and Cindy; I know you guys are starting to make your way home now and just wanted you all to know you are in our thoughts and prayers today. I pray that the flights will go well and for patience on both ends!! Can't wait to see you guys!!

Ray and Jill said...

As I type this, I think you're very close to leaving for the airport to start your trip back home. I pray your time in Africa has been good. I pray for rest, calmness, and patience for all four of you as you begin your journey home....as a family!!!! I pray for a smooth transition as you and the boys have experienced so much in the last 10 days, that you can settle in nicely at home together and get used to every-day life. We are so excited to see you and meet your sons. You have a lot of people praying for you these next two days especially, and God will take care of you - of that we are SURE!

DeAnne said...

We are praying for you as you begin your journey home. Praying for safety, as well as content boys. Remember, God has already prepared you and equipped you to take care of these precious boys. When things get stressful, frustrating, or you feel unprepared for the task of parenting, just go to the One who has in all in His hands. So excited to meet your sons, and looking forward to hearing of your adventures.

Kelly & Michelle said...

I have been so blessed to be kept up on what is going on with your family through your blog.
Thank you to all the family that had chipped in and kept it going.

We are so excited for you and your boys, the girls cannot wait to meet them, we have told them and showed them the picture of their new cousins and are hoping to meet them.

We are all praying for you all as you make your way home and as you start your life as a family. We pray for your strength and endurance as there will be many joys and some challenges.

We love you and pray for the best
Kelly, Michelle & girls