The newest...

We received this update recently on MF- it was sent out to her sponsors from the orphanage where she is living:

(FHC= The orphanage where she is living now
Tias- "Aunts" in Spanish, referring to the workers who help at the orphanage)

We would like to introduce you to MF here at FHC. MF was transferred to FHC in May 2009 from a children’s home in Quito that was closing their program. The Director asked if FHC would receive MF and care for her with the hope that a forever family could be found soon.

A little of MF’s history: she was abandoned at the Maternity hospital by her mother when she was four days old. Medical intervention was necessary to correct a problem with her stomach (pyloric stenosis). Shortly after this, she was diagnosed with developmental delays.

We have enjoyed watching MF grow and change while at FHC. She is maturing from a toddler to a little girl. MF understands quite a bit and is showing more and more control of her emotions. She generally plays by herself, but has a very special relationship with Daniela (5 years old). The girls are very affectionate and MF lets Daniela hug and kiss her. Daniela calls her “my little MF”, and MF responds with even MORE affection!

The therapists and Tías are noticing that MF is getting stronger in her legs and she is learning to walk better and stand up straighter. She loves spending time in the pool and once she gets on the trampoline she doesn’t want to get off! She loves to dance, and when the music starts playing, she starts bouncing and pushing her hips from side to side with a big grin on her face. While going for therapy walks around the FHC compound, she will “converse” with the Tías about things they see along the path. She is a very happy child, and loves to be around the smaller children.

One night as the kids were getting ready for bed, the Tía told them it was time to clean up and put all the toys away. MF picked up a red clown’s wig and (logically) thinking that a wig’s place is on the HEAD, she put it on her head and continued to put away the other toys.
Thank you for your support as MF's sponsors. It enables her to attend a special school (FUDRINE) outside of FHC for her and others who have learning challenges. She receives
special attention from our loving caregivers, psychologists, therapists and others, to encourage her to be the best she can be.

Until the day God brings a forever family to MF, (and we have news that it could happen in late 2011 – there is a young couple in the U.S. very interested in adopting MF) it is an honor for us to take care of her and share the day to day joys and challenges in her precious life. We appreciate your prayers for her. Thank you!

FHC
A Christian ministry to children in Ecuador

Child Sponsorship Program Coordinators

I am sure most of you are not surprised by this news- Devin and I are in the process of adopting sweet little MF. We just received word this week that we have been "matched" officially with her. I will write about what the process has been like later, but it has been a series of miracles so far, there is no doubt about it. It has been very interesting to be on the flip side of the adoption coin! We have had a home study and had to do training and provide all the same documents that my clients are required to provide...plus more.

We don't know exactly how long the process will take as there are a lot of variables, things to be done through the US government and things to be done through the Ecuadorian government, but the agency we are working with estimates that we will be able to go pick her up this summer. Exciting!

Yes, we know that some of you may look at us and think we are crazy, especially because baby boy will be born here soon. But, I don't feel the need to defend ourselves because we have been anticipating the day when we could adopt her for years (you have to be 25 according to Ecuador law) and we feel the timing is absolutely right. We have prayed about the decision and attended the Temple often to confirm that this is the right path for our family. We both feel that it is and we are so excited to move forward.

We also know that MF comes with special challenges. We are not naive enough to think that it will be easy. But we are willing to take on the challenges and know that she will also bring an extra measure of joy and happiness in our lives.

I will keep this blog updated on the progress of our journey- a lot for me, but maybe some of you will be interested, too.