update

It has been a few days... Days that have been full of emotion, change and travel. Just 72 hours ago we had out last visit with Henok, Abenezer and Mikias. We ended up having more time than we thought and were there for over three hours.  This was good- we got to visit with Elizabeth more about their stories,  we got to play with them  a lot( and here A say mom and dad in English). I got to hear M participate in his school  class- he does SO well! I got to try out some more Amharic words and have the kids giggle at me!! But..I finally mastered Thankyou- Amaseganalu:)!  And I again had the privilege of meeting with the women who are part of another project at Abenezer who are making scarves and jewelry to support themselves  and the orphanage. and I have a full at case full of goodies to sell for an amazing cause!!

Anyways, as it got closer to the time to go the boys all got a little bit quieter...Henok again asked us when he was coming home and we promised each of them that we will be back to get them. And thank goodness Elizabeth was there to translate... The sweetest moments for me was when we hugged each of them and then prayed for them all. They all got down on one knee and so preciously closed their eyes as Riley prayed for each of them. Praise God that they have learn about who Jesus is and what He means to them. Through translation, we also now know that Abenezer want to be a singer when he grows up so that He can glorify God...amazing.

Giving them their gifts before we leave

He loves to read!!

photogenic:)

he loved the camera...and taking pictures!

saying goodbye...

So then it was time to go...they followed us to the gate and waved goodbye. And it was time to go- I was distracted by a couple of more things we needed to get ( nativity scene, coffee cups and a New Testament Amharic/English Bible) . By the time we got back to the bed and breakfast we needed to pack and then went for supper with C, D & B and Yod Abysinia. So good...

out for traditional Ehtiopia food just before we left...

We left Addis very early in the morning and to be honest, I was glad to be in the air going somewhere. Ethiopia is an amazing place but I have seen so much and tried to connect with our boys so much that I am in a bit of overload. And I am missing my 4 kids at home and the familiarity and rhythm that home brings.  So being on the plane was OK. A piece of my heart has been left in Ethiopia but I know without a doubt that they are being taken care of during this wait, that they have each other and good friends to play with and the ultimately Jesus knows their hearts, worries and desires and that He is right there with them. 

So tonight Riley and I are in London- we have a layover and although we initially were frustrated but this time were are now incredibly grateful for the time to recover and reconnect with each other before we go into another different season before the boys come home... so goodnight from London- will write more soon!

Blessings,
Candra 

Just the guys!!! (sorry Candra....)

As mentioned, Candra needed to stay back today so I headed off to visit our sons again (feels good to be past court and be able to officially call them 'sons', not just 'the boys' - although I'm sure I'll use both ways).  As soon as I walked in, M saw me & sprinted to give me a hug.  Not even close to the same response as 5 days ago!!!  The director told me today that he is very happy (as well as the other 2)!  H & A were just finished getting washed/cleaned, so they joined us a minute later.

Our kids in Canada had picked out some hotwheels for our sons in Ethiopia, so I took a few of them along - they were a big hit!  So much so that I really didn't interact much for the first 20 minutes with H, A, & M because they were too busy driving/flying around.

H's best friend had their new family show up to visit him & his brother today!!!  And they live in North Dakota, so we can connect!  Another answer to our prayer that our sons would have their good friends close by (and not some place in Europe).  Anywhere this family went, H would get me to go visit with them & stay close - I kept reassuring him in broken English that I will get their email or phone # (which I did).  I also let him have our camera for a while & noticed when I got home that all the pictures he took were of me visiting with this new family or of his best friend with his new family.  Another great moment of how story's are woven together!  To have them within driving distance & then to have M's best friend less than 2 hours away (and their family doing a fundraiser for us yesterday, today & tomorrow!!! - 3for3.webs.com) is awesome.  By the way, there are also some amazing kids in BC running laps over 3 days to fundraise to help bring our 3 boys home (we've never met any of them!) - look up Kids Helping Kids - From Canada With Love on Facebook!

My driver had not 1, but 2 separate flat tires on the way to pick me up, so I stayed for an extra 1.5 hours (not knowing what had happened to him - honestly it was nice to have more time so I didn't bother trying to phone him until he was almost there anyway).  I really didn't mind since it gave me more time at the orphanage to play & visit - everyone had eaten & the younger ones were in bed, so it was a little more relaxed.

Tomorrow we go to church with the orphanage director & then visit our sons in the afternoon.  Should be another great day (for me at least - hopefully for Candra too!).  It's rained every day here & thunderstorms every other day - wasn't prepared for that when I packed!

Power has been mostly 'out' today, but it's nice that it has come back on just as it's getting dark!
R

Another visit and shopping...

Yesterday was a really good day. And it was an answer to prayer. The evening before I had hit a bit of a wall. I miss my kids like crazy at home. I am still getting used to the culture here and I had a moment of " what did we just get ourselves into?"   Don't know about any of you but this was a regular occurrence each time we decided to expand our family. except this time it hit me a lot stronger- probably because we have three more sons, all that express their own thoughts, opinions and have developed their own personalities. so needless to say, when I woke up yesterday morning, I was quite exhausted from the lack of sleep, thoughts about the future etc.
We went to the orphanage in the morning and I quickly stole Henok away as he has been asking to play games on my iPad. He is probably the most connected to his friends so it was good to have a bit of one on one time with him...for about 2 minute! within about 10 minutes, all his friends were there and they all were taking turns playing. it was good to have some slower time with him and here him interacting with his friends. Riley then came in. With the other 2 boys and Mikias started to get a little impatient ( probably because he is just 5!) so we went out to play Lego. I chased him around as he flew his airplane and drove his truck).We landed back in the living room and it was just the five of us...We were able to talk some more with them and Henok understood wet a bit. he can read English so I wrote where we were from and they wrote out all their names in Amharic ( which I promptly took pictures of!) And...I found out 2 of them are left handed- that makes three in our house! Mikias drew pictures for about 20 minutes, and while he was doing that- was copying everything I was saying in English! They all could remember the names of their brothers and sisters and Henok asked when they were coming to Canada. It was good just to hang out quietly with them and get to know them a bit more...an answer to prayer. it gave me a little more confidence that I can possibly parent three more boys:)
In the afternoon, us and our new friends, Sarah and Jaime ( who just passed court to bring home their son-7 years old!) went our shopping. Markos, our driver was awesome and we were able to stop at several places that were not just stores but also benefiting / empowering those that worked there.  we also stopped at the silver market where we bought a few things and listened to a lively bartering session between Markos and the shop keeper! we headed to the lime tree for supper and its was wonderful...back to Afroland for a quiet evening...
and then I got sick...not horribly but enough to make sure ai stayed close to our accommodations today...SO Riley is at Abenezer today having some daddy time with the boys- and I am true to be OK with that and not feel guilty:) It is good to have some quiet just to reflect and slow down...
well, this is a bit drawn out but thanks for taking the time to read...
Blessings,
Candra

Our day

Back from another morning at Abenezer orphanage!! We started off the day with a coffee ceremony at  Afroland (our accomodations) with 2 other families... Neither RIley or I  are coffee drinkers, however...there is something different about Ethiopian coffee! It was amazingly good! We were then picked up by our driver and headed off to Abenezer orphanage. Today we got to visit more with the director, Elizabeth and hear her heart for her ministry...she is such a blessing to the kids and all the people who work with her. There is definitely a lot on her plate, which I will share more with another day. WE then got a tour of the entire grounds...where the sleep, cook, eat, play. I took pictures of nearly everything!

We also got the privilege of going into the baby house...my heart nearly got taken out of my body. These are precious, precious children...and thank goodness for people and places like Abenezer. We experienced the same feelings when we were in South Africa just over three years ago. The little babies didn’t take their eyes off me, wanting to smile but also not sure who I was...there was a new little one, whose twin brother was in hospital at the time..who couldn’t have been more than 4 pounds. I prayed for her right then and there..so precious with such a fight ahead of her. All the nannies were doting on her and talking lots about her so they are definitely doing their absolute best for her (with what they have). Then we had a chance to see the toddler room...melt my heart. I got down on the floor and had instantly 8 little ones climbing on me and wanting attention. a few more just hung back and watched and smiled, and a few more sttod beside their nannies watching every detail... So fun to see their personalities shine through. I am not sure if it was me or my hair they were most interested in! But either way, I love that age.

The rest of the visit we got to hang out with our boys and their friends. My camera got taken (ha!)by Abenezer and Henok and passed around! There are some great pics I would have NEVER gotten of all the boys being goofy. Will have to do that again! The 2 younger boys are connecting really well to Riley, using him like a jungle gym. They learned the english word all done today:) Henok is a little older so went back and forth between friends and us, playing soccer, hanging out etc. He is so observant and polite, with a great smile! We ended the visit with another wonderful coffee ceremony...Every time we go, it is getting harder to leave..I guess that is a good thing! 

jungle gym:)

Great smile:)

no words needed:)

We then went for lunch with new friends, stopped at a book store and got our first purchases! We hope to connect with them later today and do some more shopping...it makes a world of difference to have someone here who has been here before! So until tomorrow...cheers!! 

AND tomorrow3for3 begins..Joni, a good friend of ours is running 143km in honor of our family to support our adoption...if you are interested in finding out more or supporting her, check out www.3for3.webs.com.

Blessings,

Candra

Introducing Henok, Abenezer & Mikias Sexton!!!

We are so excited to introduce you to our 3 newest sons!!! We had the privilege of spending the morning with them today and thought you might all want to see some pictures...:)

Riley showing them (L-R: Mikias, Dad, Abenezer & Henok) videos and pics of our kids at home!

After we had given them the drawings that their new sisters had made for them! 

Playing games with the 2 youngest:)

I don't think this needs an explanation!! a boy is a boy is a boy...everywhere:)

Lovin their dad!

I took tonnes of pictures, of both our kids and the other children there. More to come tomorrow I hope! We are going back tomorrow morning to hang out again and then hopefully venturing out shopping in the afternoon...

As I sit and write back at our hotel, there is a downpour happening outside, including hail! I am feeling grateful and overwhelmed, blessed and anxious, thankful and hesitant. I know it seems like a crazy mix of emotions but I think when you bring change to a family, there is a whole range of emotions that take place.  And it is OK. I can say, without a doubt, that this- bringing these three boys home- is right. It will be hard, challenging, adventurous, crazy, fun, emotional - but right. Thanks for joining us on this unfolding journey...

Blessings,

Candra, Riley, Gabriella, Henok, Malachi, Abenezer, Mikias, Eve & Jude

Court day!

Today was a day that we have been waiting expectantly for the last few months. Today  was court day. Since we have been in country for less than 48 hours, we spent the morning relaxing and for me, sleeping. Hopefully after tonight things will go smoother! 

Anyways, we were picked up in the early afternoon by our lovely social worker, Martha and quickly left for court. When we arrived, the power was out so we climbed a few flights of stairs and were ushered into a waiting room where there were many families waiting for the same thing...

Our turn came near the end as the waiting room was almost empty. Us and another family were asked to come into the judge's room. When we were seated, he described to us that he is not actually judge but basically can do the same thing and that this would still be legally complete. On a side note, he looked like he was in his early 20's:)!  Anyways,  after several questions it was done!!!  Our 3 boys are now legally our sons!!

Tomorrow morning, we get to see our three boys and spend some one on one time with them! We get to share with them the beautiful news that they are now part of our family...

Blessings,

Candra

No roaring...yet!

I promise Candra is here - really! 

These are almost the only times in our marriage where I am the first one awake every morning (besides family vacation & when the 2 of us get away each year & when our 3 biological children were born). She has always been the morning person!

It's not nervousness that gets me up - I feel more like a caged lion that wants to play. Even somehow while I sleep. As Candra has slept this morning I have made too many laps of our room & living space. Court can't happen soon enough. TOMORROW can't happen soon enough when we can see the boys again & actually get to talk with them & hear their voices. In this way there are some parallels to expanding a family thru birth: as soon as the child is born you want to hold them & stare at them & observe everything they do & hear them make sounds & cuddle them some more & show them off. The challenge in our situation is that we will only get that time for an hour or 2 a day with 40-50 others vying for our attention - and it's only for 6 more days until we have to leave. I'm not upset - this is the way it has to be for now. But it makes me aggressively excited for the time I do have.

And she's still sleeping..... Time to go bug her!

R

We met them!!!!

Our new sons are awesome!!!  We spent over 2 hours there this afternoon!

We pulled thru the gates and as soon as we got out of the van, there were 2 boys instantly standing by the van.  One of them was our oldest - and his eyes were alive & sparkling and he was smiling ear to ear.  I'm guessing he knew why we were there.  I smiled and nodded - then greeted him in Amharic.  The social worker was very clear with us that we couldn't single out the boys from the group at all but had to include everyone, so we moved on to a play room.  On they way there our middle son popped up out of nowhere - looking mysterious with a quizzical expression.  Later our youngest appeared, but wouldn't look at us or say a word to anyone - he was INCREDIBLY shy.

The workers gathered all of the older boys (our 3 were the younger ones) and they each went thru introducing themselves in English and telling us what grade they are in.  Then they sang us a song in English - 'Our God is so great'.  Then things got a little awkward.  Everyone was just there sitting & staring at each other.  So I asked them to teach me some words in Amharic - they laughed at my stumbling around words.  I asked how to say 'football (soccer)' and our older 2 boys eyes shot up at me.  The minute I said the amharic word & pointed to the door, the room instantly emptied!

I'm pretty sure Candra impressed the boys very quickly - she was playing alongside of all of us constantly (mostly boys).  She was also able to draw our youngest out fairly quickly and soon found out how much he likes goofing around.  I played pass with our middle son here & he is quite a character with his facial expressions and fun.  I played a lot of soccer with the oldest & his friends - he looks to have a couple really close friends.  The oldest seemed to understand the drill of first time visit better than we did.  He would hang out for a bit, play with his friends while we played with other kids, and then subtly keep moving closer & closer to play with us again.  By the end Candra & I had broken into a sweat and the staff had gotten us some water.  Apparently they asked Candra regularly if she was tired from playing with the kids….

The day at the orphanage ended with the boys showing us where they sleep (7-8 bunks) - they were pretty proud to show us.  I got to pat their shoulders, smile & nod as they were showing us around.  Then we went to the youngest’s room which he shares with 7-8 other boys.  He was nowhere to be found, but as we came out he came running up, so we asked him to show us his bed (again, he was very proud).  Then with actions I teased him about going to bed now - he looked to the orphanage director & back at me - I smiled & shook my head and made some sounds to show I was being silly and he broke into a wide grin and shook his head.

The boys disappeared to eat, but we asked if we could go find them to say goodbye - them & no one else.  And the social worker said yes.  So we found them, shook their hands & said goodbye in Amharic.  The oldest was back to beaming with his understanding smile, the middle one made a goofy face that we had made at each other earlier while playing, and the youngest jumped up to shake my hand (no more shy)!

There's a lot more I could post, but the bottom line was that it was an awesome first meeting & so amazing that we met them!!!  Can't wait to see them on Wednesday - and only focus on them & be able to offer a hug or hold a hand or pick them up or speak more direct words to them!

We leave for court at 1:30pm tomorrow (Tuesday).  Our court appt is at 2pm (5am your time).

We’ll post pictures after Wednesday's visit when we are finally allowed to take pictures with them.  That’s the day where we'll also show the boys pictures of their new brothers & sisters and some video of them too!

One of the smaller joys I’ve had since getting back from the orphanage is regularly scaring Candra to keep her awake - you can pray for patience for her!  I had the jump of adjusting to different time zones a week ago, and she’s trying to do her best after a 3:30am arrival & us not getting settled until 4:30, only to be kept awake by the call for morning prayers....
Riley

Soon...

We are somewhere between London and Egypt, soon to land in Cairo.  it is getting closer to the moment we have been waiting for for 2.5 years...the moment we meet our next children...The last 3 months since we received our referral have been full of planning, praying, preparing and waiting in expectation. Now that the moment is almost hear...I have a million emotions running through me. What tops the list is excitement and  nervousness. When we met our first three children, they were seconds old...ready for a world that was waiting for them. When we flew across the world to welcome our fourth son into the world, he was 9 months old, having been loved immensely by those who care for him for that time...he was just little, not yet speaking or walking. This time...meeting our fifth, sixth and seventh child...they have lived 9,6 and 5 years. They have many memories and have  also known and experienced tough things that I may not know in my lifetime.  And when we meet them for the first time, that memory will be etched  in all of our minds forever. It is an honor to become parents to these boys, and whatever emotions I have at the moment, they are OK because I know without a doubt that we have been called to this...

To our sweet, sweet boys- we thank God for you. He has placed you on this earth for His purpose and we are so privileged to be a part of that. Although we have not met you yet, our hearts are full. We pray for you and for the changes that will inevitably come. We pray that you hearts will be calm, that you would know peace and joy and know without a doubt that God has gone before you to prepare His way for you. We understand the  change that is about to happen and know that we are here for you. No matter how nervous I am to meet you (and I am! Just a little:) I know you must be more.  You have 2 sisters and 2 brothers at home who are so excited to know you, love you and play with you. And we, as your parents aren't going anywhere - we love you and  are now family (and soon it will be official!)  So in 24 hours we will see you in person for the very first time and I want you to know that even before the moment we first saw you we loved you beyond measure. 

love, 

Mom and Dad

Blessings,

Candra

Halfway there!!

I made it to London very smoothly and now we have a 24 hour layover before we head to Ethiopia!! I am a little anxious as we go through Cairo, but have to trust that everything will be OK. Tonight, I made tea- cause you have to when you are in England! And am trying to stay up a few more hours to get my body on track for the time change...

It is less than 72 hours until we see our sons...until we are WITH them and begin to get to KNOW them!!!!! It is a feeling I cannot describe...but is it a feeling of great humility, blessedness, provision and thankfulness. We as a family are honoured that we get to be a part of these boys lives. That they get to be part of our family...forever!!! I think I am feeling a great responsibility, mixed with a healthy dose of uncertainty as this becomes a reality. But I am SO excited to begin the adventure...I guess that is part of the adventure...figuring it out as you go. When we first church planted, Riley often compared it to bush whacking . Knowing what is 2-3 steps ahead is all you need some days- not the whole picture! And this keeps us from trying to do it on our own. God has guided our steps through this adoption, he has led many of you to pray and  He has given us now seven of His precious children to love, cherish and hold for the time we have here....

God sets the lonely in families (psalm 68:6)...

...at the airport, ready to go:)

Blessings,

Candra

Beginning with prayer...

I am sitting at the airport waiting to begin the first part of my travels . And although I am more than ready to meet our children, it is so hard to be away from my children here at home. And think because I am travelling alone for the first part of the trip, it always feels different too. So to begin my posts as we start this - what is going to to be an epic and life altering journey - I would like to ask for you prayers...I have a few of them and if you are a praying person, if you would let me know which request you are praying for, I would love to have each and everyone covered specifically for the time we are away. So here they are...

1. For protection and general health for Riley & I as we travel and for our kids at home. There are plenty of new bugs in Ethiopia and I would rather not have to use all of the medicines I brought!

2. For my oldest son- many of you know he has diabetes and he has had an insulin pump for the last 3 months. This is the first time his grandma and grandpa have taken care of him while he is on the pump. Pray for my son- that this blood sugar numbers would be stable...they have been on the high end today already...of course it has to start this way:(Pray for my parents as they help him manage it. And pray for me, his momma....this is a hard one for me. He is a superstar though and does so much for himself!!!

3. For my kiddos at home...they are amazing and are so excited to meet their new brothers!! But they miss us all being together. Pray for peace and joy for each of them and that they would make some incredible memories in the days coming up. Riley emailed them this morning with this...

I hope you have been having a good week with mom! I know that today will probably be a tough day for each of you & mom, so take a deep breath, remember that you love each other, and bless each other to be & do what God wants of us over the next couple weeks. God does this - gathers us together and then spreads us out a bit, but always brings us back together. That's the way He wants us & His church to be. So I know its tough, but you are also showing a big part of God's heart. And when He brings us back together, its family vacation time!- love, daddy

Amen. And I pray that they would know even more, the love of God during this time we are away!

4. Pray for our 3 beautiful boys we are privileged to soon call our sons...They have had many experiences and memories in their beautiful African country. And this, although it may be exciting, will not be an easy time for them. They, in a few short months, will be leaving their friends, people who speak their language fluently, their country. I can't imagine....we have been praying that God would be preparing their hearts for one of the biggest changes of their lives. The He would make Himself known even more to them in the days to come. And that they would be receptive to us and that there would be a very special connection in the next few days.

5. Pray for Riley and I. We have had a very hectic July with some incredible things. RUN143 was amazing and God blessed it extravagantly...Riley was able to still do some of His trip which He has been enjoying immensely..We have had my parents down to begin renos ( which now have to hurry up after we get home!!) . And I have been working a few more days than usual to put more money away:) But in the midst of that, we have not had a lot of time together. Thank goodness for cell phones, email, FaceTime and Skype... Pray that amidst this journey and lovely craziness, that God would continue to strengthen our marriage and love for each other and His people. I think...just a hunch...we are stepping into and will get to see something much bigger than just our adoption journey. Although this is pretty big:)

This is getting really long...my apologies:) But one more thing...I am so thankful for the opportunity to know many of you as friends!! We are beyond amazed at the community we have been given through our family, friends, church, new and old adoption community, and work. God is at work and we are blessed to be a part of it...

Thanks for praying. We have seen God answer prayer and it has blown our mind...so thanks.

Love and blessings, Candra

Running a possibly unreasonable amount of kilometres.....

I am running 50km as part of RUN 143 ( www.run143. com) - tomorrow, July 12. Or I should say, I am going to ATTEMPT to run 50 km tomorrow....
I haven't trained, I wasn't thinking about it til today and I almost didn't bring my running stuff- but I did. And now I know why.

I am running tomorrow because we have few runners this year and injuries are rearing their heads....Pray for my sister whose hip decided to give her trouble today...I sent her home with stretches:) One of our friends could potentially be out on the highway by herself and she needs company.

I am running tomorrow because- why not?! I am certainly not going to injure myself intentionally but I believe 100 percent in what we are doing!! There are VERY few organizations on Canada to provide financial support for families who are adopting. And we are privileged to be able to. I also have so much gratitude for those people who respond to the call for caring for the vulnerable, - those who love the little ones who have, for some reason or another, been separated from their first families. I am running for the baby homes we are supporting.

And I am running because I am a mom. When you have children, either by birth or through adoption ( I have both:)) there are times when you are unable to ease their burdens by yourself, unable to make all things right in their world and unable to be there when they need you. I recognize that all of my children are God's And HE is the one who can do all things. When your children are halfway across the world waiting, there are many things I can't do but I can run. I can share the story of the family we are running for as I run. I can share my personal story of why I run to promote adoption and orphan care and the beautiful importance of setting the lonely in families.

So, wish me luck! It is crazy....AND I need your help. This a total last minute decisions and I would love to have your support...
1. Pray for me AND my daughter who is going to join me for a lag (8km)
2. Head on over to www.run143.com and donate. Honestly, every dollar is a generous gift!!!
3. For each of you who have welcomed a child or are preparing to welcome a child into your home, give thanks to God!!! Families are awesome....

See you on the road tomorrow,
Candra

Ps. in 2 weeks, we have a friend who is running ( and has been training!!) an ultra marathon to bless our family as we bring home our three boys!!! so stay tuned and I will share more after this event about 3for3. God is at work.....

Thankful

We are thrilled to receiving this amazing gift to allocate towards our adoption...God has shown us His provision every step of the way in our adoption of three children- and this is another glimpse of that! It was a lot of paperwork but worth every minute of the time spent. Thank you to Spirit of Adoption Alberta- a division of ABBA Canada for your ministry and the work you do on behalf of adoptive families...

ABBA Canada - Candra & Riley - $3,500 Grant Recipients

Blessings,
Candra