We occasionally spend a few minutes looking at pictures and videos over the past couple years. This helps to remind us just how far we have come as a family, which is especially helpful on those days that it’s clear we have a long way to go. Sometimes we come across an old video that we just have to share. This one came about because the boys were not used to eating fruit from a refrigerator and we served them plums. They had been here less than two weeks, so you not only get their reaction to the cold fruit on their teeth, but you also get a feel for how we communicated without much in the way of a common language. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
Third Birthday Party
On Sunday, we got together with friends and family to celebrate Daniel and David’s third birthdays (they turned 11 and 9, repsectively, but this is only their third actual birthday celebration). We invited people to help us support the boys’ orphanage in Ethiopia, including their sister, who is being ministered to by Adoption Ministry and the orphanage. We gathered at Bradley Lake Park and used the covered area, which turned out to be a really good thing when the skies opened up. The kids, and some adults, kept the soccer game going throughout all types of weather we experienced – it started out very pleasant and sunny, but that did not last too long. We don’t know exactly how many people attended, but we consumed over 10 dozen hot dogs. We know there were many scheduling conflicts on a Sunday afternoon, and there were quite a few people unable to make it. But the turnout was amazing and I think everyone had a great time – rain AND shine. The generosity of our family and friends continues to touch our hearts; thank you to all! You are truly making a difference in the lives of Ethiopian children. Click the picture to see more.
The video below includes a little setup, some soccer, and the crowd underneath cover from the rain.
Soccer – October 1
The soccer season continues to roll along. On Saturday, Daniel’s team played in Steilacoom against a team that is fairly new and learning to play together. The kids had fun, but were not presented with a serious challenge. Daniel scored 4 or 5 goals, including a textbook header on a corner kick. The opposing coach said, “it was just beautiful!” David’s team played in Tacoma against a very formidable opponent. It was a very tight game all the way with David scoring 3 goals in a 3-2 victory. It’s obvious now that Fall is here, as evidenced by the umbrellas and coats. Click the picture to see more.
Cross Country
The boys competed in their first cross country meet, at Bellarmine Prep School. They were in the same one-mile race, with a bunch (83 total) of other boys in third through fifth grades. Daniel finished in first place, with David about 30 seconds behind him in fifth place – two of the top five!! It was a very windy day with rain showers. A few C-17’s flew overhead. There was no rain during the race, and the course was not too slippery. They enjoyed themselves very much and are looking forward to opportunities to do this again (hopefully in two weeks). Randy was there talking with other parents and generally having a good time. And, of course, taking some pictures – click on the picture shown to see more.
First Professional Soccer Game
Kyle’s mother Margie, and her mother Ruli, treated the boys by taking them to the Seattle Sounders soccer game. And in true Margie fashion, she spoiled them beyond belief. There were team give-aways, and she bought them new team jerseys. They went early to enjoy some of the amenities of the stadium. Then they watched a great game with the Sounders beating D.C. United 3-0.
Click the picture above to see more from this great day.
Another Drummer in the Family
Apparently, we were unable to handle the “peace and quiet” around the house. So Daniel is taking up percussion in the elementary school band. We’re actually quite happy about this development and look back on Janel’s percussion days with fondness. Yes, it can get loud, but we also get to see a child develop skills in something he enjoys. It’s been clear since “Day 1” that Daniel has a sense of rhythm and a love of music. Assuming he dedicates himself like we think he will, we will have another exceptional percussionist in the family.
On Friday, Randy brought home Daniel’s first percussion kit, consisting of a snare drum and bells. Band starts on Tuesday and his private lessons begin in October (wish Janel lived closer!). Enjoy the video of Daniel “opening” his kit.
The 2011 Soccer Season Begins
It’s that time of year again! Both boys are on the same teams as last year, but the game has been moved up a notch or two (or three or four). Daniel’s team practiced all summer, twice a week, with very well organized and intentional practices. David was allowed to practice with the team and has improved enough that he could probably play with the older boys if he wanted to. The result is two very improved teams.
As is common this time of year, the first Saturday of the season brought sunshine and very warm weather; just a week later, it was cool and wet. In the first game, Daniel scored with a great shot off his heel while spinning to avoid the defender. David caught it on video and it’s shown above. In week two (earlier today), David looped a shot – off the goalie’s throw – over the defense and the goalie into the goal. That one is shown below. David actually scored four goals in his game today, but could not quite keep up with Daniel’s five! David’s team won their game 10-0, while Daniel’s won with a score of 12-4.
We expect that Daniel’s team will be moved into a tougher bracket after the first few games. They seem to have improved more than most teams this year.
Tigist Graduated
Most of you know that Daniel and David have an older sister (1/2 sister, technically) in Ethiopia. Tigist was just a girl when their parents passed away and she took on responsibility for looking after her younger brothers. She managed to get them into the orphanage and came to meet us when we visited there.
The orphanage and its director – with support from Adoption Ministry – subsequently cared for her and got her into hair-styling school so that she could have an opportunity for a better life. This week, we received word that she graduated! We also received these two pictures of graduation. We are so excited that she was able to receive this training. The boys are having a birthday fundraiser to help with the cost of setting up her own business. YWAM is investigating what it will take to make this happen. Contact us if you’d like to help meet this need. 
When we received these pictures, the boys’ faces lit up as they saw their sister. The graduation cap reinforced the value of education that we are trying to instill in the boys. Daniel immediately noticed how nice her hair looked! She is a beautiful young woman who has worked hard to overcome some very difficult circumstances. Though geographically distant, she is very much in our hearts and a part of our family. We are very proud of you, Tigist!!
Gotcha! Plus Two Years
This week marks two years since we traveled to Ethiopia and began the day-to-day phase of raising our boys. God had already placed them in our hearts and family, but we finally were able to begin experiencing life together. A brief recap of our trip:
- Sept. 12 – leave Seattle for Washington DC and then on the Addis Ababa
- Sept. 13 – arrive in Addis Ababa, make way to guest house just before midnight
- Sept. 14 – up early to meet the boys and then travel to Adama (Nazret) to visit the orphanage (Gotcha! date)
- Sept. 15 – appointment at U.S. embassy – hot & sticky (Sary-Jo was sick!)
- Sept. 16 – shopping & visiting other families and facilities; dinner with group
- Sept. 17 – receive documents, more “rush” shopping; catch late-night flight
- Sept. 18 – arrive in Seattle exhausted and excited
Now, two years later, we just submitted our annual progress report (a requirement until they turn 18) to our agency and to Ethiopia. Our previous reports had been written by our case worker (and friend, Liane), so this was the first time we had to compose it ourselves. Reflecting on the past year and looking through our pictures and blog posts helps to encourage us. The boys really have made remarkable progress, but it’s sometimes difficult to see on a daily basis because life comes at us pretty fast. Reflecting for a couple hours, and organizing our thoughts for the report, was a bit therapeutic.
Along with the progress report, we submitted some photos. They ask us for about 12 photos, but it’s tough to stop there. We sent a package of almost 40 because Daniel and David are so active, successful in what they do, and photogenic! How can we not share???
As we’ve documented in our posts on this site, we cannot begin to describe the life-change that’s taken place in all of us over these last two years. Opportunities to share our story – and therefore provide testimony to the greatness of God – abound. Sary-Jo and I have much richer lives because of these two energetic and intelligent kids. We feel constantly blessed and exhausted. We’re so glad that we said “yes” to this call, even when it seems we’re not up to the task. We receive just enough strength to get through each day as it comes. And we’re looking forward to the next several years!
Soccer 2011
For Daniel and David it is not surprising that soccer is their first love when it comes to sports. They are both very good players and so much fun to watch! Their soccer skills are dramatically better than last year – it’s hard to comprehend how much they’ve improved! Daniel’s team, the Wolverines, has been practicing all summer and the coaches have been so gracious in allowing David to practice with them. David’s team, the Rockets, began practicing a few weeks ago.
Preseason tournaments have been fun:
- Daniel played as a guest with the Diamondbacks. They won their bracket and he had a great time playing with them.
- David’s team played in a tournament in August. David scored 14 goals!! You can tell he’s been playing all summer with the older boys.
- Labor Day weekend featured the Puyallup Valley Kick-Off tournament, in which Daniel’s team participated. The team played very well and won their bracket! I think Daniel scored more goals in this tournament than he did all last season. His coaches have encouraged him to be a bit more aggressive and he’s got amazing footwork.
Mom loves cheering and loses her voice each time. She is not looking forward to those cold, rainy, muddy, stinky games, which the regular season is sure to bring…but she’ll be loving on her boys regardless!!
The video below includes a bunch of scoring – first, David’s 14 tournament goals are shown (late update: due to a technical problem, one was omitted). Then, Daniel’s goals are shown. We also included a couple of his assists – one with some nifty footwork and another off a corner kick. We think you’ll enjoy the video, which also highlights the weather and the beautiful view of the soccer venue in the Puyallup Valley! Click on the picture of David, above, for more photos.