In Koudougou

The following glimpse of our time in Burkina Faso was partially written on May 31, 2014.  It is now posted, more than a year later, as a reflection of our time together,  as a reminder of all we witnessed, and as a call to prayer for those still there. 

Road Trip!

Ruth and her die-hard Mitsubishi took us on two excursions this past week, into the bush, and beyond the traffic and bustle of Ouagadougou.

We saw guinea fowl, chickens and roosters, goats, sheep, several skinny cows, a few pigs,  and many weary looking donkeys on both of these long roads out of town.  What struck  me was the vast openness where all of these animals grazed.  How do their owners know where to find them in the evenings?  How do people know which goat they can eat or milk?  These barnyard  beasts cross roads and find new neighbors all day long.  We saw, along the way, two shepherd boys, both about Nate's age who watched over and guided their small herds of cattle along the roadside, with a long staff.  Otherwise, every animal seemed free to roam. We learned from Ruth that tails of sheep fall down their backside, while tails of goats flip up!  Fun Fact from the field.  I also learned, from Sylvain, that pigs in Burkina say, "kwonk, kwonk, kwonk...."

Ouagadougou, Koudougou, and Yako make a nearly equilateral triangle on a map-- Yako is furthest north, Ouaga in the center and Koudougou in the center, but farther west.  Driving through and beyond the small town of Yako (with its one street light still pending), will take you to Mali.  In a straight line from Ouaga through Koudougou, you'd also end up in Mali, but closer to Ivory Coast.  Ruth and Linda live in a small and remote village called Kimini, just a few miles from the Ivory Coast border.

The scenery out the window for both of our road ventures was beautiful, in the harsh, difficult, and an "I can't take my eyes off of this"  kind of way.  We saw some amazing Baobab trees and although we wanted to take photos at several points, it felt as if we'd be so oddly conspicuous, stepping out to do this.....like we'd be stepping into someone's living room.

On this day to Koudougou, we visited Thomas' first orphanage, run by an African woman and several tanties.  We sat in a circle on the large, covered patio while the children came ever closer, and Ruth translated French to English so patiently.  The inside of the small, painted brick building had cement floors just like the patio, and hardly a stick of furniture.  There were a couple of blankets on the floors and some tiny babies sleeping in the suffocating heat of the day. One tantie picked up a tiny one....so small, about 3 pounds as she slept, and we heard that this was how small our son was, when he arrived.  How miraculous that they survive.

We wanted this visit to be short and sweet-- kind of a gratuitous visit, really-- where we give some small gifts-- cooking oil, a large bag of rice, soap and some donations we'd brought from home and acknowledge them as Sylvain's first "home" in gratitude.   But as is African culture, and there is no such thing as short and sweet.... there are lingering moments and long stories and playing with the children.  The Directrice of this little home was gracious but made many overt plugs for donations....she needs a computer, she needs her kids to be sponsored, she needs money for food for the children.  Can you blame her for her bold requests?  Our "plenty" was only there, sitting on her porch, for the afternoon-- how could the opportunity pass without us giving her all she needed?  So she asked, and asked, and the day wore on.

But we couldn't give her all she needed, could we?  We were in debt for this adoption-- financial hardship, really.  We'd brought gifts....was that not enough?  Of course it was not.  In her view, she cared for our son for three years.....was she not owed more?  The reality was, when we finally said our goodbyes, we'd be returning to a home with furniture and carpeted floors, and food in our refrigerator.  She'd still be here, with babies that were too-tiny,  4 year olds with fungus infections on their heads, children needing sponsors to attend school,  and not enough food for the children.

This is Nate and an absolutely beautiful boy named, "Innocent".  Nate is teaching him to count in English.  Innocent was so engaging and sat on my lap or near me the whole time.  When we left, he cried and would not wave good bye.  Joe and I wished that he could come home with us too.  Nate and I cried too.  We were broken hearted.

Kellen, as in all places we visited, was a baby-magnet.  He always had a little one on his lap, and each time, the kids were relaxed and at ease in his arms.  Innocent was teaching Sylvain an African children's song in the photo below.

Ruth and Linda, below-- completely in their element with a little one on their knees.  This girl was so sweet and super sassy-- she clamored for lap space and jockeyed for the best slice of mango.  She bossed the little ones and directed the traffic of small feet to her liking.  I hope she grows up strong and confident, and keeps that feisty spark in her eye.

Amazingly, in the poverty of this place, all of our family members were given gifts.  Sylvain was given this traditional African tunic and pants, Kellen and Nate were both given necklaces.  I was received a head scarf and Joe, a farmer's hat.

 This child sharing my lap with Innocent wore a hat to cover the white scalp of a fungal infection.  Such as easy problem to solve here, but in Burkina Faso's orphanage, it is something that one lived with.  I lost sleep regretting what we'd given.... why the donations we gave, with basic first aid supplies didn't contain fungal cream-- arrgghhh!  To be able to do this over again....

 A glimpse inside of this home, a beautiful face behind the green door.

The tall, strong, and beautiful directrice, with a tantie in the background is saying her goodbyes to Sylvain.  We are struck with the fact that Sylvain rarely smiled, and that he was not entirely at ease here.  It is hard to know what he remembered of this place, of this woman, or what he may have thought or feared here, with us all together.  How confusing it must have been.

We are thankful for our time here.  We are blessed to have been able to meet the woman who cared for our small son, at the start of his life.

Post Script:
Joe and I would like to plan ahead to visit this place when we go to Burkina Faso next time, when we adopt our new son.  Koudougou is out of the way, but worth the trip.  We'll bring rice, cooking oil, soap in greater quantities, and we'll bring fungal cream and mangoes for the children too.  I wonder if Innocent will be there....

If you would like to donate to our adoption please click on the AdoptTogether link.  We'd be so grateful for your support!  Thanks for following our story~

Cris and Joe

Multitasking in Africa

Our Days are Full!

Almost every day, we set off with Ruth and Linda to take care of business and run our necessary errands.  Some are for fun....like shopping, or to ice cream  :)  Others are more important, like signing the "Golden Book" (which is not really golden at all), for the child welfare agency that allowed us to adopt our Burkinabe son.  Other errands are critical, as they enable us to to go home....Like appointments at our Consulate or to the Belgian Embassy.....

With Mme Kiema, the "Golden Book" keeper, and our Social Worker,
Adiara with her 3 week old baby, Ruth Azzania

Although traffic through town requires advanced planning, we can usually tick off several of our to-do items each day.  For those of you who run your personal errands with respect to your "driving circle", you will relate to this.  At home, there's the dry cleaners on the way to the post office, on the way to Target, then to pick Kellen up from practice, just before swinging by the taco shop for burritos, then home-- its a circle!

In Africa, things are not so predicable, however, so our planning sometimes goes out the window.  The transit visa we needed to get, so that  Sylvain may  walk from one terminal to another in the Brussels airport takes about 10 minutes to process at the Belgian Embassy, but it took three separate trips to the Embassy to obtain, in real life.  Which means three days out in traffic.

Welcoming party in front of our tailor,
Joseph's shop

Today, we went out to run several errands.  One was to pick up the clothing that we took to the tailor last week, but, alas.....it was not yet ready.  We'll go back out at 5pm tonight, to pick up our beautiful new skirts and shirts.  If you are wondering, 5:00 traffic is just about what you'd expect at home, for 5:00 traffic, only with more donkey carts and ten thousand more motos.  Many motos ---the ones I can't take my eyes off of---have a woman driving, with another woman as her passenger, and a baby strapped to the back of the passenger!  The motos weave in and out of traffic as though they were on a loom....creating the fabric of  insanity through the city streets.

We felt like we got ahead of the game, TWICE today!  We multi-tasked!  Joe ran across the street to buy these totally addictive and delicious "sugared peanuts" from a street vendor, while the rest of us went inside the market to shop for essentials, like peanut butter, bread, bottled water,  (soda, candy, chips  :)    We felt very accomplished!  Since the young men at the market don't let you carry out your own groceries, it felt very luxurious indeed!

The second WIN for the day involves one of my so-far-favorite activities since I've been in Burkina-- (besides the African restaurant).  Joe, Ruth and Nate ran across the street  (Joe is always the guy you can count on to safely cross streets with.....me, not so much).  They were on a mission to get Nate a much-coveted Burkina Faso soccer jersey.  There is a strong sense of national pride here-- it is cute to see many Burkinabe young men wearing their "colors" in support of their homeland and home team.  Nate, Kellen, and Sylvain can now all join the bandwagon!  While Joe and his group were negotiating, Linda and  I took Sylvain to a roadside "coiffure shop"....more of a coiffure shack, really..... The young barber skillfully wielded first, his quick scissors, taking only the small tufts of tight curl from Sylvain's little head.  Then he applied some oil, and used what looked like a comb, with a razor blade inset, so that every small and careful stroke across our boy's melon, created a nearly smooth pattern.  Amazingly, he left the top a teeny bit longer, used an oiled brush, and then, with a plain old straight-edge-- like a naked razor blade, gently cut a 3 inch part into our son's hair.  Sylvain was so still and calm for the whole thing.  Afterwards, he insisted on reviewing the photos we took, and told us all (in Morre, or French, or just laugh bubbles) all about his new haircut.  Although Kellen witnessed the skill of the barber, AND although he really does need a haircut, he opted out of this African experience.

Handsome Boy!

Yesterday was another multi-tasking day-- Joe and I  visited a boy who is in our hearts and prayers  (see my previous blog post called, "Meet a Boy who Dreams"), while Ruth took some photos of other sweet little boys waiting for their forever families.  Yesterday's story, however is not so light....and that will be for another day.

Four Days in Burkina Faso

We are here!

The days are hot and sweaty, full of new adventures in sight, sound, smell and taste--

Hotel Ricardo Pool

We arrived on Friday, May 23rd and were met by Ruth and Linda-- two women who are  like Batman and Robin only better: More courageous in city traffic, undaunted by haggling street vendors, committed to goodness and justice in ways Batman and Robin never imagined. Ruth has been our adoption partner for 18 months, and is now our skilled Chauffer, our intrepid guide, our ready translator.

On our first night, after checking in at Hotel Ricardo, we had dinner together, then settled in to our air conditioned hotel rooms....sparse but clean, and run by a delightful French-Chilean woman, Paulina, and her husband.

The next day, we were able to meet and visit with Sylvain twice-- In the morning, we drove into the compound, where his orphanage, his church, and a primary school are located, just off of a bustling roadway full of street vendors, donkey carts, and regular city traffic, which consists of bright green taxis, autos, and thousands of crazed "moto" drivers.  I'm pretty sure that only the drivers of cars observe traffic signals....maybe only Ruth.  

As Ruth's car rumbled down the red dirt road, we saw primary children taking a break from their studies, outside, all in their school uniforms.  Further down the road, we saw Sylvain, sitting out on a blanket, under the shade, with a "Tantie" and about 5 other small children, all playing with legos.  We spotted him immediately, and he jumped up as he recognized Ruth's car right away.  As is the custom, he and his little buddies extended their hands in greeting, saying, "bon jour" to each of us-- SO very sweet!   Within minutes after introductions, Sylvain had allowed us all to touch or hug him, and climbed right into Joe's lap for a snuggle.  Even in 100 degree weather, he wanted Joe to hold him.  The other sweet, tiny little ones also clamored for lap space with us and loved the attention.

                                        

Nate and Kellen noticed that Sylvain's little feet were in bad shape, and he was walking on his toes.  We went for a short walk to see the street vendors nearby and found a little pair of flip flops for him to slip on.  Back home, we'll see what a doctor says about how to best treat this.  For the past couple of days, Sylvain has been in the pool, worn his little shoes, and has slept with socks and Neo-sporin, so we know he's already feeling much better. 

On our walk together, Sylvain took our hands and loved being carried by Papa and "Coh-Lan".  Despite his obvious difficulty seeing and focusing, he led the way, and navigated perfectly.

In the afternoon, after he had eaten lunch and taken a nap at the orphanage, the Directrice allowed us to bring Sylvain back to our hotel for a swim in our pool-- but she warned us that he had no fear of the water.....Boy was she right!!!  He squealed and clapped and splashed more like a typical toddler than a six year old,  full of pure joy!  Sylvain jumped from the side to Joe and to Kellen, counting "one.....deux..... tree!"

The photo below shows him pretty calm, but there are some squirrely, silly photos on the other camera that we'll post another time.

That night there was an amazing wind and lightning storm that rattled our door in its hinges and caused much banging and clanging outside, with the metal poles of our awnings, and giant trees being wooshed around....I was sure that Kellen and Nate would be nervous in their room right next door, with such a stormy night.  Joe went over twice to check, but both boys slept right through the storm!  We stood for a minute and felt the first rain start to fall, as the country began its desparately needed start to the rainy season.  Joe and I can now sing that old Toto song, "I bless the rains down in Aaaaa-aaaa--fri--caaaaa...." with reckless abandon, the next time we see a Karaoke opportunity.  :)

The rain cooled the temperature considerably the next day-- Sunday we attended church with Sylvain and his "Directrice", at her request.  The service lasted about two hours, and was spoken and sang in both French and Morre-- it was beautiful to see and hear-- all of the women, dressed in the most beautiful African dresses and head-dresses, worshiping and praying with such freedom and ease.  After church, we took Sylvain-- for good this time.  Our first over-nighter!  I'll write about that experience another time. Everyone slept and settled in beautifully, but all of of experienced a wide range of emotions and the experience seemed very surreal.

On Monday morning, Ruth picked us up bright and early-- we had a very busy day with her.  After signing some important papers with Sylvain's orphanage Directrice, we purchased some fantastic fabric, and went straight to the tailor's shop to be measured-- The boys and Joe will have a few shirts, and I'll have several new skirts-- I can't wait to see them!  Lunch on Monday was my favorite-- Ruth took us to an African restaurant-- the seating was outdoors, on gravel, and there were fans mounted on the inside of the shade structure.  Our meal was African "comfort food".....rice and sauce, and it was absolutely delicious!  We had more than we could eat, so took our "to-go" bags and gave it away-- one bag to a blind woman begging on a busy street corner, and one to a dusty little girl of about 9, who ran across two busy intersections to our car, when she and her mother noticed us handing out food.  

Below is a photo of the hand-washing station from the restaurant.  The boys loved it. 

Every experience here is new-- we are slowing down, enjoying out time together, and doing our best to remember that God is at the reins.  

Orphanage Donations-- an invitation to join us!

"It is FINISHED!"  

This was the subject line from Ruth on March 7th, 2014, when our adoption was finally approved in the courts of Koudougou, Burkina Faso.  

The last approval.  

The final approval.  

The good news we had been praying for since our first court date in November of 2013!!  

Although our son is currently living in West Africa, he is ours and we are HIS!!  What an amazing blessing, to be part of God's story, and know that there is now one less orphan in the world!  

We are so thankful for so many who have been waiting and praying right along with us, all these long months.  Through our frustration, impatience, despair....and eventually to our surrender.  Waiting is not, as one might think, a passive activity, but one of intention and will.  Choosing how to wait, and what to do (or not do), are decisions which reveal who we trust and how we trust. (More thoughts on the spiritual aspects of waiting in a future post, but for now, the details:)

Ruth has helped us to coordinate our travel, and she'll be with us every step of the way, once we arrive in country.  Our family will be leaving the U.S. on May 19th, and we will meet our new son on May 24th.  

Our Beautiful Son~ The Newest Dorsey

Some of you have asked about what we'll do while in Burkina, and what we'll bring.  We'll have the opportunity to visit and work with two extremely impoverished communities and orphanages.  I'd like to invite you to join me, gentle reader, as you are interested, in our efforts to help the children still living as orphans in Burkina.  

As God calls us to help the “least of these”, (Matt 25:40), truly, we see that these children are indeed desperate for our care and our help.  

The children at these orphanages need simple things that are so easy to come by here at home, but are unavailable, living in Burkina Faso.  Please consider joining us in following God's call to care for orphans and widows .  (James 1:27) 

Here is a list of items most needed:

Advil and Tylenol-- (Children's, Infant, and Adult)

Benadryl (Children's and Adult)

Anti-bacterial/anti-fungal cream

Bandages and first aid supplies

Anti-itch cream

Burn creams and treatments

Girls' and boys' underwear, (children's sizes through adult Med.)

Plastic diaper covers

Cloth or disposable diapers

Baby wipes and rash cream

Baby formula

Sun hats and baseball caps in good condition 

Sunscreen (spf 30+) ** (for children who are albino)

Small, med., or large sport shorts for boys

Backpacks in good condition

Games that don't require you to understand English (checkers, Connect Four, jump-ropes, frisbees, cards)

Not-inflated soccer balls, hand-held pump

If you are local, you can donate at North Coast Church, Carlsbad campus, or where I teach, at Carrillo Elementary School, but I am happy to pick up too-- just email me! Feel free to include a note or photo with your donation, if you'd like (if you write in French, all the better!).   Our hope is that friends will share this  "orphanage donation" request with others….maybe in your book club or bible study, so that our suitcases will be FULL of items that will go right to the children who need them most--- how's that for "zero overhead"?

If you live far away, we'd be so grateful if you'd  pray for safe travels and a smooth transition for our family, and especially for our new son.  If you'd like to contribute financially-- (checks payable to Sheltering Wings are tax deductible), that would be great too, click here:   Sheltering Wings Donations

The last day for collecting donations will be on May 11th., to allow planning and packing time.

Thanks for partnering and praying with us.  We are so grateful for your support!  I’ll be updating our blog with details of our journey and our time in Burkina in the next few weeks.  I’d love to share our news and our adventures with you!  

I’ve included photos of some of the kids you’ll be helping at the orphanages in Yako and Kimini, Burkina Faso.  

From Linda Wilk's blog- burkinababies17.blogspot.com/

From Mike & Amy Riddering at reachburkina.blogspot.com

Feel free to check out Ruth's blog for more great stories and photos (she is our in-country adoption facilitator):

Dieudonne, still waitiing for his family, from Ruth's blog

Email me if you have any questions, or if you are thinking about adoption or orphancare-- We are an open book!  

We are on our way!!

Cris

Meet a Boy Who Dreams.....

Charlemagne, or "Charles",  lives in the 4^th poorest country in the world, where the future for orphans, especially those with disabilities, is filled with struggle, poverty, and uncertainty.  He is a beautiful boy who has been waiting so long to have a family of his own.  He is hearing impaired, but he is so much more…..

He is described as mild and even, 

creative and resilient, 

shy yet engaging. 

Like all children, Charlemagne dreams of having a family who will love him and help him to reach his full potential.  He dreams of a future in which he can learn, grow, and thrive.  Could you be his dream of family?

Please contact Ruth Cox for more information about this beautiful boy.  Your can reach her through her blog: burkinaorphanage.blogspot.com