tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79382143759685432642011-07-08T09:41:30.885-05:00KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.comBlogger1061100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-52744681628742301622010-08-05T12:24:00.000-05:002010-08-05T12:44:49.893-05:00

http://justmypov.wordpress.com/

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-59456679020424171432009-09-27T19:14:00.005-05:002009-09-27T20:16:24.862-05:00

Many of you have followed us through our last year and our two adoptions. At this moment one year ago today, I was sleeping in a guest house in Ethiopia. I would wake up in the morning and we would go to get Tamene. And he would be with us forever, from that day forward.The girls have been home almost two months, and the weather outside reminds me of how far Tamene has come in that last year. I

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-32407209033077013182009-09-26T19:56:00.003-05:002009-09-27T14:41:56.795-05:00

Angelisa and Tirzah have enough hair for an entire village of children. Angelisa has some of the thickest "straight" hair you will ever see and Tirzah has some of the thickest "textured" hair you will ever see.Trust me when I tell you that the fine folks at Super Clips for Cheap can NOT cut these girls hair. And trust me when I tell you that the fine folks and Million Dollar Do's are making a

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-1546857421747527552009-09-17T17:54:00.005-05:002009-09-17T22:51:28.540-05:00

A post of totally random thoughts, some are mine, some are from other people.No rhyme, no reason, no story. Just stuff.“God places the heaviest burden on those who can carry its weight.”Reggie WhiteDon't pray for lighter burdens, but for stronger backs.“If God sends us on strong paths, we are provided strong shoes.”A man in church told me this proverb of sorts. He's wise. I am glad for his

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-89064537593143433132009-09-15T21:37:00.002-05:002009-09-15T21:51:08.378-05:00

It's Tuesday night.It just is.Nothing about my day was normal... which in itself actually makes it a normal day. It's some kind of irony thing is happening with what's normal in my life and what's not. Normal is the average of the extremes though right? So the question is what sort of extreme will I encounter in any given day.The girls haven't been here a full two months yet. So we are still

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-58510382066004861422009-09-14T09:19:00.001-05:002009-09-14T09:51:53.131-05:00

A small group of friends and family are working with me to set up a non-profit that will center itself in helping orphans and missions.I will have much more detail on this soon. For now, I have set up a blog to kick off what we are calling "Project Global Hope". Soon this will be a registered non-profit. In the mean time, the needs exist and I will be using it to post updates about the situation

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-76047391622923939182009-09-11T22:28:00.002-05:002009-09-11T22:34:03.675-05:00

Tonight the tooth-fairy will visit the Peterson House.An interesting phenomenon at our house... three teeth out from three children. Oddly the tooth fairy was not appropriately summonsed. Tooth under pillow required. So two teeth fell out earlier in the week. But all three teeth will finally make it to that magical place until the pillow tonight... then the tiny girl with wings will come and

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-50280031295521091472009-09-08T10:37:00.008-05:002009-09-08T10:54:58.986-05:00

The boys! Having fun at the park. Naven and Eden, playing in the water. They started out dry and ended up soaked! Super-models? Thumbs up! We are having fun. Who loves momma? My babies!The Peterson Band!

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-16265323976608903102009-09-04T11:41:00.011-05:002009-09-05T21:21:05.412-05:00

Criticism is something we can avoid easily by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing” Aristotle From my last post:Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires courage.” Ralph Waldo

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-60588392160548739162009-09-02T21:07:00.002-05:002009-09-02T21:37:38.740-05:00

I often come across quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson that make me think,or that I somehow find myself relating to. The other day I posted a couple of his quotes on facebook. I've gone back to this quote a couple times. I posted the quote and then my own comment below:Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-36886321241771915642009-09-01T14:04:00.002-05:002009-09-01T14:06:29.940-05:00

Here is a quote... in my mind, it really doesn't have anything to do with adoption, or our girls. Though to an outsider it might appear that way. Rather to me it is about being a good citizen:“To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived - that is to have succeeded.”Ralph Waldo Emerson

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-59258835284122058892009-09-01T13:40:00.002-05:002009-09-01T21:51:29.287-05:00

Thanks to all those who have been praying for or have donated money to the orphanage in Ghana.The money was sent today. I will keep you posted.Edit:To clarify: A small amount of money was sent immediately at the time the need was identified. Once I received the donations from those of you who were willing, I sent a lump sum to avoid additional transfer/wire fees.

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-48422655034149194272009-08-28T13:07:00.001-05:002009-08-28T13:07:58.348-05:00

http://marlakarla.blogspot.com/

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-20978144805311624922009-08-23T18:38:00.005-05:002009-08-23T19:26:48.359-05:00

So I think it would be accurate to say that I am the kind of person who likes to keep busy, have lots of activities going on, and I like to help and solve problems. The problem can be trivia, trivial, or more serious. I don't usually see barriers or obstacles... if there is a problem, then there is a solution and I will find it. That's just my personality.When we were leaving for Ghana on our

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-45340578158108058962009-08-23T02:22:00.003-05:002009-08-23T02:35:08.460-05:00

A whole week has passed since my last blog... I can tell you that it is certainly NOT due to lack of things to write about.Week two of school was completed. And that was successful. There was a dental appointment and that went better than expected (not the results, just the willingness to participate). We have all been learning a lot more about each other. This is week three home for the children

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-38759846053741125882009-08-16T22:05:00.003-05:002009-08-16T22:59:03.551-05:00

Me: What do you want for dinnerEden: Fried rice, chicken and Jesus white.*at our house Jesus white is now the common term for vanilla ice cream - I am sure it is not taking the name of the Lord in vain because we are talking about a yummy treat like ice cream.Me: You should go to bed.Eden: It makes me scared-a-fiedTrent: Change into your sleeping clothesEden: You turn your head (I think this one

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-72745898482538562572009-08-15T21:43:00.003-05:002009-08-15T22:03:20.026-05:00

Transitions can be so hard. I loved my time in Ghana. It was a wonderful experience but I sooooo wanted to be home. Home was the US and Minnesota, and my house and my bed. American food, American laws, American culture... any of it would have made me feel home. More than anything I missed Trent and the kids, but I think that is obvious that you miss family.So now my girls are here... we are

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-70177275075545024572009-08-12T21:53:00.004-05:002009-08-12T22:48:58.559-05:00

So for now we are working to develop a "normal" pattern in our house. By all means, I am not saying normal, as in average... just finding our own normal... our own routine.Trent's been doing the wash. Just looking at the mound make my head spin.I bought a HUGE pile of uniforms for the kids for school. I totally thought I was going overboard... but nope... I didn't have enough. I bought a couple

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-66173626962926053322009-08-11T19:33:00.003-05:002009-08-11T22:17:06.857-05:00

Apparrently the complication of night-time / bed-time for children is an international delimma.Who sleeps wherewho sleeps with momwho sleep whenwho sleeps how long...just thinking about it makes me sleepy.

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-63880852404827953482009-08-10T21:33:00.003-05:002009-08-10T21:49:00.303-05:00

More updates.Day one of school, complete and successful.One morning and one night time routine complete and successful (okay, one kid is not in her own bed, but they are all sleeping).Tomorrow, day two of school... I expect it will go as well as day one- but I won't be surprised if we get a whole new experience :-)It is fun to watch the personality and dynamics of the sibling relationships as

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-73643981909468805622009-08-06T08:58:00.005-05:002009-08-06T09:58:01.084-05:00

These pictures were taken in Ghana. Trent and I are wearing some clothing that was hand made for us WHILE we were in Ghana. We had a great time. We are so happy to be home with all of our family! This weekend Naven turns 7, I will take more photos and post them of all of us together!

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-18651429899798608782009-08-05T08:10:00.002-05:002009-08-05T08:56:12.909-05:00

We arrived home late on Sunday night. It was just the four of us in the house.Eden woke in the night and decided she was hungry. After consuming 5 blueberry muffins (compliments of Jamie and Tamene) she was willing to return to bed. Tirzah woke up and was a little shaken by her hew surroundings.Later I attempted to make some traditional foood for them. This didn't work out well for me, so Tirzah

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-33995951816998126472009-08-03T06:26:00.003-05:002009-08-03T06:29:43.542-05:00

We have returned from Ghana with our beautiful daughters. I hope to have my whole family under one roof by tomorrow!Our flight home was 5,274 miles. (or maybe that was the number of times the children the children used the bathroom on the airplane!)I have many stories to tell about our 3 days in Ghana - a little like dancing as fast as you can.Thanks to all for your support and help to make this

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-39139393178023461312009-07-29T14:38:00.000-05:002009-07-29T14:40:38.475-05:00

Soon I will board a plane to Ghana. Then I will sleep. I will sleep long and hard! When I wake up I'll be in Ghana!

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-55642135010883050122009-07-28T07:49:00.006-05:002009-07-28T08:46:00.210-05:00

Yesterday I learned a few lessons in perseverance and persistence. Sometimes you have to ask twice. Sometime you have to wait it out. And sometimes you have to wait it out and ask five times.May I tell you my story again?Yesterday, I was assisting a family with an issue related to adoption, and looking for a way to to get their children to American. After a year long wait since they first saw the

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-64161884567971517352009-07-24T22:57:00.003-05:002009-07-24T23:43:00.353-05:00

Only 5 more days until we depart for Ghana. We fly direct from the US into Ghana... no stops in London this time. (Did I mention I got a pedicure in London... sounds kind of hoity toity, but it wasn't!)I don't know how long the flight is because, in my current state of mind, I lack the ability to calculate time zones with flight time... so after staring blankly at the itinerary for a while I

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-71051466165658727202009-07-24T11:49:00.000-05:002009-07-24T11:58:31.542-05:00

Many of you have heard this hopeful mother announcing we would have visas for our girls today. We have received word from Ghana that the visas are printed and in the hands of the agency. We have tickets and we will leave for Ghana on July 29 and we will return with the girls on August 2. That is the official word!Thanks you all for your support, patience and words of encouragement. Mostly thanks

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-63251406226784000112009-07-23T21:32:00.003-05:002009-08-05T11:41:37.334-05:00

Carmin had the cutest "flip-flops" while we were in Ghana. Kind of a pink braid of material made up the strap. I was fond of them. I normally don't notice shoes but I liked these. I was a little disappointed when she left them behind... the were cute and they didn't fit me, and who would I give them to?What we call flip-flop sandals, my friends in Ghana call Slippers. They wear them and use them

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-82979344762033429152009-07-21T21:33:00.003-05:002009-07-22T07:29:47.954-05:00

I am on the fence about something. It's a funny thing to be on the fence about. I can deal in the world of gray but I think I prefer black and white. I prefer "yes" or "no" answers. Yet, I thrive on a loop hole. So what is it that I am on the fence about? Worry. It's about "worry". To worry or not to worry, that is the question. But its not what I worry about. I am on the fence about my opinion

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-75357959889448127522009-07-19T22:18:00.002-05:002009-07-19T22:33:02.494-05:00

Yes it is Sunday July 19.I don't know if there is anything special about today. But what I don't like is that here on Sunday July 19th, we visited by parents in Wisconsin, sans two children. Of we went to sports camp... where I had signed up all 5 of my children. Only three were present.I am holding a mini jury case in my head about why my children even need visas to enter the US. They are my

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-43866542838969961332009-07-17T12:03:00.002-05:002009-07-17T12:04:22.473-05:00

We have a visa appointment.Now we just need printed visas then we are on our way to get our girls!Hoping to have visas printed next Friday!

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-17291878329816174362009-07-12T11:45:00.011-05:002009-07-12T12:32:23.473-05:00

Who came up with the insane quote:"Missing someone gets easier everyday. Because, even though it is one day further from the last time you saw each other, it is one day closer to the next time you will”I've decided I am just plain cranky today. Not mad, not sad, maybe not even cranky... but very, very cynical. And if a cynic believes that people are motivated by selfish concerns and they are

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-21615927631551854512009-07-10T11:04:00.003-05:002009-07-10T11:08:09.641-05:00

http://bigsissyblog.blogspot.com/Stop by this blog and leave a comment!It is writen by my 9 year old daughter.Enjoy.

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-9004037713412657792009-07-10T06:47:00.005-05:002009-07-19T22:18:08.384-05:00

How is the food in Ghana for a picky eater?Ohh, Ghana for the picky eater... I had this same questions about Ethiopia. Let me give you the hard core answer, then I'll give you the friendly American answer.You are traveling to a third world country. Some of the people don't even get to eat 3 meals a day. You don't get to be "picky" you just eat foods that you think or know won't make you sick. Eat

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-90096428894880731082009-07-09T22:01:00.002-05:002009-07-09T22:15:26.098-05:00

I miss the girls in a big way.I often chuckle to myself when I think about how little Eden and Tamene are going to get along. I think that they will drive each other crazy and be naughty but it will still be funny. I hope it is as funny when it happens as I think it is now. It makes me laugh out loud. They will make our family laugh in ways we never thought possible.I think about Eden and Naven,

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-21831499382810165582009-07-09T13:48:00.003-05:002009-07-09T22:00:42.242-05:00

We want to have someone in Ghana make our family traditional Ghanaian clothes. How much did this cost?This is an excellent idea and an excellent question. You will be able to find a variety of people and places willing to make items for you. The material will vary in price. I am sure one of your fellow adoptive parents could give you a lot more detail on choices in fabric, but we were a fan of "

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-59656314957117875202009-07-07T11:10:00.007-05:002009-07-07T16:26:33.550-05:00

I asked a fellow adopting parent who has not yet traveled to share her questions with me. I am still working to categorize my thoughts, I am hoping this will help!(a small bit of background and disclaimer - I am a huge fan of disclaimers!... My husband and I have a background in Mental Health. I have an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Human Development. Trent is a

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-61644237335084444992009-07-05T21:25:00.000-05:002009-07-06T03:00:36.657-05:00

I've been home 5 days. I don't recall much from the first 2 days. I did think somehow it was a good plan to go to a movie on evening 3 home. I'll owe many apologies for my odd and withdrawn behaviors that evening. I did decide that out of country travel should require an emotional quarantine. I have no idea what made me think I could function and hit the ground running upon arrival back in

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-68200190030973251622009-07-04T09:01:00.005-05:002009-07-04T11:05:25.044-05:00

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-10059543113838990462009-07-01T14:09:00.002-05:002009-07-01T14:17:58.077-05:00

Some of the children had memorized the following prayers that I wanted to share:It is a response type prayer. The adult says italicized and child completes the prayer.Children obey your parent in the Lord for this is rightChildren obey your parent in all thing for this is well, pleasing to the LordThe Angel of the Lord comes around these who fear him and deliver themI can do all things through

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-5814203788889338352009-07-01T04:56:00.003-05:002009-07-01T05:16:59.431-05:00

I am finding that I have the urge to blog about all of my experiences in Ghana, but that something is holding me back.I am worried that somehow my descriptions of Ghana might misrepresent the amazing place that Ghana is. Ghana is very very different from America and I worry that my western description through my western eyes, with my western language may not be able to give justice to the amazing

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-25040071966298686992009-06-30T10:18:00.002-05:002009-06-30T10:29:44.084-05:00

4 weeks in Ghana. I was doing fine. The longer I was there the more I missed home and my family and friends, but the more l learned to love Ghana.So I am home now, less than 24 hours. I woke up twice last night to find myself attempting to navigate my room as if I were still at the guest house in Ghana. I finally had to turn on the light to realize I was in my own bedroom.As the kids were getting

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-68776891541359971072009-06-24T16:51:00.000-05:002009-06-24T19:12:13.428-05:00

All updates are being posted on facebook. No one is getting emails this trip. For our Ethiopia trip I didn't have access to blogger and I wasn't on facebook much. So there you have it... The techie nerd travels to Africa with her blackberry, and communications of the utmost importance land on facebook and blogger. My mom hasn't even received email updates... Poor woman. So we are all dping well.

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-34017016696016750562009-06-22T15:19:00.000-05:002009-06-22T15:32:15.351-05:00

This is the end of week 3 in Ghana and the beginning of week 4. I've been stuck in a car in heat most of the day. Today I am actely aware of how long I have been away. I have a whole new respect for "there's no place like home". I'd rather be in MN traffic than Ghana traffic. I'd rather get pulled over by a state trooper than a Ghana city council. I wouldn't care if the fine was 200 times more

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-78561419377510467752009-06-18T17:37:00.001-05:002009-07-04T11:59:25.624-05:00

Future posts from the heart:Should I stay or should I go?There's no place like home.Ghana hospitalGhana timeBabies and mommas: limit one per householdA medium for adoptive mothers' loveFufu and Feminism (a.k.a Girl Power!)Future post for humor:Balckberry thumb and other strange illnesses from technologyMemoryfoam mattresses a Ghanaian LuxuryCrocs: when they become a way of lifeAmerican Ramen vs.

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-9680796266333456002009-06-16T14:05:00.000-05:002009-06-16T14:13:18.743-05:00

I don't know how long I've been here in Ghana. I don't care to count. I don't know how much longer I will be here, but counting the days won't change that either. Right here, right now, in the dark in Ghana my girls are with me. In the coolness of our room at the guesthouse they ate and fell asleep. I hear their rythmic breathing. I see their peaceful faces. I pray their dreams are as peaceful as

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-29929046187946362632009-06-11T01:11:00.000-05:002009-06-11T01:24:15.559-05:00

Angelisa and I have been here a week. I am totally in mommy mode all the time. I haven't felt up to blogging much. Keeping a blog is very emotional for me. Right now I have to be strong. We enjoy spending time with the girls. We spend most of our days at Eban, with the children. It's incredibly hot and we continue to lose power regularly. The biggest "problem" we run into is just that no fans

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-91106370501873764762009-06-09T08:28:00.001-05:002009-06-09T08:31:57.633-05:00

We got the missing passport

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-10077994396234166332009-06-09T08:28:00.000-05:002009-06-09T08:29:31.544-05:00

We got the missing passport

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-54278881022849383062009-06-06T17:34:00.000-05:002009-06-06T23:31:41.298-05:00

I am not a well traveled person. But I can't imagine a more friendly place than Ghana. I am so far from my family and home. Yet, I feel that I am with friends in a strangely familiar place. My new Sr. Brother, Emmanual,helps me to navigate and get what I need. Translates when I don't understand Ghanaian English and when others do not understand my American English. My mommy, Amelia, is a strong

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-27649067067519574962009-06-05T12:32:00.002-05:002009-06-05T12:42:40.003-05:00

excuse one hand typing, i thought I would have a moment to blog... but my child has another plan.Evelyn is here in my arms. She is supposed to be outside playing with the other children, but she doesn't like being away from me. We spent the day together. All 4 of us. We walked the beach and did some shopping. We ate lunch together. - I guess it sounds like a typical American day with the girls

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-11488666063226511152009-06-04T23:37:00.000-05:002009-06-04T23:38:58.683-05:00

We are doing very well. Everyone is healthy. The girls are doing well. They are perfect.

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-21020626930367173972009-06-04T23:35:00.000-05:002009-06-04T23:37:00.104-05:00

Due to techbical difficulties I am very limited in posting here. Facebook is constantly being updated. I will try to blog asap.

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-61994420336398218712009-05-30T19:03:00.002-05:002009-05-30T19:13:55.655-05:00

Time is relative.*If you are hungry, ten minutes can seem like an hour.*If you are waiting in line for a drivers license 45 minutes seems like a full day and requires a nap.*I am pretty sure there isn't a relative analogy to waiting to meet your daughters in Africa.It's the closest I can come to understanding words like forever or lifetime, infinity or eternity. The interesting part is that I am

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-58002164103267876462009-05-29T20:05:00.006-05:002009-05-29T22:44:18.779-05:00

What happened?I walked into a Hallmark Store tonight, and I spent the next 20 minutes chasing my heart around the store. Somewhere in the last year my heart learned how to literally beat it's way right out of my chest. I have a visual of it... it's a cute little plump heart with chubby little arms and legs. And when it gets super excited it runs out ahead of me and turns around and waves... then

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-57588033030027578352009-05-28T15:51:00.001-05:002009-05-28T15:51:53.042-05:00

Officially leaving for Ghana on Monday.

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-76902635976574220492009-05-27T07:19:00.003-05:002009-05-27T07:40:27.465-05:00

The next sheet of paper we are waiting on is the court decree. Normally this takes about 2-3 weeks, today is day 13 of 15 business days waiting to get us to the three weeks. 2-3 weeks is just an average, not a guarantee. If we have the court decree by Friday, I will be on a plane on Monday. No court decree, no travel.(take note this is an excellent opportunity for those of you who are pray-ers,

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-71075972032113491752009-05-26T07:55:00.003-05:002009-05-26T08:03:15.265-05:00

Today I ran across this lovely post about adoption.Many people ask me about the adoption process. Frankly, no matter what I say, the description below is more accurate than the mumbo-jumbo I offer that includes terms like I-600 or referral, or 171-Hs. The post below is a technical as you want to get unless you are inside the process of adoption!This post is for Ethiopian Adoptions, though pretty

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-1921817583270463532009-05-25T14:03:00.004-05:002009-05-25T21:38:16.045-05:00

It's not uncommon for me to have so many words that I am ready to say that I can't get any out. It's like a bottle neck, they are all fighting to get out at once, so then nothing comes. I am forced to take deep breath and wait for one train of thought to make its way. Today things are stuck much deeper. In the pit of my stomach. Happiness, sadness, worry, love, anxiety. They are all so big and

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-23697417611167954032009-05-21T18:01:00.001-05:002009-05-21T18:02:38.453-05:00

11 days and counting.Still no court decree, still no passport for Eden.I am not worried, just passing on the update, or not....

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-33865014509838796422009-05-18T17:59:00.002-05:002009-05-18T18:05:10.232-05:00

June 1 travel date.As usual, you heard it here first!!Since I am leaving in 14 days, my focus is on packing and filling out final paperwork. I am sorry I can't contact you all directly (yes even the closest family is hearing it here first!!)This is trip one of two.More details in upcoming posts.p.s. I am most grateful for those of you who are willing and offering to assist. We are taking people

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-61907827463452074802009-05-16T00:17:00.002-05:002009-05-16T00:20:11.732-05:00

Angelisa asked me this last night:Angelisa:Mom, do you want to go to Ghana and meet our girls and then have to leave them there? (keep in mind this question is because we will likely have to make a second trip to bring the girls home)Me:No girl. No I don't want to go to Ghana and meet our girls and leave them there.Angelisa:Me either.(boy that kid has a heart!)

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-72483493290509823132009-05-15T22:14:00.002-05:002009-05-16T00:17:20.317-05:00

By the way, I don't know if I have mentioned it, but I love being a momma!"Momma look" (I'm looking)"Momma watch" (I'm watching, yes all three of you at one time)"MOM!" (WHAT!)"Momma" (Whatta)"I have to go potty" (No you don't, you just went)"No I don't have to go potty" (Oh, yes you do!)"I didn't do it" (I am sure you didn't)"Mom, he's tattling" (Time for a story about a pot and a kettle)"Mom

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-8741310251693458842009-05-13T21:59:00.002-05:002009-05-13T22:17:04.029-05:00

Before I went to Africa, I thought that "Save the Children" was created by some group of oversensitive media-types who had to drive out to the most remote village to find these starving children. Surely there couldn't be THAT many children living in THOSE kinds of conditions.If you are a bit of cynic like me, you are pretty sure that you aren't going to die from Swine Flu and you are even more

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-18492762558127469782009-05-12T20:42:00.005-05:002009-05-12T22:25:28.932-05:00

I guess something has been eating at me a bit. I think it might come off strong and big because my passion around children is growing. Passion starts out big, so when passion grows some body better make room.I also want to preface this with the fact that I am not judging here. I am not. If you feel judged, you are choosing to feel it on your own (or being affected by a higher power than my silly

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-50451308098299047782009-05-08T21:20:00.002-05:002009-05-08T21:30:28.968-05:00

Here is my post from one year ago today.One year ago, I was the mother of two children. I saw another child growing in my heart. That's what knew then. What know now is that a great love for all the children of Africa was growing. This post is followed by the comment I posted to my own blog six months later.Thursday, May 8, 2008Growing in my heartMaybe I am giving the issue about grief and loss

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-71081215570581558942009-05-07T10:23:00.003-05:002009-05-07T10:31:33.385-05:00

"Like cold water to a weary soul, is good news from a distant land." - Proverbs 25:25Trent and I would like to announce the addition of 2 more children to the Peterson family!Introducing Tirzah-Sylvia and Eden-Evelyn: Thanks to all of you who have continued to keep these girls and our entire family in your prayers.Thank you all for your love and support! Love, The Peterson Band

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-17260891462473409262009-05-06T19:08:00.004-05:002009-05-06T19:30:36.254-05:00

These are the hands of my girls in Ghana! Let a joy keep you. Reach out your hands and take it when it runs by. -Carl SandburgChildren are the hands by which we take hold of heaven.-Henry Ward Beecher The mind has exactly the same power as the hands; not merely to grasp the world, but to change it. - Colin Wilson

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-39019226058715393822009-05-06T17:10:00.003-05:002009-05-06T17:25:07.778-05:00

Our case is scheduled to go to court in Ghana tomorrow. It could happen that it won't go to court, court is closed or some other unknown possibility - but that's just a side note so let me move on.What this means is that in 12 hours, I will (could) officially be the mother of 5. This has been confusing some, so let me spell it out a bit: 3 here in the U.S. + 2 in Ghana = my 5 children. Really I

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-84342434096967705012009-05-05T05:26:00.005-05:002009-05-05T05:56:55.970-05:00

I think nesting is starting to kick in. I hope I don't have to explain the concept of "nesting"... you know when a new mother starts to prepare the home for her new child. The night before last I started to steam clean the carpets. I have an incredible urge to pull off all the screens from the windows and clean the screens and the windows. I also want to fix any paint scratches in the walls.

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-3606010394802382182009-05-03T21:53:00.003-05:002009-05-03T22:55:23.358-05:00

Today my children were in a play at our church. It was adorable. They were adorable. They both did so well. Naven not only did his part, but tried his best to encourage the child next to him to participate as well... he wasn't successful at getting her to participate, but he tried.It was so beautiful to see all the children, working toward one goal. It was a big success...I think I have mentioned

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-11334012181636926972009-05-01T10:04:00.002-05:002009-05-01T10:44:16.109-05:00

Look, I learned a lot about patience in my last adoption. I learned about waiting contentedly. I am learning a lot about faith in this adoption. I have been diligently applying all I have learned. I feel good. No worries, no heavy weight on the shoulders, none of that. I feel good (did I say that already?). And today the sun is shinning, I heard birds outside and frogs... and the baby chicks are

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-28115828184513222562009-04-30T00:48:00.006-05:002009-04-30T01:36:54.441-05:00

I have waded through so much of who I am through these adoptions. I've discovered that I am someone different now than I was when I started. Every day I am realizing who I am, or every day I am changing. Maybe I wake up a new person every day and I spend the day figuring out who I am. I guess it really doesn't matter how it works. I am different.I have recently had many friends asking me more

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-42391871897665146152009-04-29T07:12:00.002-05:002009-04-29T07:42:46.256-05:00

For those of you who follow me on facebook, none of this will be new.We had a "technical glitch" at work and I have been working and sleeping in strange cycles. In addition to that:Naven had a tooth issue, this required a visit to the dentist and some large tools were required to correct the problem.They turned off our gas due to a leak at the meter (made cooking dinner complicated) - gas is now

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-11091893690739492522009-04-21T17:41:00.004-05:002009-04-24T22:00:26.833-05:00

It looks like I might have a travel companion for my trip to Ghana. Trent and I asked Angelisa if she would like to accompany me to Ghana and meet her sisters. She emphatically responded that she would love to go. Then the bad news... traveling to Ghana requires a visit to the doctor and a shot (at least one). She requested time to "think about it". But minutes later she was on the phone telling

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-64206565834083008992009-04-17T06:27:00.002-05:002009-04-17T07:12:23.678-05:00

Yesterday I posted that blog at 2:15. I didn't know what the rest of my day would look like. I was just taking a moment to jot my feelings about how adoption includes much sadness and happiness. My heart was feeling heavy yesterday. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that my girls might have some mixed emotion about the welcome bags. Or maybe the rest of my day would lead me to another

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-45214200466456215672009-04-16T14:15:00.003-05:002009-04-16T14:40:42.003-05:00

So, we have received official notice that the girls packages have arrived in Ghana. They received them this morning and now know that a family is waiting for them.I have some thoughts I want to share. For some you may wonder why I'd put myself through this adoption process if there are such areas of sadness and worry. Please note that these are just my thoughts and observations, I am not looking

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-57656944332101347992009-04-15T13:38:00.004-05:002009-04-15T14:15:16.578-05:00

So, a kind traveler is taking our welcome bags to our girls in Ghana. She will arrive today and will pass them on to the girls soon.Everything waits right now. There isn't much I can do. Well there are a bunch of useless-keep-my-mind-busy tasks that I could come up with that would make me feel like I am doing something useful to get my girls home faster... but really, there is nothing I can do to

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-67150363325915963122009-04-12T20:14:00.005-05:002009-04-12T20:56:47.916-05:00

I was looking for songs about family, usual net surfing, just looking for something to inspire me.I found a reference to a song called "I Can Only Imagine". I recognized the name of the song, and as soon as I heard the intro, I knew what song it was. This song really hits home today and in light of my wait for my babies from Ghana. Below I will change the words to fit the meaning I felt tonight (

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-90600010009725450362009-04-10T12:55:00.005-05:002009-04-10T14:36:57.482-05:00

Mother of five... have I mentioned this? There are some interesting logistics that come into play for my band (see previous post for more info about the band). I am trying to picture the amount of food and clothing that will need to be in my house at any given time. And there will be a time when I have 5 children in my home ranging in age from 11-17.I think there will need to be a very closely

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-82297939114977344812009-04-09T22:35:00.002-05:002009-04-09T22:44:09.166-05:00

I am going to toss out some new info we received. Maybe it's not new info... maybe I just feel I have my brain wrapped around some idea of it, so I will share.I'll start with my usual disclaimer... nothing in international adoption is ever "for sure" - anything can change.To start it looks like there is a strong possibility that I may get to travel to Ghana for our our first trip in early June.

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-47128106581360060442009-04-07T21:05:00.004-05:002009-04-09T22:35:48.218-05:00

He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life - Ralph Waldo Emerson quotesMake a gift of your life and lift all mankind by being kind, considerate, forgiving, and compassionate at all times, in all places, and under all conditions, with everyone as well as yourself. This is the greatest gift anyone can give. David HawkinsWhen you judge another, you do not define

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-30670364753652337252009-04-06T20:44:00.002-05:002009-04-06T20:49:49.704-05:00

Rainer Maria Rilke - Live the Questions Now...I would like to beg you dear Sir, as well as I can, to have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and to try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language. Don't search for the answers, which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them. And the point

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-72829647752348988782009-04-06T07:51:00.004-05:002009-04-06T08:59:51.318-05:00

While we were working toward our Ethiopian adoption, I posted the following on my blog.http://beforeiknewyou.blogspot.com/2008/08/iorganize-ieducate.htmlhttp://beforeiknewyou.blogspot.com/2008/07/living-out-loud.htmlhttp://beforeiknewyou.blogspot.com/2008/06/yes-there-are-some-instructions.htmlWe worked with an agency that made sure we understood worst case scenarios in adopting. Most of the

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-61578782901344788622009-04-02T20:23:00.005-05:002009-04-02T21:44:56.712-05:00

I am so at peace about this adoption, maybe I have said it before. Hopefully I will be able to say it again many, many more times!With our Ethiopia adoption, I felt that God had blessed us to expand our family. We would be blessed by the growing of our family. I would find out later I would learn so much from our journey and time in Ethiopia.With this adoption the level of divine intervention

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-13101071588463013842009-04-02T18:36:00.003-05:002009-04-02T18:45:20.551-05:00

These are not listed in chronological order or in order of importance... just a random list of updates for anyone who cares!1. I did my online orientation for my MBA. It's getting closer.2. I am arranging to do some volunteer work while I am in Ghana. I may stay a little longer than I originally thought.3. The kids are signed up for soccer for the summer (even little Tamene).4. It looks like our

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-56886273289475099502009-03-29T18:01:00.004-05:002009-04-02T07:29:27.818-05:00

Adoption.Interesting how this word can have some many positive and negative connotations. So much joy and so much sorrow.These girls from Ghana, my girls from Ghana. They must have so much sadness in the loss of their first family, their birth family. How tragic that the circumstances of time and place did not allow for this family to meet the girls' basic needs.A bit of a tangent here, but I

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-34421027822857273762009-03-28T08:11:00.005-05:002009-03-29T17:50:24.831-05:00

The title of this blog comes from a portion of a song.She's got a smile that it seems to meReminds me of childhood memoriesWhere everythingWas as fresh as the bright blue skyNow and then when I see her faceShe takes me away to that special placeAnd if I'd stare too longI'd probably break down and cryI did name this blog before we started anything with this adoption. At the time all I knew was

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-39525947435151849622009-03-27T15:19:00.005-05:002009-03-28T08:08:00.272-05:00

Faith. Faith is something that makes life easy while you are waiting for life to happen. It's a bit of a relaxant. Have faith that something, or someone, or some way what ever it is WILL happen.I thinks it's interesting that having faith requires faith at its core. I have to believe that faith can be, or is, or will be. Faith. I don't think having faith is hard. It's just a decision. Either I

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-63144272346522149092009-03-26T21:12:00.003-05:002009-03-27T09:22:52.532-05:00

What it is about this blog that feels so hard to get in the groove?It's feels different to be bringing home these girls as they are a little older and have had more experience with life than I might be able to anticipate. I love them already. I dearly love them. It's amazing the peace and comfort that comes to me when I look at their pictures.There is something special about finding a loved one

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-870796021759974602009-03-25T15:02:00.004-05:002009-05-15T22:37:27.714-05:00

I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20 (NIV)And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-73976520295828207352009-03-25T09:01:00.003-05:002009-03-25T09:15:39.052-05:00

Isn't it great to be validated. When you know or feel something, but someone else takes the time to acknowledge it. Like when I put on my Sunday best and my 3 & 6 year old boys tell me how beautiful I am. Or, when you get a new hair cut that you love and everyone else tells you how great it looks. Or, when you've been working hard to wear a smile and someone notes how happy you look. Those things

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-2016091623481740142009-03-24T19:24:00.003-05:002009-03-25T09:01:33.260-05:00

So, two more children. That will make me a mother of five. I like to call them my gaggle (versus herd, or flock, or pack). Even now as a mother of three I say, "I have to get going and round up my gaggle for dinner." I think I might start calling them my "band". I think gorillas are a band... not that I am referring to my family as gorillas, I just like the double meaning of calling them my band.

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-86682523714348384962009-03-23T16:37:00.004-05:002009-03-23T17:20:54.568-05:00

As of today Trent and I have done everything we can do for this phase of the adoption. Now we wait for Ghana to process our paperwork and the US government to send us an approval notice.I am working on a small donation drive for the orphanage (let me know if you want to participate). I'll be collecting some medical type supplies as well as some basic kid care items. We will take them to Ghana

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-78470806064581156162009-03-21T18:19:00.003-05:002009-03-21T18:41:53.869-05:00

Faith is the daring of the soul to go farther than it can see. ~William Newton Clark~As your faith is strengthened you will find that there is no longer the need to have a sense of control, that things will flow as they will, and that you will flow with them, to your great delight and benefit. ~Emmanuel~Every human being is born without faith. Faith comes only through the process of making

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-44313451051722148992009-03-20T19:24:00.006-05:002009-03-20T21:38:03.638-05:00

Paperwork has a weird quality in adoption. Every time you feel a relief of being done, there is more. So I feel like most days I could be saying "Whew! Done with that round." The problem is that there is another round that was being tackled right behind it.So the dossier has arrived in the hands of our agency. I missed a step, so they are waiting for one more sheet of paper. Then the papers can

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-8403497675544627002009-03-19T18:02:00.004-05:002009-03-19T18:23:19.088-05:00

Today I put the dossier in the mail... Trent did a lot of hard work getting all this paper work together! I was just the mail carrier today (See facebook for my plug for FedEx).As I understand it, the girls will find out anytime now, until our "stuff" arrives in Ghana, that their "America Mommy and Daddy have been found!" I wonder what they will think. I wonder what they will tell their friends.I

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-40962196163396334162009-03-18T15:24:00.004-05:002009-03-18T15:27:54.299-05:00

Please take a minute to click on a couple of the blogs on the right side of the page.So many amazing children and amazing families.I have only interacted with two or three of the authors of these blogs, but I look forward to learning more about all of them! Most of them are in the process of or have brought children home from Ghana.Many amazing women taking the time to document the stories of

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-32174013473115293772009-03-17T20:27:00.003-05:002009-03-17T20:46:45.148-05:00

Quoted directly from my good friend Anita with our adoption agency, "Let's get this party started!" (I am not going to claim it as her original quote, but that's where I got it for this post).Alright here we go.For those of you who are observant you will note the the right hand side of the pages indicates that we already have received and accepted a referral. This means we have been "matched".Our

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938214375968543264.post-33043909602059688452009-03-15T15:19:00.003-05:002009-03-15T15:44:49.648-05:00

The struggle with a public blog is that when you want "everyone" to know something, you post it on the blog and then the people who thought they should know first get offended. I know, I'd be offended too. However, the intent of the blog is to keep everyone up-to-date, while making my life a little easier. I love you all, and would love to share my excitement first hand with each of you. Thanks

KamPossiblenoreply@blogger.com0