update {nov 2011}
We’ve been back in Cambodia for about 6 months now. Hard to believe.
WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO
Back in July, Genilson traveled to Ratanakiri province with Children in Families (CIF). Overall, it was a very fruitful time for him, not only to see and experience a new (and adventurous) area of Cambodia, but also to bond and spend time with CIF’s other organization leaders – especially during their 10 hour car drive up and back. During their visit, they encouraged some of the families involved in foster care, and made contact with potential future partners.
{L to R} Genilson Ratanakiri style; A very tipsy canoe was needed to get to one village; Traditional Krung house
In August, Tania started back at school toward her Masters in Applied Anthropology; and had the honor of serving as “Rapporteur” at a workshop hosted by UNICEF and the Royal Cambodia Government Ministry of Women’s Affairs on researching violence against women and children. Ezra received some very special “surprises” from Abi (Tania’s mom).
{L to R} UNICEF/MoWA Event; Ezra receives special gift from Abi
In September, we celebrated Tania’s 28th birthday with a nice dinner and family evening at the Mekong riverfront. In addition, we made the exciting decision to start the process for adoption #2!
Because of our great relationship with the agencies we worked with for Ezra’s adoption (Pact & Adopt), they have been very gracious in assisting us go through the process here from Cambodia. Together, we have found a social worker who can perform our home study here from Phnom Penh. We will go through the same process we did with Ezra – we will put together our family book and wait to be matched with a birth family. Once a match has been made and the baby has been born, we will come to the U.S. where we will spend a couple of months while we wait for an expedited finalization process (probably 6-8 weeks). To follow along with the process, jump over to our adoption blog for updates.
As many of you already know, Ezra was very sick in early October with H1N1. As new parents, this experience was very scary and overwhelming for us, especially over the four days that Ezra spent in the hospital; and even more so when Tania got sick herself, leaving Genilson to take care of everyone! Thankfully, we were pleased with the service we received at the hospital (finding quality medical care in Cambodia can be very challenging), and we truly felt the love and support from our community here in Phnom Penh, and friends and family at home (thanks!).
This month {November} we have been hosting our dear friend from Sacramento, Sean Randall, who is pastor of SAAM Church (and previously Flood Sacramento). Sean serves as a board member of Chab Dai USA, and recently started a non-profit organization called Solstice, focused on care, counseling and leadership development for overseas organizations focused on social justice. We have really enjoyed hosting Sean, showing him around the city and introducing him to the work of Chab Dai and member organizations here in Cambodia. {To read about Sean’s journey here, follow his blog}
{L to R} Ezra in his hospital pajamas; Genilson and Sean hanging out in Phnom Penh
WHAT’S COMING UP
We have a lot of travel coming up. Later this week (Nov. 9-11), we are headed to the town of Kep for a 3-day spiritual retreat with Sean and some others from our house church. We are excited to get out of the city for a while, and trust it will be a fruitful time of reflexion and fellowship.
Next week (Nov. 13-17) Genilson is going with Children in Families to Thailand for the Asia Family Placement Conference, hosted by Care for Children - an amazing organization based of China that focuses on placing orphaned and distressed children in family-based care (as opposed to institutions such as orphanages). This will be a great opportunity for Genilson’s organization to network with other organizations doing similar work across Asia.
Over Thanksgiving and into early December we will be traveling to Hawaii (woohoo!) for a family wedding. This is a tremendous blessing and we are very excited to not only take a break, but also to spend time with Tania’s extended family over the Thanksgiving holiday.
HOW TO PRAY
- For upcoming travel. Pray for safety, relaxation, and patience (traveling with a toddler is not always easy!). Pray that we will fully take advantage of our time in Hawaii to rest, rejuvenate and spend quality time with family (who we miss very much!).
- Pray for physical health. Over the past several months we have all had several colds, the flu, etc. When one of us gets over it, someone else seems to get it. Pray that we can move past this cycle.
- For emotional health. Both of us have felt somewhat emotionally overwhelmed over the past few weeks. As we come into a time with a lot of travel and busyness, pray we will be patient with one another, and seek God for a sense of peace.
- For finances. The economic crisis has been difficult for everyone, and because of this we have lost some support along the way. We would appreciate both prayer and personal consideration as to whether you are able to give, or if you know someone else you think may be interested in our ministry. Donations can be given through post and/or online.
THANK YOU for your continued support and prayers.
Genilson, Tania & Ezra
Hi Tania, Genilson and Ezra,
Thanks for this update and pictures. So fun that Shaun can be there and see up close what your life and ministry look like. Also am reminded of the answers to prayer that went up for baby Ezra – and for you and your health Tania.
I didn’t know that you had begun the MA program. You go girl!
If you do come stateside for adoption bonding…. I would love to see you all. In the meantime – keep doing what you are doing and we will continue to pray for you and the work your are doing.