To our friends and family – we wish you the best on this “most wonderful time of year”. As we draw closer to Christmas, we are reminded of Isaiah 53:5 – “But He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by His wounds we are healed.” Because He came at Christmas time, we can be healed and whole.
2019 has been a year of joys and challenges. The adoption of Joseph has definitely been a frequent topic of conversation at home. As soon as we feel like things are coming to a close, there are other hurdles to overcome. As I write this, Molly and Silas are on their way to Uganda for the second time in a few weeks, this time with hopes of bringing Joseph back (thanks to the US Embassy finally granting his Visa).
Here's a summary of everyone at home from smallest to tallest….
Vivien – This amazing girl turned five years old in September! She is now taking the bus every day to school and we so much appreciate her amazing teachers, therapists and doctors. A few months ago, she moved out of Mom and Dad’s room (Yay!) and is now roomies with Maggie, who was delighted to have her. It really has been great to give her some form of independence in this way. Thanks to the help of many, we have made some slight adjustments in medications which have helped with her overall health as well.
Joseph *** Edited to add that as of Christmas 2019 Joseph has been home with us for a week and a half! *** .... is estimated to be about six years old. He is officially ours as the adoption document decrees, although we have yet to have him in our living room. He has cerebral palsy is not able to talk, walk, sit without support, or even turn his head from one side to another if he is lying down but he is incredibly alert, and appears to be very smart capable of learning. He understands so much of what is going on and we are looking forward to seeing what can be done for him medically when he comes. He is given good nutrition and therapy but we are hopeful that it can be even better. He is on some medications that can be changed and may also bring about more alertness and mobility. We are hopeful about his potential but we know that no matter how he grows he is a happy and delightful little boy who we are looking forward to getting to know and love even more than we do now. All the kids can't wait to get him home.
Iva (7) has had a big year of growth in every way. Thanks to Pada Merry, every child’s height has been tracked for each year. Iva is now taller than any of the other kids when they were her age (including Todd!). Her heart for God is so evident. A highlight of her year was when she got to help lead children’s worship with a woman who came to our church to put on a children’s concert. This event really meant a lot to her and she still talks about it. She is our gentle peacemaker, who sometimes needs alone time, is super empathetic and also keeps us in stitches with her insightful humor.
Lucie (9) will be starting basketball for the first time in a few weeks! Although she’s spent a few years in cheerleading, she decided to try out a new sport and she killed her assessment with basket after basket, despite never playing before and her height will definitely also be an advantage. Both Lucie and Iva have really enjoyed a theater class at a local co-op. Lucie loves to help Dad cook in the kitchen, creates fascinating story lines for all of her stuffed animals and is now able to change out Vivien’s G-tube on her own (with supervision, of course). This last skill is early training for what we think will be her future career in nursing.
Silas (12) is looking more like he is 15. We said tallest would be last but it's actually not true. He is now taller than everyone except Todd. He is still super athletic and though he is taller than his Mama, it doesn't stop him from getting a running start and jumping onto her shoulders. Though brief, he loved his first trip to Uganda and didn’t want to come back (just like his older sister). Silas had a fantastic year of playing basketball and though he is too old for Upwards he may going upward stars next spring. Over the summer, he and I updated his room. Out with the blue carpet and walls and in with the hardwood floor, gray walls with a black accent wall. Watching him become his own man has been a joy. He has a great sense of humor and is Vivien’s biggest fan.
Maggie (15) has had a year of new challenges. This has been her first year in Rhetoric, which brought with it voluminous amounts of reading, toastmasters club and a formal Algebra II class. She has embraced the challenges well and has a great group of classmates to share her misery with. Her spiritual depth has grown through these challenges as well. She loves her times at High School group in church and is excited to share all that she’s learning. Although she’s glad Silas can enjoy these recent trips to Uganda, she really has been a bit jealous. Even last night she was telling me how she can’t wait to go back and would love to stay longer.
Molly - As was written earlier, the adoption has seemed to fill a big part of her year, with traveling back and forth to Uganda and getting to go to places that she's only dreamed about. Paris with Maggie just might be one of the highlights of her life even though it was only a short 2 1/2 days. The travel bug has definitely bitten although, these past two weeks with traveling back and forth to Uganda twice is a bit more drama and stress in travel than she would wish. It's not out of her system though and she hopes for more plane rides in the future. A trip to Kauai for she and Todd's anniversary was a delight. She and Silas also got to go to Southern CA for a quick 3-day trip earlier this year, complete with riding all the roller coasters at Six Flags and Knotts Berry Farms multiple times until she could hardly see straight, a well as seeing a pod of wild dolphins at Hermosa Beach (Lala Land anyone?). She continues to try to be disciplined about writing, blogging and running and completely relishes time with Todd and the kiddoes, as well as monthly social nights and dinners with good friends. She is hopeful to be involved with women's’ Bible studies again next
year, as time allows. Last year she was able to help out in Awana as a sub and also speak at a mom's group which she thoroughly enjoyed. She is getting more and more into podcasting and has loved learning about the enneagram, as well as listening to her favorite sermons and teachers. She is looking forward to Joseph coming and making the family complete!
Lastly, I (Todd) feel like I am enjoying time at home with the family all the more. Perhaps it’s the cold weather, but I can’t imagine anything better than spending the day at home, doing schoolwork with the kids, running them around a few places, making dinner and going for a walk. I’m excited about the new season with Joseph and look forward to helping re-write the end of his story. I’m thankful for all we’ve been given, supportive family and friends who have walked with us through some difficult times. I have appreciated the men's’ group I'm involved in at church. I’m enjoying living in the present, planning for the future and making the most out of the events of the day and being fully engaged with those I’m with.
Thank you for being part of our lives. We wish you the best this Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Love,
The Merry family
PS - To update: As of this posting we have had Joseph for 3 days and are learning how to care for him well and enjoying his smiles and mostly happy disposition. We are thankful to God that he is finally here!
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