Also, a couple of previously unpublished photos of Luka over Christmas:
22 January 2008
Good News
We've just heard from Mike Caraway that Luka can now stand on his own two feet...unaided!
Also, a couple of previously unpublished photos of Luka over Christmas:
Also, a couple of previously unpublished photos of Luka over Christmas:
14 January 2008
Saying goodbye
Luka went back to Sumbawanga on the 11th of this month. This is a little after-the-fact, but I have avoided writing this post because it is still painful.
The past month has been quite hectic with most nights spent in various hotel rooms, most days spent in cars. Luka was a trooper despite the many hours spent in his car seat! Thankfully, we had a day back at Masumbo to just relax with Luka before we had to say goodbye.
Right now, he is staying with our friends, Mike and Lynn Caraway, who live near Sumbawanga. He will stay with them until more can be determined about his mother, who has been looking for him but is considered (by the government and orphanage) unfit to care for him. (For those who are curious about Luka's situation and would like more background info, please shoot us an e-mail at shaffnersATgmail.com.) Please pray about this situation!
Even though saying goodbye was difficult, we have felt a peace knowing that God will go with Luka. We are also incredibly encouraged by the leaps and bounds Luka has made developmentally.
Luka still isn't walking, but he sure is trying to! He has perfected the "bear walk" on all fours.
We took Luka for a few more tests in Dar, and Luka's iron levels are now considered normal even by American standards.
We also got a chest x-ray done to determine whether or not Luka DID indeed have TB (as was reported by the orphanage), and the results show that there is no damage or abnormalities in Luka's lungs.
We had Luka's stool tested several weeks ago and parasites turned up, but a healthier diet and lots of clean drinking water has brought about definite improvement (and significantly fewer nappies to change!).
Luka is talking more, playing more, and definitely has developed a "personality" (attitude)! He has moved up several age levels developmentally and will soon catch up to what is considered normal for two year olds! (check the About Luka section for more updates)
Even though Luka is no longer living with us, I will continue to update this website as we receive more information from the Caraways and other friends who are involved at the orphanage.
These two months with Luka have been an incredible blessing for both of us, and we certainly believe that the hardest part of fostering him was saying goodbye.
Thanks to all who have been keeping up with this blog the past couple of months! Thanks especially for all the encouragement and prayers.
The past month has been quite hectic with most nights spent in various hotel rooms, most days spent in cars. Luka was a trooper despite the many hours spent in his car seat! Thankfully, we had a day back at Masumbo to just relax with Luka before we had to say goodbye.
Right now, he is staying with our friends, Mike and Lynn Caraway, who live near Sumbawanga. He will stay with them until more can be determined about his mother, who has been looking for him but is considered (by the government and orphanage) unfit to care for him. (For those who are curious about Luka's situation and would like more background info, please shoot us an e-mail at shaffnersATgmail.com.) Please pray about this situation!
Even though saying goodbye was difficult, we have felt a peace knowing that God will go with Luka. We are also incredibly encouraged by the leaps and bounds Luka has made developmentally.
Luka still isn't walking, but he sure is trying to! He has perfected the "bear walk" on all fours.
We took Luka for a few more tests in Dar, and Luka's iron levels are now considered normal even by American standards.
We also got a chest x-ray done to determine whether or not Luka DID indeed have TB (as was reported by the orphanage), and the results show that there is no damage or abnormalities in Luka's lungs.
We had Luka's stool tested several weeks ago and parasites turned up, but a healthier diet and lots of clean drinking water has brought about definite improvement (and significantly fewer nappies to change!).
Luka is talking more, playing more, and definitely has developed a "personality" (attitude)! He has moved up several age levels developmentally and will soon catch up to what is considered normal for two year olds! (check the About Luka section for more updates)
Even though Luka is no longer living with us, I will continue to update this website as we receive more information from the Caraways and other friends who are involved at the orphanage.
These two months with Luka have been an incredible blessing for both of us, and we certainly believe that the hardest part of fostering him was saying goodbye.
Thanks to all who have been keeping up with this blog the past couple of months! Thanks especially for all the encouragement and prayers.
Favourites
Luka is laughing, not crying, although it is hard to tell!
We left a suitcase in the middle of the floor and Luka thought it looked like a nice bed
Luka not a little bit mesmerized by the PSP.
Hanging out with Uncle Lawrence at Mikumi
Headphones, tassled beanie, fingers in mouth, carseat... can't get much cooler than that
Books are the best babysitters
Oh, do I love this face!
Luka sure loves his bath! Note: the water was muddy because it is river water, not because Luka was that filthy
Luka's first kiddie meal at Spur in Dar. I think Paul and I got more of a kick of it than he did!
Sorry for the poor quality--these were all taken on a cellphone camera.
08 January 2008
Picture backlog
Enjoying breakfast at Fox's Tented Camp in Mikumi (unfortunately, backlit)
at the airport parking lot with Uncle Vic
Out for a walk with Uncle Vic (again with the fingers in his mouth)
The easier way to carry a 30 lb child
06 January 2008
Vacation!
I don't have much time but thought it would be good to take advantage of the internet connection here at our friends' house and quickly post an update.
My family came for Christmas! They had a great time with Luka. We spent most of the time traveling around Southern TZ and Luka has proven to be an old pro at surviving long car journeys, with the aid of snacks and occasional stretches.
Luka also got to experience his first safari when we spent Christmas at Mikumi National Park. We were cracking up because Luka excitedly pointed to every animal and shouted, "Mbwa! Mbwa!" (dog). At least he recognizes that they are all animals!
Lots of pictures to post, but unfortunately, the picture uploader doesn't seem to be working right now... SO! Next time!
My family came for Christmas! They had a great time with Luka. We spent most of the time traveling around Southern TZ and Luka has proven to be an old pro at surviving long car journeys, with the aid of snacks and occasional stretches.
Luka also got to experience his first safari when we spent Christmas at Mikumi National Park. We were cracking up because Luka excitedly pointed to every animal and shouted, "Mbwa! Mbwa!" (dog). At least he recognizes that they are all animals!
Lots of pictures to post, but unfortunately, the picture uploader doesn't seem to be working right now... SO! Next time!
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