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.