Juliana's Adoption...

Hello all! We have been a little busy these days and haven't had a chance to post anything. But I have a treat for you today! My parents wrote Juliana's adoption story for the mom's blog that I also write for...Prayer of Hannah. I wanted to post it here as well because I think my parents and Juliana are amazing people and I am so blessed they are part of my life!

In 1990 I was a home health nurse. A patient assigned to me was an elderly woman who was bed fast. On one of my visits I discovered two toddlers sitting on the floor beside her bed, eating out of paper plates. She told me they had been left there by a family member, for her to care for. Now, this woman could not take care of herself.She could not even turn over in bed by herself. I immediately began to call some of her other family. The problem was solved quickly. That evening I told my husband, Haynes, about the visit I had made that day. We both agreed how sad it is for children to be neglected. I believe this was the day the Lord planted the desire in our hearts to adopt a child.

A few evenings later we watched a T.V. special about starving children being adopted in Romania. Over the next couple of weeks we talked about the children in Romania.We prayed and prayed about adopting a child. The idea of adopting began to grow in our hearts. You need to know…we had raised five children, and just sent our last child to college. The thought of raising another child had never entered our minds before. The Lord definitely works in mysterious ways. We decided that adoption was what God was calling us to at this point in our lives. The process began to take shape.We talked with a lawyer, we got in touch with other people who were in the adoption process, and we prayed and prayed.

A few weeks later Stacey, our youngest daughter came home from college for the weekend. That evening the exact same T.V. special was repeated again. At this point we had not mentioned a thing to any of our children. As the program was ending, Stacey looked at us and said, “Ya’ll need to adopt one of those children!!” I began to smile. She quickly said, “This is not funny! I am serious! You need to go and adopt one of these children!” I told her I was not smiling because it was funny…we then told her we had been discussing adoption, and planned on discussing the possibility with all five children that weekend, beginning with her. This was a very happy weekend for our family. All five children were thrilled and excited. They were all asking questions and wanting to help. We believe it is very important for all close members of a family to be in agreement about such an important event.

Then the real work began. There were mounds of paperwork, a home study, finger prints, passports, and plane tickets. With lots of prayers, and help from lots of friends, we were on our way to Romania...

Two days after arriving in Romania, we were traveling with a lady who wanted to adopt a little boy. We were told there was a little boy for adoption in a nearby village. Translation into another language sometimes does not always translate correctly. The little boy was a beautiful curly haired girl. She was wearing only a cotton jacket…and it had been snowing! I knew the moment I saw her, she was for us. Her name was Juliana. We fell in love with her and her name. Juliana was the fourth child of a young woman, age 18. After finding the young woman and talking with her and the government official, they set a court date.. The adoption only took a few minutes. The main question we were asked, “Will you take care and provide for this child?”

Juliana was a very happy child from the beginning, even though she was malnourished and had a severe sinus infection. She quickly learned where she ate and where the food was kept.She wanted to stay in the kitchen and play. Also Juliana wanted to be held and patted all of the time. This is where the bonding began. (Now at age 19, she still loves to be hugged and patted:)

From the beginning, Juliana was like a sponge. She quickly began to say words and interact. One of the most important words we used from the first day was “adoption.” My husband and I believe it is important to tell a child they are adopted from a very early age. Explain all of the details you can for their level. As time goes on, they will have more questions…answer them. Do not leave an opportunity for any surprises along the way. I think the fact that I was also adopted helped with a lot of the answers for Juliana.
Juliana is now a sophomore at Ouachita Baptist University, majoring in speech pathology. We have six children: Drew, Phillip, Stacey, Tracie, Jana, and Juliana. I can tell you without a doubt, there is no difference in the feeling you have for an adopted child and a child you birthed. It is amazing to see Juliana now grow into a lovely young woman! How quickly time flies and what a joy to be a part of this precious child’s life! The Lord has so blessed us! I look forward to what He has for us in the future!

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of you heart…Psalm37:4

Bon Qui Qui Kid Dunavant Style

If you don't think Bon Qui Qui is funny, you won't appreciate this video. However, if you are one of our "Bon Qui Qui Friends" (you know who you are)...this is for you!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Our Valentine's Day Date...

I know we are officially past Valentine's Day but we are still in the month of February and our stores in Egypt are still filled with tacky heart shaped items (even furry bird houses:)! So, I wanted to share these pics with you and tell you what our 2 younger sweeties did for us!

On Valentine's morning we were awakened by Madison and Matthew Ray telling us we had a surprise in the living room. We came out to find this precious sight. They had gotten themselves dressed, prepared our dining area (bathroom stool with bean bags) and had made us raisin bran and cups of milk. Madison did apologize that they did not know how to make coffee for us and that if I would show her how she could do that for us next time:) It was a great Valentine's Breakfast date and really our only date for this year's Valentine's celebration. What sweeties!


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Mad Men....Sweet Kids

I received a few more pics from a friend of mine from last weeks "getaway out of the city." They were just too good not to post.

For the family olympics, we played "Steal the Bacon." The men were ruthless....it was crazy...I just knew we were going to have to make a trip to the emergency room...but we didn't...just a few stained pants and some REALLY sore men who forgot they aren't teenagers anymore!:)

Aren't these the cutest pics of the kids? They love their friends...we are so thankful for good friends and special times with them!

Pure Talent...

The group from the states also helped us with a talent show. Of course, our girls wanted to be right it the middle of the action. Here they are showing off their (ahem...) talents...:)

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Sports and Songs on the Sea

We had a chance to get out of the city for a few days this past week. Some friends from Pensacola came and hosted a VBS for our kids. The theme for this year's VBS was a sports theme. It was a wonderful time away! Not only did the kids have a blast but the parents did as well. They brought gifts and yummy snacks from America! Thanks so much to all who helped make our time away so enjoyable! WE LOVE YOU!

The volunteers from FBC and Olive:


The game faces:




The volunteers also did a great job of teaching our children some cute songs:

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

An Amazing Week!!!!!

Wow! We just finished one of the most amazing weeks we have had since living here! A few months ago we started researching the idea of how to help a little autistic girl that I know that lives here. Little did we know what was about to happen! I started receiving a phone call or two about those that really needed help with their autistic children. It is very hard to find a good diagnosis here as well as find good options for teaching these children. After a few weeks, the floodgates opened with so many calling for help!
These three precious ladies decided that they would be the first to come and help us with some families with autistic children:

Heather, Julie and Shannon
They did such an amazing job! We saw 11 children. We made home visits and clinic visits with each family. On the last night, we held a training session for the parents, teachers, shadows, and anyone interested in learning how to help autisitic children. We had about 25-30 attend the training session. It was such a great time and we enjoyed every minute of the week!

We did not realize how fun this group of ladies would be before they came! We DID NOT stop laughing the whole week! Our abs got a good workout for sure! They were a complete blast and joy to be around! Here's a little taste of some craziness, Bon Qui Qui style:

Not only did they love on the autistic children but they loved on our kids and spent time with them!
We love you guys!!! COME BACK!!!

Two Queen Cleopatras

This was Egypt month at Meredith and Madison's school. They did many activities that focused on Egypt. Today they finalized the Egypt focus with a dress up parade at school. Meredith and Madison both wanted to be Queen Cleopatra!

I think Madison is licking her lipstick here:
Meredith's new school friend...Walk Like an Egyptian:

Just an Average Field Trip :)

One of the great things about living in Egypt is the history that surrounds us! When Meredith goes on field trips they are not just any ole' field trip! They are amazing! Meredith got to go with her school on a field trip to see pyramids that she hasn't seen before....yes, there are several sets of pyramids! She also took a visit to Memphis. Who would have known 12 years ago when she was born in Memphis, TN that she would one day live right near Memphis Egypt!!!

The pyramids they saw were the Red Pyramid, Step Pyramid, and the Bent Pyramid. She went inside of the Red Pyramid with a very low, long tunnel...her legs hurt for two days! The Step Pyramid once was a mastaba which is a family tomb...it started as one layer but people built on top of it, making it a pyramid. The Bent Pyramid started out to be built at one angle and then it was decided that the angle was not exact for a long lasting pyramid, so they changed the angle and it looks curved...hence the name "Bent." (Information gained from and interview with Meredith.)
The girls...
Meredith's sweet friend, Rita...
It won't move...."move!"
Such an educational experience (notice the clipboard)

Already Missing This Picture....

Arent' they sweet?? Matthew Ray is already missing his best bud, Caleb! He just left 2 days ago but now there is an emptiness without him! We love you, Caleb!!! Thanks for coming to see us...well, really Matthew Ray!

Playing Outside...

Since we don't have a backyard where we live, we have to find places to play outside. One of the places that is near us is a small grassy area beside a mosque. Matt and Eric took the kids to play there the other day with a huge soccer ball. It was a hit...almost too much of a hit! The kids and MEN came out of the woodworks (well here I guess you could say "concreteworks") to play with this amazing big soccer ball. They had a good time playing but after a little while our crew was ready to come home...it got a little crowded and crazy if you know what I mean!

Boys Rule....Girls..????

It is a boy's world around here this week for sure! Caleb and Matthew Ray have officially taken over the Wii and have kicked the girls to the curb! Now this would not be okay all of the time....but this week...this is how it is...and it is great! Matthew Ray deals with girly stuff on a regular basis. He is so excited to have Caleb here and to just have another boy to "rule" with him!

Here's a shot of Madison pulling all of her "girly stuff" out of the living room after she was "removed" from the Wii playing area...:)
The men are in charge!

We have Visitors!!!!

Eric and Caleb got here safe and sound. It was more than enough to just come visit us but they came with LOADS of gifts! I don't even think they packed clothes for themselves! :) Thank you to all of those from Calvary who sent things...wow....we are super blessed!
We are so excited to have them here and have already had a busy time! I hope to post several times during the week to show you what we are doing!
Amber sent Bella Balerina to Madison. She LOVES it!!!
Here we are buried under gifts.
New dress up clothes and "Princess Madison" books!

Matthew Ray and Caleb actually wanted this picture alone but they were nice and let Madison in!

She's Gonna Be an Actress...

I was looking back through some pictures from this past year and found this series of pics. While Juliana was here she lived with a camera in her hand. And her favorite subjects were not the historical things around her...her favorite subjects? My kids! Here's just a taste of what she and Madison did while waiting on food at a restaurant. I think Madison may have some acting talent!

A Couple of Little Funny Pharoah Land Moments...

...Brought to you by Matthew Ray:

#1 "What a RIP OFF!"
We took some new people on a faluka (sail boat) ride on the Nile the other day. We have taken several faluka rides since we have been here. All of them are different. Some of them are older than others....some are a little bigger than others....some have Egyptian music playing....and some don't play music at all. But it is always an enjoyable, peaceful ride away from the city chaos. Oh...and IT IS CHEAP. We ususally pay about 8 dollars for a TON of us to ride! This particular ride found us on just a regular ole faluka with no music...No big deal...we didn't think...until Matthew Ray yelled, "NO MUSIC?!?!!! WHAT A RIP OFF!"

#2 "Why do we call God a turtle?"
Matt was praying with Madison and Matthew Ray before bed last night. He was praying a prayer of praise...just praising God for who He is. He was saying, "God, You are Sovereign, You are Holy, You are All Knowing, You are Great, You are ETERNAL..." After Matt's prayer, Matthew Ray looked at Matt with a serious little face, peering over his glasses and asked, "Dad, why do we call God a turtle?"

A Simple Hotdog Dinner...:)

I promised you several stories written by Matt. Here's the first of many for you to enjoy:

Last week our family decided we were in the mood for pork. Dinners here are more of an event than in the states. Don’t ask me why. It just seems that everything takes more time and energy. On the pork we decided that hotdogs would be a quick and easy dinner and honestly it has been so long since any of us has eaten pork, the idea of an old fashioned hotdog sounded wonderful. Beef hotdogs are plentiful here but they do not even share a slight resemblance to Oscar Meyer and Armor.

While pork is scarce in Egypt we are fortunate to live a 1/3 of a mile from a pork store. Because the kids had been stuck inside all day we decided to make the trip to the store a family affair, so we all got ready and headed out the door. Anyone that has little ones knows that half a mile is like six or seven miles when your legs are only 12 inches long. However, after nearly an hour journey we were back at home to throw the dogs on the grill.

Lighting a grill here is a bit different. The first several attempts were disastrous to say the least. The charcoal is not exactly “Matchlight” quality. Honestly, it just looks like burnt wood. After spending several days trying to hunt down lighter fluid, I had resorted to using any flammable liquid I could find lying around, including some of Stacey’s beauty products. After raiding the medicine cabinet I discovered that the alcohol seemed to burn the way you would expect and so I was off to the store to buy alcohol. Because alcohol is only sold in small quantities I was forced to buy out the store in order to come up with what I presumed would be a sufficient supply for lighting my charcoal. Long story short, ten bottles of alcohol, an electric fan, and 2 hours is what had been required in the past to light a fire.

This time I had a better plan. Having noticed that the corn venders (men who barbeque corn on the street below our apartment) always seemed to have an ample supply of well lit coal, we got the bright idea to ask how they managed to light their charcoal. It turns out that they lay their coal on the eye of a stove (everyone here uses gas) and when the coal is ready they transport the coal to the grill. I was now ready to try the Egyptian way of lighting charcoal. Using the kitchen stove, it only took about 30 minutes to light an ample amount of charcoal to cook. I was then ready to cook.

It was at this time that I did what most people do when cooking hotdogs, I thought about the buns. I knew we didn’t have hotdog buns but loaf bread will always do in a pinch. Unfortunately when I checked the bread it was molded. This was not a disaster however because the grill I purchased here only allows the grate of the grill to get very close to the charcoal so the cooking time for hotdogs turned out to be about 45 minutes. Stacey simply gave Meredith some money and sent her to a small store around the corner from our apartment.

When Meredith returned with a package of buns I was taking the hotdogs off the grill. It was then that we learned two things. Pork hotdogs sold in Egypt are very large and hotdog buns sold in Egypt are very small. Let’s put it this way. If you break the hotdog in half there is still some hanging out of both ends of the bread and there is no way that bun is actually going to squeeze together around the hotdog like on a commercial or on the picture on the hotdog bun wrapper. No problem, the eating was a bit messier, but it all goes to the same place- right?

When supper was over we cleaned up. We had used paper plates to expedite our quick and easy supper, and after cleaning the charcoal off the stove and the floor of the kitchen the process of cooking hotdogs in Egypt from beginning to end only took 4 hours. After supper, we had just enough energy to brush the kids’ teeth, pray with them, and then tell them not to dare get out of their beds until morning before we retreated to the couch to begin resting up for the next day.