Saturday, March 28, 2009
The Annual 2K-5K Race...
Every year the kid's school sponsors a 2K-5K race in the desert. This year Meredith won 1st place in her division and Madison and Matthew Ray received certificates for participating! :) Last year was so much fun and this year proved to be even better because Dada was there for the action! Make sure you watch all of the video...it is 3 clips put together of each child's "run." They all ran their little hearts out!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Dada's Here!!!
Dada (Matt's dad) is here and we...well, he...has been busy! Here's just a few of the things going on this week:
**Dada has been able to meet several of our local friends on this visit.
**Dada has had a "buddy date" with Matthew Ray where they went to eat shrimp sandwiches on the street.
**He also had a dessert/french fry date with Madison to McDonalds after dinner one evening.
**He is getting to teach some local pastors with Matt all week.
**He and Matt picked up a new "dulab" (Egyptian closet) for us yesterday and came home and put it together...only a little blood, sweat and tears but they did it!
**At the end of the week he and Meredith have a date planned for the 5 story mall!
I got these pictures from Dada's camera...hopefully I can get some more as the week goes on.
**Dada has been able to meet several of our local friends on this visit.
**Dada has had a "buddy date" with Matthew Ray where they went to eat shrimp sandwiches on the street.
**He also had a dessert/french fry date with Madison to McDonalds after dinner one evening.
**He is getting to teach some local pastors with Matt all week.
**He and Matt picked up a new "dulab" (Egyptian closet) for us yesterday and came home and put it together...only a little blood, sweat and tears but they did it!
**At the end of the week he and Meredith have a date planned for the 5 story mall!
I got these pictures from Dada's camera...hopefully I can get some more as the week goes on.
Monday, March 23, 2009
You Scratch my Back....I'll Scratch Yours :)
I (Stacey)met such a sweet friend a few weeks ago. She works with autistic children and needs to learn more English to earn her degree in this field. We meet once a week. She is a lot of fun to be around. I teach her English and she teaches me more Arabic...it is an eventful 2 hours each week!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
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
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
Monday, March 02, 2009
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!
Friday, February 27, 2009
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!
I
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!
I
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
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!
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!
Monday, February 23, 2009
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...:)
Sunday, February 22, 2009
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:
The volunteers from FBC and Olive:
The game faces:
The volunteers also did a great job of teaching our children some cute songs:
Saturday, February 14, 2009
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!
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 ShannonThey 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!!!
Thursday, February 05, 2009
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:
I think Madison is licking her lipstick here:
Meredith's new school friend...Walk Like an Egyptian:
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
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)
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....
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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!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
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!
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