jonas and other randomness

some of you have been reading for awhile.  you remember me sharing about Jonas here and here and here .  Jonas hasn't left our minds.  we haven't forgotten him.  see him below the day before we left Ethiopia.

we continue to pray for him, asking God to move mountains and maybe even use us to see this boy reach his God-given potential.  i send and re-send emails.  yesterday i started calling a number i was given to reach the director of KVI and child sponsorship there in Addis.  I kept getting "the mobile user is out of the area" or another message saying the phone was turned off.  really discouraging.  today i tried the two phone numbers again and it actually rang.  but no answer.  so typical.  then a busy signal.  exasperating.  i went off to make muffins, because i'm officially back in the kitchen (yay!! :) ) and it feels so great to be there.  AJ was having fun emptying my kitchen gadget drawer and eating a few grapes.  all of a sudden the phone rang.  it was long distance, and the number i remember just calling in Ethiopia.  wow.  i grabbed the phone and there was Eyob on the other end.  in person.  ready to listen.  we chatted.  i was given explanation for the lack of response.  i shared our heart for Jonas and what we observed while there in December.  i shared that others who've read this blog are praying for him and asking how he is.  he promised me he'd try to locate him, "sit with him in my office and ask him some questions", and try to establish what Jonas' needs are.  maybe he has more support and healthcare accessible to him than expected, i shared.  but i really doubt it.  however, that would be welcomed news.  he said he felt he owed Jonas a proper follow through, and that he'd be in touch in a few weeks once more information was known.  the man cares, and that is exactly what i'd prayed and wished for.  it's just one boy, in one crazy populated city, in the most amazing country full of paradox.  but for some reason we're changed since meeting him.  maybe it was looking into his jaundiced eyes knowing he was orphaned and grieving the death of his parents.  maybe it was just because the utter tragedy of his life was staring us in the face, literally.  not to be ignored.  please continue to pray, if praying is something you do.  i have no doubt great things are possible.  i'll keep you posted. 

feel like i need to break that heavy paragraph with a picture, but none are really handy at the moment.  use your imaginations people! :) this is the lighter "randomness" mentioned in the title.  the VS crew is officially resuming normal activities.  all five are at school today.  as mentioned, i'm cooking and baking again (that novelty should wear off in about 1.5 days).  Joelle was back at basketball (huge feat).  no more pill bottles scattered over the counter.  no blankets strewn across the family room.  no lack of sitting space due to pale flu-ravaged bodies stretched over the beautiful plaid couch and loveseat.  it's good to be back to a pre-flu state around here.  so far the other four "machines", as we're calling them, are holding strong.  maybe mildly anxious but strong nonetheless.

AJ news~ AJ blows us away.  he is a dream kid.  i'd so prepared myself, saying many times over the 2.5 years of waiting that "there's no way it can go as smoothly this time, because Hudson's transition was just sooo good.  and we're prepared for that".  i really believed that.  after all, AJ would be older, which automatically presents with more issues right there.  well, he's sleeping great and going to sleep much more at ease than the first few weeks.  sometimes he even asks to go.  he'll come up to me and whisper "bed"...stunned i say "do you want to go to bed???"  he gives me the classic nod that you'll have to see for yourself or ask Jeff to demonstrate.  it's adorable and a barely audible "yah".   he is eating so much better.  initially he was definitely weirded out by our textures and flavours, understandably.  now, he's diving in to most meals and often whispering "more".  or he'll come up to me through the morning and say "eat~ hungry"....communicating has been great.  we still toss around many Amharic basics, but he's also saying the compatible English word as well.  he counts to ten most times, kisses all of us repeatedly (won't ever tire of that) and is giggly and content.  such a joy.  i'm still trying for another video, but he's obsessed with seeing it playback so he doesn't stay in front of the camera long enough.  still working on it.  he's seeing the doctor again this week.  more follow-up about the abdominal parasite he is suspected to still have.  i hope that clears in time and that the spleen reduces in size soon as well.  regardless, this child is a complete gift. 

many have wondered how Hudson would do being bumped from "baby" position in the family.  i wondered the same.  he's been such a focus for our family since coming home in 2006.  his antics and charismatic personality are quite....well, consuming.  i'm happy to report that he too has exceeded our expectations through this transition.  first, he adores AJ.  he loves being "big brother" and is constantly trying to teach AJ this word or that word.  he seems to have dropped his voice down a decibel or two.  he's sounding older and wiser.  it's very cute.  he has exhibited no jealousy~ just genuine concern and care that has been beautiful to see.  the other four are also doing great.  as i mentioned a few posts back, they all connect differently now.  there is a dynamics shift, no doubt.  but this has been worth every little change or shift.  without question. 

well, i think that makes you up-to-date...