Power surges, long walks, junk food, and new tricks

Just a quick note to catch you up on the past few days... Mercy just fell asleep and I've learned that I must get some sleep when she does or I'm in big trouble!  We were without power for a couple of days earlier this week.  Then it finally came back on and well rushed to plug everything in to charge.  Then a few hours later the lights flickered and started acting strange.  I quickly unplugged the power cord from my computer, but not from the wall.  We had a big power surge.  The light in my room got super bright and Beth's went out completely.  We heard popping sounds and then we all noticed smoke and some sparks coming from our computer power cords.  Uh-Oh!  Needless to say, 3 of the 4 computers in the house needed new power cords.  Thankfully, today we made a trip into town and John Mary knew just the right place to go to get a cord.  He said this was a good and trustworthy place that sold good/new merchandise and not just refurbished.  He also said it was "just up the road".  Anytime a Ugandan tells you that... call your driver. ha! We did however get a chance to walk off the burgers and ice cream we had for lunch. We walked quite a ways... all 11 of us... single file through the busy streets of Kampala.  We looked like a parade.  Now let me tell you how many looks and crazy comments I get for carrying around an African baby!  It was unreal.  I felt like a circus act.  I got a proposal from an old man, asked whose baby I had taken, and then one man would not let go of Mercy's foot until I explained.  I know they are just curious... and adoption, especially transracial adoption, is not common here at all so it does not necessarily cross their minds, but it is a bit overwhelming at times feeling like I have a target on my face.  But of course, a lot of this will continue when we get home, so I guess I better get used to it.

Yesterday, I took a couple of kids with me up the street to the grocery store.  I needed to buy some diapers and minutes for my phone.  I asked Beth before we left if there was anything I could get at the store.  The only thing she would tell me is bread.. (they always need bread, Howard kids love toast!).  So at the store, the kids and I picked out some great junk food.  We bought candy bars, pretzels, cookies, nutella, milk in a bag (Cody will love this fact!... his fascination with milk in a bag is strange) and cereal... Africa's version of Trix.  Cereal is really expensive here, so they have not had any at all.  Since we weren't sure this cereal will actually be any good, we just got one box.  So we may each only get about 3 pops a piece, but I'm sure it will be tasty.  The kids were so excited!  I told Beth if she didn't start telling me real things they need from the store, I'll continue to just buy junk food.  That's what Aunt Melissa is for, right?

On the adoption front... I am officially scheduled for court on Friday, September 17th.  Please pray for this to really happen.  Part of me is still pretty doubtful, but maybe that's just because I've tried three times so far and been unsuccessful.  If all goes well that day, Cody will fly in the next week.  Woo hoo!  Can't wait for him to get here.  I have Mercy's big medical appointment that's needed for the US Embassy scheduled for this Monday.  Pray we pass through that with no major problems.

Mercy is really picking up on things quickly.  She now blows kisses, blows on my belly, points to her nose, says, "Shhh!" and "Uh-oh!".   She also can stand up on her own without holding on to anything.  Now all of these things, she only does when she feels like it.  The girl is a bit stubborn.  But if you've met my other girls, this is not new for me. ha!!  I haven't weighed her this week, but she seems to be putting on some weight and looking a bit healthier.  My tiny little girl wears just 6-9 month size clothes and only a size 3 shoe.  She loves to eat bananas, pineapple, eggs, bread, rice and noodles, and of course french fries and pizza.  So I know she'll soon catch up on her height and weight.

Thank you to all of the wonderful people who've cooked meals for my family, invited them over, picked them up from school, offered play dates, sent encouraging notes and emails and loved on my family in any way.  It's hard to be a part from Cody, Emma and Avery, but it does make it a bit easier when I know they are supported by so many.  I feel your prayers each day and I am so grateful for them.  Keep 'em coming!