I ordered a few books with the goal of learning about being a parent to a child from Rwanda. While we were in Angelfire a couple weeks back I took the opportunity to read “It’s all good hair.” As a rule, I don’t feel well equipped to do any child’s hair.. let alone hair that I don’t have any experience with. That said I was recently encouraged by a story I read about a Dad in Atlanta, Clifton Green is a finance professor at Emory (he teaches about what I do at work, among other things)… and Dad to a 5 year old little girl from Ethiopia. Clifton sited “It’s all good hair” as a book he read when he was learning about his daughter’s hair. In reading the book I can report that I definitely learned a few things, and will certainly look back through the pages in the years ahead.
So as we go through this process I’ve got a ton of books that I plan to read. I think reading useful books helps me to feel like I’m taking some steps towards our adoption even during the times when we’re feeling ignored or delayed. Of course the truth is that although I’ll likely offer to help as much as I can with stuff like our children’s hairstyles, I’m pretty sure that my incredibly stylish wife will have that area of parenting all wrapped up. Tara meanwhile is reading “Boundaries with Kids” a parallel book to one we read while working to take our marriage from something we were enduring, to something we cherish. I’m next in line to read that one I’m sure its full of great advice. I’d love to hear about what others have read and found useful in their journey towards adoption from Rwanda (or elsewhere). Oh also on the agenda for Tara and I – Chris Rock’s ‘Good Hair’, I’ve heard that its enlightening as well as entertaining, we’ll queue that up for a movie night sometime soon.
We had a great weekend, yesterday we were able to go to the Dallas performance of the “Spirit of Uganda” tour, I’ll let Tara tell you about the show and the organization in another post – but it was outstanding. We’ll be hoping to hear from our new social worker this week, friends keep asking us if we’re making any progress in the adoption – my latest answer is, “yes we’re taking steps, baby steps” Hopefully we’ll have something more substantive to report soon.
6 comments:
I LOVED that book! In fact, I had my mother read it too! I have to say that I am impressed, Blake never read it. He does a good job with hair though. He hasn't quite attempted Sadie's but he knows how to at least condition it. Another one that we like is "I'm Chocolate, You're Vanilla". It helped us to help our siblings and their kids through some questions.
Reading books is one of the best things you can do while you wait! Oh, another great one on adoption (not specific to what type of adoption) is 20 Things by Sherrie Eldridge. It's a must!!! Happy Reading!
Hey- love connecting with those in process with us. It's all we can do- read each other's blogs and wait. Our dossier heads from DC to Rwanda tomorrow. We lived in Dallas for years- near DTS while we were in seminary. Where are you guys?
I get lots of cute hairstyle ideas from this website: http://www.happygirlhair.com
You can also check out one of my old posts on our own haircare regime at: http://africainourhearts.blogspot.com/2009/11/hair-and-skin-care-tips.html
If you want to read some books about Rwanda that covers more then just the genocide, I would highly reccomend "Land of a Thousand Hills" about the life of Rosamond Carr.
Isaac and Tara, It was so great to meet you both tonight and instantly connect over our calling and newfound love for this beautiful country. We look forward to walking this road with you guys, and will be praying for you on the journey.
Thanks for all the tips and book suggestions! We are just beginning to soak up all the information we can, and this is all so helpful.
Take care and we'll definitely get together sometime soon!!
Mark and Chelsea Jacobs
Hi Issac and Tara!
Looks like we are on the exact same timeframe as you in our adoption from Rwanda. We start our Home Study in two weeks. We are going the 'independent' route though, so it will be interesting to compare your experience with ours. It is strange now, waiting for everything to happen, isn't it? Like the calm before the storm I think! Best wishes for everything and we'll be checking out your blog to see how you're getting on:)
Isaac, I don't know if you remember me, but Tara and I worked at Kanakuk together and then we were all at Baylor together. . . let me just say that if you have a little girl, you doing her hair will be a HIGHLIGHT in her childhood! I used to LOVE when my daddy did my hair (even though it always was a slight disaster). . . it was just the special time we spent together that I loved. . .not what my hair looked like! :-) So your sweet daughter (or son) will LOVE spending that quality time with you REGARDLESS what his/her hair looks like! :-) I just LOVE that you are reading a book about hair! :-) You care THAT much! :-) Haha! Y'all are amazing! :-)
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