Everyday when we check our email there are six or seven (often more) messages from families undergoing the same process as us. There are book clubs relating to adoption or South Africa, birthday reminders, information about South African films or news events, discussions about citizenship processes, school issues, medical information, as well as pictures of united families and children who have recently been adopted. It is an excellent resource and although we don't post often, we follow the discussions regularly.
The group also gathers socially throughout the year. Sometimes as a whole, but usually according to regions. We have been getting to know some of the families in the London area and attended a gathering last month.
The gathering was relaxed and casual with lots of good food. My parents came along which was nice because Marc had to work. It was good to meet some other waiting families and to meet people who had already adopted. Some of the families knew each other quite well and their children were friends -- it was neat to see chidren who were together in the baby house in South Africa continue a relationship here in Canada.
The organizers brought some activities for children, a parachute, bubbles, colouring and toys. Sara and Leah quickly made friends and enjoyed the event.
One of the highlights of the day was the performance of an African storyteller. Originally from Ghana, she now lives in Guelph and has made a career of performing traditional stories and songs from many different African countries. Her daughter accompanied her on the djembe and together they entertained all of us (event the babies were riveted).
Sara and Leah were entranced. They loved the repetition throughout the stories and the story teller was excellent at including her audience in the story telling. Sara even now remembers the songs and sings them easily.
Afterwards she stayed for refreshments and conversation.
Another neat part of the day was a Zulu class. A Zulu speaking family from Zimbabwe treated us to a mini lesson. They helped adoptive parents say their children's South African names properly and gave the meanings of the names. They also attempted to teach us how to click. The Zulu language has many different clicking sounds. It is amazing to hear. They tried to teach us how to do the "X" click as in the word "Xhosa". But I must admit we were hopeless.
It was great to finally put some faces to the friends we were making online and to glean advice about our trip to South Africa. It was encouraging to meet families who had already adopted and it made our adoption plan seem more real.
