A Continuing Miracle

Do you recognize this baby? No? I'm not surprised. He's grown up a bit :)

What about this tiny guy? Does he look more familiar? It's hard to believe this is the same baby!

Little Acuka Moses was brought to us weighing only 2lb 12oz at 2 1/2 months early. His mother died after giving birth, and his father was at a loss for what to do with his tiny new son. We agreed to take him in and foster him for a few months until he was bigger and stronger.

He was so small it seemed like he was never going to grow...

But finally, at about 4 months, he began to grow. Not longer but fatter...and fatter...and fatter :)

At one point he could hardly smile because his cheeks were so fat!

Look at those rolls!!

Hanging out on Mommy's back.

After beans and rice at the hospital he's a mess!

Can you tell that someone is now crawling?? Look at those dirty knees!

Hanging out with his "twin", looking at a book. These two are very close, so much so that Selah can't sleep if Acuka is crying.

If you read our first blog about Acuka you're probably wondering why we still have him! Our intention was always to return him to his family as soon as possible. It became clear early on that they were unable and unwilling to take him back. They asked us to raise him for several years and then bring him back to their village. We had to tell them that there was no possible way our family could do that. We were already attached to him and couldn't imagine keeping him for years before returning him! We felt that it would be unfair to Acuka and not in his best interests at all. We asked them to decide: either they would take him back then (when he was 5 months old), or we would keep him permanently. 

This was, of course, a very hard position to put his father in, but he was also putting us in a hard position by changing his mind on our "foster care" agreement and refusing to take his son. It was painful on both sides. We struggled with whether we were doing the right thing. We prayed and talked and prayed some more...but ultimately the decision was an easy one. Because first and foremost, Acuka's father loves his son. Believe it or not the kind of care and concern we have seen from his father is rare here. We have been blessed to be a part of Acuka's family and to have them as a part of ours. We are especially thankful for this little guy that we now have the privilege of raising and loving. He is a joy and a delight!

Please continue to pray that the adoption process would go well with Acuka. He is also having some health problems and has recently begun losing weight. This wouldn't concern me if he was a normal size, but he has only made it to 13 lb. so far! Pray for his healing and growth as well.