Happy Birthday Merry!

The Just Dance dancers brought over all kinds of goodies to surprise Miss Merry for her birthday.

Merry in her hot ride at the North American Auto show in Detroit.

Merry celebrated her 23rd birthday this week. Our first baby so grown up! Happy Birthday Merry, we all love you!

Lessons in Burkinabe Electronics

Today folks, we are going to learn about electric currents. The US runs mostly on 110. Most of the rest of the world runs on 220. Hence the need for all the funny little plugs you see in the travel sections of stores.
Ah, but there are some important things you need to know before traveling to remote destinations or even Europe.
1. An adapter is used IF the cord of your beloved American appliance says: 110-220. Then you just need the plug that fits the holes in your country of choice. The reason: the transformer is built in to the cord. Many newer electronics are built this way. Kind of like the whole directions in 40 languages concept. These range from about $3.00-$10.00
2. However, IF you don't have a cord with the transformer built in then you must buy a transformer. It kind of looks like a multi tool for electricians. It has a rectangular box and many plugs to fit many countries. It somehow communicates between the 2 parties so that your expensive and loved electrical device doesn't fry. In Burkina this is important because I have heard from everybody with experience that the electrical situation there is quite frightening by American standards. Transformers run from $10.00-$20.00.
3. You still may want a surge protector. Haven't yet seen one, but I know they exist. Meijers in Michigan apparently carries them.
4. Now for the big stuff you can order a super duper, heavy duty transformer. This works for microwaves, game boys or anything else that is near and dear to you and requires larger ampages or volts or whatever you call it. They are about $70.00
It has been a rough week.

Will I ever be ready to go to Burkina????

PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION! IT IS CHANGING REGULARLY.

Oh my! Just when I thought I was ready to go, I have been advised that I have a lot more work to do.
I have spent the last week absolutely overwhelmed. However, Now after much work I think we are going to make it.
First I would like to thank my 2 American friends who actually know and understand Burkina. You will find their blog/websights in my links.
So for anybody looking for useful info on traveling to Burkina, here is the following advice.

1. Absolutely, positively make sure you have all 974 (just kidding) immunizations. Your life and health really do depend on it. Actually the number is about 12. Yellow Fever is necessary to apply for the visa, BUT all the warnings and cautions really do apply and are currently active diseases in the country. Our end price per person is around $750.00 Plan many weeks or months for this unless you are really brave.
2. Applying for the visa is relatively easy and cheap. Americans can get a 5 year multi-entry visa for $100.00 and it only took 6 days from mailing to receiving.
3. Air France is the preferred method for westerners who are a bit more used to regular schedules and modern flight experiences. Even Air France is not without issues to and from Ouagadougou.
No Friday flights to and from Ouaga. (as the locals call it) Every other day there are. However, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday leave at 9:30 from Ouaga and stop off in Niger for several hours. You don't leave the plane so it is safe, but you do spend longer trying to get home.
In the US/Europe you may be on a Air France flight in a Delta or even a Northwest plane. They share planes I guess.
4. I am a Michigander. I found that I can fly out of Metro Detroit. However, you must be very flexible about departure and arrival dates and times. I can be on Air France for the entire trip. That eliminates the whole lost baggage problem that seems to follow Burkina flights. Nowadays, the luggage is arriving along with you pretty good, BUT I have been advised to avoid any extra stops or lay overs to avoid the luggage pitfalls. You need at least 2 weeks advance ticket purchase to qualify for better rates.
5. We are allowed 2 50# packages for luggage that must be a certain size. Google: Air France luggage regulations for more info. However, we can take more luggage of $150.00 for each 50# additional. If you register and pay in advance it is 30% off so it works out to be relatively reasonable. Stop, no wait. Tsht does not apply to US passengers. I am talking to Air France tomorrow to make sure but I am planning to take over the 18 gallon plastic totes as my luggage. That way I can leave them for my kids and their families and it won't cost too much. I am a little concerned about breakage, BUT I am sure that with enough duct tape we should be ok. Air France said fine.
6. I have been advised to only take 1 carry on luggage and make sure everything fits in there because in Paris you will be forced to get rid of a bag. For example, no purse and carry on. Put your purse in the carry on. The good thing is the carry on is actually quite large. Keep your passport and visa in a case on your body or in your pocket.
7. I am being asked for all kinds of toiletries and meds, clothing-especially underwear and athletic shoes, batteries. I am taking the girls portable dvd players and dvds and books. Books in French or English are hard to come by. I already figured that, but it was recently confirmed. As always, school supplies, jewelry, and all kinds of girly things. Rakieta is getting a sewing machine.
For Rakieta's mom I will take kitchen supplies as they are out of affordability for poor Burkanabe folks. One thing surprising me though is how much food I'll be packing. Spices and other western things they now know about but maybe can't get.
Most Burkanabes have at least limited access to tv now and it is full of American shows and commercials so they really "got to have" some of what they see. Is is what is best? I doubt it. I know MTV is definitely not a good thing, BUT it is there to stay.
8. Dress code- I have no idea on the men yet. I have been told that shorts are a sure sign of being a tourist which will make you a target for playful Burkanabes who are REALLY, REALLY good at dickering and bartering. For women, no bare legs! Cap or sleeveless tops are ok. NO spaghetti straps. So just dress in jeans, capris or longer skirts. I guess corn row braids are also seen as a little strange if you are white. Another sure sign you are a tourist. I have long hair too. I figured I would just wear a braid or ponytail every day. I will mostly be with Burkanabes in their neighborhoods, not in western tourist areas so no matter what I will look strange. BUT I will have my "family" babysitting me and keeping me out of trouble. They are very cute in how protective they are.
9. I have been advised to ask for an antibiotic to take with me just in case. In addition you will need to get a malaria medicine that you take everyday . You may have to take it for a week or so before going too. I can't remember the details. We have a family practitioner in the neighborhood who is from Ghana. He has helped us tremendously and will understand completely on the prescription requests. So, I encourage the same thing for you. If you can find a doctor in your community from Africa, India, etc they should be able to help give you advice and will understand the prescription requests.
Well, that is it for today. I will keep adding to this list as I need to so be sure to reread it.

Happy Birthday Rakieta!

Rakieta before we met her

Rakieta 2 weeks after arrival in 2003. Amazing what a little food and love can do for a kid.

Rakieta last May in her Cinderella dress at Stephanie's First Communion.

Saturday, January 5, is Rakieta's 18th birthday! Sigh. I never thought this day would come. We have worked so hard and so long to make sure she is healthy. This is child number 3 of ours reaching adulthood. Well, at least I am not having nervous breakdowns anymore. One thing I have learned in this family of girls is that girls never really leave you. They just keep bringing more people home and they cost a lot more the older they get. We sent her the money to get her cell phone. She is very excited and told Jeni that she wants to get a "Motorola." In the end she will get what she can afford.
Last weekend, during a family Christmas gathering and my birthday celebration we called her and all sang Happy Birthday together. She loved that.
It seems like yesterday that we picked up this tiny, very fragile, scared, little girl with no English who could barely walk from the liaison. We have never regretted it. We are truly blessed to have her and all her family members as part of our family.

Happy New Year's!

Look what we woke up to this morning?!?!

I repeat: This is the worst December I can remember since I have lived in Southern Michigan!

Christmas Pics 2007

Finally a picture of all 4 of us. It has gotten so hard to get everyone in the same place at the same time. Merry Christmsa everyone!

Matt, me, Grandma and Grandpa K. Christmas 2007

Merry Christmas from Kyle and Jeni! Chamo motif was their theme for each other.

Just Dance "A Christmas Spectacular"-Imlay City

We braved a Winter/Blizzard advisory for this one. This show too was wonderful and the audiences for both were very positive. In all the years of Dance Christmas shows I do not remember a December like this one.