Saturday, September 20, 2008

My Nephew. . . .Akwasei

Below is a picture of my new nephew.


He is good looking and very smart. I had a blast with him while we were in Ghana on the second trip. He is a true Blessing to our family. His story is totally God driven.

HIS STORY:

He was in another orphanage before going to Eban House. The director of our Ghana program, Anita, visited his orphanage at one time. As she was leaving, he cried because he wasn't "chosen" to go to the Eban House. A while later, he was chosen and brought to the Eban House back in March (I think). When Leigh Ann and I came for the first trip to Ghana, he immediately would sit by her. He really didn't talk much to her, but just sit there. After a while, she would go outside and kick the ball around. I know what he was thinking, "Wow, this white lady can kick". He really brightened right up. He began to talk to her and follow her all around. On one of our last days there, he went up to her and said, "I want you to be my mother!". He kept telling her, he was going to follow her to America, so she could be his mother.

Well, this hit home with Leigh Ann because he is just the kind of boy she would cherish. He is sneaky, energetic, smart, athletic, and loves her. She finds the good in children and helps them to thrive on their talent. His talent is definitely sports - all kinds of sports!

Back to the story:
Leigh Ann went home and thought long and hard about seriously adopting Akwasei. She decided she wanted to and had already made a connection with him. So, she began the process with getting her home study done. At first, she was told that the Ghanian law wouldn't allow a single foreigner to adopt a child from Ghana. So, on our second trip (to bring the girls home), we had an appointment to meet with social welfare to discuss the request of adopting Akwasei. We took Akwasei with us and long story short: everyone cried and Akwasei is a Murphy now. The social warefell really want their children to be taken good care of and loved. Leigh Ann and Akwasei showed her that they can do this. Like I mentioned before, this is all God driven.

Akwasei, I just want to say I can't wait until you come home. We love you and miss you! Rita and Racheal ask about you all the time!

Love your Aunt Chalene

5 comments:

Jen said...

Yea! I am so happy to see this post about Akwasei! I think about him so often and have told Kyle all about him. I can't wait for him to get to AZ! He has a soccer buddy here that is ready and waiting to play with him!

Come home Akwasei- you have a big family that loves you already and friends waiting!

Bless you Leigh Ann for following your heart!

Jennine

Heather said...

Even though I know the story, I cry every single time I read it!!! God is good.

Amy said...

I must agree- this story is one that helps us all feel God's hand in our lives. What a beautiful thing to witness. Thanks for sharing.

Can't wait until he is home with his beloved Titi!

Fabu

Robin Dodd Photography said...

I love this kid.. a gem.. what a great spirit.

cami said...

Great story!!! He is darling.