My Friend Spencer

Spencer, with his mom (Lisa) and dad (Mark) came to visit us all the way from Saskatoon. Spencer taught me about combining, grain bins and that John Deere is the best. We toured an orchard and got to see tractors, roosters and goats! We had fun playing on the swings too! Here we are giving each other a big hug!

I am getting stronger every day! Not long ago I had trouble walking at a good pace but now I can run, climb stairs and even get a bit of air when I try to jump. These are big accomplishments for me. Mommy and daddy love hearing me yell, "I'm running! Look I'm running fast!".

Parker is trying to talk. I often tell him to be quiet but then I'm told that three parents are not needed. When Parker is not wearing his boots and bars he sure tries to crawl. I'm also noticing that he is trying different foods, now that he has 3 teeth he seems to want to chew on everything.

I love taking my swimming lessons and dunking my whole head under water. Teacher Amy says I'm a real fish. If I could go everyday I would!

Well it's night-night for me. Daddy is going to read me "The Gruffalo" and than I'm going to sleep in mine and Parker's room. I hope Parker keeps up his new routine of sleeping till morning!

Wet kisses,
James

Calgary Visitors!

Parker and I had lots of fun with Aunty Louise and cousin Christine. We got LOTS of attention. Christine gave me a bath every night and tucked me into bed reading me a story. Aunty Louise cuddled Parker, rocked him to sleep and added a few more foods to his diet; like ice cream! Mommy and daddy got to escape to a movie! We had lots of fun but today they had to go back home. I'm already a bit lonely!

Tomorrow I start my first swimming class called Bubblers! I love the water so I am very excited to go. Hope you all had a great summer! Parker and I sure did!

Hugs,
James

Where I was Born

Many of you have asked questions about my place of birth so here is some information of my home land; Monrovia, Liberia - Africa.

I have also included the flag of Liberia (very similar to the United States flag), a map, the orphanage I lived at (http://www.wacsn.org/Home.asp), and the very first picture my mom and dad saw of me (I'm looking a bit sad because I was hungry).

FACTS:

• The capital of Liberia is Monrovia. That's were I was born!

• Monrovia was named after former U.S president James Monroe. Which by the way brings me to mention that my name is James Monrovia Epp. My parents thought changing my middle name from Kid to Monrovia would be special and unique and I agree.

• English is the official language. That's why I can talk so good!

• The president of Liberia is Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. She is the first female president in Africa.

• Liberia is on its way to a very slow recovery after being in a 14 year civil war where many children were used as soldiers.
  

EFFECTS OF THE WAR:

• One in eight babies die at birth and nearly half the children die before they are five years old.

• The unemployment rate in Liberia is 85%.

• 80% of the people live in extreme poverty.

• There are no functioning public utilities, and the vast majority of Liberians have no access to electricity, water and basic sanitation facilities.

• Most medical facilities have been destroyed, looted or damaged preventing children from receiving basic and necessary care.

I am a lucky boy to now be here safe with my mommy and daddy but they often say that they are the lucky ones to have me! I hope one day soon to return to Liberia with daddy, mommy and Parker to visit and volunteer.

James Monrovia Epp

FEET