Today was the first of the days that we have been looking forward to. We got to visit our son.
We were driven to the orphanage, and it took about a half hour from the guesthouse. We were told it was not far, so we're not sure what "far" is.
We were escorted into the building, and into small room on the 2nd floor of the orphanage building. There were 15-20 kids (all under the age of 2 1/2 or so). It was cute chaos in there. We could tell from the interaction we observed that the kids are all very loved. In situations where the children would cry, there was someone to love them up immediately.
Given the strict rules that we had, we were not allowed to pick up, or pay any special attention our son. We played and played with all the kids. Hilary had 5 kids trying to sit on her lap at once. She was holding one child, and had 4 on her lap at one point. They are all beautiful children.
Our son is beautiful as well. We did interact with him on a few occasions in the hour that we were in the room. He enjoyed putting pieces of lego on his head, and we were to repeat this. We did this a number of times, and he enjoyed it. He also seemed to enjoy throwing things. Another thing he did a number of times was try to climb onto a container to look out the window... He got reprimanded for it a number of times, but he still kept on doing it. What a beautiful little boy... We can't wait to see him again, and be able to take him home...
As we rode along to the orphanage and back, we noticed a lot of interesting things that we would find odd in Canada. Cattle herded down the street, 16 lane un-controlled intersection (talk about confusion corner, I would not even think of driving in this city), many honks (saying, "I'm here", "get off the road", "don't angle me out", "thank you"), extreme poverty, vehicles with waaay too much loaded on the top of the vehicles, and a variety of different smells as you move down the street (from good smelling things to garbage smells).
It was a better day today. I assume that we are still feeling the effects of jet lag, and being constantly tired, despite not being able to sleep in the middle of the night. This morning, we were blessed to chat a little bit with Hilary's parents (even though the internet connection was terrible) which gave us a little bit more energy for the day. All in all, it was a good day.
Thank you all again for your interest, prayers and support. We've been reading your encouraging words to the previous few posts.
It's so much fun to watch kids play. What a comfort for you to know how much the kids are loved. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!! I'm going to be giggly for the rest of the day knowing that you've been able to interact with him. It's real!!
ReplyDeleteOh YAY!!!! You got to meet him!!! It must feel surreal! What a long-awaited day.
ReplyDeleteSo glad for you both...and now we keep praying about court. The jet lag will get better and that will hopefully give you a bit more energy...and how nice that you could chat with parents.
Write down as much as you can somewhere...someday you won't remember all of the little things you're experiencing and feeling.
I so hope you get to see him once more before court...
AHHHHH.....it's happening guys!
R
I can hardly believe it's happening. You guys must have incredible self-control to obey the rules. Didn't you just want to scoop him up and squeeze him tight? How are we supposed to wait out here???? I'm so excited that you got to see him. Friday's almost here. We'll be dreaming our prayers for you while we sleep and when we wake up you'll have sailed through court! :)
ReplyDeleteLittle guy, your family is waiting to meet you!! But, loving you doesn't need to wait...that's already here.
Love you
So exciting to have such a long-awaited day! He must be beautiful! He'll be in your arms so soon:) I remember the isolation when I went to S. Africa ; to be in a totally different world, culture, environment, and to not be with people who KNOW you, is a strange and lonely feeling! But don't believe the lies loneliness tells you; its not easy, but the God who created Ethiopia is with you and has gone before you. He is on your side, His love for you never ends. We're with you in spirit too! I felt very specifically drawn to pray for you guys this past day, please keep adding prayer requests! Love you lots!! We all love you!!
ReplyDeleteMy reaction was the same as Alicia's. Grab him and go home!! No, I realize that you need to go through the process, but to not even give him special attention?! That must have been so hard. You spending time in his country can give you an appreciation for the man he will become. Soak it all in.
ReplyDeletePraying for patience and speedy red tape to go with it. :)