Monday update

How do I describe the first moment I saw their faces? Even now I can’t put it into words. We pull up in the CWA van outside the foster care office, along with 3 other families. We got out, and I wasn’t sure where the children would be. But as soon as we walked through the tall gate, there they were: a gaggle of kids, all looking anxiously at us, wondering “Which ones are mine?”. Then I saw A’s face, near the front. He was smiling so big. I said his name and he looked at me. I ran to him and asked again to make sure. He held out his hand like a little gentleman and said, “Good morning!” I gave him a big hug as I tried (not very well) to hold back the tears. Next was T, smiling sweetly, hugging me. Then W, a little shy, and not sure what was happening. She was pulling on A’s arm, asking if someone else was her new mom or dad. I hugged them all again, and Hannah and Josh and Jeff were all taking turns hugging. Hannah couldn’t hold back her tears at all. The kids looked at us wondering why we were crying. I had a worker explain they were happy tears!

They are all I was hoping for and more. A has a gentle and humble spirit. Very caring. I guess he’s been looking after the younger ones at the care center. And he is so kind. You can see it in how he made sure every boy at the care center got a lollipop. T eagerly held our hands and played with my and Hannah’s hair. A and Josh connected right away. They’ve had such fun playing together. W is the shy one. Still very young, not as quick with things as her siblings. But she is so adorable. I don’t think she knows quite what is going on, but she’s happy to follow along with her siblings.

Back at the guest house, everyone has been playing together. Another family, who brought 3 teenage children with them, has adopted a daughter similar to age to T and our kids know her from Shashemene orphanage. So it’s like a big recess period around here: soccer, jump rope, matchbox cars, on old bike with flat tires they’re trying to ride, etc. All playing together and having fun.

A few surprises today. Our children have a photo album of their family. I also found out the girls have forgotten Oromo and speak Amharic. A speaks both. I would have tried to learn some Amharic had I known. But that’s OK.

I am not sleeping well at all. I feel OK in the day, but it’s at least 2 AM before I can fall asleep. I know it will catch up with me eventually, so please pray my body will allow me to rest.

What a day! We are still taking it all in. Please pray we will bond well with our children. We are blessed with people at the guest house who can talk to them and explain things, so right now communication isn’t hard. We can tell it will take longer for W to connect with us. But that’s to be expected.

Tomorrow either Jeff or I will venture out to do shopping, which we have yet to do. Everyone here is playing all together, so one of us being gone will not be an issue. Wednesday is our embassy date, then hopefully, flying home Thursday. Most families are flying Friday. Please pray our visa will come in time for us to leave Thursday!