Friday, November 18, 2011
Today was a day I had imagined in my mind for such a long time, but NOTHING could have prepared us for the joy and sweetness that it has been. We were taken to the orphanage around 9:30 Ethiopia time (about 1:30 a.m. back home). Levi was brought out and some some of the other families here with us who are also adopting video taped and took pictures for us. He walked out very shy, but came and gave me a big ole hug. Then hugged Sean, and showed us that he was wearing the shirt we had sent to him in a care package. I would have broken down and bawled, but didn't want to freak him out, so I held it in. I can't explain how it felt to hold him in my arms. Wow! (NOW I'm bawling, but that's okay. He is not allowed to stay with us until we pass court, so he's back in the transitional home.) We brought things with us to interact with him, i.e. soccer ball, marbles, matchbox car set, and coloring book. This boy's got some skills. He could work a soccer ball! We were all impressed. Let me just say, this boy LOVES his daddy! He didn't want to leave Sean's side the whole day. I might have felt left out except that it was just the sweetest thing to watch them together. At one point, Sean went inside to the restroom. After a minute, Levi was playing with me, but he said in his broken English, "Go get daddy?" So, we walked and waited for him to come out of the bathroom. Oh, how I love that it's Sean's turn after the many years I had 3 kiddos outside the bathroom door! :) I have to also say he is his father's child. This boy is competitive and keeps score....even in marbles. He said, "Mommy 1, Daddy 2!" and then grinned his big ole grin. :) I am definitely outnumbered here. I'm still in culture shock and can't begin to write what I've seen. From the minute we left the airport, just within 5 minutes drive to our hotel, I saw nearly every single block FILLED with homeless people and very young prostitutes. Children all over the place at 11pm with very little clothes, fires burning to keep them warm, and begging on every corner. After what I've seen today, that was really just tipping the iceberg. Another story for another time when I can maybe, just maybe, wrap my mind around this reality here. I've never seen anything like it before in my life. It's something I believe will not only change me forever, but transform EVERYthing for our family. Back to some positives....Sean was the pied piper at the orphanage. He's the tall American who played ball with the kids. They had such a blast and so did he. I did some video taping, and they LOVED seeing themselves on video. I can't tell you how their giggles blessed my heart. They are happy, even though from our perspective there's not much to be happy about. Somehow, they are resilient and content. I don't think they realize how poor they are. I don't think we realize how rich we are. I've got a lot more to share, but just wanted to give you the summary of our day. I've just given birth, and like the other 3 times, it's the best feeling in the world.
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