So we met on Monday and had Love at First Sight. Then on Tuesday we had two visits, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. In the morning we played ball and did a few games on the computer, we met the doctor and just spent some time learning about one another.
That afternoon we came back for lunch and fed N pizza. We realized our boy has had more hungry nights then we can imagine and needs boundaries with food. Since then we have learned to limit his intake of food (2 pieces of pizza instead of 5) and give a snack to keep in his pocket at all times. He is so sweet and often times when we give him food he wants to feed it to us as well.
When it was time to go he began to show visible sadness. We promised him over and over we would come back. He cried for 30 minutes while we kept telling him "Mom and Dad love you. Mom and Dad will come back Tomorrow". i have to tell you, this was one of the hardest times in my life. My heart felt like it was breaking for him. All four of us were overtaken with his sadness and felt is grief. I am in awe that God allowed us to be his parents and create such a strong bond so quickly. Please pray for his heart as we only have 6 days left in country with him and I honestly don't know how we are going to say goodbye then.
With the pain also comes such happiness as well. You should have see the joy that this little boy's face when he saw us pull up the next day. He was jumping and clapping and as soon as the van doors opened, he jumped into our arms while we were still in the van. Be Still My Heart!!!!!!!!
Each day since then we are greeted with the same response. A jump into the van straight into our arms followed by a quick investigation of our bags and snacks. A reload of "pocket of gum" (pack of gum) and a "shockolate" (granola bar). Then onto a game of ball or "Sholder Dad" (riding on Genes shoulders). Or goodbyes are still hard and tearful, but they are getting better. Each day before we leave we give time warnings and then we each hold him in our hands and repeat either "later" or "tomorrow" and have him repeat it to us.
We still can't show his face but I have to share something with you!
It's not like saying I love you, on sight, to strangers is a bad sign in teens of attachment or anything! But, hey, you're buying a kid -- Ethiopia's massive human trafficking n corruption in adoption problems?? Totally won't apply to u cuz u have a supernatural being in your side? -- so clearly ethics aren't a problem!!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have some very strong opinions about adoption and specifically from Ethiopia. I am sorry to hear that you feel this way. There are many things that we have chosen to keep private in this journey while still showing a true depiction of our journey. Both my husband and I did hours of research and education before we choose our agency, our country and even before pursuing our son. I would be open to hearing your opinion in a polite manner if you would like.
ReplyDelete