There is another family staying next door to us that is from Southern Illinois, and who are adopting a little girl from another orphanage. Their little girl was a little earlier than Hannah, so we were sitting in the lobby of our Hotel watching them when we saw Hannah come through the door - we knew it was her as soon as we saw her. I have video, but it will take a while to edit and get up on the blog - so check back for that later :>)
Our first meeting was not as peaceful or quiet as we had been praying and hoping for, but it was not unexpected. Actually, from everything we have read and been told, it is a good sign when they cry – it indicates that they are grieving the loss of everything and everyone they currently know (nothing is familiar to her here). Although Hannah did cry (and loudly enough that our guide suggested we go back to the room), she finally calmed down when Lois started singing to her. She has since cried off and on, but the crying is getting shorter and she is ever so slowly beginning to interact with us (at least she will follow a toy with her eyes – and she clings to her little stuffed blue dog that we sent to her in a care package). We are thankful that apparently Hannah had a good solid attachment to her caretakers at the orphanage, and while it may be hard on her and us for the next day or so, in the end, her grieving now will enable her to attach more quickly and permanently to us. Thank you for your prayers – please continue to pray for all of our adjustments. At the moment she is sound asleep in Lois’ arms – and I do mean sound asleep. Since it is only 6:45 here, we will probably only let her sleep for a little while, then see if we can get her to eat or drink something (so far, she has refused both). And so our Journey of Hope to a Waiting Child begins a new chapter. Stay tuned for more later …
6 comments:
Giddy, giddy, giddy! Oh, how exciting! I cried reading the post, cried with happiness! I wish I could be there with you, jumping up and down with such exuberance. Perhaps good I'm not... Hannah wouldn't sleep through it.
The journey has only just begun, and it get better from here.
Oh my goodness! Talk about a surprise! I'm almost in tears, I'm so happy for you! I'm so happy for little Hannah, too, she just doesn't understand yet what wonderful parents she has, and what a great future she will have. She is stunning...so pretty. She looks so healthy, too. Hang in there. I remember feeling a bit helpless and even guilty when Kerry had her grieving moments. It doesn't take them long to recognize that they are loved and cared for. I recall little games that required eye contact and a little physical contact going a long way to helping with the initial bonding process. Games like peek-a-boo and tickling and just being silly to make her smile. Snacks and stacking cups helped, too. Congratulations Mama and Daddy! Give her an extra hug from us and her old fried Kerry (when she's ready)
Virginia, Doug,
and Kerry Lu
Lois and David,
How wonderful that I looked on your blog and saw the surprise. What beautiful pictures of the two of you with Hannah showing such joy in your eyes.
Remember McDonald's delivers 24/7 if you need food!!!!
We will be lifting you to the Father.
Linda Bidez
Congratulations! will be praying for a smooth adjustment for your Beautiful little girl.
For some reason I had a hard time getting into the blog. Oh my goodness, all I could do was cry when I saw that precious baby girl in your lap Lois. You already look like a calm mother. PTL again for many answered prayers.Gods mercies are new every morning and I know the bonding process has already begun! Already love her and what special parents she has. Looking forward to all the days and years ahead to spoil her. (ha) We love ya'll!
Wow, when I saw that last picture I burst into tears. Holding a sleeping child is Heaven. Nothing in comparison to how amazing it will really be someday, but in earthly terms, it's pretty amazing. I'm so happy for you.
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