Day 11 and Day 12 in Haiti

Day 11 –Tuesday (4-12-16)

Today, we had a big surprise when we came down for breakfast. We were told our Social Worker interview would be happening today at 8:30!! While that was exciting, it also made me anxious. The reason I was so excited is that it was the last official meeting that has to take place on our socialization trip (not in the process), and we were told it would be on Friday (we fly home on Saturday). Well…if you are familiar with Haiti you understand that there are a number of things that can happen that can disrupt the schedule, and I was fearful that it wouldn’t happen. I am thankful that God calmed my fears by allowing it to happen today.

It was a little intense. We sat with a Social Worker from IBESR and a translator (who we were SO excited to me because he has been working on our case).  During the interview, our intentions were questioned, our plans for the children were questioned, and we were repeatedly reminded about the responsibility that comes with adoption. All seemed to go well. As most of you know, Joey and I don’t struggle talking, but that setting as a little intimidating for even us. I might add that both A and C sat perfectly still with us during the interview, until both fell asleep in our laps.

It was a relief to have the interview over and we had a great day with the boys. Today is the most one-on-one time I have had with A (who may or may not think that if he gives me a kiss he gets a cookie J) and C might be realizing that running around with Daddy is a lot more fun that sitting with Mom J.  A is still calling Joey Pa-pa (which is completely common), but C is calling him Daddy and it just melts my heart.

At the end of our time at the crèche today, we walked down the road a little ways to another orphanage. It is difficult to put into words the visual juxtaposition between the lives of those kids and the lives we live. My heart is so burdened by the way some children must live. This orphanage is not a crèche, so these children are not on a track to adoption, and they will continue to grow up where they are. We, strangers who don’t speak their language, entered their home, walked around and their response was to sing us a beautiful welcome song. As if their welcome song wasn’t enough to put a huge lump in my throat, they began singing American praise and worship songs that we would know. At that point, the sunglasses came down over my eyes, and the tears began to flow. I couldn’t help but look at these kids who are living in such extreme poverty and wonder what in their lives makes them able to sing like that, with such passion. The only answer is that they truly believe that their heavenly Father loves them and gives them hope for an eternal life that is beyond the poverty and distress of this world. As we walked back to the crèche where our boys are, my heart was so incredibly thankful for the care and love and provision that they are being given while we are away.

At dinner tonight, we were able to welcome two more adoptive families. The guest house has grown from 4 people when we arrived (Me, Joey, Alison, and Juvenal) to 14. It has been a great experience and we are excited to have had the chance to get to know them.

Day 12- Wednesday (4-13-16)

Today was super fun because we got to watch the two families that came last night meet their children for the first time. It is so beautiful to watch children connect and claim their parents to the rest of the children, they are so proud. We all had a fun day of playing and continuing to get to know our kids. It is amazing how much you can learn about someone in such a short time. We seem to understand their habits and responses and we can interpret what they mean even when the language piece is missing. I feel like we have been parenting A and C for much more than two weeks.  Joey and I talked, and it just seems like they have been a part of our lives forever. This doesn’t mean that we haven’t had some trials, because we have, but as parents we know there are good days and there are better days. We are just going to aim for the latter as often as possible. It is our goal to honor God in our parenting and to raise our four children to love and respect their heavenly Father.