Gotcha & Honeymooning

Ah…what a day!! Both of my 2 new beautiful girls in my arms at last! Oh, to have Mati here with us!

The morning was long and rather boring, honestly. The car we were supposed to ride in was having problems starting up, so we spent the first 3 ½ hours at the mechanic, waiting while he tried to fix it. I was able to have some productive conversation with the man who will be helping coordinate things with the girls and me while I’m here, so all was not lost. I was still glad though, when he finally said we would have to get a taxi to take us, since the car was still acting up.

First to Kaiya’s orphanage. The building was Spartan and not in great condition, but the children were still quick to smile or laugh when given attention. And my smiling girl met me at the gate with beautiful flowers! The children sang us a couple of songs, saying goodbye to their friend. Then we visited with the orphanage director for some time before heading out. Kaiya wiped a few tears out of her eyes as we left the place that has been her home until now. Then, as we got in the car, she snuggled up to me and wrapped her arm around me. J

It was a long drive to Ada’s orphanage, which is more in the country just outside of Kinshasa. Kaiya was well on her way to falling asleep when we arrived. As we got out of the car, Kaiya held tight to my hand as though afraid she would lose me. We went into the director’s office and waited there for a few minutes until Ada walked in. She had a huge grin on her face as she came in, and the three of us had a group hug and picture before moving on to other things. We briefly walked around to see a little bit of the orphanage grounds, then back to the office to spend a few more minutes before we piled back into the car to return to the guesthouse. Both girls fell asleep on the way back to the guesthouse; Kaiya on my lap and Ada on my shoulder. A couple of other precious car memories: Ada’s huge smile (almost disbelieving) when I handed her and Kaiya some brightly colored sunglasses, and her whispered “Merci!” And Kaiya giving the rest of her PB crackers to Ada when she was finished with them.

Back at the guesthouse, it might as well have already been Christmas Day here. The girls “oohed” and “aahed” over all the clothes, toys, and activities that awaited them. We ate dinner, played for a while, and then called home. It was a pretty amazing time talking to Papa, Nana, and Matani. All 3 girls did great, especially considering the total language barrier. What a precious time!

When we reluctantly hung up, I had some moments of wondering if bedtime was going to be difficult. Far from it! Ada actually asked me if they could go to bed, saying they were tired. We brushed teeth, showered, put brand-new jammies on, and sat on the bed to read a couple books and the Bible. After we finished, Ada asked if we could pray. We did, and their sincere little faces as they breathed out fervent prayers in a language I don’t understand nearly took my breath away. They laid down and were asleep by the time I finished getting ready for bed myself. It may just be the honeymoon, with our more challenging days ahead, but I’ll take it! J

Thank you Lord, for finally bringing this day. My heart aches tonight to be with Matani again…please hasten that day!