Home from Haiti

Ryan and Sunshine at lunch-talking about teeth

Last week we experienced several "firsts." It was our first trip to Haiti.  It was the first time we left our children home with a school work and a substitute teacher (Nana, you did GREAT!)  It was the first time we ate rice and beans for lunch and dinner every day for a week.  But, it was also the first time we met the two little girls who will grow our family this year.  It was the first time we held two  girls who learned to call us, "Maman and Papa."  It was the first time we got a real picture of what life might be like when those girls come home on a plane to live with us and be ours forever.

The purpose of the trip was two-fold:  to bond with the girls and to file an immigration form with the DHS in Haiti so the girls will be granted a travel Visa when the time comes.  In order to file this form, adoptive parents must meet the children and "approve"of them in person.

On both accounts  our trip was a success.  We met the girls at the orphanage on Monday and took them back to our hotel with us where they stayed with us until Thursday afternoon.  Tuesday and Wednesday were days to be together and get to know each other around the pool as well as a chance to meet other parents who are working through our same agency.  We played some games, swam in the pool, and watched some movies together.  We decided that "bonding" was an awkward word for what was taking place.  It is hard to bond with young people who you are meeting for the first time, especially when you do not share a common language.  (That said, they did understand some English and my rudimentary Creole was handy as well for conveying simple messages).  

Sunshine getting ready for a swim-the goggles were mostly for looks!

Thursday we had to go to the US Embassy to appear before a judge and accept the girls as our own.  The appointment took 4.5 hours  (actually it only lasted 5 minutes but there was a lot of waiting around).  When we got back to the hotel where they girls were playing with friends and some of the staff from the orphanage, we had about an hour before we had to say goodbye.  (Open the floodgates). I had hoped to go, conduct business, meet the girls, and come home with pictures and videos showing how cute they are and how much fun we had.

The best picture we have of Sleyka and mommy-courtesy of Sunshine!

In reality, I came home broken.  The business was conducted, the girls girls were met, and we came home with pictures and videos (not great ones, but they'll do). The brokenness came when I fell in love with these two little girls.  Sunshine is a vibrant young lady who loves people  cares for others, and wants to please everyone.  She nurtures her little sister, seeks out others who need help, and does all within  her power to love others.  Sleyka has a laugh that will melt your heart.  She is intrigued by others, enjoys watching life around her, and loves a good bag of animal crackers.  After three days of holding these girls and playing with them, I could start to see how they will fit in the family.  But I also realized that I can't start life with them yet....and that hurts.

All the girls-this is a pretty typical expression for Sleyka

So, when asked how our trip was, I can say it was hard, but it was good.  It was different than we expected (more vomit and crying  and less Skype time)  and it was critical to growing our faith.  We know that God's timing and provision is perfect so we'll trust Him in the rest of this process.  We also know that he joined our hearts to Sunshine and Sleyka through this trip and this Thanksgiving we'll be able to rejoice more richly knowing the sweetness of God's love.