Monday, October 31, 2016

Haiti Day 4

October 31, 2016

Happy Halloween! It's crazy to think that 2 years ago today, Josh was on his way to Haiti for the first time and here we are again. We are kind of surprised at how fast time has gone already. However, today was the first day where we both woke up and were just feeling so tired. But, by the time we got to the orphanage we got past that because the kids keep you BUSY. 

When we arrived Selah* was headed outside with all of the other toddlers to the balcony to do some art and music. The second the kids saw us they started shouting at her to tell her we were there and she immediately started looking for us. Today she decided she wanted to go sit at a separate table so we did that for a bit, but the second she heard the rest of the kids singing girl was outta there. Next came a whole lot of dancing and singing. After that they all colored pictures which was fun to see. We actually were given a huge folder full of her previous drawings and art projects which meant so much to us. The best gift I could ask for. 

The rest of the day was just alternating between spending time with the rest of the group and then off by ourselves when she needed a break. Today she was favoring me again, so any time that she let her daddy help her with something I would step back so she wouldn't rely on me for everything and it worked wonders. It seems like she needs special time with me when we arrive and then eventually warms up to daddy. We just take it day by day. 

We did get to spend a good portion of time in the yard and she was not interested in the swing but wanted to play on the slide. Then one of the other kids who loves to follow her around came over and we had a little girl bonding time up on the play structure. Seriously, all of the kids are so amazing and I am so thankful that we know so many of their parents. We love that we can keep her connected with them even after all of the kids are living with their families. What a glorious day that will be when we get to have a reunion! 

Now it's time to rest a bit before we head back over to play. We've been fed all sorts of good food. Also, if you haven't tried breadfruit before you are missing out. It's so versatile and tastes amazing! I wish we could grow a breadfruit tree in Oregon...


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We went back this afternoon and have another enjoyable time with our daughter, but this time was different. Her attitude had started to change when we would arrive...as soon as she would hear that we were there she would starting fussing slightly until she saw us. This is a good sign that she needs us and for that we are grateful. Then, when we went to leave we said, "na we demen!" (see you tomorrow) and this time she didn't just say bye bye. This time she cried and said, "no!" She did not want us to leave. We are so torn because we are so thankful that she has bonded with us so well, but it breaks our heart to know that we will be leaving her soon and when we do we won't be back for many months. Nothing about this process is easy, but we know that it will be so worth it in the end. We really are truly grateful for every bit of this opportunity to spend these couple of weeks with her and watching her daily life. She amazes us every single day. If you would, please pray for her heart...we know saying goodbye the last time is going to be so painful for all of us.

Thus ends another night in Haiti...


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