Day Three

Let me start off first by saying that the day started off by a punch in the gut. They said Thursday will be our last day with Phoebe. I know the others that have been in this place before know that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach when you are told that. NOOO! That's the rules and we will have to deal with it. The faster we can get the paperwork and money raised, the faster we can get back here to bring them home.

We woke up at 4 am again. We try to go back to sleep, but can't. Being halfway around the world kind of does that to you. We worked on the pictures for awhile, showered and skyped with the kids. Then ate breakfast. This hotel has free breakfast included and it is yummy. What I don't understand is how all the young women can stay so skinny here? This food is so good (except for things like soft boiled egg and tongue...yuck.) The driver picked us up at 9:30 a.m. and let me tell you...scary stuff. The people here drive so fast and seem not to have any rules. I'm sure they do, but it's nothing for someone to drive right in between two cars to pass them. There is on average 160 wrecks a day here. In the winter they say it's 260. That is just in the city.

We went to see Phoebe first. She is quite the character. She had a runny nose and was acting a bit different, but I think she was teething evidenced by the huge bite mark on my arm. She rocks back and forth a lot, but I understand why. So, it doesn't bother me. She will learn one day that it isn't necessary anymore. She is attaching to us both very well. She loves to play with both of us. Bonding is not an issue it seems. This little girl loves the mirror and I know that she will have to have one when she gets home. All to soon the visit was over and we had to say "Paka, Paka." These visits just aren't long enough. We left and went to the head of the orphanages to sign the paper with intent to adopt the girls. They asked if we like her? Really?? Like her?? Ummm, YEAH! We stood there for awhile and they talked. Of course I couldn't understand what they were saying, except for "syndrome down." They proceeded to thank us for wanting to adopt them. Proceeded to tell me that there are "many of them here." They talked about the kids fondly (I could tell with their expressions.) I told them to get as many pictures of them on the database and I would do my best to find them homes. They were very friendly with us. Smiling. They even showed us Phoebe's account. We felt very welcome. So, if you are thinking about adopting a child with Down syndrome...this region is awesome. The team is friendly and the officials are kind to us. Just a thought for you if you are thinking about it. We came back to the room and looked at the pictures. We then set out for the long drive to Isabella's orphanage. When we got there they said we could take her outside. Of course she was wrapped like a burrito. She didn't like shoes. She cried and fussed. When we came outside we took the hat and jacket off. Then we took the pants off. TO WARM! This kiddo has an aversion to men. She came right to me and smiled. When Matthew would come near us she would cry. It's obvious that she doesn't have much experience being around men. This little one loves me and you can tell it, but it is going to take time for Matthew and her to bond. Four days isn't enough. I felt bad for him, but he took it in stride saying, "It will just take time." The rest of the visit consisted of me carrying her and consoling her. She did like to pop my gum! After awhile she let me put her into the swing and allowed Matthew to push her. It's going to take time, but we will have plenty of that when she gets home(praying to God that it happens.)
One thing for sure, this kiddo needs to see the eye doc quickly. She can see and focus, but she has a tendency to focus then her eyes float around. Most likely from weak muscles. I can see glasses in her future.

After the visit was over we came back to the hotel and ate at a German place. Pork chops and fries over a open grill...yummy. Sorry not brave enough to eat anything with the word tongue in it. We walked around and of course crashed. It's now Thursday morning here and it will be the last visit with Phoebe. We are lucky to have had four visits. I am already crying. I just don't want her to think we don't love her. God, please let the time go fast and the money come to us quickly. I can't fathom being away from her very long. Friday will be our last visit with Isabella. I think I will need a vice grip to tear me away from her. Love you all and thanks for the continued prayers!