5 more days of the Bonding Period

Today’s visit was one that we will never forget. We spent the first hour of it outside on the playground. About 10 minutes into our visit, the older group came outside to play. These children were about 3-4 years old. It all began with one girl coming up to us full of smiles and taking our camera. After the caregiver told her to give it back, she did so and ran back to her group, still smiling. This girl was a trip. Watching her on the playground was hilarious. She clearly ruled the roost. I was with our translator and Jason was rocking with Wyatt on a swing. I look to him and see him with 2 little girls and Wyatt. I go over to see what is going on. We cannot understand them, they cannot understand us, but we just all “played” for a few minutes. Then our translator asked Jason if he could pick one of them up and spin her around. Wow, let the games begin!!! There was a line. Jason, ready to puke from dizziness, was the hit of the party. He came back and joined Wyatt and me on the bench. There was one girl in particular that couldn’t help but be by Jason. She went back to him again and made it obvious she wanted on his lap. After about 10 minutes of playing on his lap, her caregiver told her to get down. She obeyed, then gave the puppy eyes and cried. It worked for her and up she was again. About 5 minutes later, it was time for us to go in. Once again, a little bit of our hearts were left with that group. It is important to know that not all of the children we see are available for adoption. Some may still be on the national registry, some may have biological families that occasionally visit (enough to keep their parental rights) and some may be in the process of being adopted. We will never forget those two little girls and pray that they all find wonderful homes.

After an hour of outside play, it was time to go to the music room and play with the big man. He was talking and moving around like crazy. He was even beginning to pull some chairs down in the music room. We have realized we have some baby proofing to do when we get home! A woman from the Ministry of Education was supposed to witness the bonding process but was not able to make it today. We assume she will be joining some time next week, since our official 14 day bonding period ends next Wed. Yeah!!!

Dinner tonight was at the Oasis which was a very nice (and inexpensive) place about ½ a block from our door. It accepts credit cards and has at least 2 English menus.