Home Sweet Home.. First week with Zalen Moise

We arrived home Monday, January 23rd a little after 10 p.m.  Zalen Moise was exhausted and fell asleep quickly after we left the airport.  He didn't even wake up when we transferred him to our car or when we brought him into the house.  The kids were all still awake anxiously awaiting our arrival.  They gathered around Craig, who held Zalen in his arms, and were so excited, jumping up and down.  They were disappointed that he was asleep and they could not play with him.  We put Zalen to bed and then squashed each of them with hugs and lathered them with kisses.  We sat and talked to them about all that we had missed.  It was good to be home.

I woke up early Tuesday and crept down the hall.  Yep, he was still there.  It was surreal.  Tears crept in my eyes and praise flowed from my heart that God chose us, our family to bestow such a blessing.  I prayed that he would love his brother and sisters and that his bond to them would be just as natural as it was to Craig and I's when we first met him.  The kids woke up one by one, repeating my early morning sneak peek into the room.  I hushed them into the living room as we waited for him to wake up.  Pom-Po started breakfast, fried potatoes, boiled eggs, bacon, toast and hot tea.  Finally he began to stir... and it was reported that he was waking up.  We all creeped down the hallway eager to see his reaction to this new world.  He sat up and blinked groggily.  I sat by him on the bed and embraced him and the kids silently followed me - climbing onto the bottom of the mattress.  The kids excitedly told him "Mbote" Hello in Lingala.  Zalen studied them curiously.  I pointed to each of them, saying their names, hoping he would recognize them from all the photos I had shown him through the week.  Finally he smiled and one of them grabbed his hand to show him a toy, the toy drill.  He was soon playing and checking out his new world.  He loved the drill and was fascinated by it.  I think by the way he was holding it he thought it was a gun.  :-)  After a brief time of playing we went and had breakfast.  As we sat at the table I drank in the blessing that our family was complete.  The scenario my heart had dreamed of for months was happening right before me.  The kids hardly touched their breakfast at first as they took in Zalen dipping his toast in his tea.  It did not take long, and Aleigh was trying it as well. :-)

 

 

The girls had a special present for him that they put together while I was gone. They wrapped it with papers and paper towels and wrote his name in it. Inside was bubbles and a sucker and some bracelets and stickers (things from around the house) He loved it. He blew some of the bubbles and of course loved the sucker.

 

 

I happily just sat back and watched the kids get to know Zalen.  Avery was driving him a little crazy because she just wanted to hug and kiss him -- trying to get him to sit on her lap etc.. I told her he was almost bigger then she was and was not a baby.  :-)  She is just naturally so motherly.  Ryan eagerly showed him all his toys and soon they were driving around cars and playing action figures.  Later we got out the play and they all played catch.  

Later that afternoon Craig took them all outside to play.  Zalen loved his coat but he did not like his hat.  We had purchased a 3T coat at a yard sale but he barely fit in it.  He is definitely 4T.  

 

The first thing they did was swing for a bit.  It was so funny watching Zalen try to figure it out.  He looked so funny trying to balance his weight in the swing.  He quickly decided it was much more fun to just jump out of the swing then stay in it.  

 

After a bit of swinging they went on a walk down the trail in the wagon.  It was just a good day - having him home.  

So far the only meal he has not completely devoured was spaghetti.  I don't think he cared for it that well, but ate half of it.  Leaving food behind is usually not even an option for this little guy.  It drives him nuts when my kids don't finish their food because he wants to eat it. 

Sleeping has been going well.  Craig lays down with him for about 10-15 minutes until he drifts off to sleep and then returns to his bed.  Once asleep Zalen sleeps like a log.  The other morning he did wake up a bit early but Ryan climbed down into bed with him after hearing him whining and they went back to sleep for another couple of hours.  It was so sweet.  Ryan is such a good brother.  

I can hardly believe such a good adjustment to everything new.  I keep wondering when this honeymoon stage will end.  I attribute it all to ANSWERED PRAYERS and God working in a mighty way in Zalen's heart.  I prayed fervently for God to prepare his little heart for his new family, and I believe he did just that.  I praise God from the depth of my soul for his amazing goodness.

Zalen is very outgoing and since he has been doing well we called the family and told them Zalen was accepting visitors.  It has been really awesome to watch him meet so many that have loved and prayed him home.

 

 

 

 

 

It started snowing yesterday so Zalen got to see snow for the first time.  We are looking forward to going out this afternoon and playing in it.  Tyler and Trey came over to join in on the fun!!

 

So far Zalen has really loved playing with the drill and brushing the Barbie's hair.  He loves brushing hair and also loves Aleigh's long hair.  He loves hats, glasses and zippers.  He loves music a lot and is so cute when he dances.

Stay tuned for pictures of his first sledding experience and his first time at church....

Our last days in the DRC

Friday

Friday we stayed at the hotel and just hung out there.  It was nice to not go anywhere and just chillax.  There is two other families who are adopting staying here at St. Annes that we have made fast friends with.  We are each with different agencies/places but have all bonded over our similar experiences.  It is nice to share conversations in English and Moise has made his first friend outside of the orphanage, a little girl named Brittnelle who is being adopted by the True family.  At first they were quite shy of one another but the day before we left they had finally started playing together, laughing and talking together in Lingala.  Just so you know -- Moise loves to dip things.  He dips his bread in hot tea.  We thought this quite weird but Brittnelle did this also.  Ohhh, and they love mayo.  Seriously, at one restaurant Moise was eating the mayo by spoonfuls.  Fries are dipped in mayo and ketchup sometimes.  I wonder if he will like ranch dressing, which in my opinion is the ultimate dip.  

For an early dinner we met Dixie and Ben Hatch, the missionaries who were very involved with AFDECO, the orphanage Moise was from.  They were amazing people and we enjoyed our dinner and conversation with them.  They took us to a French restaurant at the French school.  I ordered a Crepe and it was very good.  Eggs, ham and cheese.  Moise and Craig shared half of a chicken and french fries.  Moise got an attitude with us when we took the chicken bones away.  He seriously wanted to eat them.  Our waiter spoke a little English and I was floored when he asked us if we knew anyone who would take a little boy because his nephew was not being cared for.  I guess it was because we had Moise with us.  I gave him a phone number for an orphanage.  But it just broke my heart.  

After a nice evening with the Hatches we retired for the evening.  

Saturday

SATURDAY!  aka EXIT letter day.  Saturday we woke early to go to the Bonobo Reserve so Moise could see the monkeys.  It was a very neat place and I am glad I went.  We had the most fun watching the babies.  They were so human like.  We talked to people who spoke English there as well.  They had come for holiday.  The girl was originally from the Congo but had since moved to the states.  I guess Bonbos are similar to chimpanzees but not the same.  We were told they were more human like.  While we were there, one of the baby Bonobo's stole the worker's hair scarf right off her head and ran away with it.  Then he/she was putting it on their head.  It was so funny.  It was also neat to see all the vegetation that is so different and tropical.  To see bananas growing right on the tree…. I soaked in all the beauty.  Moise was thankfully not scared of them, but he wasn't enthused either.  He watched them very seriously - and imitated their screeching a bit.  

After a nice morning walk at the Bonobo Reserve we went to dinner at the lake and ate outside.  It was very nice.  A guy came up the river in a long canoe, paddled to the dock and just strolled up to eat lunch.  How cool is that?  I had to laugh because when I told someone I was going to Africa, they asked if I would be floating down a river in a little boat to get to Moise.  Some people watch too many movies I think.  After a nice lunch, Craig had to go stick his feet in the water.  I wanted Moise to come down and get a picture with him but Moise started pointing at the water and saying something in Lingala.  Pa Pa John interpreted that Moise said their was snakes in the water and he wasn't getting near it.  I wonder who told him that?  I doubt he has even seen a lake before.  I really enjoyed being outside of the city and finally getting to observe some of the beauty of Africa.  After that we stopped by Simon's and picked up the coveted EXIT letter!!!!

Random fact: Moise is scared of the remote control car we brought along and the automatic hand dryer in the bathroom.  

Ohhh you won't believe this but we have found a few things so far Moise does not like--- peas and milk.  

Sunday

Sunday we woke and finished up our packing then headed over to check in our bags and pay our exit tax.  We got some food from El Doro's, a lebanese restaurant and brought it back to the hotel to eat with our friends we have made here at St. Anne's.  They had these gi-huge-ic burgers -- topped with cabbage, french fries, and even an egg.  Don't diss it until you try it.  I would not suggest getting dessert there.  Craig also got some falafal.  I did not care for it.  Pa Pa John said it was like fried cat.  He didn't like it either.  Before we left Ben and Dixe once again came and got us for a walk along the river in hopes to wear Moise out so he would sleep well and give us a chance to exercise our legs as well.  So as we were strolling down near the river John stopped a girl who had some fruit.  John said you must try these before you leave.  It was called something "star"  It was really sweet and good.  I so wish I could of filled my bags with some of those and a few fresh pineapples.  As we walked along I watched the big chunks of grass and soil/sticks floating by.  We were told those come from far, far, up the river where it is more jungle like - and sometimes they get to be so big it looks like a small island floating through. Eventually the rain and the rapids would break it apart.  Though conversation was pleasant I found my thoughts reflecting on our past week in Congo.  The moments of pure, unconfined JOY when I met my son for the first time.  When I felt like I finally stepped into a moment that had been waiting for me my entire life.  Then other moments..... when I would bite my lip hard and fight back tears as I seen suffering, dying children right before my eyes or the cold gnawing in my stomach as I watched Moise pick every crumb from our plates or thought of him laying on a street somewhere, abandoned, sick, unable to walk.  I have truly spent my spectrum of emotions here in the DRC.  

We drove to the airport that evening, one last time through China town.  The fumes of burning oil and pollution assaulted my senses as silhouettes of scurrying people danced through the beams of our headlights.  One after another, the trucks and buses would pass by, people sardined into every crevice possible.  4 or 5 on a motorcycle was a common sight.  The honking of the horns that had startled me upon my arrival now seemed lulled together creating a background music signaling the rolling of the credits, as my time in the DRC drew to a close.  Upon arrival at the airport I gave Pa Pa John a hug and choked back tears, fumbling with words.  I look at Moise, his hand in mine…and though I will miss the country and the people whom are permanently seared upon my heart, I knew it was time to take my boy home.  

Wednesday & Thursday in the DRC

Wednesday

The very first thing we did on Wednesday was go to the Consulate to pick up Moise's VISA and get our "DO NOT OPEN UNTIL YOU GET TO THE USA PACKET".  LOL :-)  We were seriously in and out in 5 minutes.  I guess it was just good timing.  The other family staying here that is also adopting said they waited 45 minutes.  Everything was ready to go and we spoke to Daniele briefly.  She was very nice.  We returned to St. Anne's and waited for Simon to meet us so he could collect what he needed for the DGM.  While we waited I logged onto the internet and showed Pa Pa John a few pictures of Cohen and Manny.  Alicia, he even got to watch the video of Nathan walking.  His computer is broken right now so he has not been online for awhile.  I also introduced him to the world of blogging.  He really thinks I am a crazy American I think.  I told him it is where I go to write a story about what I am doing on the Congo.  He understood, saying it was like a book.  Things went well at the DGM and Simon said we should have our exit letter on Saturday.  I hope he is right and we are able to keep our scheduled flight back home Sunday evening.  

My favorite picture of Moise and I walking in the courtyard of St. Anne's that John took.

He is a very good photographer.  All the dated pictures are his and we appreciate his 

willingness to take soooo many photos of us.

For lunch we ate a Lebanese sandwich.  It was a tortilla shell and inside was chicken, cabbage and they even throw some fries on top.  It was very good.  I liked it a lot.  For the first time, Moise said that he was full and could not eat anymore.  He left a little bit of his sandwich.  It was such a good feeling to hear him say that he was full.  Of course he said it in Lingala and John translated.  Now he pulls up his shirt and shows his belly when he is full.  It is very cute.

We had not really planned much to do so we decided to go to the Thieves Market as they call it, and get a few souvenirs.  I found the Thieves Market very overwhelming - everyone trying to talk to you and wanting you to look at their stuff.  I have been to an open market in Ecuador -- Otavalo -- so thought I was prepared for this experience but in Congo the people are much more aggressive to make a sale.  At times John would fire off a stampede of Lingala and French to tell them to just let me look and quit bothering me.  I was thankful.  All was going well until Moise said "Ko Suba" meaning I got to go to the bathroom.  This time it was #2.  Not a problem in America where toilets are easily accessible.  However there is no toilets at the open market in Congo.  So John starts scrambling asking people about where Moise could go. Moise is dancing, trying to hold it. I WANTED to crawl in a HOLE and die.  I was so embarrassed.  For what seemed like an eternity, though in reality was only a few minutes, John quickly communicated our need which was spread through the crowd similar to the game telephone.  Before we knew it the whole place was fixated on us -- saying "Suba"  people were pointing and talking and half the vendors had left their station to see the situation unfold.  Before we knew it the man who owned a building close by unlocked his fence so Craig and Niko (our driver) could take Moise to use his bathroom.  By this time John was laughing and laughing.  I laughed but only to try to prevent myself from crying because we had become a spectacle and I felt like a horrible mom.  But how would I know? He does very well during the day and doesn't not have accidents so I am not going to keep him in a pull-up, though after this I am carrying one just in case.  So much for "blending" in… right.  Not that I do anyway with my white, white skin.  At the time very stressful, but looking back on it I can now laugh.  Without that story, I wouldn't have the video of Pa Pa John imitating Moise's potty dance as he retold the story. We were dying laughing - and I told him I was going to upload it to Facebook.  Of course, he was delighted for me to do so. Even Moise was laughing at his story and Pa Pa John imitating him.  Ohhhh my!!  We left quickly afterward, not even finishing our shopping.  So travel tip for anyone planning to visit - pack a pull-up just in case.

The little wooden shed by the tree was the potty we ended up rushing him to.

To thank Niko and John for saving the day we treated them to ice-cream.  (Which is when Pa Pa John reenacted the potty dance right in the City Market) Moise had ice-cream for the first time and he really liked it a lot.  I think he would probably eat anything at this point.  I have heard that at first they will eat anything and then sometimes when you get them back home they will get more picky.  We hung out there quite sometime just talking and hanging out before retiring to our hotel for the evening.   

While Craig got caught up on the internet news, Moise and I hung out together.  We looked at his picture book (I blogged about it earlier - been his favorite thing) and then started to act out what the animals do and sound like.  He was teaching me Lingala words and I was teaching him English.  I showed him how to walk like a penguin and he laughed and laughed.  Then he would imitate me.  It was so fun.  He is picking up things really fast and is very smart.  Almost too smart for his own good.  

So far most of the fit throwing we have had is over pushing buttons.  I know fellow adoptive moms will relate.  It is a tedious process - No, Tay, No, Tay don't touch that.  We bought a remote control car and thought -- yeah, he can play with the switches on this but no, he is scared of it.  He likes laying on the bed and watching it when Craig drives it around but he will no get on the floor with it.  When he throws a fit he throws a fit.  He has been in time out about three times now. Twice over buttons (we are very lienent in this area or he would be in time out all day) and then last night because he kept trying to bite Craig.  I don't know why.  They were rough housing a bit playing and then he kept trying to bite him.  Maybe he was hungry?!  LOL  He only does this with Craig, not once has he tried to bite me.  For the most part he is soooo sweet.  Just today he is learning to kiss my cheek when I tell him.  He also came up to me this evening and kissed my hand when greeting me.  It was soooo sweet.  This morning I was folding laundry and Moise started to help me fold it.  He also likes to share, which is surprising.  He tried to share his sucker the other day and some noodles we had for supper.  For breakfast Moise likes to dip his bread/toast in his tea.  Not sure where he got this but another girl here that is being adopted at the hotel does the same thing.  When he was done he had a bit of tea left full of crumbs.  Without thinking he dumped it on the floor.  I quickly assessed he didn't even think about it because he is not used to having a floor.  Where he lived and ate, it was dirt.  I often have these sobering thoughts, especially when he picks up every crumb from his plate, my plate, and Craig's plate.  

Ohhhh to be together - finally still amazes me after dreaming about him for so long.

Ok, onto to recap today…. Thursday.  Though we are the only family here from our agency there has been several other families here who are adopting as well so that has been very nice to share conversations of our days at breakfast or when we see them.  We have met lots of interesting people here at St. Annes.  

Today we went to Simon's orphanage Zape.  It is very nice.  A lot of the formula went here.  Some of it was stored to be given away later.  I so enjoyed my time at Zape and it was very hard for me to leave.  The kids were wonderful and this time we were able to interact and play with the kids, something we did not do much at the other orphanages.  The kids were well fed and happy.  The caretakers were very fun and one of them spoke a little English so we could communicate some.  I met Simon's wife and his mother as well.  

When we first arrived Moise refused to go in.  I quickly told John to translate that we were just visiting that we were not leaving him here.  I had done this in the car when we visited KaKa but had not when we visited.  After John reassured him he would go home with ma ma and pa pa he willingly came with us.  John said he will not go back to this life now that he knows what is to be loved.  I may cry a river when I return home from all the times I have held back tears.  

We taught the kids how to play ring around the rosy.  They loved it.  I had taught Moise the night before so he was excited to play it with some friends.  Then the children taught me a few of the song type games that they play.  It was very fun.  Craig gave them horsey rides on his lap and they would laugh and laugh.  Many of them tried on his sunglasses and I would take pictures and show it to them and they loved it.  Ohh how people there love to have their picture taken.  I have multiple pictures of strangers that just wanted us to take their picture so they could see it.  Another tip for future travelers -- sunglasses to hand out at the orphanage would be a great hit.  They love them.  We also gave them some jolly ranchers.  They were all so sweet.  I know a few of my CBC family have a child there… I will try to write to you soon and get you a picture.  Just know the children are well loved and taken care of.  We also took a bit of video.  :-)  I know how much this means to you waiting at home among your pile of paperwork.  

Here is the baby that will be enjoying that formula. Thank you to all of you who donated last minute to fill our duffle bag.  It was such a blessing.  Also thank you Chandra and my mom for donating the cloth diapers.  They were very happy when I showed them how they worked.  

After our fun at ZAPE with the children we went to the river.  It was very beautiful.  Moise wasn't sure what to think.  We tried to get him to look at the sheep (thought of you Christie when I took picture of them) but he was scared of them.  I don't think he has ever been around any kind of animal.  I know from reading other adoptive mom's blogs they are not fond of dogs.  The river was really beautiful and I am glad we drove to see it and got pictures with Moise there.  

After our busy morning/afternoon we were very hungry so we went for Portuguese Pizza.  John insisted we try both pizza places to see which one was the best.  I tried to be unbiased Julia, but I think I like the Portuguese pizza better :-)  Sorry.  LOL

I stopped a bought a little bit of fabric before we returned home to call it a day.  I noticed that today I sunburnt a little bit.  I put sunscreen on my face but not on my arms and today it was very hot.  I do not mind.  I might come back with a tan.  :-)  

So yes, we are still enjoying our time in Congo very much.  Cherishing moments and even though there are times when my heart breaks at what I see…. I still feel hope for this country and these people.  We have been embraced with so much kindness every where we go.  It is overwhelming.  

Tomorrow we will have a lazy day at the hotel.  My only plan… to get popcorn at the H market.  I tried to go the other day -- it was holiday.  I tried to go again -- the guy was not there.  I must have popcorn before I leave.  Also, we are meeting Dixie and Ben, who we have heard many good things about.  You will be happy to hear Alicia as well that they are planning to pick up the beds for AFDECO on Saturday.  She promised me she would take pictures.

Time to sign off for now… Auvoir!! 

Compassion is not enough.

MAWA- Compassion

I found out yesterday that Moise's last name MAWA means compassion. Today we visited a very poor orphanage called KaKa. I already know this will be a very difficult entry to write but it needs to be shared. Here is compassion defined:

compassion |kəmˈpaSHən|:

sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others: the victims should be treated with compassion.  ORIGIN Middle English: via Old French from ecclesiastical Latin compassio(n-), from compati ‘suffer with.’

Here is the story I want to tell… Compassion is not enough. These children do not want your pity or concern. They realistically need your help. They are not some picture, flashed across your television, they are real dying children. This is the third orphanage I have visited during our time here and this orphanage was the poorest of them all. I have visited others that our agency has worked with and due to someone caring to make a difference, they have improved by leaps and bounds. Yes, the big difference between dying children and a well maintained supported orphanage is one person caring enough to make a difference. One decision to suffer a few comforts in our America lives to sponsor a child, send vitamins, formula, support an adoptive family etc…

I was biting my lip, fighting back tears the entire time as the director, a saint of a lady, showed us where the children lived. The last thing she told me was "Please, let the people in America know about us. I need help for these children." It was her passion for education that stirred me the most as she showed me all the potential for many classrooms, and various black boards. Another thought hit me hard as we drove away… I was so worried that the hardest part of this trip would be in how to take care of Moise when he was scared and taken from all that he has ever known. It has not been. The hardest part was today, driving from that orphanage knowing that unless something was done some of those children would die. The reality smacked me hard..and I found myself once again begging God's forgiveness for my excessive life and selfishness. I knew this trip would change me deeply... but I never new it would rub me raw. Those children's faces are burned into my memory, their smiles so big as I told them in Lingala they were beautiful.

For my teens who are reading this post: Please think of this classroom when you complain about having to go to school. So many here would trade places with you in a minute just to get and education.

Why compassion is not enough.

Though the morning was very intense, we had a very relaxed afternoon and were able to eat some wonderful Congolese food. So after I might of made you cry, I hope you to make you laugh, because boy oh boy can Moise eat. The hardest thing I do all day is telling him No more food. More later. Well, today we had chicken and I carefully picked off the meat and put the bones off to the side. We were enjoying our food and conversation when Craig suddenly said - Where is Moise's other chicken bone? We looked on his lap, the floor and then John asked him - "Did you eat the chicken bone?" in Lingala and Moise shook his head yes. He ate a stinking chicken bone!!! How did he even gnaw through it, I don't know. Oh my! I wish I could tell him, now that he is with mama and papa he will always have food but he does not understand.

My favorite part of the day was when we awoke first thing this morning. It rained last night and we were looking outside. He called me ma ma and pointed outside excitedly and mumbled something in Lingala. I said What? He looked at me and sighed.. and said "What? What? What?" I guess he is tired of me asking him that. LOL. His first English word - What? Though he is understanding others, especially shoes. I will tell him shoes and he will go put them on. He learns very quickly. I have been working on my Lingala with John (Have I told you lately how awesome John is?!) and picking up some basic phrases and this has helped a lot. Another night and he went to sleep with no problem. I did not sleep well last night and stayed up for an hour just staring at him sleeping next to me. Sometimes I still feel as if I am dreaming to be here with him. Today's meltdown was over playing with the light switches in the room, off and on. It is so funny to him. Ohhh how he laughs and laughs when you tell him No. He is beginning to understand we will not let him get away with things even if he is stinking cute as can be. We also watched an animal video while we were waiting at John's house and he did not like the sharks on the video -- inching very close to me. He is very shy when we go some where (much like Ryan--I have read your other remarks on similarities between them on Facebook) and does not say much but back in our room he is very ornery and silly. A few pictures below I wrote about in my previous entry.

Tomorrow is our big day. While most of you are sleeping -- 3 a.m. your time - 10 a.m. here we will be going to the consulate to get Moise's VISA. Please pray this goes well and all is in order. Once we have that we can work on getting our exit letters from DGM. Hoping to get that in 4 days since we were unable to pick up last week as planned and lost two days due to holidays here in the Congo. If that happens we will fly back as scheduled. If not, we may be in country longer.

I wish I could respond to each of you - but know that I am reading your messages as time allows and they are such an encouragement to us both. Your prayers are lifting us up, lending us strength, and helping us to stay focused on the task at hand. Keep praying for us!! We need it.

Also wanted to upload this picture for my CBC friends of the kids at OLJ. They really stole my heart. Beautiful children and a great orphanage. I heard much about Catherine and the support she has been through One Small Step. You can sponsor a child to go to school for an entire year I believe for $160.

   

  

Sunday & Monday - Meeting Moise

Sunday was our first full day in the Congo. We slept in through the morning after all of our traveling fun. Around noon, we headed out to the orphanage. We first stopped for food and took in the local market with John as our guide. We bought beans, rice, oil, and sugar for their porridge plus a few tomatoes that John suggested. Later on, we stopped for some bananas as well. The closer we got to the orphanage the more my heart thudded in my chest. I was sure everyone in the car could hear it. We drove past the truck (I had heard about the truck) and we were there. John and Niko video taped for us and took pictures which was so awesome of them.

Then they called Moise's name to come here.  Moise!  Moise!  and I swallowed tears that swelled in my throat.  I had promised myself not to cry as I did not want that to be my first impression - a teary eyed, masacra streaked ma ma.  It was perfect… not awkward as I had feared.  He did not cry or push me away -- but gently embraced me.  I whispered Ny linga yo minga in his ear - I love you very much in Lingala.  I let him down pretty quickly so Craig could also embrace his son.  While I talked to Helene inside Craig handed out bananas to the kids.  I followed soon after with Twizzlers.  Something good for them and something sweet.  The rest of the afternoon was very enjoyable.  We talked and played with the kids -- so many I knew from pictures.  It was almost surreal being there, in this place my mind had wandered to so very often.  Craig soon had Moise laughing over a game we dubbed "pick pocket".  He would stick a Wal-Mart bag in his pocket and Moise would come and "sneak" up on him and pull it out -- and then Craig would swivel and say "Hey, what are you doing?"  Moise would laugh and laugh.  I quickly gathered that they shared the same sense of humor and have since confirmed that.  Moise is very funny and ornery.  More about that later.

After playing a bit he would still come to me, climbing into my lap, holding my hand.  In my pre-orphanage pep talk I had told myself to be relaxed and not cling to him, to not overwhelm him.  To observe him at play.  So it was such a reward to this mommy's heart who had waited to be in the moment for him to come to me.  He knew we were there for him and that we were his ma ma and pa pa.  He rarely left our side.  Craig started playing soccer with the older boys and they laughed heartily when he kicked the ball very hard and into the corn field.  Ohh the kids loved Craig.  Also while there we sampled some ground nuts -- what we would call peanuts.  They pulled them up for us and shared.  I only ate one but Craig was more adventurous and ate several.  He also tried a small piece of the fruit on a tree growing nearby which John called a Paw-Paw fruit.  It had many seeds.  There is a lot of weird fruit here.

The children were great.  It took awhile but soon Jeremie came over and began to play with Moise who stayed very close to us.  They were being so goofy and funny.  Blowing kisses.  I learned here that they do this kiss thing with their fingers that means "Good. Good. Very Good."  The boys were doing this with both hands.  I thought they were blowing kisses.  I later learned different.  

It was such a pleasant afternoon until a conversation brought out that Helene did not want Moise to go home with us that day.  A call to Julia and all was settled.  We would get him the following day when Helene brought him to the hotel.  When Moise learned of this via John's translation he was very sad.  He started to cry and it was then I broke my vow not to cry.  I ended up crying… but left knowing he would be in my arms tomorrow, trusting John's words.  Indeed he was.

Before we went home were were able to also visit OLJ and ohhh what a welcome.  I was overwhelmed by their love.  Sister Petronille was so sweet to us as well.  Such a different spirit at OLJ then AFDECO.  I delivered the Harvey's present and Patrick's reaction to his camera hit my heart like a sledgehammer.  Such JOY!  All the kids gathered for a picture and one of the girls slipped her hand right into mine.  Only God's strength is keeping tears at bay -- because so many times I have wanted to weep like baby in such moments.  The kids think we are blessings and it is so reversed.  They are most definitely the blessings.

I just want to thank you for your prayers.  It is hard sometimes here to comprehend a very different way of life.  Moise was brought back to me as promised and is now sleeping soundly.  I want to make it clear that though complications have happened as they do sometimes in adoption -- I have found our agency to be amazing.  Julia has been a constant support, working things out all times of the day.  John is as solid as they come with a gi-huge-ic heart.  I could write a whole post alone on how awesome John is.  I wrote frantically at first because my emotions were running very high - and I am thankful that my agency has my back.  I have talked to a family here who did not have a good experience with their agency and was having even more complications then we were.  It is easy to trust when all is well, but true colors show through in a time of need.  This process can be so unpredictable so I am thankful to have an agency that stands through with us.  

So, Moise is with us and we are moving forward positively.  Ohh what a great day to get to know my boy.  We played with balloons and let the air out of them so they would fly around the room.  He loved this.  He loves buku (books).  I bought him a picture book 100 first words which is kind of a baby book but he loves it.  Very basic words are in there with pictures and so this has helped me to teach him English as he looks at the book.  

I have to insert *pout* here because I knew this would happen-- but I am pretty sure he likes Craig better then me.  Our first issue happened when Dad left to make a phone call.  He started whining and did not stop whining until Craig returned.  It was very mild though with some rolling around on the bed -- he was very verbal with this helpless whine that went on for quite some time.  At first I held him but this seemed to aggravate the situation so I just got up and pretended not to notice.  Before I knew it he was looking at his book again and the whining dwindled.  Then dad came back shortly after and he was fine.  He likes me and turns to me for comfort -- but dad is the cool guy that makes him laugh and picks on him.  It is so neat to see that bond so quickly emerge.  

Moise is so funny.  A definite comedian and very, very ornery.  He got very mad at me because I tell him often No, No, Tay, Tay--  because he likes to push all the buttons on the computer.  Other then that he has been very good.  He has a really amazing laugh.  He also is very smart, figures out things quickly.  I thought he wanted to eat the "baby formula" we have in our room.  He kept talking about it and I kept trying to tell him it was for the babies at the orphanage.  Later on, he got a bit braver and went over and started stacking them making a tower.  Craig and I were quite impressed and I said "Ohh he wants to play with them, not eat them."  Language is getting better after learning a few more key phrases in Lingala with Pa Pa John over Pizza at the City Market.  

I was really dreading bedtime after today's earlier "whine" episode but he drifted right off.  Such a big day of playing truly wore him out.  He ate pizza for the first time tonight and loved it.  I had to choke back tears though as he picked every crumb left on the cutting board where the pizza had been.  He was not going to leave even a crumb.  

I think my favorite part of the day was when Craig and him put on their sunglasses and were laughing and dancing.  For some reason when you wear sun glasses you are very funny and it makes you cool enough to dance.  I tried dancing and he said "No, No" and made me put on his sunglasses so I could dance.  

A very good day…  It is only your afternoon back in Missouri but my day is coming to a close.  We are hoping to visit another orphanage tomorrow and have been invited to John's for lunch and some good Congolese food.  

Please continue to pray that our VISA will be waiting as promised on Wednesday and that all goes well with the exit letter at the DGM.  

Tales of Traveling

It has been a very interesting trip so far -- but we made it.  A delay with our passport in Kansas City almost made us miss our flight.  They could not read our french VISA - so we got held up for quite awhile as the lady tried to find someone who spoke french.  She could only read the issue date and thought that it was expired.  We kept telling her that was when it was issued not when it expired.  She said, I believe you, but I can't let you on until I have confirmed this and began a frantic search to find someone who spoke french.  Finally confirmed we booked it to our gate and then Craig got searched & patted down and my camera lens in my carry-on confused a lady into thinking I was carrying something lethal so it had to be searched.  Seriously!?  So as they are searching my carry-on they are calling Fuller… Fuller…..  Craig waved at them through the glass divider and she nodded that she saw us.  We both heaved sighs of relief and it was off to Chicago.  

The flight to Chicago was short and sweet and we celebrated our layover time with a treat from Starbucks.  It was snowing lightly when we flew into the windy city.  It was really neat seeing the city all lit up as we flew over, and I could help but think of deep dish pizza.  It was nice to regroup a bit in Chicago during our layover time and not have to rush.  Coolest thing at the Chicago airport -- they have plastic liners on the toilet and before you sit down it rotates placing a sanitary place to place your bum.  Impressed, yes - but as I thought about the toilets in Africa I wondered if it was really necessary at all.  From Chicago we flew to Brussels, Belgium.  

I thought it was quite unfair that they made us walk through 1st class seating.  I all but drooled at the comfty looking seating and amenities.  This flight was through the night and I was able to sleep through most of it. But then towards the end of it I started not feeling well, especially on the descent.  I am not sure if it was nerves/motion sickness or what…. but by the time we arrived I was not well and spent awhile in the bathroom. TMI?(THANK YOU ALICIA for telling me to go to the bathroom before going through security)    Well, I told myself to "Man up" as I did not want to waste anymore time to find our flight.  At the Brussels airport we had to walk quite a ways to the transfer area where we took a bus to another terminal in the airport.  From there we flew out for Kinshasha.  In this line (very long) we met a very nice man from Manchester, England.  We had a pleasant conversation about traveling abroad.  

Unfortunately my sickness remained with me and I was not excited to hear the pilot announce a delay due to a landing gear pressure problem.  Our flight ended up being delayed by about 45 minutes.  I took some medicine and hoped for the best, not just for me but also hoped the mechanics did a good job on that landing gear.  

 I won't go into details but you just don't want to get sick on an airplane.  The flight from Brussels to Kinshasha was sooooo long and then being sick made it even longer.  We had to stop in Doula, Cameroon to refuel and by this time I was finally feeling better, but was so ready to get off that plane.  I finally was able to eat a snack of ice-cream after skipping lunch and later a cheese sandwich with some weird red sauce on it.  (I tore that part of the bread off)  Finally the pilot announced that we would be landing in Kinshasha.  I was excited but nervous.  So on the plane they were handing out immigration cards but when we said we were going to Kinshasha they said we would have to fill one out at the airport.  Well, we never did.  Don't know what happened with that or what I was supposed to do.  We got into the expat line and I reviewed all mental notes from previous conversations with Julia and Alicia.  It was finally my turn.  They asked what my profession was and then where I was staying.  The other lady standing in the middle of the movie type booths checked my card and I went through.  The only thing they asked Craig when he went through is "Are you with her?"  Protocol (AKA Codis for CBC Family) was waiting for us with a sign when we came through.  He got us a cart and we gave him our luggage tags.  (Thanks to travel memo for highlighting do not misplace these)  He got one of our bags and then due to it being so crowded had Craig got the rest.  All of our luggage made it.  It did not take long for us to get our luggage, probably only about 15 minutes.  Codis stopped before going out and handed our tags to an officer who then checked our bags to see if they matched.  Once outside I was very glad to have Codis there.  We were approached by multiple people to help with our bags.  We met John and the driver he had hired and they loaded our bags and we were off to the hotel.  Yes, John is awesome.  We were at ease as soon as he said "Bonjour!"

Our room at St. Anne's was very nice.  Much nicer then expected.  We have a small veranda and I was pleasantly surprised to have our own bathroom as I had read we may have to share one.  Air conditioning works very well and if you keep it turned up too much you may get cold at night as there is no blanket on the bed, just a sheet.  I'm glad I brought some yoga type pants to wear to bed.  We unpacked a little bit and finally got our phone charged enough to text to say we were here and then we crashed….  I only woke up once to what sounded like dogs fighting some where in the hallway.  Tonight I think I will wear ear plugs but so far it has been quiet.. more later about our first day here and meeting our precious Moise.  

VISA!!! + Q&A

Can I get a WOOT! WOOT!
The long waited for words were said this morning - "Moises's VISA should be printed Monday!!"
Oh those precious words.
This means I can travel - like SOON!
Up to this point I have been doing relatively well at containing my excitement, so I would not set myself up with false expectations.. but now with those words.....
Well, I've lost it!!

This also calls for a "WEAR your SHIRT and PRAY day" for Monday, Jan. 9th.  We need some prayer for safe travel, decisions, preparing to leave our kiddos, VISA's for the other families traveling from our agency. (Still have a few shirts left - size adults - med. or large-- bargain price of $15)  If you want one let me know.  Got a few more pictures that came in... but if you haven't got me one - puhleaze do!!  I would love it for Moise's book.  (e-mail to fullertessy@yahoo.com)

I jumped on the bed after I got off the phone with Julia and shouted - "We are going to Africa!! We get to go get our boy!"  and uh, well Craig was still in bed.  And you know what.. he groaned at me.  GROANED and mumbled something about how it was too early to go to Africa and he would be excited when he was on the plane.

So after slightly losing my composure and dancing to "FINALLY" by CeCe Peniston (Tami and I's song :-D) my kids think I've lost it.

Still not for sure, for sure yet when we will travel but soon - like the next two weeks soon!!  Holy Cow monkeys!!!  So even though I've had in my mind we would be traveling around now, I've learned you just don't count your chickens before they hatch when it comes to adoption.

Q&A?


Why are you blogging and not packing? (Do you even know me?)  You know I have to write/vent it all out.

What happens when you get there?  We sleep/recover for a day and then we go get Moise at the orphanage.  He then comes back with us to the hotel and we wait for a exit letter to be issued so we can bring him HOME!  (So please pray whatever week we travel for a timely exit letter & safe travels)  I have heard the flight home can be a challenge so please pray for Moise.  All this will be so new and scary for him.

Will we be able to get updates while you are in country?  We hope to be able to update our blog, but internet connection is hit and miss.  We will also be bonding with our new son.  I am going to do my best to get at least text messages to Shauney -- and she can keep you updated.  She will be our PR person while we are away.  :-)

Will Moise speak English? No, he will not.  He will primarily speak Lingala and maybe a little bit of french.  He will catch on to English quickly and we will communicate a lot through pantomiming at first.  I have learned a few basic Lingala phrases so hopefully that will get me through.

When will I get to meet him?  I have already talked to many of you about this and watched you pout about it, but for the first month or so we will be keeping it very low key and focus on adjusting to our new family.  In adoption terms we call this cocooning.  We have not really established a set time to cocoon - we will play it by ear and see how things go.  I will do my best (within reason of time) to update when I can a few pictures and updates during this time so your not like totally dying and doing drive-by's.  This is very important for the attachment process.  For the first two weeks home we will be exclusively cocooning with just our lil family of six.  He will be getting to know his brothers and sisters *tears*  Depending on how that two weeks go we will start introducing him slowly in small gatherings to various family members.  Like you just stop by all causal :-)  No big parties and everyone staring at him wanting to squeeze the bejeezits out of him - sorry!!  You will have to contain yourself.  We will see how all this goes and then decide when his first church service will be.  (typing this is making me want to leave like right NOW)  I can't wait for that!!  I can just see him walking into a sea of blue shirts who have prayed and loved him home!!!  I don't know how you all are going to be normal on this day, but do your best to act as normally as possible (this will be harder for some-ha ha), not speak loudly or in a french accent, or pet him.  :-)  However, I encourage you to raise your hands, sing as loudly as you can, and praise God for His amazing goodness and blessing of having Moise there, with us, with his church family.  You all have been a vital part of bringing him home.  I am thankful that their is no language barrier with the Holy Spirit.  He will know you are his family by your love.  :-D Our tentative plan right now is to cocoon for a month with limited contact with the outside world.

Is there anything else I can do?  Pray!  Pray for safe travel & exit letters. We will need your prayers to fill in the gap, while we are recovering from jet lag and adjusting to all this newness.  Pray for Moise, for his little heart, for continued healing and that the spirit will lead us on parenting as we get to know him.  Jenn Hatmaker, an adoptive mom & amazing writer, wrote a great article about just these type of things called "How to be a Village"  I think it gives a good inside look for how to be supportive in these next stages we will be in, so give it a read.  Also, with much of our attention centered on Moise, it would be great if you want to spoil Avery, Aleigh, or Ryan for a day.  :-)  They would appreciate the extra attention... and affirm the they are still important too!!

I think I have covered it.... back to losing my mind with unbridled excitement.