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Catch Up6 years ago
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9 Years Old!8 years ago
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Beach Birthdays9 years ago
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(Not At All) Wordless Wednesday: Redeemed10 years ago
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Three weeks home...11 years ago
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Story time in the Holland house.12 years ago
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Wednesday, October 17, 2012
The visit
We visited the place where our two daughters have spent a lot of their lives. They both lived at this place for over 3 1/2 years each. Elon from birth, and Harper since she was 2 years old. The pictures we have seen are of something that we would not expect when most of us think of an orphanage. From pictures it looks huge, modern looking, and quite impressive to say the least.
But I have always wondered what it would be like in person. Elon has asked many questions and I would love to have some information to give her and now Harper too.
Harper and Elon both stayed in the same room when they were little - we were able to view this room. We were also able to meet many of the caretakers that took care of our daughters. We visited two different rooms with children - the preschool room, which was most likely 2 year olds and then the room that Harper was in right before she left. Harper and Elon passed out all the treats that Harper had selected yesterday. They were both very happy about doing this. It was very sweet and I think Harper was very proud to be able to give her friends so many treats.
This was Harper's bed. This was the first time that she really looked at the camera for me to take a picture of her. She stood there and let me take many pictures. She was being very brave.
But I have always wondered what it would be like in person. Elon has asked many questions and I would love to have some information to give her and now Harper too.
The girls were both very excited to go - Harper jumped out of bed this morning and immediately wanted to put the clothes on that we had laid out last night. She even put the bow in her hair and shoe's on - all with-in 5 minutes of getting out of bed. Our guide asked Harper if she was happy and she was shaking her head yes.
Well the building WAS huge and had a modern looking design. There was a lot of construction going on inside and outside of the building so it was not quite as impressive as I was expecting. But I was glad to see that they are doing some renovations.
The Orphanage Director came and met us and began the tour. We were able to see more then I thought we would be able to see.
Harper and Elon both stayed in the same room when they were little - we were able to view this room. We were also able to meet many of the caretakers that took care of our daughters. We visited two different rooms with children - the preschool room, which was most likely 2 year olds and then the room that Harper was in right before she left. Harper and Elon passed out all the treats that Harper had selected yesterday. They were both very happy about doing this. It was very sweet and I think Harper was very proud to be able to give her friends so many treats.
This was Harper's bed. This was the first time that she really looked at the camera for me to take a picture of her. She stood there and let me take many pictures. She was being very brave.
We did have some tears but not from the one we expected...
Elon got a bit overwhelmed when about 10 caretakers came rushing down the hall to see her. It was very loud and they crowded around her, touching her, wanting to hold her - and it was just too much. It took her awhile to settle down but she was OK as long as that crowd of ladies did not come close.
We also visited the track / outside play area - the kid's had to make one lap....
Harper went right over to Cole and wanted to be picked up. She already loves her Ba Ba. Of course! He knows how to win them over quickly. I love it!!
Overall, it was a good visit - we are very glad that we were able to go. There are so many emotions about today - it is very hard to put in words. I will say that I am glad that my daughters do not live there anymore. I am glad that they have a mom and a dad - and a family that loves them. I am thankful that God has called our family to adopt - it truly is a blessing.
Psalm 68:5-6
"A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land."
So glad he chose our family to "set" these two beautiful girls with - we are so very lucky!
That panda bear to the right looks a little freaked out - just saying!
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3 comments:
I could not stop thinking about you yesterday and couldn't wait to wake up this morning and read this post! Wow! I can't even imagine what your day must have been like. The picture of Harper by her bed is so sweet and unbelievably heartbreaking all at the same time, as is the picture of Elon and Cole. All our girls have been on an amazing journey in their short lives. What strong, resilient girls we have!
Love you!!!!
Jen
Harper is so brave. You can just see it on her face....she's had to be.
Bless your sweet little Elon's heart. I don't know if John would do well going back for a visit. Both of our girls are from the same SWI too and when we went back with Brinley her ayi looked at her from a distance and told our guide she didn't want to frighten her. That was when I knew for sure that my sweet girl had been loved.
I Love reading about your experiences with Harper during your first days together! It is such an amazing time filled with so many emotions. I'm so sorry it was overwhelming for Elon. I can easily picture how she was being overloaded with attention! I'm sure it was pretty frightening. Our idea of personal space is quite different! I understand the "shut down" moments, as Lena had a few of those while in China also. They are definitely heartbreaking! It is good you are seeing tears though. We didn't for a while. I'll pray for Harper to grieve as she needs to and also to begin healing. Enjoy your moments there, you'll be home before you know it!
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