Well, we’re off! We are sitting at the Birmingham airport, waiting for our first leg of this trip.
I just asked Paul if he’s nervous. The answer is yes. And, the next comment is, “I think we do this way too often!” It’s true. Traveling nervously to pick up a child you’ve never met – doesn’t everyone do that every couple of months??
My mom got here yesterday to watch Elijah. They should have a good time. Grandma can make him giggle ’til he gets hiccups!
I have to say that leaving Elijah is actually the part we are worried about. Attachment is just such a big part of adoption – getting them to know that you are mom and dad. It’s a really big deal, and crucial to them as they are growing up. To have a strong foundation that they KNOW who you are. He’s bonded incredibly well to us. A lot of that has to do with how young he was when he came to us. He is very attached and even very clingy right now. Lately though, he’s been freaking out when we leave, and also screaming in the night, like he’s having nightmares. I’m not sure what part of the process that is, but it’s certainly a less than ideal time to leave him for 5 days. If he was a birth child, I wouldn’t hesitate. But, this is just a time where we pray like crazy, and hope we come back no worse off than when we left.
On the other hand, I am super excited that we are both traveling to pick up Maya. She needs to know that we are both intentionally coming to get her and welcome her into our family.
We have no clue what’s going on once we get to Haiti. We are prepared to stay at a hotel, or sleep on the ground if need be. We brought enough snacks to be our food, and we’ll bring water. We’ve heard such mixed things that we really just don’t know what the Haiti leg will entail.
Today, we head to Miami. We will stay there overnight, and head out to Port-au-Prince at the crack of dawn tomorrow. Not sure if there will be any way to post while we are in Haiti, so we’ll make sure to do it when we get back to Miami. If all goes as planned, we’ll be back in Miami Monday afternoon.
Here we go again!!
Praying, praying, praying, praying. God will sustain, provide and go before you. Praying his love and peace will blanket Elijah and grandma until you return. Praying his grace and mercy will knit you all together into a family that brings him great glory when you return. We love you all…
Good luck, you guys!!! I am so excited for you! I know this second adoption came as a huge surprise and you’re probably a little overwhelmed, but I am so jealous you’re experiencing this amazing time again! I can’t wait to adopt again and go back to Ethiopia. I will be praying for your health and safety and for a peaceful and easy transition with Maya. Can’t wait to see pictures of this little girl!