It's the wee hours of the morning on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 and I have a brief moment to update you all quickly before we head to Port au Prince for a busy day of embassy and court appts. (Of course, busy in regards to Haiti = hurry up and wait and above all...be flexible about everything!!)
We did get to spend some priceless and wonderful time with Chelley and Naika yesterday morning. We arrived at the orphanage about 10:30 am...after mostly smooth flights and a not-so-smooth drive up into the beautiful Haitian mountains. We were taken directly to the Main House, where all the littlest ones live, and both Chelley and Naika were waiting on one of the balconies for us. We had some of the wonderful GLA staff with us to introduce us to the girls and to help them feel comfortable as we spent those initial moments together. The girls were understandably quiet and reserved at first, although Chelley was willing to hug us right away. They warmed up quickly, especially when we got out the presents and snacks we'd brought them. They were willing to sit on our laps and play with us, and by the end of our time together, Naika didn't want me to put her down. If I set her down to play with something, she turned around and reached for me. Oh so good for this mama's heart. Neither girl said much of anything, although they both do talk quite a bit when in their element. They did however reward us with some of their priceless and beautiful smiles. The GLA staff were surprised at how quickly Naika warmed up to us. Chelley was her usual bright and smiley self. Praise God for all the answered prayers. We had about 1 1/2 hours with them before we had to leave them for lunch. We had little bits of time with each of them individually after lunch and hope to get to spend some more time with them this afternoon after we return from Port au Prince.
It is still quite unreal to actually be here, to see and hold them in person and we are taking as much video and as many pictures as possible so that we can remember these life-changing moments. They are even more beautiful and precious in person than they are in their pictures. Speaking of pictures, I will try to upload some at some point but don't have the means right now. I'll try to update more later but will end this post with the lyrics to the song that so completely mirrors my heart right now. This song, written by two adoptive daddies...Mark Hall (of Casting Crowns) and Steven Curtis Chapman, is the reason for the name of our blog. Read the lyrics and then go listen to it on youtube...it's amazing!
You were broken, abandoned
And crying all alone
We were waiting and praying
And longing to bring you home
And then we saw your face
In a moment you were wrapped up in our hearts
We took a step of faith
And now here we are
Will you let me hold you in my arms tonight
I have come so far to find you
So far to find you
Will you take my love and give up the fight
I have come so far to find you
So far to find you
From a world away, I journeyed
Just to hold your hand
You will never be alone again
I've come so far to find you
So far to find you
You were fighting and fearful
You were hiding your heart away
But I was trying so hard to show you
รข€˜Cause there were no words that I could say
If you could see my heart
You would know that all I want to do
Is care for you
Will you let me hold you in my arms tonight
I have come so far to find you
So far to find you
Will you take my love and give up the fight
I have come so far to find you
So far to find you
Here in your eyes I see
Reflections of myself
How I'm the child that's really running
But I can hear a voice that's whispering my name
Saying come to me, don't run from me
I'm all you need and I am calling
Will you let me hold you in my arms tonight
(I have come so far)
Will you take my love and give up the fight
(I have come so far)
Will you let me hold you in my arms tonight
I have come so far to find you
So far to find you
Will you take my love and give up the fight
I have come so far to find you
So far to find you
From Heaven's throne
Down to a rugged cross I came
It was My love for you that brought Me all the way
So far to find you
So far to find you
2 comments:
Have an awesome day! Praying all goes well and you are back with your girls soon!
Tears and happiness... picturing Naika not wanting you to let go.
Tears... thinking of all the years they'll be hanging on.
Making up for lost time. Restoration.
Praying and rejoicing with you. This is your time and theirs.
Happy receiving! God is good!
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