There is more to adoption than just showing up and signing some documents; I know that now. When your son-to-be actually has a life, friends, school, a favorite class, favorite food, brothers, sisters, and memories, he may not just jump into your arms. Why would a little boy leave everything familiar and go to an unknown life? Why would anyone get onto an airplane and fly off with a person who may create for them a life worse than their present one? Mr V (and Mr A, to a point) has all the above assets here. He was mobbed by his friends when we visited his former orphanage. They cheered, rubbed his hair, crowded around, and spoke excitedly to him. We were just background for a few minutes.
There is something strangely like courting to be done before all is set aright. It is a blessing, not a curse, that the bureaucratic process takes time. We have 1-3 weeks to convince 2 young boys that their future is elsewhere- that the journey is worth the cost- that something that we have felt certain of for 6 months will provide satisfaction, comfort, and security to them too. So, we bring gifts and food and play games and laugh. And, ultimately, a bond forms. And, surprisingly, not only did they need the time; we did too.
Doris, from our humble perspectives, your most recent post was the most sensitive, insightful, and poignant we've read since your arrival. While others have been informative, often interesting and a a bit entertaining from the perspectives of Westerners in a vastly unfamiliar culture, we definitely appreciate the honest reflections you shared electronically this morning. It gives us even more to ponder--as we 'think' of you and so much at stake!
ReplyDeleteHere here!
ReplyDeleteI think your post shows us all what we may have taken for granted from the beginning.
These kids are leading a life that is "comfortable" for them. And while we all may feel like they are better off in their new family, they still have to come to grips with leaving what has been their "family" for some time now.
We can marvel at God's true greatness when we see this all play out through your time and efforts and LOVE!!!!
Powerful, powerful, powerful.
ReplyDeleteI ditto all the above comments! That last blog was very insightful and gave us another way to pray for this journey for you all! Thanks for sharing!
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