Sunday, April 19, 2009

Haiti, Last Day with the Kids

Oh, this is a hard day to blog about...our last day with our kids. I think that is why it has taken me so long to post it. You will see in it in their eyes throughout the day. Sometimes they are smiling and happy and perhaps forget for a moment, then others, you know that they fully realize that this is our last day together.
We were told long-sleeved jammies were good because the kids aren't used to air conditioning (oooh, wait until the Minnesota winters!) But the jammies were sometimes a challenge for them to get off...hee hee hee! (and how did she get the dress on??)
"No - don't play with the camera!"
Patricia and I spent our last bit of time at the hotel doing our nails
I had only planned on doing hers...
But when I finished she immediately started on mine
As I thought, "we should get a picture of our toes" she picked up the camera and got a picture
Hugging my boy!

Daddy's girl!
Ugh. In the van to go back to the orphanage. When some of the babies went back to the orphanage the night before, Patricia looked at me and said, "No fini, Mama" and I said, "You don't have to go back this time" but today she knew she did. We were the last ones in the van. She was standing outside the van pulling on my arm saying, "No Mama, No. I don't want it to be finished. Please. No." Ouch. And they asked us not to let them see us cry. Whew.
This small building is across from the hotel entrance (our hotel was protected by an armed guard). Lee said he was trying to figure out what the shed was for and then we realized that this is a home.On our way back...
At the orphanage the boys called me "Mama Philippe" and Lee "Papa Philippe"
And the girls called us "Mama Patricia" and "Papa Patricia"
They had to eat on their own because the other kids had already had dinner. You can see her face here...she wouldn't even look at me.
But then she went to Daddy.And then she came up behind me and played with my hair. Lee said that when this little girl came up, she went to touch my hair and Patricia put her hand up and said a firm, "NO!" (as though to say, "she's MY Mama!")
Time for Philippe to eat...he seemed to like that I was just sitting there, watching him eat.He moved over closer so that he was sitting right across from me
Back on the porch...knowing that time is coming to an end...
Hugging goodbye
He probably tickled her!Me hugging Patricia goodbye...
Hugging sweet Philippe goodbye. Oh, his face shows what we all were feeling! Lee took this and then he said, "Ohhh...that was a sad one"
He looked sad mixed with betrayed when we left and Patricia cried. I did ok with the not letting them see me cry but the second the van door shut...just ask my fellow travelers...it wasn't pretty.
We miss them so much and feel fortunate that we have these pictures. We wish that they had photos, too, since it seems unfair that we get to re-live these precious days in pictures. We hope to get some to them soon. Thank you, everyone, for all your prayers and support. This has been an exciting journey but it has not been without tears. The Lord has brought these Haitians and these Minnesotans together and we are so grateful for it. And they WILL be home someday.

19 comments:

mshel333 said...

Ohhh...that makes me sad. But I am so glad you got to meet each other. They will be so excited to get a little photo album of your time together.

Kathy Cassel said...

Was this after the I600 signing? We flew out that morning so when ours got on the van Monday evening, that was it : ( I don't think mine really understood. Kaleb said bye-bye but Kayla just got on and started playing with her friends.

Lee Shelton said...

We got back from the signing early Monday afternoon, and this was shortly after suppertime at the orphanage. The hotel room seemed pretty empty that night.

The Thayer 6 said...

Dawn and Lee,
I know the ache you feel in your hearts waiting for God to place your precious children in your arms. I'm praying for a miracle from our mighty, powerful and all-knowing God. Thank you for sharing your pics with us.

Nikkie and boys

Jenny said...

I've seen all the pics before, but to see them with your captions and emotions...

May God give you all-sufficient, unflammable grace. :) THIS is love.

kayder1996 said...

Makes me teary. I absolutely understand the hurt and the mixed emotions of it all. But I do believe going is good. I honestly believe Kenson remembers our time with him even though he was so little. Did he know what to expect when he got home? No. But there wasn't a fear in going with us. And he loves looking at all the photos of us with him from the times we visited. Oh it sucks to leave them. Praying that God binds their hearts to yours, and helps them understand all the complexities that prevent you from just taking them home right now.

Unknown said...

I know I have been away but these pics, while I know they were taken the last day you were together, did make me smile just to see you with your kids.

When do they come home for good??

Spirit of Adoption said...

I'm bawling. I know this is SO hard for ALL of you. SOOOOOOO thankful the Lord is sovereign. There is hope!!

love you guys!

Tracy said...

So bittersweet! I can only imagine how incredibly hard it was for all of you to say goodbye. :(

Fliss and Mike Adventures said...

The good thing about this is you get to see the kids but on the other hand, it would be alot harder... harder to say goodbye... I don't envy that... hugs to you all...

Katy said...

Oh my, I am crying just seeing these photos and reading this post...I know exactly how it feels to leave...not knowing when you will hold your baby (ies!) again. It brings it all back. It is so much harder to wait (when you thought it couldn't possibly be harder!) after you meet them, but isn't it SO worth every second? I wish I could go back....I am praying for your hearts to be comforted. And for that little Chinese princess to arrive very soon so that you can be distracted... ;)

Denise said...

awwww that last one is soooo sad....

rubythread said...

I miss that porch... :(
That really did bring it all back - I have been doing my darndest to just forget Haiti and my three angels until we actually have some indication that they will be home someday. Right now there doesn't seem to be much hope. But seeing that porch made me remember everything and the dam burst. Ugh...

Beth said...

Thanks for sharing these sweet moments with us. The day they come home is going to be quite a celebration! The bond you've formed is already so strong. What an amazing blessing that you were able to make these memories with your children.

Jinglebritches said...

Oh my hunnies!! I'm crying my eyes out. I can only try to imagine how you must be feeling. And I don't like it one little bit!!

Loving you, praying for you, cyber-hugging you!!

Lena Just Lena said...

I just returned from Haiti last night, and I SO know how you feel. I love to spend time with my boys, and I hate to leave them. I just have to remind myself of 2 very important Truths:

1) God is in control

2) This is a season, and it will pass.

I'm trying to focus on what is positive about this season of parenting and to just be content, even though I am sad.

Hugs to you, my friend.

L

Dan and Karen said...

Oh wow, it hurt to see the sad expressions on the kid's faces, I can only image how you feel as their parents having to say goodbye...I don't know that I could be that strong.

Just think of the sunshine the kids had on those special days with you, sunshine to brighten their darkest days.

Blessings, hugs and love to you.

Karen

The Karr Family said...

Loved the picts!!! And so glad you were on chat tonight... now I can finally (without facebook :) ) get in touch with you! :) Loved your picts... but like you - it makes me miss you guys more... and made me miss the whole experience more! Can't wait until they are back in our arms!

Mom 2 six said...

Oh my goodness. I can not believe it. How soon can you go back and get them....

Blog Widget by LinkWithin