Today was a day like no other we have experienced. Today we flew halfway around the world to meet our fourteen month old son for the first time. Today we held him, sang to him, and played peek-a-boo with him. Today was the beginning of our forever with this precious boy.We arrived in Kigali over two hours later than expected, so we rushed straight to the orphanage. We all waited in a little room, pinching ourselves to be sure we were really in Rwanda, really about to meet our children for whom we have waited. A few minutes later, we saw our frightened children being carried toward us. Cooper was hesitant to come to me, but once he did, he held on tightly to my shirt. Chad and I both took turns holding him, and while he didn't cry, he certainly did not seem happy. My heart welled up with emotion, knowing, for the first time in my life, I had absolutely no idea how to reassure our child. How I look forward to the coming days when we will learn how to make him smile and laugh!
It's off to bed now. We are tired. Tomorrow we will pick Cooper up at 9:45, dress him in clothes we have brought for him, take him out to lunch with our group, and come back to the hotel for a nap. We will have to return him to the orphanage at 5pm tomorrow, but Monday we should be able to have him with us for good. I'll leave you with a couple more photos of the day.
8 comments:
Oh guys...you made me cry!
We am so happy for you! It won't take long for Cooper to get use to you and love you.
Enjoy your precious new son!
Mark & Joleen
Wow, what a beautiful boy, those eyes!! So so happy for all of you! Hope you have a good rest and a wonderful day tomorrow. From, the WINKS
Congratulations! Please give Nyanja a hug from us! I'm just in tears. It is so amazing to see your pictures and remember our own experience in that tiny room with two other families, all of us waiting for our first chance to hold our children. Awesome! Your son is beautiful. We couldn't be happier for you. We are so excited that you are already in Rwanda!! Our prayers are with you all.
What an amazing Thanksgiving. I'm so glad I found your blog on fb! Looking forward to hearing more.
blessings
We are so happy for me. what a wonderful and beautiful feeling. Get some rest and have fun and enjoy every minute. God Bless. Love the Funk's.
Wow! I am so happy for you both. I am sure the whole family is excited. He looks like a beautiful baby and will be a great addition to your family. I know everyone will welcome him with open arms. I got chills reading your story. It is amazing. Enjoy the rest of your time and I look forward to hearing more when you return. God Bless and have a safe trip back to the states.
Rachel Delagardelle
You don't know me but I follow your blog because we are in the beginning stages of adopting from Rwanda. Cooper is ADORABLE! Congratulations. Just looking at the picture of ya'll with him made me tear up. I'm so happy for you all and he is a lucky little guy!
-Kat
What a beautiful boy! I got very emotional reading about your first day with him. I am anxiously awaiting your next post. When do you head back home? I am assuming tomorrow (Tuesday). Our kids want to come and meet him sometime soon. Have a safe trip home and I hope you are bonding well with Cooper.
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