Woo-hoo!!! We finally made it all the way to Rwanda!!!! We are EXHAUSTED!
We arrived at the airport, checked into our hotel, and had 10 minutes before we pulled back out to head the orphanage to meet our kids. We gathered in a courtyard area inside the orphanage walls and waited. My hands were shaking with excitement / nerves. One by one, names were called for different families who's children were coming up the ramp to meet them. We were video taping for people and taking pictures, and then we heard "Smith!"
We looked up to see two incredible children being walked up the ramp by a nun. Erin knelt down to talk with Ellie and I picked up Elijah, who promptly laid his head on my shoulder and clung to me. For the next 2 hours, we kept swapping kids, hugging them, playing with them and getting to know them. All I can say is that our kids are nothing short of incredible. And they're even cuter than the pictures we'd seen.
Ellie was rambling off all kinds of stuff in Kinyarwandan in her very cute little voice. She LOVES sitting on laps and looking at books, and seems generally curious about everything...especially the video camera. We got some pretty interesting videos that she shot. Haven't watched them yet, but they should be quite entertaining! She had several colorful hair clips in, and looked quite beautiful! Got her to smile a few times, which was definitely a goal of ours. Elijah was sick - you could feel it in his chest every time he breathed. He didn't utter a noise or take much interest in anything other than snuggling, which was fine by us! He's just stinkin' cute. The whole thing was one of the most incredible things we've ever experienced. And we got to do it with 5 amazing families. What a sight! Tomorrow afternoon, we get to go back to the orphanage to spend a few more hours with the kids!
We're not allowed to put pics or videos up, so sorry. I know I promised I'd try, but they just won't let us yet. We'll do our best to keep you posted! Please keep us and all the families here in your prayers...to say we are exhausted would be a huge understatement!
We love you all!
11 comments
Comment by Unknown on March 27, 2011 at 3:14 PM
awee!!!! so excited...I started to cry while I read it to Mel.....Enjoy the snuggly moments, before long it isn't "cool " anymore. Hate when the are sick. If you are able kids vicks vapor rub may help the congestion. (If you are allowed to administer meds yet) Love and hugs and most definitely prayers. Get some rest, you will need it.
Comment by Anonymous on March 27, 2011 at 3:23 PM
Comment by Vanderpool days on March 27, 2011 at 3:37 PM
praying for you guys and all the families traveling! Can't wait to see those beautiful kiddos!
Comment by dr smith on March 27, 2011 at 4:29 PM
I knew you're kids would be sweet and lovable...if not from the first, than soon after...just another gift from our Abba that they already are.
Comment by Mary on March 27, 2011 at 5:39 PM
congratulations! just wonderful for all of you. God is good!
Comment by SBenson on March 27, 2011 at 8:21 PM
Brought tears to my eyes as well - what a blessing!! Enjoy every step of the journey. What a beautiful thing!
Comment by Kate Vermilyea on March 27, 2011 at 11:03 PM
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH! Tears are streaming down my face!!!! We are so thankful and happy for you. Congratulations and we cannot wait to meet our newest neighbors.
XO--we will keep reading!
-Kate, Jody and Zoe
Comment by scott b on March 28, 2011 at 5:36 AM
prayed for you guys this morning.
Comment by Sheri ID on March 28, 2011 at 1:35 PM
We are so excited for you!! This is awesome and we can't wait to hear more. Praying for every step of your trip! Enjoy these sweet first moments with your precious little ones.
-Sheri & Jeff
AW Family
Comment by Andy Beltz on March 28, 2011 at 9:10 PM
Brings back many wonderful memories. How precious!! Thanks for sharing.
Comment by Nicole on March 29, 2011 at 7:33 AM
Tears of joy for you and every single child and other family. My prayers also cover the children watching the unions and wondering if they will have a turn someday. May the Lord who is mighty to save quiet them with His love and rejoice over them with singing!
Thanks for sharing this life-defining journey! May we share our someday too!
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