What a great first week! It has been so much fun watching Genuine bond with her new siblings, the pets, and of course, her extended family. We laugh and practice saying, "Hello, thanks". Genuine has a deep laugh that is contagious! She is very affectionate, offering many hugs and loves to cuddle. Kouya (i.e., Brother) Austin has been a great big brother and receives the most hugs from Genuine. Kouya Ricky has walked in her shoes and he analyzes her the most, sharing what he thinks she might be feeling. Aute' (i.e., Sister) Maddie is her hang-out buddy, dancing, fixing hair and sharing things. They love playing outside and the evenings have been jam packed with swinging, volleyball, bike riding, jumping on the trampoline, horseback riding, tumbling and just visiting. I will be sad when the time changes and our evenings will have to be spent inside. By the way, we were riding bikes and she was looking left and right, making sure no cars were coming, and ran straight into the ditch. She explained the mishap as follows; "Me ride bike, oh no, boom...no cry!" Let's just say I almost wrecked trying to get off my bike to make sure she was okay.
Genuine pays close attention to our actions. I marvel at how observant she is of things we take for granted or miss even though we see them everyday. Tia Stacie often winks and gives a thumbs up signal as a sign of praise. Although I have seen her do it often, I don't think I paid attention enough to copy her actions, but Genuine can. Annie and Izzie, identical twin pinsans (cousins) were over at my mom's house and Genuine noticed Annie's face was rounder and Izzy's face was longer, demonstrating with her hands. Many still can't tell them apart, but Genuine can. She loves Oddie, our chihuahua, and commented that his eyes were big like Kouya Austin's. We joined Tanner for lunch at Don's Seafood and Genuine noticed that there were seven tv's. For a country where many homes are without one tv, this was pretty amazing. Actually, Genuine has been pretty amazing.
Genuine's adjustment has gone really well. She has slept in her own room twice and in Madison's room a few nights. She loves taking baths and can be heard splashing and singing. Like Ricky, when I ask her to go get dressed, she thinks I want her to bathe again! She enjoyed having her hair dried for the first time and smiled at herself in the mirror the whole time, exclaiming, "Warm"! She is learning to use "sir" and "ma'am" and speak when spoken to, even if it is an American man. In the Philippines, everyone has black hair and light brown skin. Most people are thin and about the same size, with five foot five inches being tall. She was a little unprepared for the various shapes, sizes, and colors Americans come in and spent some uncomfortable moments hiding behind me. "Baby, baby, baby, oh....." is sung often and when she saw Justin Beiber on a poster in Walmart we had to take a picture. She also joined in the singing at church which brought tears to my eyes. She loves shopping and is attracted to what I would call junk, but she views as treasures. Barbie, Dora, and Pooh trinkets intrigue her and when I tell her she can't have them her response is, "Maybe tomorrow?" She chose light-up tennis shoes and shoes with sparkles. Much to Tanner's dismay, she does not want to kill a deer and seems to lean toward the girlie girl side. Of course, the jury is still out and we may all be surprised. She does like fishing and when Tanner let her reel in a fish, there were many squeals until he threw it back. Genuine yelled, "No,Dad," and proceeded to rant and rave in Tagalog! She definitely has a mind of her own and is not afraid to share her opinion, just like her big sister. She also was amazed at how the doors at our stores automatically open and close and enjoys opening and closing the windows in our vehicles, too. Chocolate is a must and is quick to bring a smile whether in the form of chocolate milk, candy, cookie or pudding! Otherwise, she is learning that she has to eat a little bit of whatever I have prepared. Genuine says "no" and I say "yes" and Mamma wins! She is adjusting to the air conditioner better than I expected and only gets cold when she is under a ceiling fan. Pants or capris are her choice of daily attire rather than shorts. I think this helps her stay warm. She has learned to wash her dishes, put her dirty clothes away and has helped put away clean laundry and groceries. I love watching her learn!
One of my favorite stories took place while visiting Uncle Darra and Aunt Stacie. Uncle Darra was laying on the floor with arms outstretched, his feet were crossed at the ankles and raised slightly on an ottoman. Genuine said, "Mom, look, Jesus!" We laughed and laughed and I told Nicholas Cage (Tanner) he had been upstaged by Jesus!
Genuine has gotten sad twice, once when we were talking about best friends and the other was actually today. The kids were all playing outside and a neighborhood kid was joking with her and she took it personally. It was not so much what he did, I think she was just having a moment and needed to cry and have a little space. She has done much better than any training class would predict. I am so proud of her and am cherishing the moments.
Tomorrow Genuine will use Skype for the first time to visit with her best friend, Jessica. It will be a perfect ending to a less than perfect day, as we will be going to the doctor for her medical test. Until later.......
Steph
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Firsts
Here are some of Genuine's first:
- fly
- have a pet
- indoor plumbing in house
- refrig in house
- own room/bed
- stay in room by herself
- travel to a new country
Many more yet to come I'm sure
- fly
- have a pet
- indoor plumbing in house
- refrig in house
- own room/bed
- stay in room by herself
- travel to a new country
Many more yet to come I'm sure
Almost
We survivied the long flight!!!! Nancy, Jessica, Genuine, and I sat in a row with Tanner and Ricky about fifteen rows in front of us. This time both girls chose to stay awake for the take off and landing. Once we find the courage to face our fears, it's not so scary anymore. It was a little over a nine hour fliht and the girls slept about three and half hours. Genuine had her head in my lap and her feet stretched out across two seats with her legs facing inward. Jessica also had her head in her mom's lap with her feet stretched out toward us. The girls slept intertwined and were perfectly content. Nancy and I, at that moment, realized the extreme importance of keeping these girls in contact with one another. They have a very special bond and of course, a special BFF handshake! Ninetendo DS was a real time killer and I am thankful to Madison for lending it to Genuine and to Ricky for selflessly letting Jessica have his. It seems that on each of the long flights, I had a giggle attack. On this flight, toward the end, there was a sound made by the aircraft that sounded like someone passed gas. Both girls immediately looked at each other with a look of surprise and then all eyes were on me. I knew, without a word being said, what they thought. We all started dying laughing and within seconds, Nancy realized what they thought, too. Jessica then proceeds to use hand motions to show us what they thought, followed by more uncontrollable laughter. Yes, people were staring, but we didn't care. We were thanking God for the simple things in life and rejoicing in laughter.
Here in Salt Lake City, the girls discovered water fountains. Again, more squeals as they each placed their fingers on the finger marks and pressed. It took them a few tries to get the water just right without splashing themselves in the face!
We didn't have much time for lunch because it was here that we had to go through customs. Everything went well, it just took some time. We grabbed a quick slice of pizza or in the girl's case, chicken nuggets. We then made our way to the gate that would separate the girls and our two families. We certainly met a new sister in Christ in Nancy and would miss her warm, caring spirit and Jessica was just a doll. The girls stayed busy playing games, almost in denial. When it was time to board, we reassurred them that they could call and skype very soon. We all hugged and parted. Jessica fell apart, while Genuine only cried a little. Genuine described Jessica as angry and herself as sad. It was very hard to watch and there were more tears once we were seated. I think one of the saddest moments was when we arrived in New Orleans and walked into the airport, Genuine said, "Jessica?" It was then that I realized she thought Jessica was coming here, but on a different airplane. Again, I marvel at the courage and perseverance these children display. God, please help me not to whine or complain.
It's at this point that MY heart is pounding because I can't wait to see Austin and Madison and introduce them to their new sister. Genuine is holding on tight to me and remains very quiet through the introductions. However, her personality takes over an hour later when we drive into the driveway and she bounds out of the suburban with a huge smile on her face! She responds first to, you guessed it, Oddie! She was a little afraid of Sophie. It seems the dogs were the icebreaker we needed. She was given a tour of the house and really liked her room. She began to make herself at home by taking a bath and asking lots of questions. She was caught laughing at her brothers and sister and it was music to my ears! The journey has ended, yet only just begun! Genuine, genuinely His and now, genuinely ours for each day that He gives us.
Genuine, you are fearfully and wonderfully made by the Creator himself. You are loved. You matter.
Mom and Dad
Here in Salt Lake City, the girls discovered water fountains. Again, more squeals as they each placed their fingers on the finger marks and pressed. It took them a few tries to get the water just right without splashing themselves in the face!
We didn't have much time for lunch because it was here that we had to go through customs. Everything went well, it just took some time. We grabbed a quick slice of pizza or in the girl's case, chicken nuggets. We then made our way to the gate that would separate the girls and our two families. We certainly met a new sister in Christ in Nancy and would miss her warm, caring spirit and Jessica was just a doll. The girls stayed busy playing games, almost in denial. When it was time to board, we reassurred them that they could call and skype very soon. We all hugged and parted. Jessica fell apart, while Genuine only cried a little. Genuine described Jessica as angry and herself as sad. It was very hard to watch and there were more tears once we were seated. I think one of the saddest moments was when we arrived in New Orleans and walked into the airport, Genuine said, "Jessica?" It was then that I realized she thought Jessica was coming here, but on a different airplane. Again, I marvel at the courage and perseverance these children display. God, please help me not to whine or complain.
It's at this point that MY heart is pounding because I can't wait to see Austin and Madison and introduce them to their new sister. Genuine is holding on tight to me and remains very quiet through the introductions. However, her personality takes over an hour later when we drive into the driveway and she bounds out of the suburban with a huge smile on her face! She responds first to, you guessed it, Oddie! She was a little afraid of Sophie. It seems the dogs were the icebreaker we needed. She was given a tour of the house and really liked her room. She began to make herself at home by taking a bath and asking lots of questions. She was caught laughing at her brothers and sister and it was music to my ears! The journey has ended, yet only just begun! Genuine, genuinely His and now, genuinely ours for each day that He gives us.
Genuine, you are fearfully and wonderfully made by the Creator himself. You are loved. You matter.
Mom and Dad
Japan Bound
Boarding a big aeroplane was a big deal for two little girls this morning. Once we were finally allowed through security and began heading towards our gate, Genuine and Jessica began to exclaim, "one, two, three, four big aeroplanes!" They squealed with delight as they watched them take off and tried very hard to get a picture of one taking off, to no avail. Ricky came to the rescue and was able to get a picture for them. Once boarded, I could visibly watch the fear begin to envelope Genuine. She wasn't able to sit next to Jessica, she had never flown, and certainly she had never left her country. We all have defense mechanisms that we use in fearful situations, Genuine's was to sleep. She was fast asleep before we took off, awake during the middle of the flight, and asleep again for the landing. Her favorite part of her first flight was listening to the music with headphones and hearing the flight attendent speak in Tagalog! Overall, the trip was uneventful and we landed in Japan an hour early. This meant we had a three and half hour layover before taking off for Salt Lake City. Luckily for us, Japan's airport had a lounge with chairs that reclined. The kids played and the adults stretched out to rest for a bit. At this point we were eleven hours into our journey.
Is 41:10 Fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed I will show you the way.
Side Note: The girls call bathrooms, changing rooms, and the changing rooms in different countries are just that, different. In Manila the water was not working in the airport restrooms and of course all paper goes into a trash can. In Nagoya, Japan, the toilets were holes in the floor. In Tokyo, Japan, the toilets were like the ones you would find in America but with a few extra features. There were buttons that made flushing sounds or played music. There were buttons that sprayed water or cologne. I am just happy to be in my own bathroom now, lol!
Very thankful,
Steph
Is 41:10 Fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed I will show you the way.
Side Note: The girls call bathrooms, changing rooms, and the changing rooms in different countries are just that, different. In Manila the water was not working in the airport restrooms and of course all paper goes into a trash can. In Nagoya, Japan, the toilets were holes in the floor. In Tokyo, Japan, the toilets were like the ones you would find in America but with a few extra features. There were buttons that made flushing sounds or played music. There were buttons that sprayed water or cologne. I am just happy to be in my own bathroom now, lol!
Very thankful,
Steph
Homeward Bound
5:30a.m. Manila time.
what is it about airports that make you cry? I have always enjoyed "people watching" and at airports there are usually two responses observed; happy reunions or sad reunions. Since I'm part of the "Crying Club," both make me tear up. It's been an emotional rollercoaster ride to say the least! Lots of trouble this morning with airport security due to Ricky's cast. They don't have the technology to xray it or check it for explosives and they wanted it off. Since it doesn't come off, his passport and luggage were tagged red, like his cast to indicate heightened security. We were temporarily detained and then allowed to move on. I knew they were watching us closely as I was watching Genuine closely. She was very quiet, observing her surroundings and just taking everything in...sensory overload. Hungry at 6:00a.m. (we had been up since 3:00a.m.), she and Ricky chose Chinese for breakfast. This allowed us to spend our last pesos before converting back to American currency. We boarded within the hour leaving a homeland behind, yet finding the courage to soar to new opportunities and a forever family.
Flying high,
Steph
what is it about airports that make you cry? I have always enjoyed "people watching" and at airports there are usually two responses observed; happy reunions or sad reunions. Since I'm part of the "Crying Club," both make me tear up. It's been an emotional rollercoaster ride to say the least! Lots of trouble this morning with airport security due to Ricky's cast. They don't have the technology to xray it or check it for explosives and they wanted it off. Since it doesn't come off, his passport and luggage were tagged red, like his cast to indicate heightened security. We were temporarily detained and then allowed to move on. I knew they were watching us closely as I was watching Genuine closely. She was very quiet, observing her surroundings and just taking everything in...sensory overload. Hungry at 6:00a.m. (we had been up since 3:00a.m.), she and Ricky chose Chinese for breakfast. This allowed us to spend our last pesos before converting back to American currency. We boarded within the hour leaving a homeland behind, yet finding the courage to soar to new opportunities and a forever family.
Flying high,
Steph
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Home Sweet Home
Home is where the heart is and mine has been divided between each side of the world. I am very much looking forward to reuniting my family. Today was a very successful day at ICAB. Our visit at both Parenting Foundation and ICAB were much longer and more personal than they were when we were here to get Ricky. Lots of paperwork, but the majority of the visit was just listening as they shared about the Philippines. We appreciated the visit a lot more than the kids did, but they were very good and patient. After ICAB, we decided to eat at a Filipino restaurant called “Dads”. There was an American buffet, Filipino buffet, and a Japanese buffet. I really enjoyed observing the choices chosen by the kids and can assure you that they won’t be able to get those items in south Louisiana. Ricky ate some things the girls wouldn’t eat, snails, and in true girl fashion we heard, “ewwwww!” For the record, we all ate from the Filipino buffet with Tanner paying extra to eat from all three. While we were eating, a band came to sing for us. They sang a song in Tagalog and one in English. They were very good and looked to be of Mexican descent rather than Filipino. The funny thing about it was that they thought they were performing for Nicholas Cage, aka, Tanner. I bet they also thought they would receive a huge tip!
The rest of the day was spent preparing for travel. The computer kept saying Tanner and I were from the United State Minor Islands and Ricky was from the United States, go figure. We finally got that kink worked out and hit another one. We do not have seats together on the first leg of the journey home. There are two single seats and one pair of double seats. I guess Tanner and Ricky will sit alone and Genuine and I together or maybe someone will switch with us. It is another full flight (400 people). Our seats are together for the rest of the trip home. We were also told about some expenses we weren’t aware of, terminal taxes and travel tax for Genuine. We are so glad this information was shared today so we could have the necessary pesos on hand. Finally, we have to make everything we have fit into our luggage!! Genuine scrapbooks, things we have purchased, gifts we received and all we brought with us. I’m still not sure they will zip but we are hopeful. While I prepared, Tanner and the girls went to swim and Ricky worked on his journal for school. Genuine and Jessica each have a pair of pink goggles now and both are swimming much better. Their eyes were so red and hurt from the chlorine but neither were willing to stop swimming. I guess if you only get to swim once a year, there are certain tradeoffs you are willing to take.
It’s been a great trip, but I am very ready to be back home. As I thought about this, I realized that a week from now Genuine will probably be feeling the same way, but she won’t be coming back. I thank you for the many prayers and humbly ask you to continue to pray as the transition is only just beginning.
Side note: I know Ricky is ready to sleep in his own bed without Tanner taking up all of the bed and covers!!
Missing Austin and Maddie more than they can know!
Love to all,
Steph
The rest of the day was spent preparing for travel. The computer kept saying Tanner and I were from the United State Minor Islands and Ricky was from the United States, go figure. We finally got that kink worked out and hit another one. We do not have seats together on the first leg of the journey home. There are two single seats and one pair of double seats. I guess Tanner and Ricky will sit alone and Genuine and I together or maybe someone will switch with us. It is another full flight (400 people). Our seats are together for the rest of the trip home. We were also told about some expenses we weren’t aware of, terminal taxes and travel tax for Genuine. We are so glad this information was shared today so we could have the necessary pesos on hand. Finally, we have to make everything we have fit into our luggage!! Genuine scrapbooks, things we have purchased, gifts we received and all we brought with us. I’m still not sure they will zip but we are hopeful. While I prepared, Tanner and the girls went to swim and Ricky worked on his journal for school. Genuine and Jessica each have a pair of pink goggles now and both are swimming much better. Their eyes were so red and hurt from the chlorine but neither were willing to stop swimming. I guess if you only get to swim once a year, there are certain tradeoffs you are willing to take.
It’s been a great trip, but I am very ready to be back home. As I thought about this, I realized that a week from now Genuine will probably be feeling the same way, but she won’t be coming back. I thank you for the many prayers and humbly ask you to continue to pray as the transition is only just beginning.
Side note: I know Ricky is ready to sleep in his own bed without Tanner taking up all of the bed and covers!!
Missing Austin and Maddie more than they can know!
Love to all,
Steph
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Evening
Nancy took the girls swimming, while we did a little shopping. I went out to the pool after shopping and must say that Genuine is making progress. She actually moves forward a little. :) She's still mermaid-kicking every now and then, but is actually kicking her feet like she should. It will be interesting to see how much she progresses tomorrow.
We ate at the Vietnamese restaurant again and then I hit the Krispy Kreme. Odd hours for a donut store but, hey, I'll take 'em when I can get 'em. Steph and Genuine headed back to the hotel, as they were tired, while I took Ricky to play some video games. It's still pretty funny seeing the stares as we walk through the mall, but now many of them are directed at Ricky's cast. He had said that they don't use casts in here and he seems to be correct, as I've yet to see one on any of the million+ people that I've seen. I wonder how they set broken bones? A couple of the hotel employees (Joel the pool guy, and the doorman) have taken to Ricky and talk to him all the time. It's pretty neat to see the connections being made. Joel let the kids use his goggles so they could see underwater and they used them all day. Hopefully Nancy was able to find some at the mall this evening.
Speaking of Nancy, she's from Montana and has a couple of sons that love to hunt. They just got a couple of elk during bow season. I hope that we can make a trip up there to see Jessica (and enjoy Montana, of course) at some point in the future. It's been really great getting to know such a wonderful Christian lady who has such a love for orphans. 6 of her 7 kids are adopted. She's also shared that she has 13 grandkids, so I'm quite amazed at her ability to take in another.
I spoke of the diversity of Filipino food, but the people are every bit as diverse. You see quite a blend of the various Asian cultures, native Filipino, and Spanish here, so there is a wide variety of facial shapes and features. There is not much variability in body size (most are short in stature and very few overweight)and you are out of luck if you like brunettes, blondes or redheads, as all Filipinos have black hair. All of them! Of course at the hotel there's quite a blend of nationalities (European, Korean, Middle Eastern, American), so this area really gives one the sense of what Heaven must be like. A great reminder that we're all created in His image.
Getting tired so I'm going to sign off. Thanks again for the prayers.
Tanner
We ate at the Vietnamese restaurant again and then I hit the Krispy Kreme. Odd hours for a donut store but, hey, I'll take 'em when I can get 'em. Steph and Genuine headed back to the hotel, as they were tired, while I took Ricky to play some video games. It's still pretty funny seeing the stares as we walk through the mall, but now many of them are directed at Ricky's cast. He had said that they don't use casts in here and he seems to be correct, as I've yet to see one on any of the million+ people that I've seen. I wonder how they set broken bones? A couple of the hotel employees (Joel the pool guy, and the doorman) have taken to Ricky and talk to him all the time. It's pretty neat to see the connections being made. Joel let the kids use his goggles so they could see underwater and they used them all day. Hopefully Nancy was able to find some at the mall this evening.
Speaking of Nancy, she's from Montana and has a couple of sons that love to hunt. They just got a couple of elk during bow season. I hope that we can make a trip up there to see Jessica (and enjoy Montana, of course) at some point in the future. It's been really great getting to know such a wonderful Christian lady who has such a love for orphans. 6 of her 7 kids are adopted. She's also shared that she has 13 grandkids, so I'm quite amazed at her ability to take in another.
I spoke of the diversity of Filipino food, but the people are every bit as diverse. You see quite a blend of the various Asian cultures, native Filipino, and Spanish here, so there is a wide variety of facial shapes and features. There is not much variability in body size (most are short in stature and very few overweight)and you are out of luck if you like brunettes, blondes or redheads, as all Filipinos have black hair. All of them! Of course at the hotel there's quite a blend of nationalities (European, Korean, Middle Eastern, American), so this area really gives one the sense of what Heaven must be like. A great reminder that we're all created in His image.
Getting tired so I'm going to sign off. Thanks again for the prayers.
Tanner
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