We've Got Genuine!

Well, folks, we've got Genuine!

This trip has been very different in that we are traveling with another family, Nancy and her new adopted daughter, Jessica. Tanner, Ricky, Nancy and I along with a social worker headed for Parenting Foundation around 10:00am. When we got there the first people we saw were Lilian and her grandson, JM. Lilian was Ricky's foster mother and we had requested a visit with her but we did not know that things had been worked out and she would be there. It was a wonderful surprise and she ran with tears to give Ricky a great big hug. Of course, all of his social workers cried and exclaimed over him. These ladies pour so much into the children entrusted to them and most of the time, after adoption, they never see them again. It was a great reunion for them all!

We were then brought upstairs where Genuine, along with her foster mother, father and a'te (foster sister) were waiting. We walked into a room full of tears! As hard as that can be, it would have been a red flag if Genuine wasn't sad about leaving them. Thankful for having the time this morning (when I couldn't sleep) to think about this very possibility certainly helped. Introductions were made and things were a little awkward for a while. However we began to muddle through the language barriers and get to know Genuine and her family. Genuine was very close to her foster sister who is about 20 and she was the one who translated for us. We were given Genuine's Life Book (Scrapbook of her) and much laughter was shared as she showed us pictures from when she was three until now.

Next we were ushered to an outside pavillion where a farewell party had been planned in honor of Jessica and Genuine. This is something new they have started doing recently. All of the foster children in attendance participated and Jo, you would have needed a box of Kleenex. Dances were done, poems were recited, signing was shared and we were even called upon to share. Jessica and Genuine each did a solo dance in honor of their foster mothers and their forever mothers! Jessica's dance incorporated her abilty to do some gymnastics. Genuine's dance was very different and lets just say she can move! Tanner and I looked at each other and immediately knew she and Madison would have that in common. We also decided we would have to lock our girls up until they each turned 20, lol! The real tear jerker of them all was the farewell song the other children sang to Jessica and Genuine while they one by one hugged and kissed them goodbye. Even Ricky got choked up as it is a song they apparentlly sang for him even though it wasn't in our presence. The celebration was concluded with a meal of pizza, casava cake, puncit noodles and soda! The children eagerly ate as this was a treat and many were intrigued by Tanner. He actually had to help hang a pottery basket, much like our pinate' for the children to try and break. Once broken, just like in America, they scrambled to get as many treats as possible. While the girls were told to gather their things, a sibling group of four came and sang for us so that the foster mothers could have one final goodbye. Tears again but not as many and not as much sadness. We all got into the car and headed for the hotel. Along the way, the girls giggled and talked and Ricky unsuccessfully tried to figure out what they were saying. It was a wonderful observation and the laughter tickled my heart.

In route to the hotel, our driver went through a toll in the wrong lane on accident. We were immediately stopped with police carrying machine guns. It was a pretty scary situation, but God's grace shined through and after much deliberation, the top security official gave him a warning and sent us through. Our driver was very embarrassed and evidently relieved. I'm sure he would have lost his job over it if he had received a ticket. The irony is this was a crime but their are no street lights, stop signs or lanes to guide traffic, basically just chaos. I would never drive here!

Once back at the hotel, we took a quick break and then headed for the mall to purchase needed items. This took quite some time, but the sales associates were more than helpful because they could translate too. I know everyone is wondering so I'll let you know that Genuine is not 5'4", she is 54" (4feet, 6inches), yes shorter than Ricky and Madison. She is plump for a Filipino and her foster sister said not to let her eat junk, but rather feed her a salad. However, at the mall, we let her get a strawberry sundae and some fries. We will get her on the right track once we are home. She is very timid and loves to mimic what we say! She holds on to my arm constantly and is very cold. We will have to buy a few warm items for the plane. Ricky is teaching her to play games on the DS and she loves it. She asked if it was hers and I told her it was her big sisters and she smiled. She can't wait to ride the horse and I showed her pictures of Sophie and Oddie. All three of us have explained that she will get bunches of hugs when we get to America, lol. She is afraid to fly and was nervous in the elevator, but she loves to ride bikes and fish (anyone surprised?). She says she can swim and we will test that tomorrow. We plan to rest and relax as we are exhausted!!!!!! I actually think I am seeing double so I will sign off for now. I think Tanner successfully posted some pictures on fb. Our technical difficulties were unable to be resolved so their won't be as many post. We have to come to the business office during certain hours to blog. We will keep everyone posted as much as possbible.

Amazed by this little girl and her bright smile and can't wait to blend her into our great big family.

Austin and Madison, hang in there, this week will fly by and we'll be home before you know it. You are loved and respected for your maturity in this matter more than you know. Praying for you both and can't wait to see you, Mom.

Rejoicing over answered prayers,
Stephanie (Night everyone)