Hi all (from Barbie),
As we arrive at evening time here on the other side of the world, we are excited to say that things with Julia have improved greatly. We started out after a rough night last night. She would wake up often and when she realized that her surroundings were not at all familiar she would be quite terrified. When I would go to her, she would calm down so that was a good sign.
Upon waking, she didn't cry very much, but for the first part of the morning, she continued to cling to me as she had been for the last 3 days. Her clinging has been out of fear and she would hang on for dear life even when I was just shifting in my seat. Later this morning, she let me sit her next to me on the bed and eventually even crawled away from me to play with some toys - the second time she has played with some toys in our presence in the last 5 days. She even got down on the floor and played by herself for awhile. This was wonderful to watch.
This afternoon, it was daddy's turn. He, in true daddy fashion, taught her to "give 5." When she did, he would tickle her and she would even laugh. She is starting to relax around us and that has been very good.
Doug went this morning to apply for her passport and that went without a hitch. We should be able to go pick it up next Monday.
Thomas and Helen had a harder day. While Doug was running around this morning taking care of the adoption stuff, I had the rest of us just stay in our room so that Julia could have some more adjusting time. After a few hours, I think that we were feeling a little bit trapped (or maybe I was just feeling that way because Doug accidentally locked me in the room this afternoon. We are having a difficult adjusting to getting our larger family out the door and I was the one who paid the consequences this time!) Anyway, Thomas and Helen are now realizing that Julia takes up some of their time and attention and they are not feeling so great about that. I am sure that some of their difficulty comes from being someplace unfamiliar, with not a lot of space to be apart and not having a definite ending date for this adventure . We found some chicken nuggets and fries for supper and that seemed to help a bit.
Tomorrow we are going on a day trip boat ride down the Red River to see some sights. If the river is as crowded as the streets are here we will be in for it...
Thanks for checking in. We appreciate hearing from you with your comments and knowing that you are thinking of us.
Barbie
P.S. Doug wanted me to let you know that I was able to post this from our room. He found a weak wireless signal that happens to work better than the internet available downstairs in the lobby. Now I am hoping that I haven't jinxed it.
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6 comments:
I am so happy to hear that Julia is making a turn. It will be a slow go, but one so worth the results. We are praying for you all. Chicken nuggets can do wonders. Tell Doug he is quite the teacher. He is incorportating math and social skills all at the same time. He's so tricky! Hope all the paper work gets through quickly!!!!!! We are with you in spirit.
Love,
The Weisbrod's
We are so thrilled to hear that things are going smoothly and that Julia is starting to become more relaxed with you. It won't be long before she realizes how much you love her and what a wonderful family she is now part of. We really enjoy reading the details of your journey and are praying that all continues to go well and you'll be home in WBL for Christmas.
Love to all,
Deb & Arlyn
Wow, what an adventure. I am just getting caught up on all the blogs since being gone for the Thanksgiving holiday. I can promise you that mine was not nearly as crazy or rewarding as yours sounds. We are thinking of you a lot and all the kids want Julia to start liking you (put well by a bunch of first graders, huh?). I am sure she will, I can just imagine what is going through her precious mind. She is so blessed to have you and she will realize that soon! Hang in there and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Warm wishes,
Mrs. Dusek and your first grade friends
Since I figure you'll be getting tired of the waiting around pretty soon I thought I might give you a little something to read and share a story about how we are praying for you. It's five minutes fresh.
I just got done praying with the kids before bedtime. Since we've been praying for you each night (or so) I gave them the latest update on the Julia saga. Elisabeth was full of questions and it turned into a rather lengthy discussion on passports and visas and adoption and whatnot. Finally, we brought the whole explanation to a close something like this:
Todd: "So now we can pray for Doug and Barbie and Thomas and Helen and Julia so that all of those things will go really fast and they'll get to come home very soon. Max- would you like to pray for them first?"
Max: "Yeah. Dear-God-thank-you-for-Grandpa-Moe-Amen."
So there you go. We're praying for you.
Hey Doug and Barbie -- I just caught up on your blog since Dave had told us you had one, but hadn't sent the address:) What an amazing adventure! We have so many friends who have adopted, from so many different countries and situations, and all are a unique adventure. I'm happy to be sharing yours with you. We will certainly be praying for Julia, and all of you as well. We'll be looking forward to the updates, and a speedy return home for all of you.
From the snowy Colorado mountains -- humid??? What's that? I've forgotten what humid is :-)
Jenn Will
The pictures tell a thousand words. Your letters are so visual as well, as you give the details of daily adjusting to an instantly new family member. Julia is beautiful with such deep searching eyes. You all look like you are adjusting so well. Have lots of fun during these vacation days and staying put in the same hotel! Enjoy the process and keep looking for evidences of His Presence. Remember, God is holding you with His right hand! (Is. 41:10)
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