Thursday, September 1, 2016

Visiting Samuel's Orphanage

Today was a day full of "adventures". It began with getting ready to meet our guide and taxi at 9 a.m., and while Andrew was tickling Daniel, Daniel's head collided with the corner of the marble window sill. Derek took Daniel down to the front desk for ice, and thankfully, no stitches were needed. However, Daniel's head hurt him so badly, I had to change his diapers while he was standing up. =(

Later, Daniel accidentally dumped my cup of tea over his body. Scalding tea--right out of the boiling pot. I ran him to the tub--clothes and all--and got him under cold water instantly. After much screaming and lots of water, thankfully, there were no burn marks or boils!!!

And, then tonight, Samuel was playing with a flash light and "handed" it to Daniel--by way of Daniel's head. The "clunk" on Daniel's head and the crying that followed showed just how hard that collision was. Ugh!

I think Daniel is glad today is over!

In between all those "adventures", we took a trip to Samuel's orphanage. It was an hour and a half ride each way--in a taxi with no seat belts. Wow! How wonderful those car seat laws are in America! They work in a parents' favor--corralling the kids!

Thankfully, no one got motion sickness on the trip! I think we were being prayed over!!!

Samuel was cared for by the Lily Orphan Care Center. Here we are in Samuel's sleeping room next to his bed:
Samuel's bed:
Sleeping room:
Sammy with the orphanage officer.
She delivered him to us on Gotcha Day.
Sammy with one of his nannies:
Sammy with another one of his nannies:
This nanny was so in love with him.
She constantly followed us around.

While we were at the orphanage, we got to stay as long as we wanted. We touched, hugged, cradled, kissed, and whispered loving words to the children. Some of the children were super shy, while others craved the attention and touch. It was especially precious watching Andrew kiss the children and give them his complete attention. He was so gentle with the children!


Sammy leaving his orphanage.
He is a SON!
No longer an orphan!

Here is where Samuel was originally found--at the gate of the orphanage.

We could tell Samuel was glad to get back in the taxi and leave with us.  

1 comment:

The Redhead said...

Poor Daniel--what a day for ouchies :( Glad he didn't need stitches or have any burns. I bet his was glad to have the day over as well! :)
I do wonder what it's like with motion sickness and being in a taxi over there, and without a seat belt! It would have to be hard to go into an orphanage, that you child spent part of their life in no less, and not want to love on every single child there :'( Glad that you were able to travel and be allowed back to his orphanage and that he got to see everyone one last time, this time as a visitor with his family.