The plane ride was long, but we finally touched down in Kigali, Rwanda around 1:30 PM, which is about 7:30 AM Washington DC time. Our attorney (Fiona) met us at the airport and gave us a ride to our hotel for a quick "freshen up" before taking us to the Home of Hope Orphanage to meet Gabriella. Gabriella was very shy at first, but seemed to open up alittle bit after we opened a package of minature chocolate bars. She want to savor it so she licked it rather than chewed it, and it melted all over her hands and face. While there, we met all the Sisters of Calcutta (these are the nuns who take care of all the children), and boy are they special. The are very attached to Gabriella, but they are also very happy she is going to a family where she will get plenty of love.
We were able to take Gabriella with us for a couple of hours, but we had to have her back by 5:00 PM. Fiona took us to convert money and along the way, we met her husband and 2 sons. They are very nice, however, they were very disappointed Casey and Corey were not able to make the trip. They go to an International school and speak English very well. They were hoping to meet and play with a couple of American boys.
Anyway, we came back to the hotel and spent some time with Gabriella. Although she may only know a few English words, she seems very aware of what we are saying and will repeat words. She has the pictures we sent to her and can say "Casey" and "Corey". She told Fiona she loves them already and also likes dogs.
Anyway, we came back to the hotel and spent some time with Gabriella. Although she may only know a few English words, she seems very aware of what we are saying and will repeat words. She has the pictures we sent to her and can say "Casey" and "Corey". She told Fiona she loves them already and also likes dogs.
For dinner, Gabriella had a small bowl of soup and then asked for seconds. She ate a plate full of goat meat, fish, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and carrots. And even asked for more of that as well. After dinner, we took a taxi back to the Orphanage. None of us wanted to say good bye, but she did give us both big hugs and seemed like she did not want to let go. We will be going back tommorrow morning around 9:00 AM and will get to spend the entire day together. Once Laura and I get a good nights sleep, we will be ready for that.
WOW!! We're so glad to see everything is going so well and that you are bonding with Gabriella so quickly. Brilliant strategy with the chocolate; that would be the key to MY heart every time... :)
ReplyDeleteWe're getting ready to go pick up the boys for the baseball game--it looks like it's going to be a beautiful day for it. Thanks so much for the updates. We'll be tuning in regularly! The Fosters