t is Tuesday evening in Addis Ababa and I'm forcing myself to stay awake because it's too early for bed. But we are both exhausted from a very emotional day.
Today was the day we took Bereket and Godebo into our care. It started with a ceremony where the nannies and other children at the care center had a chance to say goodbye to those leaving with their new parents. The ceremony was really lovely, with the social workers presenting each family with a card written by the nannies to each child. The school-age children sang a few songs, and then each child had their hand print pressed onto a piece of paper to go in some sort of display. Throughout this ceremony, we could tell something was wrong with Godebo. He was very serious and sad. All the spark of joy we had seen in him throughout the week was gone. Finally, when we were served cake and soda and sat with the children in our laps, Godebo began to cry, first softly and then harder and harder. When it was time to board the bus, he resisted. We were not exactly surprised, because we assumed the children would grieve in some way at some time. But we were a bit worried that we would have to drag him on the bus in this state. The nannies, teachers and social workers gathered around him, trying to comfort him. You can tell they love him so much. And then suddenly he came to us and boarded the bus, still crying but silent and stoic. He is such a kind, gentle boy. Our hearts broke to know that he was so sad and afraid.
Thankfully, Godebo cheered up a bit when we got to the guesthouse. We ate lunch together, traveled to the U.S. Embassy to finish our paperwork, and spent the rest of the day playing. The children seem mostly happy, though they get worried when we leave their site. They try very hard to please us and to practice their English, which mostly consists of "how do you do," parts of the body and numbers/letters. I think they understand even more, because they obey us very well. They went to bed without fuss, but looking weary and a bit sad. We are completely exhausted and ready to come home. But we know these next few days of consistent caring for them will be helpful in gaining their trust.