Oh my, with each moment I see rays of hope! It is so awesome to see God at work!! The girls are making baby step progress and it is such a joy to witness it!
Today we had the medical exam. Katie, Sarah and Anna stayed in at the hotel while we went with the girls. Good choice- we had some bonding time while the others were not bored to death. The exams went well- we had a considerate respectful woman doctor and it was not invasive at all- PTL! They are considered healthy girls but in my mind I want to say... ya, right. No one can go through what they have been through and be considered healthy. Honestly, I think these two are more traumatized than our other two BUT God will prevail and we will make it through the storm!
They each had 3 shots and the TB. Ellie was fine but Emma was not, she fought it and cried big time. It is good to see Emma show her fears and emotions. At times her emotions do not match what is happening. Crying when getting shots is okay to do. She is also starting to smile more often- we are thankful to see it!
After the exams we went to Starbucks for lunch- okay, okay and for my coffee! Emma really started acting up she was grabbing in private places-(very inappropriate) and putting her dress up over her head. Hubby was firm and told her NO- she started to cry and continued through our light lunch. Ellie was mad because she did not get her chocolate pastry- sorry honey- that's life- we were having a light lunch (we had fresh fruit and juice and a sandwich which she had gobbles up the night before at the airport so we know she liked it)! Both refused to eat... we were okay with it. We encouraged them to eat and offered many times but they were stubborn, so they went without lunch. We went back to the room and prepared our laundry while the girls whaled. We offered love and hugs and allowed them to accept them on their own terms- after awhile the settled down.
We took them swimming- it was a beautiful sight!! I started to take pics and then was reminded by the pool patrol of the "no pic" sign- silly, silly so I stopped. They didn't seem to care that it was their first time in a pool- well, at least I got a few! The girls were so excited to put on their swimming suit- I'm sure it was a first and they shouted with glee when they went into the water! it was very bonding!! Ellie got used to the big girls water wings fairly quickly- and right away started puttin her head under water!! Can't wait for her to start swim lessons! Emma was very happy to have her floating wring on but then got a little wild. She got out of the pool, slipped it off and jumped in... we were watching the whole time so she was safe but she went down and was not going to come back up without our help- I think she was a little shocked. We will have our guide talk to her about water safety in the morning!!
We were having a blast, bonding but when I got the double booby pinch in the pool it was time to take Emma out of the water again not appropriate... We sat in a lawn chair waiting for the others to finish their fun. She really wanted to be in the water but it was a big NO! I made it clear- you no touch me their and I no touch you there! Sorry if this is getting too graphic. They just need to learn how to act. They need to learn boundaries.
We did find out that their foster Mom and Dad did not take them anywhere at all- that is okay I do not want to be critical- I really liked her but it sheds light on why they act the way they do- they don't know any better. They have had zero experiences- their world has been small. They just don't know what is okay and what is not okay, BUT today I think they were catching on!
We did another lice treatment after swimming since I did the first one wrong. I am living in denial. Yes, they still had nits- I did my best given the circumstances. Hubby and Katie won't go near their hair so it is all me. Denial is a nice place - you should try it! JK, I will thoroughly deal with all of this when we get home. So far I think the rest of us are okay but then how would I know, I live it denial!
The kids were wiped out after swimming and the treatment. I was nearing 6:00 and it was time for dinner. They did great having dinner at a nice restaurant- we are trying to teach them some manors and how to act appropriately in public! They seemed happy, they responded well... I think they like us! I know they sometimes want to go back to their foster Mom but I think it is only because it is familiar NOT because they love her. They had no problem saying good bye to them.
The last thing Emma had to say to her foster Mom was - "no one will control me"- that is a little scary for a new Mom to hear BUT I know someone who is stronger than a scared little girl and he can and will control you sweetheart! Thank you Jesus! AND just in case you think I sound overly confident please know that your prayers are what is making all this happen! It could not be- without you, dear prayer warriors!
Today was a God victory and I am so thankful to him! Thank you for praying for us!!
Amidst all the challenges we have been having a blast- it is driving me crazy going out of order with posts but it the way it is. I do plan to go back and share more pics with you. The pics do not show the challenges- they show the fun and the memories! Downloading pics has been difficult/ impossible.
Thank you Sally for helping me out- I will be posting wherever I can- either the blog or JTM?
I so appreciate you responses/ comments they keep me going!
Because the girls are challenging and we have a 16 yr old son at home that is wonderful but does not share the passion for adoption - please also pray for our adjustment/ his adjustment/ the girls adjustment once we are home. I am grateful to you dear friends for your prayers and for sharing this journey with us!
God Bless You!!
