Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Adjusting to the new life

We are home from Ethiopia with our new daughter. The trip was truly a journey- physically and emotionally. I've never been so "spent" in all my life. There were lots of laughs and lots of tears (some hers and lots of them mine). It's really nice to be home where there is fresh air, safe food to eat and ice in my drinks.

I wouldn't trade the chance to see Shurabe's birth country for anything. The people were very kind and gracious. Every where I turned there was someone trying to speak to and comfort Shurabe. The scenery is breath-takingly beautiful in contrast to the hungry and handicapped beggars roaming the streets.

We are blessed to have Brian home this week as Shurabe learns what home and family means. She is fond of her brothers and they are even more fond of her. She is becoming more and more interested in Daddy as she sees how fun he is. But Mommy is at the top of her list (both flattering and draining). I only wish I knew what was going through her head when she gets quiet and contemplative or begins to scream at the smallest disappointment. I try to be understanding and comforting and at the same time discern when she is being manipulative to gain control of all those around her. Three is a rough age even without the grief, language barrier, and homesickness. We would really appreciate your prayers as we help her through this uncertain time of adjusting.

This morning was especially hard. There was a horrendous thunderstorm that set off our security alarm at 3:30 a.m. Needless to say, we were all jolted awake with hearts racing. The thunder and lightning were relentless for about 30 minutes. I layed down with Shurabe in our bed and hugged her tight. She fidgeted nervously for about an hour until it was clear she was finished sleeping for the night. She and I got up and watched a Praise Baby video in the dark living room. It calmed her for awhile until she began crying for her special care-giver from the Transition Home. She was clearly grieving the loss of her special friend/mother-figure. It was heart breaking to say the least. When she was done, she led me to the kitchen and pointed at the cabinet where we keep her favorite food, peanut butter crackers. She seems to be a comfort eater, a boredom eater, and an all-around BIG EATER. We'll work on that when there aren't so many other issues at hand!
As I type this she is playing happily by herself. I'll leave you with some happy pictures of our first days at home together.She loves baths. I bet she dumped water on her head 30 times!

5 comments:

Mindy said...

Thank you for sharing this. I'm not sure if you saw my earlier comment, but I met Shurabe at the Transitional Home a few weeks ago and she stuck to me like glue. I can't tell you the immense gratitude I have for your family choosing to adopt her. I have been praying and thinking of you guys daily since I found your blog last week. May God poor out much grace and blessings upon your family as you embark on this new journey.

Sarah said...

Hurrah for pictures! So glad you're home. I can tell you unreservedly that adopting this age range is proving a BIG challenge at the Moffatt household, but one we wouldn't change for anything. Hang in there. Every new skill gained and bit of progress made is reason to celebrate, and it will get easier! Give me a call if you need to talk-we're probably going through many of the same things. Can't wait to see all of you together.

Anonymous said...

SO EXCITED for you guys!! We are praying for you all in this transition time. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help or when you guys feel up to a visit...we would love to bring Sakari to play!!

Caleb, Becca and Sakari

Andrea Ediger said...

Beth - praying and praying. Praying all the unsaid things of your heart.

Sarah said...

Just had to mention, I LOVE the bathtub picture. I have one of Rosie that is almost identical. Something about pouring water over their heads seems to be magic! 3 months in, and she still delights in pouring water over her head. Have fun!