day six–pre-munchkin meeting w/ CRAN

We had our “meeting” this morning in the hotel lobby. CRAN’s director, Ximena, is a wonderful lady. We are so glad to finally have met her. She brought with her Maria Cristina, Wynette, and Jairo who are the children’s psychologists and social worker. Wow, I was so impressed with the details they were able to give on each child. We found out that the children, although living at the same facility, have been housed in separate buildings according to age. This means they only see each other about once aweek. Of course, they have seen each other much more since adoption preparations started. They are excited about the adoption, but the past week they have each been very anxious–not really sure what to expect now that it is closer.

As they were talking about the children these are my favorite adjectives that popped up:

Daniel–Reflective, Esmaralda–Vulnerable, Daniela–Complicate, and Juan Pablo–Excitable

How cool is that? This is exactly how I would have pegged each child and I haven’t met any of them in person yet. Apparently, Daniela is the most excited about the adoption. She has had the most questions. Ezzy has had the most concerns. She is afraid of another family abandoning her. She needs lots of reassurance and love. Juan Pablo has created a little imaginary world for himself. He refers to people as princes and princesses. But he has identified with Adam and is waiting for Adam to come pick him up and take him away. He understands he is leaving and gaining a family. And Daniel is also very excited. He is more relaxed about things now, and is very eager to learn. He and Ezzy both want to do well on their schoolwork.

I guess that is about it for the meeting. Oh yeah, the kids each made a book for us to tell us about themselves and what their specific needs are–very clever on the psychologist’s part. We also have a book the adults put together for us, which include some priceless pictures of each child. There are some very young photos of Juan Pablo. He has been in the orphanage full-time since he was two. He and Daniela have no immediate memory of their past lives. Ezzy, and especially Daniel, have some memories. It will be interesting to hear what they remember as language and trust come along with all of us.

So it is finally here. When we wake up we will be on our way to get the children. Adam has already pressed his new yellow shirt. He has a haircut scheduled for 7:30 tomorrow morning so he can look his best. We are supposed to bring one gift to give each of the children. I chose the olive-skinned barbie dolls for the girls. Adam chose the hot wheels for the boys. We also sent their backpacks with the CRAN workers today. We emptied them out so the children could pack the few things they are allowed to take. I think that is pretty cool because they now know that we really are here and that we really will see them tomorrow.

Mario emailed and said English Class was fairly unproductive because all the children could talk about was tomorrow!!!!

One more note, when the children received their photo albums from us a few months ago, they were all together and the caretakers got it on tape. Apparently, the children were so excited that they told the caretakers that their new parents were much prettier then them. Okay, I know that’s not really true, and I know the kids were just excited….but how cute???????

Wish us luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

13 comments

  1. I have tears of joy just reading this and thinking about what lies ahead tomorrow for you guys! If you can pull yourselves away from them for a moment tomorrow I know that I and everyone else out there reading this wants a full update of the first meeting…I am so proud of you guys and the huge but joyous responsibility you are taking on!

  2. I have enjoyed following your journey thus far. It is so exciting to see sibling groups adopted. We adopted a group of 3 boys last year. While it has not always been easy, it has been the most wonderful experience of our lives. Looking forward to hearing about your first day as a family and the wonders of that first day together.
    Karen
    http://www.baker2ndtimearound.blogspot.com

  3. I’m praying for your family as you meet in person and you’re able to hold in your arms your 4 little treasures. The day is finally here! What a fabulous experience and I wish you all the best as you make your way through this special day. May God’s love shine ever so brightly over every moment of this day! Sending prayers!

  4. Thank you for sharing these beautiful experiences with all of us. I would be surprised if the kids or you guys get any sleep tonight or tomorrow night, because of all the excitment! Can’t wait to see pictures of Adam’s new haircut;)YOu guys are doing a great job! You are the perfect parents for these little ones. Just what they need. Good luck tomorrow.

  5. I was so excited to find your blog!!! We are in the process of adopting a sibling group from Colombia and I have become a real blogstalker!! I’ve loved following your journey thus far and am praying for you today!!! Can’t wait to see pictures!!!

  6. I’m with Jess want to know if you have them yet??? I’ve been thinking about you all day today especially everytime I write the date b/c August 5th has been on my mind since you told me the official date! I can’t believe it’s actually here now! Need to see some pics with the kids by your side…so so so excited!

  7. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I heard them I talked to them I LOVE THE!!! How cute are They I am so happy for all of you Mom was so cute when she was telling me how she felt when they first saw you. I know that it was so special for her to see you guys get your long awaited family. I can’t wait to hear from you and the details I love you (I almost wrote both but it isn’t both of you its all of you now AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I am so happy!

  8. Rachel I am SO excited to read what you have to say about your very first meeting! I can’t believe that it is here! You really have them.
    Carter walked up to me today and asked…”Where is Rachel?”

  9. Robert Here…
    I am soo excited for you all!! Tell my buddy that I miss him and wish I was there to hang out too. We sure love you guys and are soo appreciative that you have been so willing to allow all of us to participate in your journey.

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