Family Time

Thandokuhle slept through the night and woke up all smiles.  She was happy to pick out the clothes she wanted to wear from the stash we had brought with us.  She seemed especially pleased with the shoes and the stars that were on them.

We had a “normal” family day today.  There were many rounds of playing hide-n-seek and running and laughing.  There were several parades with marching Grandpa & children and lots of rides on Grandpa’s shoulders.  Miranda went to “Grandpa School” (complete with the Pledge of Allegiance said to a construction paper flag) to continue with her kindergarten work while I spent time with Thandokuhle.  We read books and did the dolls’ hair.  I started singing “If You’re Happy and You Know It” and realized that she knew the song because she clapped, stomped, and said ‘Amen’ in all the right places!  Thandokuhle was very interested in what Miranda was doing in school so there were several interruptions to Miranda’s learning.

Thandokuhle loves to throw a ball down the long hallway complete with squeals of excitement (she is a leftie and has a pretty good overhand).  She also enjoyed playing with playdoh, rolling it out and using the cookie cutters.  She said new words as she cut out each shape – duck, elephant, bunny, girl, boy, etc. 

It was quite warm today – in the mid-80’s and we enjoyed a walk along the orphanage property and onto the neighboring game preserve.  This area is absolutely beautiful.  We saw wildebeests and large termite mounds.  Yesterday, we saw monkeys and kudu.

I would love to post a few pictures of Thandokuhle but for legal reasons that needs to wait until the adoption is finalized on October 5.

This afternoon we all took long naps – jet lag is catching up to us.  We also visited with Rachel, the orphanage nurse.  Rachel is from the UK and committed to serving at the orphanage for 3 years as a missionary.  It was encouraging to see her joy and enthusiasm as she talked about caring for the children here.  She was able to provide more information on Thandokuhle’s health history and answer some of my questions.  We also visited the social worker this afternoon.  Thandokuhle told her she was very happy and wanted to be with us.  In fact, Thandokuhle walked very slowly up the hill to reach the social worker’s office and looked quite sad, like she was afraid that she would not get to stay with us.  Then she was happy and running when it was time to go back to where we’re staying.  We also visited her house mom again so Thandokuhle has time to process this transition between caregivers.  The house mom was very positive and spoke of Thandokuhle’s flexibility and adaptability which we have already seen.  She also expressed how grateful she is that I’m giving Thandokuhle a home and family which, of course, made me cry.

It is hard to believe that this is only our second day with Thandokuhle, she is transitioning amazingly well.