email update 3/6

We had a wonderful day yesterday (Friday)

We left for the orphanage at around 1:30, full of anticipation! We arrived to the gate of the property, and the kids were all in colorful uniforms with little pom-poms cheering the arrival of Rey's family. It was so wonderful - of course Rey was right there to give hugs and be up front.

From there we toured the facility - it is small but not cramped. There are a few buildings and they are beautiful and spotless. It is also colorful and really a cheerful place. The children play all around the common areas - it is well used and cared for. We got to see all the kids' areas - they are split by gender and age and their beds are cleaner than a military facility! very nice.

Then we had a ceremony called "entrustment" not unlike a wedding. We had songs and prayers and the kids volunteered to speak and wish Rey well (mostly they told him to be a good boy) and that they will miss him. Honestly, this was the most difficult thing to watch, as the kids really have no concept of forever at their tender ages. The sweetest thing is all the littlest ones who just love Rey working to overcome their shyness to speak to him and then they come hug him. When they come, he usually holds their cheeks and looks in their eyes. It is just so touching. What a wonderful kid. Two of his friends will be moving to Hamilton, MT - so that is nice to know that we will have a connection for him in the near future!)

Coop and henry fit right in and had a great time getting SUPER sweaty and playing basketball with all the kiddos. Rey actually looked all over for me and then found me and....handed me coop's glasses. he's a caretaker for sure.

so, i bet you want to know how flipping hard it was to drive away from that place? Well let me tell you, it was as hard as you think. The kids. they are so joyous and truly happy for Rey, but then when it is time to got they are singing a goodbye song and just soooo super sweet. they are up to the car and wanting to come, and there's coop, leaning out saying "quick, jump in!" and i was with him on this one. Can't help but want to bring them all home. They feel the need for a mommy and daddy so deeply that they'd go with a stranger, no problem.

That is the thing i wasn't really expecting - how totally affectionate they are. not finding the right words....well, the kids just want to have you look at them and talk to them. there was a little guy in orange who kept running up and grabbing my hand and then running off. The kids would ask my name and then just want to talk in broken english. So desperately shopping for parents. But they are not sad, they are happy and to hear the stories of how far some have come. Some have been abused or abandoned, and there was one who couldn't walk when he came 4 months ago - but he's now singing and taking a big bow after. These are the lucky kids.

okay, i had better try a teeny nap - my time is a mess!