I have been fortunate to be able to visit with some of the graduates from CoL this week! It is such a great feeling to see them in their permanent homes and doing so well.
On Sunday afternoon we stopped by to see Katie. She recently got to visit her village (boma) where she was an honored guest! She was presented with Masaai beads and her own goat! Livestock is very important in the Masaai culture.
After returning home, we were honored with a visit from Abigail and her dad. Abi left us in July, so still remembered us all. She is very bonded with her daddy now, and that is great.
Monday, I paid a visit to the Gee family so I could see David (Tyson) and Matthew(Dominic). David did some being shy and then showing off, but finally settled and sat by me to show me photos and watch a video. He is nearly 4 years old. Matthew is over a year, however he is challenged with cerebral palsy. The physicians and therapists feel he will be able to walk. He can roll over and is holding his head up some, gradually strengthening his muscles. It was a lovely visit. During lunch I was handed this prose that was written by Lindsey Gee and dedicated to me. I would like to share it with you. I was touched and honored!
Hunger for Love
The babies all cry, for they are hungry.
But suddenly, a figure steps out and all the babies stop.
They know that she will feed them.
She hands each able one a bottle and props the rest against her.
When they are all finished, they smile and babble, knowing that they are all loved and cared for.
She fed them, she clothed them. She bathed them, and changed their nappys.
It was clear to them that she loved each and every one of them.
While I was in town, I received a text message that we had a new baby. Marie is not young–14 months old, but still small for her age. She is having a hard time adjusting and doesn't want to eat. I only got her to take one bite of banana and two swallows of milk this morning. Just sucks her thumb. But she likes to be cuddled and I hope that she will soon settle and feel secure.
Also while I was gone, JJ left with his relatives. They had been visiting him over the past week and I felt he could now join them. He has a "brother" who is about his age, so I am hoping that he will soon feel comfortable with the family and will be treated well.
On a personal note, Max returns this evening and Staci and I are most excited! I can't seem to settle today and keep looking at the clock! It's been a month and we are more than ready to have him back. He's been in Michigan where he had surgery for lip cancer.