Everything Is Moving Along

Update from Suzanne, entered by Shannon Robison

David & Suzanne were picked up by their representative on Monday and taken to the orphanage to pick up the girls. When they arrived, all of the children greeted them asking them to sign pieces of paper. They said the children are all so beautiful! They took Maria and Susannah with them back to the hotel. They called our house to talk to the children yesterday, but as you read from yesterday's entry the connection was quite poor. However, Aubrey did get to say hello to both of her sisters.

Suzanne and I had another poor connection today plus the time delay for our speech to travel, but we were able to have a few minutes of conversation so she could give me more information to share with all of you. I know David and Suzanne have so much to share and I couldn't get all the questions to her the kids have asked and they could not tell us everything they wanted to share, but here is the bit we received:

The girls are beautiful, sweet, and quiet. However, Susannah lives up to her nickname 'Flowergirl" as she is bright, sunny, smiling, and busy on the go-go-go! They found out that Maria's nickname is "Grandma" and Suzanne says she is just that; a caring, loving, child that attends to every one's needs! Suzanne said that as soon as they all woke up in the morning at the hotel, Maria was quick to make both beds. Maria enjoyed keeping the hotel room tidy and David said that every time a suitcase was opened, Maria was right behind to close it and keep everything in it's place. : )

Suzanne also shared that the bonding was instantaneous! The girls have not been able to keep their hands off their parents! They are constantly touching David and Suzanne's faces, arms, playing with their hair (okay, well, Suzanne's hair). Aubrey said the girls are probably rubbing their Daddy's head! Also, Suzanne said that while they were in the waiting room at the US Embassy, the girls kept playing with Suzanne's hair and braiding it.

When David & Suzanne called today they had just returned the girls to the orphanage. It is policy to do this, although David and Suzanne did all they could to keep the girls with them. I am pretty sure I understood that they will be able to get the girls back once the visas are ready. Suzanne said it was awful having to take them back.

Suzanne also shared that the conditions & situation in Liberia in general is beyond what they read and heard about. The poverty and desperation is everywhere they turn. David & Suzanne were stopped by a man on the street who was a wood carver. David thought for sure he would ask for money. He did not. Instead, he shared that he had a family and four children that he was having trouble caring for, but most especially his youngest who is two. He asked David and Suzanne if they would please adopt his young girl! David and Suzanne were so taken aback. David did get all of his information and also told him who to contact in Liberia for help in this area.

Suzanne also was approached and pulled aside by a young girl at the orphanage who had a secret to tell her. This young girl literally pulled Suzanne back to the dorms and sat her down. The girl, whose name is Comfort, proceeded to tell Suzanne that her mother died in the war two years ago and then told Suzanne what happened to her father. Even though Suzanne didn't quite understand this part, she understood that her father was gone. Comfort held on to Suzanne and looked into her eyes and pleaded for Suzanne to find her a mother. Comfort said, "You have to find me a mother, please."

At this point in the telephone conversation with me, Suzanne broke down. She feels so much joy and such sadness all at one time. She asked for prayer for this sweet girl and the other children desperately needing families.

She said they cannot wait to go pick up the girls for the last time. Shortly, thereafter, we lost our telephone connection. Please continue to pray for the visas to be finalized quickly! Also, please pray for Aubrey who has a pretty bad head cold. She wants to be feeling well for when her sisters arrive on Saturday. I will update again if I receive another call!