We met the social workers and another family from Norway adopting (Norah's foster brother) downstairs in the lobby. Jessica from Holt Eugene is here as well, so we went up to her room to watch a video about Holt Sahathai Foundation, and to answer any questions. I knew the children were downstairs in the courtyard waiting to come up at any moment! Then came the knock at the door and two beautiful children came walking in with more social workers! Watsana was calm and cool, came toward us, and then walked away, and then back, with a very un-bothered look about her! The social workers were incredible at directing us where to sit, when to touch her, and how close to get. We played with some stacking blocks and cups for awhile, and she focused on the toys, and looked at us with no fear at all! It only took a few minutes to warm up a bit, and we were told she only knows her name as "Kluay-hom". This is her nickname, meaning banana:)
In no time at all, she was letting me take her to wash hands and carry her around! She was so silent the whole time, and she did not smile. BUT she did not frown either! It was time to have lunch, so we left and went to the Mali resturant accross from the hotel. I held her the whole time, and she fell asleep in my arms! I could not really eat holding her, but setting her down was not at all happening.
I love my daughter! She fell asleep without a fuss or sound, and seemed to be settling into the idea of who we were. We came back to our hotel for play and rest, until it was time to visit her foster family's house at 2. She seemed to be warming up to us, and was letting Dave play with stickers and bubbles with her. She had to go to the bathroom, and let me help her. After the bathroom break, the social worker prompted Kluay-Hom to thank me, and she did with a sweet little Thai bow. They told me she loves dresses and girly things, and hair bows!! (THANK YOU LORD!!) Really, I was surprised at how at ease she seemed with us today. The social workers were too, but reminded us that this is only day one, and tomorrow or the next may be different. She thinks she is only visiting, which today she IS only visiting. two more days until we keep her for real.
At 2pm, we traveled to her foster family's home, where we met the family who and loved and cared for her for her two years of life! They showed me where the water level rose in the house during the flood of 2011, and it was up to my head! Norah was only 2 mos old, and they had to live in the Holt Sahathai office for 20 days. The boy in the picture is her foster brother, who is being adopted by a very nice Norwegian couple. The other older woman is Ms. Siri's sister. The sisters live next door to each other, fostering kids together. The children are like siblings. Ms. Siri cried as we came to visit, knowing that the time has come to hand Kluay-Hom over to new parents. I really can not imagine how foster parents must feel! She told us she loves Kluay-Hom, and is glad to see "good, young" people taking her. We promised to send photos. I felt like a home wrecker! Of course the situation has always been temporary, but watching her weep and love all over Norah brought me to tears and a loss for any words of significant comfort. I am so thankful for Ms. Siri and the love she has shown my daughter her whole life. She said Kluay-hom would be her last foster child.
We said goodbye to Ms. Siri and Norah, and traveled back to the hotel. We could not get over how at ease things were today, and how we did not hear a cry out of her all day. We pray that the transition would be grace- filled. Tomorrow is another day, and we continue to ask for prayers! It is our day for shopping and exploring a little more with Kluay-hom!
