Next Days

What a change! Rosalinda and her foster family had an extremely hard time parting. It was very emotional. When we got back to the hotel, she cried for a very long time. She finally fell into a fretful nap. You wouldn't believe the change in her when she woke up! She woke up crying for her foster family members. Then, a very strange thing happened after a few moments....she heard a familiar voice, and suddenly burst out in smile! You may be wondering what saint God used to bring a smile such a lonely heart....none other than the sweet and cuddly (and sometimes annoying) purple dinasaur. Yes, Barney saved the day! ha! Well, things have gotten better gradually over the past few days. (You can see her smiling with here at the hotel with her big brother). We were so worried, because she would not eat or drink anything for a whole day. She finally had her first supper when Ben and Johnny left the room and we were watching Barney yet again....and she has only had one bottle so far. It brings back bad memories for her and she starts crying very easily. We read all the books about adoption adjustments, but guess it didn't matter. We have never seen this type of adult-like grief in a child before....such deep sobbing and gasping and screaming and kicking and choking and vomiting was hard to envision and even harder to see in your own child....like a death of a beloved one. We are thankful for her deep attachment. On one hand, we felt somewhat cruel. But on the other hand, we know that she is our child and feel good that her foster family loved her so dearly. And the best news of all is that Rosa was approved for her visa today!!!!!!! We should be leaving Thursday as planned, God willing. Rosa was lethargic and sad today during our appointment trip....left at 7 am and got back around noon. But when we got back, we ordered an authentic mexican meal in the room. Rosa had her second meal!!!! She hid behind me and would come out and take food from my hand and smile her sweet smile. We were all exhausted and rested on and off. (next day) Rosa just her third meal....praise God...in much the same way....I was struck by the beauty of the people and county. When I got off the plane, the sea of smiling eyes and mass of brilliant colors was breathtaking. But then the beauty of the moment was swallowed in the smell of exhaust fumes and the sound of confusion and the sight of poverty. Much like life sometimes, I guess. The battle between the darkness and the light is very evident here in the media, the politics, and even the adoption process. We all know who wins in the end! Thanks be to God! We are so glad that God upheld us and kept us able to see the beauty of His adoption plan. And thanks to all for your prayers and support....got to get this off before the computer messes up again. Buenas noches, Carol for the four Strawns