The next week was a bit of a blur. Mithadeline had arrived
in the US by now and we still did not have much info about how and when we
would be receiving her. We had to fill out paperwork and get references.
And then basically wait. This was hard even though I never voiced my own
fears and anxiety. I knew we were doing the right thing, but fears creep in
anyway. My biggest concern was what if for some reason we do not get her; we
had prepared our hearts and had started preparing our home, but until we had
picked her up, it still felt up in the air. We had a whole week of this! We
took this time to download apps on our iPods to brush up on our Kreyol. All we
really remembered were some basics, one of them being "chita la"
which basically means sit down (there)!
So still not knowing many details, the kids and I went to
Milton for a few days. We packed up school and work and hung out in Milton.
While in Milton, arrangements were made to meet Vanessa on Friday May 11 in
Hagerstown, MD. This would be a 3 hour drive from Milton, with 3 kids. Needless
to say we were all showing a bit of anxiety. While we were preparing to drive
and meet Mithadeline, Scott was at home securing a mattress and getting it set
up in Sarah’s room.
Waiting at the meeting spot was torturous. We were all a
little tense, not knowing what to expect. I think I hid my anxiety well. Others
of us did not. Finally the van arrived. When Vanessa opened the door and a smiley,
happy little girl reached her arms out to me, all the anxiety melted away. I
carried her into the Starbucks bathroom to go potty and then we got the rundown
from Vanessa and were on our way. We stopped for some chicken nuggets and
headed out for the 3 hour ride back to Souderton!!
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| Meet Mithadeline. A smile that lights up the room! |