"Mommy, I go to School?!?"

First week in America, Wednesday 9/08, Anita and I got dressed for school. I knew she wouldn't be staying but I needed to speak with them regarding enrollment and what we needed to do. She willingly went with me. As we drove to the school, she sat quietly and as I parked the car she quietly asked "Mommy, you leaving me?" "No, baby girl, Mommy is not leaving you here." The office had "heard" of us and were helpful. We were given the numerous forms to fill out and given a card for immunizations. Oh my - Kinder was already starting and Mommy had LOTS of work to do. As the Principal talked to her, she slowly began to shut down. She wouldn't even look at him. Fear was settling in, quickly. I knew it was time to go. As we drove away, she didn't stop talking and only got more and more hyper when we were home. What just happened? She shut down and once comfortable was a talking, singing, dancing, silly girl. I was learning her emotions by her actions. It was all fascinating and yet important to know how our little girl was communicating. We needed to be sensitive, we needed to love, we needed to be patient and yet, we needed to instill security, boundaries, and proper ways to treat people around us. All in due time. After naps and lunch ... Adam, Maxwell, Anita and I drove back to the school to drop off her paperwork. School had been released early. As we approached the office door, two Kinder teachers stood outside and turned to say hello. They both introduced themselves to A & M ... and from this point forward, this was their school! They were at peace with these two teachers. The principal walked by and new why we were there. He stepped away as the teachers interacted with A & M. When he came back, he told us she would be in Mrs. Kinney's class. And Mrs. Kinney was standing right there. She was so thrilled. She asked if Anita wanted to see her classroom ... this wasn't even a debate as we walked to her room. This small interaction meant so so much for the days to come ... how the blessings just continue! Anita was fascinated by the classroom. Running from spot to spot. Asking questions, staring in amazement. Her teacher was gentle, kind, and willing to understand her. Our hearts were happy (if that's even an emotion.)
As we completed physicals, immunizations, and more paperwork, we chose to finish out the week with no school and start fresh on Monday. Mommy and Anita would attend school together until all adjustments became easier. Monday, 09/13, 7:45 am came quickly. She was nervous. Excited but nervous. I was simply ecstatic for her. Luckily she missed one week and wasn't too far behind.

They "snuffed me!"

Anita and Maxwell's first night was overwhelming but not in the way I could have expected. We knew meeting the dogs was going to be scary but we had no idea as to the extent. The extended family and friends said their good-byes and allowed the children to now settle in their new home. We then decided we would try letting one of the dogs in the house. This simple act, well ... what used to be simple, brought on blood curdling screams by two children. Should someone be around and couldn't see what was happening, they just might think something was trying to severely hurt them. A & M would run to the table, scramble to the top, sit on it, scared for their lives and shout as loud as they possibly could! It was heart wrenching. It was purely awful in so many ways. No matter what we said or did, it did not alter their view of the pups in any way. Our dogs just stared at them, curious as to who these two new little faces were. As Adam and I tried and tried to somehow instill a sense of protection and that our dogs would not hurt them, it didn't matter. They simply screamed and cried and ran and shook with fear. There was nothing to change their feelings. Thus, I cried! Tears streamed down my face out of hurt, out of frustration (on many different levels) and simply because I couldn't get them to understand our dogs would not dare hurt them. I felt like my dogs were saying "Mom, you have been gone for a week and this is what happens when you come home? Mom ... what happened? We aren't scary." I just continued to cry silent tears trying to soak up what was happening this first night in America for Anita and Maxwell.

As the days passed, Adam and I were at a loss as to what to do. We had to do something. Being the new parents we are, we went with bribery. Perhaps not the brightest of ideas but it would prove to work in our favor. Two days later, we would let one dog in the house. If the kids would sit and not "shout" and allow the dogs to sniff them, they would get to go to the store and pick our a gift. This small promise instilled a confidence within A & M to try to be strong. It wasn't easy for them and they still had fear but they did it! And I wish there was someone there with a camera. Because the smile of accomplishment is priceless.

(Maxwell took this picture of Beau, his confidence is building!)

The second day of sniffing involved the same promise by Mommy and Daddy ... and this day just made us smile because as Madorie sniffed A & M, Anita looked up and proudly said "Mommy, she snuffed me! Mommy, she snuffed me!" It was as if she won a huge prize and yet she did it all on her own. My heart couldn't have been happier. The progress continued and it continues today. Two Barbies and two fire trucks later, the children will now allow the dogs to be in the house, will feed them, will walk with them, and will live with them. At one point during a fear fit I looked at Anita and said "Anita, sweetheart, the dogs live here, they live in our house ... everyone in America has dogs!" Her eyes just sank, she just stared at me as if to say "are you serious? I have to like this?!?!"

(Maxwell photographing Madorie.)

Maxwell has much more confidence with the dogs than Anita. Maxwell is almost fearless. Anita walks wearily and sometimes forgets she isn't afraid but she does well, given it's been less than 3 weeks. We are thankful for the prayers of confidence. Rainy wants to be their best friend, wants to play, and wants to steal their toys. She has decided their room is her new toy box. Oh my! Madorie just wants to be mama dog and hang out. They are most afraid of Madorie and yet, she is the sweetest one of them all. We think they are afraid of her b/c she pants the most. They don't understand doggie language so we are assuming b/c she pants and her teeth show, this is scary to them. They are learning, he he. And Beau, well, he just wants to sniff (or snuff, as Anita would say) and lay around. Being snuffed is simple now ... walking "around" the puppy piles is a little bit scary and a bit of a hurdle but their confidence is building. Each day brings more and more security with the puppies. They do enjoy them, they just aren't sure how and why. "Pets" are a new language ... they are adjusting, both kids and dogs.

Blogging ...

I've debated over and over on how to handle my blog updates. Having "time" is so different now. It's not a "bad different" it's just different. My exhaustion only comes at night. For the most part I'm having a blast running around with my munchkins. Waking up, eating breakfast, taking baths, getting dressed, off to school, learning with Maxwell, running errands, Maxwell taking a nap, eating lunch, playing, picking up Anita, more appointments, homework, learning, playing, eating dinner, settling down, greeting Daddy from work, reading a book, watching a movie, brushing our teeth, taking care of our hair, chatting, playing , packing lunches, packing snacks, and loving one another! The smiles and laughter continue. As we tuck them in, switch off the lights and lay with them till their breaths get heavy ... we tip toe out and we sigh as the day has been accomplished and we get to kiss them good night! It's a wonderful sigh, it's a peaceful sigh, it makes me smile. As I get myself ready for bed and I settle on the couch with the pups ... I pull open my laptop. I log on, read a few emails, scroll through Facebook, reply to what I can and then it suddenly happens ... my eyes shut. They are HEAVY, like weights. I want to write. I want to blog, I need to blog but my eyes just won't stay open. LOL. Adam looks at me and sweetly says "Hon, why don't you go to bed?"
So, I have decided, I'll write when I can and it may be random. But I need to write. I need to share. I want the children to have memories to look back on one day. If I don't log them, it will all just fly by ... Bare with me ... our adoption journey continues!

Mission Accomplished!!!

One week ago ... I had to feed them before we got on the "aeroplane" (as Maxwell would say.) We had one last meal of Jollof and Chicken. Our flight was scheduled to leave at 9:35. We arrived at the airport, at 7:15/7:30ish. It was packed! People everywhere! I had to explain to M & A they needed to be next to Mommy at all times ... I took a deep breath and silently said to myself "here goes nothing!" We quickly found the Delta check in and went through our first stage of suspicion, "Do you have proof they are your children?" "Yes." "Do you have the brown envelopes from the Embassy?" "Yes." On we went to the next stop ... same questions, same answers. As we reached the check in desk, the kids were in awe. They couldn't concentrate even if I wanted them too. They just kept staring. Loading the luggage on the conveyor was fascinating. Getting them to stay next to me was tough. We were handed our boarding tickets and asked to head to customs. As we approached, the officer asked the same questions as the first "Where are the children from? How long have I had them? Do they understand English?" I kindly answered and he asked the children direct questions. They answered them, with no prompting ... "Where are you going?" "America!" "Who is this with you?" "(With big smiles) Mommy!!!" I was then asked to turn around and take them to an immigration office. We walked in and sat down. They asked us for all the same documentation I had provided 3 times already. They asked me what orphanage we had adopted from, I answered. We were then excused. As we approached the customs window, same questions, same paperwork required. We were then asked to turn around and go out a different way, down a hallway, linking into a security line (basically cutting in front of a long line of people.) I'm not sure why, but I did as I was told. Well, this was going to be fun ... ugh ... security. Max's shoes off, Anita's shoes off, Max wait for the guard to tell you to go, Anita stand here and wait for Mommy, carry on through the conveyor, take out lap top, Mommy's shoes off, back pack on, M & A "wait for Mommy," shoes back on, laptop back in, don't stand in the way ... Ugh, that was tough! The little ones have no concept of lines and waiting or what they were even doing. LOL Our bags were checked one more time and we were asked to sit and wait to board. Within 5 minutes, we were on the bus, driving towards the plane. The kids were fascinated. Everything was so new, they couldn't stop staring. Getting them to focus was rough but we made it. As we walked onto the plane, our seats were not together. I sat them where they were assigned and had to explain I would be back. They happily obliged. Before take off, the 3 of us were in a row together. Whew! Thank you Delta! Right before take off, I gave them Benadryl. I know, I know, such a cheater, but 11 hours people, 11 hours!!! They slept about 9 1/2 of them, not comfortably or happily but they did it. I woke them up as they were serving breakfast ... they chose to eat the yogurt and that was pretty much it, LOL. Me too!
Our plane landed in Atlanta at 5:30 am. We went through customs and then were escorted to immigration. I had not idea what was going to happen in immigration so I went forward blindly. As I sat and sat and sat some more, I wondered how long it would really take? But then I just sat there in awe .. awe of how our US Immigration officers could be so rude to these people. I wanted to scream "they are human beings, can you treat them like one!!" As the hours passed and I watched our scheduled 8:30 flight be passed by, it was time to simply be patient. What else was I going to do? As 9:00/9:30 came, they called for the children. The officer said "we have our paperwork and here are their stamps for naturalization." Really!?!?! That's what I just sat 3 hours for ... a stamp?!!! Something that took you less than 5 minutes. Ugh!!!!
We then headed to the Delta desk b/c mommy had to get our tickets reissued. The Delta employee was very helpful and pleasant ... she placed on standby for the 11:00 flight and we were confirmed on the 2:50 flight. We had less than an hour to be at our stand by flight. I asked the kids to hold my one hand while I pulled the carry on w/ the other. They trustingly did so. As we approached the escalator, they just stared at it. I told them "When Mommy says go ... you need to go!" "One two three, go." And they walked. Maybe a little hesitant, but they did it and they rocked! They simply stared at the escalator, in awe of what they were on. Their faces were priceless. As we got upstairs, I quickly grabbed Popeye's chicken for the kids ... sticking to what they know!! They loved it! Mom was a hit. Sweet! We then headed to our stand by check in gate. Our names were on the list and as they boarded the plane, we watched our names get closer and closer and closer. The kids didn't understand but Mommy did. They took the last person and the 3 of us were left standing there. UGH! I wanted to cry and I did!
As I talked to Adam and released the tears, I sucked it up and we headed to a different terminal. There was no need to hurry, so we took our time. After coffee stops, several "wee wee" breaks, playing with mommy, and watching "cars," we were ready to board our flight!!! FOUR Hours, we would be home in four hours! Eeeekkk!!! As I buckled them in and got them ready for take off, it was quickly apparent the Benadryl was in full effect when we took off from Ghana. B/c as the plane prepared for take off in Atlanta, and we ascended into the air, the kids panicked and hung onto my arm tightly. They were obviously nervous. As time passed, Anita fell asleep but not little Maxwell. He was up and down in the seat. Pressing the TV, looking out the window, unbuckling his seat belt, buckling his seat belt, whimpering, on the floor, off the floor, ... he just couldn't settle. We were almost there. When we were 30 minutes out, I woke Anita up ... we were almost home!! I think I was ten times more excited than they were. As we walked out the gate, the first question asked "Mommy, is Daddy here?" "Yes! Daddy is here! ... lets go!" After a potty stop, we were on our way. "Where's Daddy? Mommy, where's Daddy?" "Keep moving! He's here." As we approached the escalator, I could see all of them! I wanted to run, but I couldn't. I just looked down at my two little faces and their smiles said it all. They could see their American Family and they just looked and grinned. They were in America and they couldn't wait to meet their new family and friends!!!

"Grandmother"

I didn't know what to expect. I really had no idea how to prepare. I was going to meet their grandmother! We were told she would be here between 8 and 10 this morning. Ten o'clock came and went. At about 11:00 am, Auntie Miriam (from the foster home) walked in but no one was behind her. She happily and yet quietly said, "Anna, their Grandmother and Uncle are here to see you." Anita knew what was happening and she happily skipped outside. Maxwell looked at me blankly as I took his hand and we headed out to the patio. There the Grandmother sat with their Uncle Daniel. A beautiful, aged grandmother ... Grandmother Victoria. Their Uncle sat there with a smile of joy. I couldn't do anything but hug her. I simply thanked her over and over. I'm sure my hugs are so odd to Ghanaian's, but heck, I'm a hugging person. Here is this crazy white girl that just wants to hug everybody ... male, female, old and young. It's my happiness and joy coming out. As we sat, we were all silent for awhile. Miriam translated for us because the Uncle and Grandmother speak Ga. Anita just stood by her Uncle, happy as happy could be. You couldn't but help smile. I learned the Uncle had been doing what he could to help support Anita and Maxwell but it was extremely difficult. He is only able to find odd jobs and the grandmother is too old to work. Food is very very difficult to get when there is no money. I asked about their mother but Miriam wouldn't even translate. She quickly shook her head "no" and it was understood their mother is not discussed. Maxwell wasn't so sure about them being there, perhaps there was fear he wasn't going to America. I reassured him, it was ok. Then all of a sudden their Grandmother started talking to Miriam. I just sat with Maxwell on my lap and listened. Miriam looked at me and translated ... (I will do what I can to write without tears ...) She kindly said: "She feels so thankful and blessed for Adam and I. She is overjoyed with happiness ... she is just so so so happy! She has prayed and prayed for someone to take care of these children and now the time has come. She continues to pray God will take care of them and bless them. But more, that Adam and I will be blessed by our kindness in adopting them. She said they are our children now and she wants us to take them as our own! (Yup, didn't make it without tears!) What she said was beautiful. I started balling, tears streaming down my face. Here sat their grandmother, so so so happy her grandchildren were going to have a better life than what she could provide. I stood up and just hugged her and couldn't stop. There was pure love and thankfulness radiating and I had to convey it somehow. And then she started crying too. I told them they were tears of joy as were the grandmother's tears. I explained Anita and Maxwell will have an immense amount of love in their life and we cannot express how thankful we are to have them as our children. Adam and I are so excited to be their parents and to raise them to be respectful, beautiful adults. And hopefully one day, if and when they are ready, they can return to visit their home country. Their Uncle simply smiled a smile of joy the whole time. It was beautiful. He was a kind man and you could easily tell he loves Anita and Maxwell immensely! He told us "he can now rest in prayer b/c he has been praying so so much for their adoption to be final. He now feels at peace and is so so happy! He will continue to pray for all of us in the years to come."
I then asked if there was anything she wanted me to teach them down the road or anything she would want them to remember. She just shook her head and told us "No, no, I am just so so so so happy! I'm just so happy God has provided and He is giving them a beautiful life."
I'm not sure my words can convey the pure joy the visit brought to me. It was so much more than I could have imagined. The two people who were struggling to care for our children have prayed so fervently God would provide a better life for them. Adam and I are who they have prayed for! To be told you are a blessing and gift to some one's life is a feeling tough to describe. I sit in awe of God's amazing love ... Love that brings cultures from across the world, together!

God's Love ... through Rice

(I'm sorry I don't have pictures, getting them to upload on blogspot is not happening, I can only get them to upload on Facebook.)
FRIDAY: I woke up exhausted. There was every part of my addiction for coffee kicking in and I badly wished Starbucks was somewhere to be found! (I can't wait to arrive in Atlanta, LOL.) But, there wasn't. As we all tried to wake up, or should I say just me, we bathed, got dressed, ate and waited around until Uncle Percy came back from his meeting. Anita and Maxwell simply wake up, each one says "Mommy, I wee wee." They walk to the bathroom and wait for me. Then, they want to brush their teeth and take a bath. After the bath, there is literally NO sleepy children. They are wide wide awake and it's time for "mom" to kick into gear, LOL.
Once Uncle Percy arrived, we headed out with the O'Leary family again, on another "Feeding the Orphans" ministry day. We headed to Enoch's home (the foster home where Maxwell and Anita were,) picked up rice, fish, biscuits, and kalleypoo (juice.) As always the children were very happy to see Percy's van arrive. Anita was excited b/c she wanted to "see her friends." We delivered the food, hung out for a bit, took some last pictures of Anita and Maxwell with their friends and Aunties and we headed out. There is always a part of wondering if the children will be sad to say good-bye to what they have called "home" for so long and yet, there has been no sadness. I think they will miss their friends but nothing more ... they are "going to America!"
As we drove away, we were on our way to Teshe. In Teshe we were meeting up with a missionary couple who have opened up an orphanage and are in the process of building a school for the children. Their mission here is to help eliminate child trafficking in the Volta region, where it is prevalent. Two of the children in the home have recently been rescued. One is a boy, probably age 8, 9, or 10 (he doesn't know) was rescued from been sold into trafficking as a fisherman. And the other is a girl, Abigal, possibly age 11 or 12, sold or stolen into trafficking as a family slave. Many parents of trafficked children are either deceived into letting their children go, the children are stolen, or bought. It is horribly sad and yet, so much more common than we know. Just last week, Stacy and John, were able to rescue a van full of children on their way to being trafficked! All of the children had no idea what was to come. It is Stacy and John's hope to educate these Village leaders and to inform those performing trafficking it is against the law and to save the innocent from a life they don't have to live. Their mission field is large and yet, this is where God has called them to serve. I pray God gives Stacy and John the financial support to continue their ministry and places it heavy on hearts to support their mission field. While Kristie and I stayed back at the orphanage, a few others headed to the market to purchase food which was going to be cooked and boxed for 600 street children in Teshe, Yes, 600 of them!! All the boxes would be delievered Saturday evening. All 600 children, fed, by "Feeding the Orphans!" The O'Leary families hearts are huge and their efforts have spread far and wide in less than 7 days!!! God's Love has been conveyed strongly ... all starting in the small act of distributing rice!

"Feeding the Orphans"

I apologize for not writing more sooner but the Internet within the hotel is spotty at night and sometimes makes it difficult. Writing during the day is almost impossible, especially when we get to be a part of "Feeding the Orphans" ministry. As we set out on our day Thursday, it was quick to be a full one!
THURSDAY: Kristie, Helen, Sydney, Anita, and I headed out to the "salon" to see about getting the girls hair done. Ree was staying back at the hotel with the boys and we were thankful. We drove up to the salon, which seemed to be on the outskirts of the city. To me, it appeared to look like a "village" but I have been informed this is a very typical town. "Villages" are much much worse! The salon itself is smaller than Maxwell and Anita's bedroom. The women chatted among themselves and discussed Anita's hair and then they told her to sit and they got started. She quietly sat there, didn't say a word, and the women went to work. It was the fastest thing I've seen and yet, we sat there for 3 hours. She got "water curls" put in her hair. I'm not sure Anita knew what she wanted or didn't want but the women at the hotel helped me decide and we love it. Anita now stands in front of the mirror playing with her hair, putting it up, taking it down, and wearing her cap at night. I'm sure there is a very large part of her that feels likes a princess!
As we sat at the salon waiting, the little neighborhood kids next door (yes, there was a house literally touching distance from the salon)kept peeking around to look at us and see what we were doing. After awhile, I finally motioned them to "come." "Come" in Ghana is like waving hi in America. If you wave hi with your fingers in lieu of waving your hand left to right, you are motioning for them to come. One by one, the little children came and sat next to me on the step. I would ask them their name and their age and they would happily reply. Again, validation and love, that's all they wanted and you could see it made their day! There were no adults looking for them, they weren't worried about running home, they just simply sat. I would take pictures and they would get so excited. "Snap" and then they would run back to me and look at the pictures. It was all so innocent and so fun and so peaceful. The children danced for us, sang for us, and one had a bike. They would take turns riding just so they could show us they knew how, most time w/ no shoes on the dirt road. It was fun to giggle and laugh with such beautiful little faces. As we sat longer and longer, I knew Anita was getting hungry and I was thirsty. I asked the children to take me to a store. We walked a little ways and there was a lady selling random snacks. She had frozen "Yogo's" ... frozen yogurt. I bought 15 for a total of 2.50 cedi, um... the cheapest snacks I've ever bought! They were ecstatic, jumping up and down, the biggest smiles ever. They simply said "Thank you" and one very handsome boy, Eema, said "Are you coming tomorrow?" "Awww, sorry, but no." It's all that simple ... to be acknowledged and loved unconditionally. Nothing grand. Nothing spectacular. A simple glimpse of love spread to adorable little children.
Once we arrived back at the hotel, we quickly grabbed lunch and jumped in the van. Us, the Turner's, were headed out with the O'Leary's on their "Feeding the Orphans" Ministry. It was going to be a full day. As we headed to the first Foster Home, Sydney's dad, Ree bought Rice and toilet paper for the Foster Homes we were planning to visit. Simple items which mean a lot and go a long ways. The roads were bumpy, some were paved and some were not. Lots of pot holes and lots of traffic. The first home we visited was a foster home with 8-10 children run by a man named Paul. By American standards, the conditions were not great, ok, they were really really difficult to see, but this is home for them. And we are continually reminded, the foster homes are nice compared to where the children come from. Ugh! The youngest child was 2 and the oldest, 14. It's always hard for me b/c there is "true happiness" missing from these faces. I wish there was a way to just make them genuinely smile. As we walk into these homes, Anita and Maxwell tend to cling tightly. They have yet to convey what they are feeling, but I can only imagine there is a slight fear they are staying there. I have to continually remind them, I am not leaving.
As we headed to the next orphanage, we were kind of lost and couldn't find the next place to be. And as we went to make a right turn, I looked up and said "Kristie, Kristie ... it's "Love a lot Orphanage!" We both just sat there and stared. Here is why ... While Kristie and I were at the salon, a teenage girl was sitting there helping with Anita's hair off and on. Eventually she stood and walked to Kristie and asked her if she visited orphanages. Kristie said "Yes, we are delivering food to orphanages while we are here, are you in an orphanage?" The young girl shook her head no. We were then able to find out her mom works at an orphanage and it's called "Love a lot Orphanage." Now, if that wasn't God working, I'm not sure what is!!!
We then headed off go to the next orphanage, CKO. This orphanage is run by a pastor, named John. He is a young man with a large heart. His love for his children radiates. The children in the home are kind, respectful, and most have truly genuine smiles. They are thankful for us to be there and they continually tells us "thank you" and "God Bless You!" And these praises all come from simple items donated by "Feeding the Orphans" ... items as simple at toilet paper and a large bag of rice. John's orphanage is very organized and run well. The conditions are "run down" but it is still "nice" when in comparison to others. The girls like to sit and talk and the boys have serious matches of soccer! Your heart feels peaceful when you are amongst those at CKO. "Feeding the Orphans" has set up a fund for their children to be sponsored for $20 a month. $20 a month will ensure the children eat 3 meals a day.
As the sun started to set and our day was coming to an end, it was time to head back to the hotel. The children were doing well but getting tired and worn out. We stopped and picked up fried chicken, rice, and jollof. As we sat in traffic Anita asked "Mommy, what is my full name?" "Anita Esinam Turner" ... she repeated it and started to giggle. She then says "Mommy, what is Daddy's name?" "Adam." She sat there for a second and said "If Daddy's name is Adam, like Adam in the Bible, then why is your name Anna and not Eve?" I just started laughing, I couldn't help it. It had to be one of the cutest darn things ever! I'm glad she knows the Bible!
A couple minutes later, at about 7:30/8:00 at night, Anita looks out the front window and it's bumper to bumper traffic. Mind you, we have been traveling in a van from place to place since about 1:30 that afternoon. We were all tired. She looks out the window and says "OH! Mommy! I guess we are not going home. I guess we will sleep in the van." Kristie and I lost it. Totally started laughing. You might have had to of been there. She was happy as can be but just chalked it up to never really making it where we were supposed to go b/c of all the traffic. Her thought process was cute. To say we wore them out was an understatement. I quickly fed them when we got to the hotel, gave them a bath and read them a book ... they were asleep before the book was finished. Too cute ... two little heads, laying in my lap, sound sound asleep!

"Gotcha" Day

Just as a friend posted, today, September 1st, 2010 is our "Gotcha Day!" The day we got the children Visa's. Our day was fun-filled hanging out with the O'Leary Family. The kids slept in, well, not really ... they naturally wake up around 7:00 am. Maxwell taps me and the first thing he says is "Mommy, I go wee wee." Good morning to you too, little man. LOL. Shortly thereafter, Anita walks in and says the same. And then it's strip down time and in the bath they go. After that, they are wide wide wide awake! Crazy munchkins. They love the bath and yet they squirm like little worms when I spray them with water. It's kind of funny. They love to soap up and scrub and be all clean.
We headed to the "Game" mall and walked around for a bit. Then we let the children play on a little playground for our paid 30 minutes. Trust me, the workers don't let you go over the 30 minutes by a second! Maxwell and Anita loved the slide. Down and down and down, over and over again. Anita finally would try the bounce house and would just giggle as she jumped. Maxwell just stood there, he didn't seem to think he could even hop. It was kind of funny. After trying everything he wanted to, he just walked over and put his shoes on. He was done. We then ate pizza (yes, they make pizza in Ghana ... think, frozen pizza from the grocery, LOL.) The kids chose to have it. Maxwell ate 3 1/2 pieces. Really?!?! More than mommy and Anita! We might have to take out a food loan just for him. Sometimes it's hard b/c he really wants to eat ALL the time and when I say "ALL," I literally mean "all" the time. He ate breakfast this morning, omelet, toast, and beans and milk. He ate every bite. Not even 30 minutes later, he says "Mommy, I want a biscuit." And this happens all day long. Finally tonight, I had to tell both of them, right after eating dinner and them asking for more food that they couldn't eat ALL day, every minute, that Mommy and Daddy will not let them starve and they will always have food. So hard for them to understand. Especially when I see them so so uncomfortable b/c they have gorged themselves all day long.
As 2:00 approached, we left the mall to catch a cab. I gave ourselves 1 hour to get back to the hotel, changed, and to the embassy. Well, Accra traffic is awful. I was stressing like crazy. Our visa pickup was for 3:00, we had to be there by 3! I'm not going to risk messing with the embassy at this point. I told the driver to just take me to the embassy and not the hotel. He was such a nice man. He asked the kids if they would let their mommy adopt him too? They just stared at him and smiled. He looked at me and said "I want to be adopted." WOW, really? He was older too. So many people want to come to America, they genuinely want a shot at something better and although we see our culture as struggling at times, it doesn't compare to the lives some of these people live and want so desperately out of. We all didn't choose to be born where we were, it is simply the hand that was dealt to us. And at times I ponder this and realize how truly truly blessed I really really am!!! He got us to the embassy at 2:45. Perfect! As I opened the door for the kids to get out, Anita started to cry. She took one look at the embassy and remembered our 3 hour wait from yesterday. She wanted nothing of it. Maxwell had already bargained for Plantation Chips, so he was going in no matter what. LOL. I explained to Anita she would be fine and that we needed to get Visa's for America. She, then, happily came along. And of course, there is nothing a biscuit (cookie) won't help! As I handed the guards my email from the embassy I was good until I got inside the Consular section. And the guard looked at me strangely and made a phone call. Oh, did my heart jump! I just stood there calmly. Didn't say anything and then he says "Window 1, got to Window 1." We did and handed a lady our email. Within 5 minutes they called the "Turner Babies" and a very nice officer handed me the children Visa's. Really?!? They were really there. Ahhh!! I told him thank you and the children smiled so big at him and told him thank you and off we went. I felt like I needed some bullet proof bag to be holding what I was. I kept checking there were my folder and I hadn't dropped them. I wanted to hug somebody! Me and my dang hugs. It was something we have worked so hard for. I was cherishing them tightly.
Adam, my sis, and family are getting the house ready for the little ones. We will be flying home on Sunday from Accra and arriving in San Diego Monday morning. Anita keeps singing "We go to America on Sunday, we got to America on Sunday!" Oh little ones, you just have NO idea how many people in your life love you so much!!!