Dear friends,
Whether you want it our not, here is the latest on my two little miracles!
Salifu has stolen my heart completely. Imagine if you can the most adorable little voice in the world singing along with you ..... Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelu, Halllelujah,....Praise ye the Lord! (only he sings, praise you my Lord!) Hand me a big old spoon so I can swallow a giant mouthful of this darling little boy. He has a little sparkling in his eye that spells 'trouble' and thus he has earned the nickname I now have for him of 'stinker'. For the first time today, he greeted me when I came home with a big happy, "Hello mom!" He pouts when he doesn't get his way, he won't take no for an answer, he loves ice, burps unabashedly after meals, tried to chew with his mouth closed by holding his lips together with his fingers, wets the bed nearly every night (I have finally discovered pull-ups), has decided that our collie dog Lady is not a threat, loves the elephants marching in the Jungle Book Video, spits like a sailor, and eats as if he has never tasted food before. He has already gained 3 pounds in one week.
Francis has had some education because he KNOWS his alphabet and many simple words in english. He has also demonstrated some proficiency in math While playing with Nellie he was drawing and dissecting geometrical shapes and working out simple problems. Emotionally, he is having a harder time adjusting to a mom who is always making him wash his hands, among other things....but is coming along bit by bit. After all, he has survived without parents for four years. I'm sure he doesn't like someone in his face all the time.... for good or bad.
Francis and I saw Dr. Mani, the plastic surgeon on Monday. Lonny is hoping to varify a surgery date for next wednesday with the Olathe Medical Center. According to Dr. Mani, a two hour operation will restore much of the range of motion for this boys wrist and elbow on his right arm. He will need numerous additional surgeries but the doctor was very optomistic about how much function could be recovered for Francis in both arms.
Francis and Salifu both had a long telephone conversation with Mr. Mohamud Kamara this morning. Mr. Kamara speaks both krio and mendey, so both children can fully understand him. This was their first phone conversation. If you could have seen their faces... He explained some of our rules and customs to them. It seemed to make a difference today, especially for Francis. When I think of all the awful realities these two have been living with, and the sorts of struggles we could be facing having them in our home, I am amazed that there is nothing 'major' to overcome. The worst issues I face with these boys are fighting over toys and arguing with me when I say 'No'.
Today we visited a McDonald's playground. After kiddie ice cream cones (a first!) we wandered out to play. Salifu was climbing and sliding instantly. Francis was more tentative but wouldn't let himself be out done by little Sal, so he took off his shoes as well and started up the colorful scaffolding. His face lit up like a full moon, beaming with joy and excitement. We knew he had found his way to the slide when we heard the echo of his voice coming down the tube. His fearful woah's quickly turned to giggles before his feet appeared at the bottom. We were all laughing with and for him. I wouldn't have traded that moment for anything. His face was so completely happy....he who has known so much sorrow....this is what life is all about.
They both did well with Dr. Kettler for their basic physical exams. Having worked in Africa himself he was comfortable with these little foreigners. Francis grew more than a little concerned as the blood pressure cuff tightened around his arm. He was more at ease after the nurse demonstrated it's harmlessness on old mom. Salifu's nasty bubble on his knee is healing nicely. They enjoyed the picture of Dr. Kettler's family in the lobby of the office. Drooling contently with suckers hanging out of their mouths, we left the doctor's office without a tear being shed.
Saturday they will attend the Leaps Luncheon at McBride's. Leaps is a support group for amputees. That evening the children also have VIP passes for the police circus. Not sure what that is and I won't be able to go with them. Would give anything to be there for their reactions. My parents and two of my own kids will be chaperones.
"For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." Matthew 16:25
Blessings, I'm tired and it's late. more later.
Ann