Monday, October 8, 2007

We have Janelle

We arrived at the Civil Affairs office this afternoon a bit before 2:00 to meet our guide, Connie, another couple adopting a 1 year old girl, and to meet Janelle. It was fun watching 2 or 3 other families meet their young girls--from 1 year to about 5 years old. We waited a bit, and then a young girl was brought in--crying hard. It was our first look at Janelle. She really has not stopped crying in the 3 1/2 hours since then. We found that she had been living with a foster family for the last year and was very attached to the foster mom. So, today, for her, has been a day of great loss. She is losing the only family she has ever had.

The orphanage worker who came with her came back to the hotel with us since she was crying so much. He came to the room, and actually stayed, talking with her for about 45 minutes. He talked very kindly to her, and I know he talked about mama, papa, little brother and sister, and said, "Don't cry." That is about the limit of my Chinese. She continued to cry through most of the time, and then harder when he left.

She is now sitting by the hotel room door, still crying. I have been sitting with her most of the time, but I hoped she would come sit in the chair or on the bed. She has tried to open the door to get out a couple of times, so I have to watch that she doesn't escape.

The poor child is just scared to death, and grieving her great losses.

I'll post more soon.....

5 comments:

Kate said...

We are praying for your family. Hugs to you all.

Kate

Chelley said...

Praying right now for you all at this hard time....

Unknown said...

Stara, I know you were prepared for this kind of reaction but hoping for another. We are praying for you, Richard and Janelle this morning. It may be a long journey ahead, but remember, God has called you to be Janelle's parents. Call on His strength to get you through this. He will be faithful. Just think about the progress that Taylor and Lianne have made. I love you sis and I know you will get though this in one peice. You are the best mom I know (our mom aside).

Anonymous said...

Hi Starla! Keep your head up high...things WILL get better!!! Lauren (Jin Fen) grieved HARD when we were in China last month, but as soon as we arrived home it stopped and she is doing great. I have been told that it is much better for the children to grieve early on...it is normal and a blessing, but it is hard on the family who loves them. In her heart, Janelle knows that you love her and will always care for her. Time is the key! Enjoy the rest of your time in China and take lots of pictures.
Sara Kleiner

Lisa said...

Oh Starla,

My heart hurts for you and Janelle. I am praying for you all.


Lisa (AH)