Going to the Orphanage

Dan and I went to the orphanage on Wed. Vanessa hired a driver to take us. It is about a 45 minute drive from St. Annes. His name was Bosco and he picked us up. We drove about 30 minutes. 30 minute drive seems about 2 hours. It is terrible. My stomach would get upset every time after a drive anywhere. It is a roller coaster. They drive on sidewalks, they go in any lane even when there is on coming traffic. You can't even begin to imagine how it is until you are there. I just prayed we make it to our destination alive. I am not kidding. Every thought goes through my mind. Will we get in an accident? Will we be stopped by the police. Again I would never look them in the eye. They are everywhere. Now after about the 30 minute drive Vanessa our adoption facilitator called and said we need to return to St. Anne to get paperwork for her. So we had to go back and then head out for the orphanage one more time. We arrived at the orphanage. I got out of the car and I see about 100 little eyes running at me for a hug. At that time my heart melts. Everything I cared about at that moment was forgotten about and all my love was going to these kids for the short time I would be there. Dan said he could see the sparkle in my eye. I knew these children all had scabies, might have lice, ring worm and so many other issues but I did not care about this. All I cared about was the love I could give to them for the 1 hour or a bit longer that I could give them all the love they needed. I could only give them so much. They all wanted my attention. They all needed a hug. I hugged and kissed everyone of those kids. Time was too short there. If I could have I would have stayed there the entire 7 days I was there. Even if there was no running water, no electricity, no whatever. I would have stayed with them. They get about 2 meals a day. No milk just water. 

They sleep on bunk beds. The orphanage has 3 bedrooms. When I walked in I didn't notice right away because I wanted to really focus on the kids but after awhile I noticed there was not one toy in site. What happened to all of our donations in the past. We all have donated so much already. The kids were all wearing the same clothes they always had for every picture we see of them. We also have sent so many new clothes. what is happening to all these things? Well from what I see is the mamas must take all these donations and sell them to survive down there. So you have to question which is worse the kids not having one toy or having the mamas sell the stuff so their own family can survive? Who knows. But it hurt me terribly that the kids had nothing. Rocky has no idea how to cuddle with a blanket or stuffed animal. So when I brought in my 2 suitcases full of donations the kids went crazy. It was total chaos. The kids were screaming and having a ball. Then we blew up some balloons and the kids loved these. They had so much fun. It was the best time. I took so many pics and lots of video for the other families to see their children before they come for them. So many families were ecstatic to see the pics and video of their children. It was a blessing. Then it was time for me to walk around and see how the orphanage runs. It was a good orphanage for the Congo. They cook on a fire in the kitchen. They say grace before every meal. The children can not eat until everyone is served. They serve the meal hot and the kids chow. they had rice and beans while I was there. They get lots of food for that meal. I think they eat breakfast and then supper. After they ate it was time to say good bye. I never looked back at the kids. I couldn't. I am glad they were eating. I walked very fast to the car. I just wanted to leave without looking back. It was too hard on me. Most of the children there have families coming for them but still it doesn't make it easy for me. I wish there was something I could do to help these kids. I also realize we have many kids in the states that need our help but the governement steps in and gives them some support but these kids have nothing. They have no shoes, socks etc. The day Rocky wore his 1st pair of socks he wouldn't wear shoes. He wore the socks all day. We threw them out after he wore them that day but something so simple. 

On my way home from the orphanage that day Rocky kept looking back like he knew he would never return. How was he feeling. He liked seeing his friends. He didn't like sharing all the toys but he had fun. Here is the pic of us leaving. 

He stared out of the back window for a long time. He has no idea what is coming next. My stomach is in knots for him. Here he is thrown into this life. No choices for him. Does he like where he is now? Does he like us? How does he feel? Poor little kiddo. I wish we could talk with him and explain everything to him. All I can do now is hug and love him. Is that going to be enough?  

We got home that night and ate bread and jelly again. I am so ready to come home. I am so tired of cold showers, mean police officers, danger every where. How can people live like this?

Everyone we talk with wants to come to America. They all tell Rocky "America America". One comment from a Congolese man said to him that if he lives in America "one day you will own a home and have a black man doing your yard work instead of you doing yard work." They are all so happy for Rocky. Dan and I just wait for night time to come so we can go to sleep and wake up to get the next day over with. But the next day for us is leaving here and coming to America. we are so ready.