Day 6 - Our New Family

Today we just hung out at the guesthouse all morning and early afternoon. I hope this becomes the norm because our whole family just needs time to hang out together – playing some games and getting to know each other. This is a little hard for us at the guesthouse setting. All the living areas are common areas – and they are nice, but we still feel like we have to monitor the kids rather than just let them roll and do what they want.

We shot a quick video for the church on Sunday introducing all of the Hendersons. Really we aren’t sure if many people in our church know who all of our kids are.

We decided we would go out around 3 PM and head to the Sheraton to try to send some videos out, update blogs etc.

One our way, Tizita needed to stop and go to the bathroom. The lady that was riding with us told us she would run her into the bathroom and Mendy and I casually agreed – no big deal right? WRONG. Once Tizita realized she was out of the car and we were not with her a look of terror came over her face. She was scared to death and began screaming. I jumped out of the car and caught up to them and everything was fine. It was a little picture of a girl who has had no security in her world and deeply craves it. She is so excited to have a mom and a dad.

We pulled up to the Sheraton and got out of the van. As we were walking up to the hotel, Tizita began to cry and had a look of real fear in her eyes. She was scared to go into this giant building. We are not sure why, but it was very evident. As we got her in the doors we asked a security guard to explain to her that this was a great place etc. He said a few words to her and relief and joy came over her face. She was still a little unsure, but definitely not scared.

I couldn’t send video or update blog – frustrating because I thought I had it worked out last time.

We went to pick up Muluken (from our adoption agency). He was the social worker that I feel like helped us the most over the past 6 months. He has always told us the truth about the situation – we didn’t always believe him, but he turned out to be correct most of the time. We took him to dinner at Metro Pizza – great pizza and a good time all around. Muluken told us a few things about our agency - they were frustrated with us because we got our own driver and our own place to stay. This frustrated them because when they arrange the details, they get a cut of the money that is paid. Muluken also informed us that several times others told him he was spending too much time on Tizita and Geremew’s case.

We arrived back to the guesthouse with no electricity and found our way to bed in the dark. Great first full day with all six kids. Goodnight.