Wednesday, Aug 31

(Gabe here)~Today was our first full day in the Congo and a day full of firsts. I saw my first African Sunrise, not to mention the first time I’ve seen stars in the southern hemisphere, drew water from a well for the first time, went to a child’s funeral for the first time, went to an overcrowded, understaffed (Amani Catholic) orphanage for the first time, first African grocery store, first drive past a building with Al-Qaida painted on the front and first kisses from adopted children.

What an Adventure this is! It almost seems surreal. This morning I (Gabe) walked from the guest house to the Orphan house and gently opened the front door. I immediately heard “daddy!!” and received two sprinting two year olds, one into each arm. (not bad after only a couple hours of interaction the previous day). We chatted for a couple of minutes strictly in two year old Frenchese, that was my fault, then I pointed out the window “regarde mama”. Brandon and Kara jumped down, shot out the front door and went sprinting across the yard for another two child, two arm reception by Jocelyn.

Tonight, after running around town all day with Didier, Annie and Phil; we had some chicken and bread then spent time in the central room of the orphanage holding baby Marie and watching Brandon, Kara and Zephanie (5 year old girl) eat their dinner. Afterward children sat on laps, received tickles and enjoyed silly antics before bed. It is not quite 9:00p but it feels like 1:00a. I guess I’m still not quite over the jet lag.

Until tomorrow . . . . .


Josie here~ It is still quite surreal to be here in Africa. We are falling more and more in love with our little ones. They are so cute and mostly very sweet. They love to be picked up, especially Brandon. It was so wonderful to have all the gifts from church and generous souls to give out.