And then there were smiles...

Today has been totally amazing. We were up early and out the door at 8:30am to our Embassy appointment. The wait wasn't too long and we were honored to get to meet with the Consular herself. I was very impressed and she is definately a woman of character and wisdom. Meckie walked right in ahead of me and she stuck out her hand to see if he would shake hers. Not only did he reciprocate, but with great gusto. He kind of gave her a shake/five/liberian snap all in one. She was taken aback and got really tickled. I guess he was proving that he deserved to be there and wasn't leaving without his business. I was so proud! :) We then had a little time to kill so Amos and HollyAnn took us to a market. Wow. It was not like any market I have ever seen, but the people were very nice and we found some awesome things. The kids each picked out a necklace for themselves and then one for their brothers and sisters. After that we had to go to the medical clinic for Elijah to be cleared for travel. He has been reported to have some medical issues, and the dr requested that he be checked out once more before we leave with him. Amos, our social worker (and a Saint I think) stayed with us the three hours that we sat and waited. He escorted us to the "dentist room" so that we didn't have to sit with the rest of the patients there. I am so very thankful for the private room. It was absolutely heartbreaking to see all of those people there in such need and not enough service to go around. After our three hour wait (without airconditioning or any ventilation for that matter) the Dr did an x-ray and then called only me back to his office. Of course my heart was pounding! Amos and I went to his office and he listened to Elijah (who was most unappreciative) and then said the best words - "He is perfect. I see no evidence of previous illness or no current illness.". Praise God!

We did some driving around (it was no Sunday drive!) and then finally back to the hotel. We spent an hour here in our room with Morris and the other awesome, awesome young men that work for Pastor Wesley. At 5:00 all three traveling families and this group of men all went to the beach for dinner. It was wonderful. We got to share stories and learn more of the Liberian culture. Of course I forgot the camera battery, so no pics to share. The kids did not like the ocean and didn't like the sand on their feet. Meckie put on a show though. At one point we were eating and he walked away. I turned to see where he was headed and just a few feet away he had his pants pulled down and was gazing into the ocean and wetting the sand. Everyone got a huge laugh out of it and I assured them that he is certain to be a McCoy. We entertain wherever we go.

We came back to the hotel for Mag and Meckie's first bath in a real tub. They were so excited! The got right in, squatted down and began throwing water all over themselves. Such is the Liberian way! They were laughing and splashing and just smiling from ear to ear. That is when my heart soars! I truly believe that they want to keep us and that we make them happy. Tonight when we were leaving our new friends' room Maggie said "Mama, carry me". I was so excited that she called me Mama all by herself and when I told her so she just smiled and squeezed my neck. She makes sure that she is wherever I am and she will do just as I do. If I have my sunglasses on my head, hers are on her head. If my legs are crossed, so are hers. She is my mirror. Meckie is now very comfortable. We aren't sure if that is a good thing or not. He is so smart and into everything and talks to everyone. It takes one of us to keep up with him! Elijah is the sweetest thing. He has the most precious little giggle and smiles everytime I look at him. I will be honest and admit that I was beginning to worry about him. He just was so blank and had no expression. That timid baby is gone and now we have a very happy, funny baby. He loves to be talked to and constantly touches our faces. Gosh I love them.

I miss my kids at home so badly! As much as we are enjoying our time here, I am missing them so much more. I wish that they could have come with us, but we fully intend on bringing them back someday. We think about them all the time and love showing off their pictures to anyone that will look. We are so proud of each of them and know that if they weren't so great, then we would have never been able to do this. We are a team and it will take all of us together to make it work. I have no doubts that we will do just fine.

Thanks to everyone for the best wishes and sweet words, but most of all the prayers that you are lifting in our names. We definately feel the benefit of those prayers. We have not once been afraid or worried. We know that God sent us here for this purpose and he will bring us home to share these babies with everyone! Goodnight! We will see you all tomorrow!