Ecuador Day 5 Friday

This morning we got up and packed a bag for our day at the orphanage.  We really didn't know what to expect...we knew that we were going to go to places in the city with Laura and Sister.  Laura had told us to bring the stroller and an umbrella...so we got a taxi around 9:30AM and one of the managers here, Sarah, helped to explain how to get to the orphanage to the taxi driver so we didn't have to deal with the language barrier. (Priscilla had called and gave her the address and instructions)

We arrived at the orphanage and immediately went up to Sisters casa.  When we opened the door Sister ran to me again and was putting her cheek up to my mouth...she wanted kisses. She then went to Zac and gave him a big hug.  Laura and Theresa then explained that Sister had been sad most of the morning...until now. =) Praise be to God!

Sister wanted to see what was in the bag I had brought...I had brought some clothes for her..but the outfit she had on seemed fine so I didn't try to change her.....however, she found the Dora underwear I had brought and immediately wanted them on.  She had a dress on with a onsie...but when I put the underwear on her I didn't snap the onsie...she was running all around the room smiling and dancing and lifting her dress to show everyone her underwear....wish we'd had the video camera out for that....but it will forever be in our memory!

Laura said that we would be going to the mall today as it was quite warm and sunny.  She told us that if things went well today that we would probably not be returning to the orphanage!  Theresa and the psychologist took Sister and I into Sister's bedroom and they wanted Sister to help pack her bag to leave for good....it was really a plastic sack with some of Sisters favorite clothes...size ranges from 12 months to 3T...so confusing for this momma who was trying to figure out if anything I packed was going to fit her!  I already knew the size 9 and 10 shoes I had brought would be way to big.  We packed her bag and said "chow" to her bed and room.  Theresa gave us a blanket that she said was a "keepsake"...a handmade afghan that she'd had since she was a baby..She gave Theresa a hug but didn't seem sad at all to be leaving.  The social worker Laura and the psychologist were both explaining....in Spanish to Sister that she was taking her bag to live with her mama y papa.

We did know that we would be returning on Monday for a going away party...so I will make sure to take plenty of pictures of her care takers and if they'll let me...her house mates...they are very strict about pictures of the children.

We left her casa and Sister kept hugging and smiling at us...it was absolutely precious.  Laura explained that we were first going to go to Sister's school to say goodbye to her friends....Her teacher introduced herself and   let us take a group picture of her classmates.  Many of her classmates are the same kids that are from her orphanage.  Then her teacher explained to her classmates that we were Sisters mama y papa and that it was time to say goodbye...The children lined up and all gave Sister big hugs.  You could tell that Sister was somewhat understanding what was going on.  After the hugs she went outside and sat down on the step...I just wanted to grab her up, but knew she needed this time with her friends.  Her friends came out and they all stood on the steps and keep yelling Sisters name as we walked away.  Sister grabbed tightly onto my neck  as we walked away...and I cried...her classmates continued to yell her name as we left the gates of the school. Ugh...I still cry just thinking about it and writing this.

After we left the school we got a taxi to the mall...no car seats here, so that wasn't an issue.  Sister has been in cars before to go to the doctor and they have taken some of the children to the mall before as an exposure exercise...we went to the mall and Sister seemed to be a little overwhelmed by it all...as was Zac and I.  When she saw the escalators she was very excited.  We went down and then she wanted to go back up..we had to pull her away as I'm pretty sure she would have done that for hours.  We went to a store as we didn't not have milk and Sister is used to drinking milk.  Here, the milk is sold warm on the shelves....as is the eggs..the reason was explained, but I can't remember now.  We also took Sister to a toy store and let her pick out a toy.  Laura said she had been exposed to Dora with different toys and puzzles they have at the orphanage.  Sister picked out a Dora doll with hair you could brush...I'm guessing in the states the doll would be less than $10...here is was $21. Expensive!

They did have Burger King and KFC in their food court area...so that was good to know in case we needed a fast food fix! LOL

At that point it was obvious that Sister had enough stimulation for one day.  Laura suggested we head back to our apartment and get lunch...when we got here we showed Sister her bed and she smiled so big and climbed right up...she kept feeling the Dora blanket we had put on her bed.  She also loved the lights and stockings.  Laura then told us it was time for her to head back to the orphanage.  She gave us her cell phone in case we needed anything.  We got some lunch...Sister had a ham sandwich and seemed to enjoy it! She then spent some time just going from room to room in the apartment and exploring...there is only three rooms plus the bathroom...but she was very curious.  She kept pointing to the door and when we asked if she wanted to go outside she said "Ti"...her version of yes.  So we walked down to the common areas of the complex.  She enjoyed the small fountain and especially enjoyed the two dogs here...The managers here Sarah and Xavier welcomed Sister here and she acted shy around them...she really just wanted to see the dogs.

We decided it was probably time for nap and we laid down with her in her bed until she fell asleep.  She fell asleep pretty quickly and I ended up sleeping as well. Zac went out and did some work for a good portion of the afternoon.  Sister and I slept for about 1 1/2 hours and she woke up happy and content.   We got up and walked around outside for awhile and then were able to Skype with some friends back home. So thankful for Skype!

We decided to order pizza from a pizza place the manager had recommended here called Little Italy.  It was ok....$12 for large pizza...not something we'd order again, but it filled us up and Sister like it!  So her first real meal with us was pizza and an apple....note to self...we need to get to the grocery store tomorrow! It is so hard to meal plan without an oven...but I have some recipes to use now for the stove, so we'll be good to go.

She really started to get comfortable after dinner...talking a lot more and giving both Zac and I kisses...

Around 7:15 we started getting Sister ready for bed.  We put her in some fleece footie pajamas...3T ones fit her well and she kept feeling how soft they were...so precious.  We let her watch a Dora Christmas movie we had brought for a little bit and then read some books.  She didn't settle in for bed for easily...but finally fell asleep at about 8:45.  She has been sound asleep ever since....even with the random fireworks going on every now and again. (which we found out is a normal part of the Christmas celebration...random fireworks at any time of day)

Tomorrow morning the social worker from INFA who oversees the adoption is coming to the apartment with Laura to write a report for the judge that will trigger us getting a court date...so prayers that we have a fantastic day and both of the social workers see that Sister is a fantastic addition to the Harlan family! Buenas Noches!