Our sweet girl comes with a dose of sassy and I just love it. We were all showered with gifts from her current foster mother, her first foster mother, the social workers, the St. Lucy workers, the translators, a supervisor who had known Katelyn since she was in the womb, etc... So many people have cared about her and are happy to see her in a forever home. It was very humbling and overwhelming.
We started by meeting our agency escort at the High Speed Rail Station. Sally has been with the agency for years and has been involved in the placement of countless children. She has a very kind air about her and speaks English beautifully. In visiting with her we learned that she also speaks Mandarin, Taiwanese, and Japanese. I got to see pictures of her family and she seemed to get a kick out of the boys. She definitely brings a feeling of comfort to a pretty crazy day.
We were on the Bullet Train, waiting to leave Taipei
Sally also shared a memory book that Katelyn helped to create. In it were pictures of her sister, brother, and both birth parents. We didn't know they had that information so it was a wonderful surprise. Those pictures are something she will value so much, especially in the future.
The train took us 2 hrs down to southern Taiwan and then we were on a short taxi ride. We arrived at St. Lucy's and were immediately ushered up to a room on the 2nd floor. We were asked to remove our shoes and as I bent down to take off my shoe, this little whirlwind wrapped her arms around me and cried "Mommy!"
We went into the room and found her current foster parents, several government and orphanage social workers, and Katelyn. There were so many discussions going on, most of which we could not understand, and Katelyn was bouncing off the walls.
She immediately began to play with the boys, and every now and then, she would make a pass by Andy or myself...sit between us, say hello, check out what we were doing, and then back to playing.
Her foster mom is so sweet. And it's obvious that she adores Katelyn. And Katelyn loves her too. She presented us with several gifts. We all received bead necklaces that symbolize different blessings or wishes. Katelyn received one too and represents the "pearl of the land" for Taiwan.
Her foster mother also created this amazing scrapbook. She's loved on Katelyn for almost 3 years and has taken her many places. She included pictures of their adventures, of Katelyn as a baby (18 mos), Katelyn in school, more pictures of Katelyn with her birth mother, biological Aunt, sister, brother, etc.. It's all really indescribable.
The government social workers and first foster mother all wrote beautiful notes to her. Her foster mother could hardly talk about the note she wrote for her and said she was up late last night writing it and working on the scrapbook. Katelyn is a much loved little girl.
We got to take a picture with her foster parents and some of the social workers.
She's got plenty of personality. ;)
She is pretty hilarious. One time on the train she looked down and saw Matt's feet on the seat...and shook her head no while eyeing his feet. And several times she would just hand stuff to Nathan to carry for her. There was no asking or requesting...she was gonna hand it to him and he was gonna carry it. Watching him take it and then look at me with the "mom...seriously?" look was pretty entertaining. Another time, Matt asked me if he could play my iPhone and before I could answer, she said "No" and continued to play.
Last photo before she left St. Lucy's (part of Good Shepherd Sisters organization) for the last time.
She offered to carry my phone...then proceeded to run the battery down to nothing over the rest of the afternoon. Apparently she's a fan of Angry Birds. ;)
I can't say enough great things about my boys. Matt and Nathan were fantastic today. I love them dearly and we are both so proud of how they interacted with everyone and helped Katelyn.
At one point we were visiting with the workers and we noticed the boys and Katelyn had disappeared. I guess they went out into the garden and were running around, being kids. A few moments later, all three appeared. Katelyn was good to go...Matt and Nathan BOTH were panting, sweating, and resting on their knees. Anyone who knows Nathan knows this is a rare occurrence. I believe he's finally met his match!
On the train I told Sally about how all the girls seem to love Matt. Apparently, she shared that story with the social workers and foster mom. Right before she left, she requested a photo with Matt..like all the girls. So awesome!
Watching Katelyn say goodbye to her foster mother was difficult to watch. I can't imagine how it was for them to actually do it. She loves Katelyn so much and her heart is huge. I LOVE knowing that Katelyn has been so well cared for.
The social workers all began to filter out too and said their goodbyes. They all have cared a lot for her and built a personal relationship. It was heartwarming.
Then we headed back to Taipei on the train. We grabbed dinner in the Main Train Station (had huge food court) and she was very happy.
Then we got into the taxi for a 30 min ride to our apartment. We're all tired and just sitting quietly, and then I heard it. Katelyn was sitting on the opposite side of the cab from me and I heard these quiet little sobs. I think it was the first time it fully hit her.
I switched kids around and got myself next to her. And just held her as her entire body was racked with these silent, hiccup-y sobs. It was heart wrenching.
We know she has so much grieving to do in the coming weeks and months. It's beyond horrible when you can't help her or communicate beyond the basics.
There is so much more to share but that's enough. Time to get these hoodlums in bed and get some shut eye. We head to the American Institute of Taiwan to get her Visa tomorrow.
I have prayed a lot today and given thanks. What an amazing journey so far..and it's just begun!
It made me tear up to think about the good byes.
ReplyDeleteShe is stunning.. I am so happy for your family.. what a blessing
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