Day 2: Meeting "N"

Today was our first full day in South Africa.  It was warm this morning, but a heavy thunderstorm came through around lunch time and cooled the temperatures.  It's probably about 60 degrees now.  I know, you're jealous!

This morning, Bev picked us up around 8:15 to head to their office to meet Petra, our Wandisa social worker here in Joburg.  We chatted for a little bit about what to expect over the next few weeks, talked a little about "N", and then we dropped off our donations.  After that, we headed to "N's" house for the moment we have waited months for - our first meeting.  When we arrived, we talked to Sarinah (his house mom) for a few minutes and got Bev and Petra ready with our cameras.  "N" had been playing in the garden.  When Sarinah called him in, he came racing into the house and gave each of us a BIG hug!  We quickly went back out to the garden for some soccer.  It was a great way to make him comfortable and to see his skills.  He has some pretty cool tricks which I, of course, do not know the name of :)  After a bit of soccer, he gave us a tour of the house.  We spent some time in his room where he proudly showed us the book we had sent him sitting right by his bed.  He said "I have a big family!" and yes, he does!  After our tour, we sat in the tv room for a little while.  We gave him some small gifts (which he loves) and then we headed to one of his favorite restaurants for lunch.  During lunch, a thunderstorm came through and it POURED!  We wandered through Lifestyles (it reminds me of a combination of every kind of store - furniture, Christmas decorations, pet supplies and small animals, a little bit of everything) until it lightened up.  We then headed to the mall to exchange money and get a South African sim card for our phone.  The malls here aren't that different from home, only the store names are different.  We ended up having to run back to our guest house because we needed our passports to exchange money.  It was nice because then "N" got to see where we are staying before he moves to be with us tomorrow.  With passports in hand, we headed back to the mall and got some South African rands (money).  We then took "N" back to his house for the day.  When we got there, all of his brothers and sisters at his home were all home from school and were so excited that we had come!  They all greeted us with smiles and big hugs!  We helped them with their homework and they had a blast taking pictures with our cameras.  We are not able to post pictures of them, but would be happy to show them to you when we get home.  They are a truly adorable bunch!  If we could bring them all home, we would!

So, tonight is "N's" last night is his home.  Tomorrow, he will be coming to stay with us!  He really wanted to come tonight, and did sulk a bit in the car, but its important for him to have a last night and chance to say goodbye to his family.  We plan to go back to visit and have a party with the kids while we are here, but he will be with us all the time from here on out.  Based on how well today went, we are going to have an awesome time!!

It is so clear that God brought us together.  It was as if we had known each other forever.  He grabs for our hands walking in public, gives loving affection, and already loves playing games with dad on his phone :)  I feel it's appropriate to share the verse that was so instrumental in bringing us to this point: Hebrews 11:1 'Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.'  God asked us to step out in faith in this adoption and now is the time where we are being rewarded for following Him.  Words cannot describe how surreal today has been.  Can't wait to share more tomorrow!

Laura and Kevin