Today we left for BSSK at 9am. We had received a letter stating that they would pick us up at 9:30 so went for a short walk and when we arrived back to the hotel at 8:55 the driver was here. We found out that you should be ready a ½ hour early in India! We first met with the director of international adoptions – Maina – and she was very informative regarding older child adoption and prepared us for some of what is to come. We also learned from her that Maya has a mind of her own, can be rather naughty, and likes her new name very much
(she will fit in well with our family). Then we did some paperwork with the social worker who went through Maya’s file with us. Then it was time to meet Maya. She stayed at BSSK today – and was with a group of younger children in the informal school there. We were introduced to her with the younger children and it did not take long for her to come to us. At first she was very shy but she soon warmed up to us and we had 15 minutes or so alone with her after the child development specialist – Ratanaii - had helped make her feel com
fortable with us. She knew right away we were Mommy and Daddy. We gave her a backpack with coloring and activity books and a box of crayons, pencils, and markers. She also liked playing with the bouncy ball. Then it was time to see her bedroom and then go to her school and as soon as we got up to go she took both our hands. We visited the principal and her classroom. We also went to Kapil – her close friend’s classroom to say goodbye and get a photo with him. The school gave us some of her work and progress reports. We returned to BSSK and played on the playground there a bit. Then we went into the informal classroom and did puzzles. Maya ate lunch with the children after this while we sat with her and then we received some special items of Maya’s from the child development specialist including a doll she received as a Christmas gift, some of her work, a photo album, and a puzzle. Dan and I ate lunch with the staff while Maya played. We then spent some more time alone with Maya and she was really warming up to us and began to say some words. After this precious time we met with the social worker and received some visa paperwork. The three of us then met with Maina (the adoptions director) who explained to Maya what would be happening over the next few days. A hotel here and then airplane to Dehli , three days in Dehli, and then an airplane to America. Once we were introduced to all the office staff and they had a chance to say ‘goodbye’ to Maya they held a placement ceremony for us with many of the staff and the children. All three of us had red chalk dust or powder put on our foreheads. We didn’t really understand it – although, we are sure it was a Hindu ritual. It was very short and then Maya was given chocolates to hand out to everyone. Final goodbyes were said and Maya took our hands and seemed ready to go.
(she will fit in well with our family). Then we did some paperwork with the social worker who went through Maya’s file with us. Then it was time to meet Maya. She stayed at BSSK today – and was with a group of younger children in the informal school there. We were introduced to her with the younger children and it did not take long for her to come to us. At first she was very shy but she soon warmed up to us and we had 15 minutes or so alone with her after the child development specialist – Ratanaii - had helped make her feel com
fortable with us. She knew right away we were Mommy and Daddy. We gave her a backpack with coloring and activity books and a box of crayons, pencils, and markers. She also liked playing with the bouncy ball. Then it was time to see her bedroom and then go to her school and as soon as we got up to go she took both our hands. We visited the principal and her classroom. We also went to Kapil – her close friend’s classroom to say goodbye and get a photo with him. The school gave us some of her work and progress reports. We returned to BSSK and played on the playground there a bit. Then we went into the informal classroom and did puzzles. Maya ate lunch with the children after this while we sat with her and then we received some special items of Maya’s from the child development specialist including a doll she received as a Christmas gift, some of her work, a photo album, and a puzzle. Dan and I ate lunch with the staff while Maya played. We then spent some more time alone with Maya and she was really warming up to us and began to say some words. After this precious time we met with the social worker and received some visa paperwork. The three of us then met with Maina (the adoptions director) who explained to Maya what would be happening over the next few days. A hotel here and then airplane to Dehli , three days in Dehli, and then an airplane to America. Once we were introduced to all the office staff and they had a chance to say ‘goodbye’ to Maya they held a placement ceremony for us with many of the staff and the children. All three of us had red chalk dust or powder put on our foreheads. We didn’t really understand it – although, we are sure it was a Hindu ritual. It was very short and then Maya was given chocolates to hand out to everyone. Final goodbyes were said and Maya took our hands and seemed ready to go.
1 comment:
She sure is cute. I think she looks a lot like Danielle especially the nose and the smile. We are home safe and sure enjoyed the week at your house. We are praying for you that you will all bond well and have some wonderful time together and a safe trip home Love grands
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