Happy guy! Happy momma!

Not even sure how to describe yesterday, problems at the orphanage, lawyer and police were supposed to go get kids. By afternoon, knew that nothing would happen if we didn't go. Afraid the lady at orphanage would hide kids to extort money.

John eating kola nuts, they apparently bring you strength. So we washed down the bitter nut with some Primus beer and set out to go get the kids ourselves. My plan, take the kids and run. Simple, and hopefully effective.

But as you can imagine, nothing is ever that easy.

We arrived and got the kids ready to go, we watched them line up for their baths, and then they all carefully sat down on the floor, and before touching a bite, all the children sang a beautiful prayer. Next, they ate the largest plate of rice I have ever seen. No matter how big or small the child, same portion. Jeremie methodically partioned his plate. Not one piece of rice hit the ground. I fear that Louie will not be pleased...

Bath Time

Dinner

All spiffed up and ready to go, if only we could just go...

And then the lawyer showed up with the orphanage manager, the heated negotiation began. Maybe as a coping mechanism, we started playing games with the kids, the kids started singing, older kids did their homework, and the negotiations continued. Starting to get dark, so back to plan A..we walked away and sat in car with kids. The standoff began.

Surreal, our driver eating popcorn, John in a heated discussion down the hill, and two small children curled up asleep on our laps. Texting and calling the US to get help, trying to get John out in one piece. Feeling very much like we were a long way from home..

Finally it is over, so confusing about who wants what, hate that the world is this way. Back to St. Anne's. Hope for the best, heat up our taste of India packets for dinner and drown our sorrows with the wine we had bought to celebrate bringing our kids back with us...still mulling over the events of the day and whether our exit will be delayed, and for how long, and what is really going on...but at least we have the kids, the documents, and some hope...

Even though I was sad the day was marred by corruption, I would not have traded the moments we had with all the kids for anything.

And all worth it to see this guy up the next morning so full of joy!