Today was an emotional day for Palamang. We knew it was coming, just not when. We had a relaxing morning at the rondaval - tried a little school. He knows A and can trace it with a big grin on his face, so all you Kindergarten teachers are in for a treat. (He's also still super quiet, so another bonus!) School lasted about an hour, then we went outside for recess. 'Cuz I'm a counselor, not a teacher, :) and recess just seemed more therapeutic.
After lunch Christinah, the new AFAA rep, dropped by. Palamang was already tired, and he just stared at her during our visit. We talked a little in English about his passport and America and MIS. I'm not sure what caught his attention, probably MIS and associating her with MIS, but after she left he broke down in tears. Sobbed, while trying not to sob. I just held him and wiped his tears. Trent and I told him we loved him. We've been reading a little book, and at the end we say, "God loves Palamang. Mama loves Palamang. Daddy loves Palamang. Sam loves Palamang." We said that over and over. Once he calmed down Trent taught him how to play Cars on the Leapster. That was definitely therapeutic, and I need to find a way to work that into my counseling practice at school. :)
We walked to the mall for ice cream and our wifi fix. Palamang had a blast spinning on the chairs at the internet cafe. Unfortunately, the wifi wasn't really working. We couldn't upload anything, and even mail and facebook kept cutting in and out. I'm desperate to know what's happening with Cathy in Ghana!
After wifi fail we walked up the street to the photo place to get Palamang's passport and immigration photos. His cheerful mood again disappeared when the woman at the photo place spoke to him in Sesotho. At first she thought he didn't speak Sesotho because he was so uncommunicative. He's processing way more than a little boy should have to process.
Then we walked to the church to meet Shelley. BUT Shelley went to Mohokare to pick us up. I totally got our plans screwed up because it makes WAY MORE sense for Shelley to pick us up. Anyway, we sorted it out and met up to cook for and serve local street children. Palamang saw Shelley and freaked again. He associates her with MIS. Trent put him on his shoulders and he did not budge - he stayed there the entire time we served the meal to the kids. (He looks small, but he is solid! Not light at all.)
The kids we served were fascinated with Samantha, especially the 13 and 14 year olds because she's so much taller than all of them. The street children don't even have the small amount of support an orphanage provides. For some, this was their only substantial meal all week. Please don't take your next meal for granted! Thank God for it, and pray for those who are going without. All the children wanted some love and attention. I got mobbed when I started taking pictures.
Palamang pointed and nearly jumped out of the truck when he saw our rondaval. He had a great evening - giggling and laughing and playing ball with Sam. (Seriously, how can I tell them not to play ball in the house? I just want him to play!) And he proved he is a master of the bedtime stall - one more story, one more song, playing "Where's Paul?" with the covers. I know we'll have to show him again and again that we're forever, that we're not going to abandon him. Today he got his first taste of that truth. God promises us that He will never leave us nor forsake us. This is not an easy promise to understand with the best of childhoods, but truly difficult for a child whose biological attachments have been broken. But it's true. God was with Palamang every moment, and God will redeem His hurt. We are blessed to be a tiny part of that redemption.
Blessings,
Trent, Kristi, Sam and Paul
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Yes, yes, yes Kristi! "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3 :-) Healing and binding, yes :-) So fabulous to read your updates!
ReplyDelete