Day Two

Today when we drove in through the gate the kids were outside playing everywhere. We spotted Kasech right away. She was smiling ear to ear when she saw it was us. Never mind that all the kids were yelling to Kasech that we were there. After Jeff & Kasech had their usual 45 minute playtime of Hide-n-Seek, Throwing Kasech in the air, Riding on his shoulders and jumping they finally came outside and we played ball for the rest of the morning. She really does well throwing, catching and kicking the ball. We are working through the communication barrier fairly well. Kasech would stop from throwing the ball and show me how she wanted me to hold my hands. And she would not throw the ball until I had my hands cupped and together in order to catch the ball. When we were done playing ball we went in the house, Kasech was suddenly very tired and I got about 1/2 hour of snuggle time before lunch. The nanny came into our room twice to tell me that it was time for Kasech's lunch. I really didn't want to give her up so finally the nanny came in and took her from me. We said goodbye to her. She was upset we were leaving. It is very hard to leave her but we are trying to be careful to not be there all day since we have to go to Sidama to meet her birth family all day Tuesday and half day Wednesday. It is going to be hard to leave her but I know the trip to Sidama is important and required. Our driver, Yonas, was there and he took us to the market to do a little bit of shopping. He knew right where to take us. We were able to buy some jewelry and a few other goodies to put away for Kasech for special holidays over the years.

We went back to see Kasech at 5:30 PM. Once again the kids were all outside playing. When we got out of the car we were surrounded by all the kids wanting hugs and to be picked up. It is so amazing how warm and affectionate all these kids are. They love to hold your hand or be next to you and be held all the time. Beside getting Kasech, this is one of our favorite things about visiting Horizon House. What a warm welcome we get every time. We hugged them all while scanning the play area for Kasech but she wasn't there. The nanny said she was inside. We went in the house and were looking all around for her. When walking down the hallway towards a small living room we could hear her giggling really hard. She was hiding on us. She is so funny. Her Hide-n-Seek game is more like Hide-n-Go-Seek The Giggle. After hugs and kisses we showed her the picture book we brought to show her birth family. She giggled really hard when she saw Duncan and Douglas pictures. I think she is excited to meet them. She took the picture book and ran outside to show all of the kids and the nannies. It seemed like she was worried about when we were going to leave and was very clingy all night. Jeff was rubbing her leg while she was sitting on his lap. When Jeff stopped she grabbed his hand and started moving it back & forth. She didn't want him to stop. She was either on our laps or we held her all the way until dinnertime. (See dinnertime post and pictures). After dinner she was really acting sad and tired. After getting cleaned up in the bathroom with Jeff she walked into the guest room where I was and I held her until we left. She was actually falling asleep in my arms. How Awesome! It was a moment I have been waiting for many years. I got to sing a lullaby and rock her until she fell asleep.