Returning to the scene....

One month after bringing Levi home with us, I figured it was time to head back to the orphanage for a visit. I had done this with Luke years ago, and was so glad that I did. If you recall (previous blog entry) my only two visits to Levi's orphanage were very traumatic. There was a lot of screaming and there was really no time to look around or chat with the staff. I felt it was necessary to spend some time with the ladies who had so selflessly looked after Levi for so long. Plus, I had a notebook full of questions about Levi relating to his eating habits, sleeping habits and of course, his behaviour.

I have to admit, I was pretty nervous on the long drive out. I was scared he might remember everyone and happily jump into their arms, crying because he missed them so much. Or, more importantly, I wondered if this visit might confuse or traumatize my son in any way.

Once he saw the main gate, he sunk his fingers into me. Knowing this was a key reaction, I breathed a little easier and smiled a little inside.

The main gate at the orphanage....



He walked slowly through the gate then into the main eating/playing area....



His two main caregivers came over to say hello. They tried to pick him up, but he resisted. There was no crying, kicking or screaming - instead, a seriously nasty look with some definite grumbling. It was clear he was not at all impressed (see next photo).....



As I toured the building Levi stood directly behind me (practically ON me) gripping firmly to my pants - one hand digging into each hamstring. The odd time he would poke his head out from between my legs to look around. Frankly, it felt good; like all my hard work had paid off. It was pretty obvious that he was content with me and did not wish to spend too much time at this place.

Here is a group shot with Levi's main caregivers. One day when he returns to Addis, he might want to contact them. From left to right: Marta Tarkiso, Beyenech Belelo, Beletu Asnake. Thank you ladies. Words cannot express my gratitude.



Levi's crib at the orphange....incidently, he now shares a king sized bed with his big brother :)



Luke with Beletu (the director of the orphanage)....



While Levi did not sport a single smile during our short visit, I believe that returning to this scene was the right thing to do. I valued the time I spent with his caregivers and was thankful to have some photos of this small, but critically important, part of his life. I couldn't help but stare at my new son during our visit. His reaction was proof of just how far he had come in one short month. I was proud of my little man - he had moved on, and clearly knew what he wanted. Lucky for us.