I'm going to make another attempt at a shorter post this time. Nothing too major happened today. We went out for some shopping in some local markets today. Elizabeth (the director of the last orphanage our children were) came along with us to help show us around. We first went to a dress maker so that Jen and Agape could have matching dresses made. Justice and I will also have matching shirts made. From there we went to the "Old Market" as it is known by. Imagine renaissance times with rows of old wooden stands filled with crafts and souvenirs with people yelling at you to buy what they have. We learned that they have no real price for things.
First, they catch your interest, then over charge you, then you barter for the price you want, they fight for a higher price, you start to walk away, finally they agree to your asking price.
If you thought shopping in America could be tiring, this lasted for a few hours. Agape was a champ through this experience, and even started to say "No merci", which is what you say to the vendors when your just trying to walk through.
Agape is following the normal process for an orphan being adopted. She has periods where she is happy, then followed by periods of silence and being withdrawn. Let's not forget upset times. Her preferred method of this is "dead weight with silent treatment". Thank you Lord for her tiny little body. These behaviors are nothing to be concerned with. Agape has had too many years of insecurity and brokenness from not belonging to a family. Now she is a part of one these feelings need to work themselves out, once they are gone you will see a girl who is secure, safe, and knows it. The other major problem is that we've thrown an African girl into an American family. If you are culturally educated at all you'll know that these two make an odd mix.
Some of our biggest joys of the day are watching Agape with the other girls. Seeing them play, sing, talk and laugh together are the sounds of Heaven to us all. The four girls are truly best friends, and we are so thankful to God that He allowed us to be here together with the other two families. Unfortunately, their time together is as short as our time is in the Congo. Once we return to the U.S. we part ways and return to our homes in different parts of the country. This is very troubling for us, because of how attached these girls are.
In talking with one of the mothers today. She joked that three days ago we were perfect strangers, and now we are sort of like family. Wow, talk about an example of adoption revealing God's kingdom on Earth. He has bound together three families who would have never met other wise, and given us an experience together we will never forget. Surely we will keep in touch with our new friends through Skype, Facetime, etc. Thankfully, technology is only making it easier for people to connect.
Another need for prayer is our Exit Process. In order for us to leave the country with Agape, we need Immigrations to write us an "Exit Letter". This has held other families here longer, and we are praying ours is done on time.
Well, another failed attempt at being brief. Anyone who knows me will say that I am not a big talker, and my wife usually is. I guess after 7+ years of marriage you do start to act like each other. Also, Praise the Lord for spell checker tonight. I've totally massacred so many words it's not funny, for me anyway.
Blessings to you all.
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