We were making dinner and I (Peggy) made the mistake of trying to get her to change her clothes because the snow pants she had on were way too small and pulling on her shoulders and riding up. I showed her the pajama pants and she shook her head yes and let me help her change and then immediately changed her mind and wanted her old clothes back on. She quickly got them back on and then went into the kitchen and started to cry. I held her and she just kept saying she wanted to go back with the other children. She wanted us to call the taksi to take her back. So we called Elona and asked her to talk with Akvila and try to calm her down and that if she really wanted to go back we would take her. So after a few minutes she got her boots and coat on and was ready to go out the door, but not without her Disney Princess backpack we got her. I think she thought I was going to take it away because I looked inside to see what she had brought with her. I reassured her that it was hers and then she gave grandma a hug and we went outside to meet the taksi. She was using the flashlight we brought her and continued to have it on inside the dark taksi while we drove back. I think she blinded the driver more than a few times and we apologized to him but he said no problem.
When we got there we took her inside and went up to her group and she had us help her change out of her snow pants and in to her skirt, and then she went into the children's playroom and was happy back at home. It broke our hearts a little to have to take her back but it was the first time she had been outside the orphanage other than for doctors and such. I imagine its like any other child leaving home to spend the night without their parents for the first time, they usually change their mind and call to come home.
Akvila wants us to come back tomorrow so we hope she will be willing to come and spend the day with us at the apartment and around town rather than us having to just visit for a few hours at the orphanage. But we will leave that up to her.
Aww! I know it hurt to have to take her back. That was a big step for her though. I have faith that she will soon feel just as comfortable with you guys. I know this has been a hard road, but it is worth every minute when you get to spend time with her now in person.
ReplyDeleteOh guys.... I am so sorry! I am sure she just got scared... like you said Peggy.... all kids the first time away get scared and want to go back to what is familiar. She wanted to see you the next day... so that was very positive. I think that would be fun to take her to see the town where she has been living!
ReplyDeleteFrom the pictures when you all were playing... she looked very comfortable and was laughing and playing with all of you!
Wishing you a better day... but it really is going to be one day at a time.
Love you all~~