Tuesday -Thursday :)

Wow. What a whirlwind this trip has been. Ok we went to the sda on tuesday, with the warning that they may not give us the referrals for both children on the same day. which meant either a day delay or having to take the train out to the children's city to accept one child, then go back to the sda and do it again
:( well luck was on our side and Serge works miracles so they did give us both referrals! But they mentioned that there was a problem with Benji's paperwork, and if it can be fixed they will fix it quickly but if it cant......well then he will be unadoptable! My heart stopped . Not just for us, but for HIM he would live out his life in a very scary place-then cementary (that is exactly how it was explained to me )
2nd lucky break was the paperwork was fixable and cars zoomed all over the city to make it happen ! Amazing folks who work so very hard. From Andrea all the way across the ocean to this team. Dedication.
Wednesday we picked up our referral packet with Lacey and her hubby, after having lunch with Becky and her hubby :) So cool to meet so many Reeces Rainbow families bringing home kiddos I have prayed over and advocated for . We took the train wednesday night, thank goodness for Nicko , I wouldnt want to navigate that train station alone..busy busy and people move FAST. Our train car was nice , sleep a few hours but was up for most of the trip.Very loud, rumbling and shakey. Michael took motion sickness meds which were a life saver for him.
Thursday- Bright and early we were met by Fr. Andrew picking us up. From there we dropped our luggage off and zoomed to the orphanage for an 8:30 meeting with the director. She was very sweet and started to cry at the end . She said we made her so happy adopting children with Down syndrome when we have all healthy children because she believes they are angels of love and see's that we do to. It was so nice to see she loves the kids and is so happy to see them go to families.
After our chat, we ran (seriously, have you seen how fast Marina walks? :)  to see BENJI!! My sweet boy peeked out of his room and waved at us, then they told him "mama" and he walked right up to me and wrapped his teeny arms around me. OH MELT MY HEART ! We are so in love. He is tiny, more like a 2-3 yr old. I kissed his cheeks and he smiled and closed his eyes, then leaned in for more kisses. What a sweet baby. The head doctor and the caregiver said he is the most loving special sensitive boy there and they all love him so much. They are so happy he is going home to a family . I gave him his stuffed monkey, he sat it down on the floor and when it fell over he scolded it and sat it back up then patted its head. Too cute. I brought a tiny backpack with little toys, and he quickly unzipped it and sat to play with the cars. When he was done he put them all back in and zipped it up. I left a little plane with him, the cargivers said they would remind him mama and papa gave it to him and are coming back soon.
Then after goodbyes (paka!) we ran thru the rain to Taya's baby house. She was squeaking and fussing when they brought her out, and they said she doesnt like strangers.I could tell her nurse didnt want to let her go, but slowly gave her to me, and as soon as I gave her a baby einstein toy that plays music she smiled and giggled and just played it over and over. Oh she loves kisses on her neck. She laughs then waits for me to do it again :) She is small also, both the kids hair is cut really short :(
But they look healthy just tiny. Benji seems to be developing well but Taya is delayed. I would guess more like a 18 month old then a 4 year old. I was right they did think she had a heart condition at one point but she was cleared of it, due to the rules here they can not remove it from her chart for  4-5 yrs so she is stuck in a low activity /low stimulation group. Its ok I know she will just blossom at home with her siblings. AND Mama and Daddys kisses :)
After quick visits we spent the rest of the day running all over the city doing paperwork. Marina is an amazing little firecracker. She works so very hard, I am in awe of her energy. By 5:30 we were almost falling asleep in the car , so after the last paper was notarized we all went to dinner at a local place and the food was delicious!
Shower and bed for us now. Tried to skype with the kids, but alas the computer isnt on ....again :(
Love you guys! Miss you!! You will love your new baby brother and sister !
pictures later.
Hugs!