Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Gotcha!

It's hard to put into words what Leslie and I are feeling right now, but we'll do our best. As it turns out, the Ashraya Children's Home is only a block and a half from our hotel, so after the longest and most anxious hour of our lives, we set out on foot to meet our little boy. We were greeted as we entered and asked to have a seat in the office. While seated there we had several youngsters come up and say hello. They all called me Uncle. Auntie and Uncle are the titles taken by the cargivers at Ashraya. Many of these little ones have never known anything other than that, so they naturally assume that all men are "uncles." After a short wait and a few greatings by other staff members we were asked to remove our shoes and come back into the nursery. And there he was, placed on the mat in the center of the floor with several other children and lots of toys. We had to control ourselves and ease into introducing ourselves to him, but as it turns out, Manu loves everybody and he took to playing with us after only a few minutes. He has the most beautiful smile and cute little laugh. We were told many times by the staff just how loved he is there, and on a couple of occasions, we noticed some of the Aunties crying a little at the thought of him leaving.

After playing for about an hour, he drifted off to sleep in my arms, and we placed him in his crib for a well deserved nap. Usually the children don't nap before lunch, but these were extenuating circumstances! This turned out to be a blessing as it gave us time to play with the other little ones in the room for a while. They are all so cute, and though their circumstances are unfortunate, and a children's home is less than an ideal situation for a child, they are looked after as if they were the Staff's own children. Many special needs abound, but Ashraya finds most of them a loving family somewhere in the world.

Manu awoke at feeding time. One of the aunties brought a bowl of cereal made from a combination of rice, dal, ghee and a small amount of indian spice,plus a sippy-cup of water, and layed it down in front of Leslie. This is when we realized that we were unprepared for the type of food he would already be eating. And though he does take a bottle of milk at night, it's solid food the rest of the time. Guess what we didn't bring? More on that later.

After eating what looked like an insurmountable bowl of food and finishing with a whole cup of water we played for a few minutes more, then put him down again so Leslie and I could get something to eat. On a recommendation from one of the Aunties, we walked about 5 blocks to a vegetarian Indian restaurant. The food was fantastic, and after eating more than we needed, the bill for both came up to 180 Rupees (about 3 and a half dollars.) After lunch we headed back to Ashraya where we played with Manu for the rest of the afternoon. We said goodbye around 4:30pm with plans to be back there at 10:00am tomorrow morning, where we'll play some more and then be given his passport and paperwork to take with us to the Embassy in Delhi. And though we hated to leave him after finally holding him, we understand it's best for his adjustment, and to allow us to recover a bit from a now-severe case of jet-lag.

But before we could rest, we ventured out into the bustling city, risking our lives on several occasions attempting to cross the road (traffic rules here are completely optional apparently, but horns are manditory). We happened upon one of several "pharmacies" that sold boxed infant cereals, formulas and general baby food. And though we got some good ideas for preparing his meals upon returning home, we bought a little of each to get us through the rest of the trip (We found some Lactogen Nancy!)

After that we found an elevated coffee shop and stopped for a cappuccino and watched the hustle and bustle below while reflecting on the days events. The more we think about it, the more emotional we become, as it grows more real in our minds.

14 comments:

  1. he is so cute bet it was hard leaving him there

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  2. I am so thrilled for all three of you! I am having to hold back the tears. Enjoy this special time together! You will surely be in all of our prayers. Janet

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  3. Ok...I admit it...I couldn't hold back the tears!!! I know its been a long & difficult journey, but after seeing my best friend hold that beautiful child I know God couldn't have possibly had any other plan for the (3) of you. As I sit at work reading your post, I am overwhelmed with tears of joy. Thinking of all of you each and every day. Love, Amee

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  4. January 21st will always be a day of remembrance I know. It has been so hard to hold back the tears so I just haven't. It is so great to have Manu in the family and have a great nephew. I have not even met him yet and already love him so much. Love you too Jeff and Leslie.

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  5. He is so,so,so wonderful!!The picture was great,you two looked good together. Dad and I are so happy to see our new grandson in your arms!! Jeff we want to see one of you holding him also.What a wonderful time for our family.When I finely stopped crying and read the blog it made us feel we were there with you.Thanks, Can't wait for more
    info and pictures. we love all three of you.What a wonderful time for you!!

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  6. I am so jealous you got Indian food for $3.50! I am so happy for you guys, you will be wonderful parents. I cant wait to see him. Congratulations! I am excited to read the next entry! -Crystal Sorrell

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  7. So, I called mom to talk about the welcome homeparty for manu and I'll I could hear was sobbing. FINALLY, I got it out of her that you had a pic on the page!!!!! He is so adorable. I JUST CAN'T WAIT TO HOLD HIM!! I am so happy for the whole fam. I'll keep watching and reading. We all love you. keep safe. Love, Jaime,Chris and Haley

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  8. I am so happy for you. I cant wait to hold him he looks so cute. dont forgeet to ge me an indian doll. love haley

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  9. OMG LES!-megan

    I have no 'words', but my heart is FULL. Love, Linda

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  10. We are so happy for you and Jeff. Manu is gorgeous and we can't wait to see him.
    Love Roxzan,Chris,Brook,and Josh

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  11. Congratulations. He is so perfect.We are all so blessed to have this little man. I too am wiping away tears. Love and prayers, Aunt Alice

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  12. You look so happy! Congratulations to you both. Manu is a very lucky little boy.
    Brenda

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  13. Congratulations to all of you!! I am so excited to meet him. He is adorable, the most beautiful eyes... We can't wait until you are all home. Madeline can't wait to meet her new baby cousin.
    Love
    Tara

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  14. oh Leslie, he is adorable. I am so excited for you and Jeff. I can't wait to me him. Reading your blog is so touching. Have a safe trip home.

    April (cousin)

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