Our Adoption Adventure

He is in Liberia

James landed in Liberia about 2 1/2 hours ago.  He had a much better flight from Brussels to Monrovia than he had from JFK to Brussels.  He got about 4 hrs sleep on the flight feeling alot more human now. 

When he called me the first time he had just gotten to the guest house.  They were laying out a bunch of food for him so he had to go.  He called back about a half hour later and we were able to talk for quite some time.  He said the trip through the Monrovia airport went so smoothly.  One of the adoption workers had sent an airport employee in to meet him at baggage claim.  They were able to negotiate through the airport and security with no problems.  The adoption worker, a driver named Dixie and several others meet him outside and helped him get his luggage loaded in the car.  The driver went to a type of store? and got James some SIM cards for his phone.  Then they headed to the guest house.  They would have had to stop at the embassy and register James but he had done it online before he left so that saved some time. 

He said the guest house is in a gated area.  When they arrived the driver got out and flashed a flashlight at the gate several times and the gate was opened.  It was dark at the guest house and several people were in the house waiting for them using flashlights.  Once he got there they started the generator and said it will be running until 1:00 am then it will be turned off and there will be no lights or fans. 

There was quite a spread of food layed out for him which he shared with the others there.  He said they wouldn't let him take his dishes to the sink which was only a few feet away.  He felt  bad just leaving his dishes there and walking away but didn't want to offend anyone. 

He has had no problem understanding anyone there.  Everyone has been very nice and when I asked him if he felt safe he said he did. 

Tomorrow he will be going to the headquarters to meet with another adoption worker and go over paperwork.  Then he will be headed to the orphanage.  He is planning on having our new friend B. Jones go with him to help him with pictures and handing out letters/packages.  He said he is very excited and a little nervous about seeing the children. 

Neither one of us can believe that in just a few short hours he will be able to see and touch and hug our children.  He will be calling me in the morning Liberian time and then when he gets to the orphanage and I will post updates as soon as I can.

Untitled Comment

8:36 AM, Nov. 26, 2007 .. Posted by Angel Rutledge

Carri,
I'm so glad to here James got there safely and that he is being well taken care of. We experienced the same thing with our dishes. If he persists in helping to clean up, they will not be offended. They just want to do a good job and treat him like a guest. I'm glad to hear they have fans now and the generator is working. We will be praying for continued safety and health.
Blessings!

Yay!

9:42 AM, Nov. 26, 2007 .. Posted by Anonymous

I am so excited for you all. It seems like yesterday that Chad was getting ready to meet our children for the first time. I pray he has a blessed trip. My children say your children are awesome. You are in for a great adventure! Candice