First Time for Everything

We have been home for one week and this first week has been full of first time experiences.

In their orphanage they were literally within the four walls of the orphanage all the time. Until three or four years ago they were even tutored inside the walls. But as soon as ebola was cleared out they decided that sending them to school would broaden their experiences. The only outside the walls time they have had is time at school and time at church, so they didn't even have experiences in their own culture.

Firsts in Liberia:

First flush toilets...and why are there so many different types of flush toilet? Every new toilet was a learning experience. The automatic flush toilets in the U.S. Embassy almost caused a streaking incidence because they were so surprised and scared.

Working indoor plumbing. They didn't know how to turn on the faucets because the faucets in their orphanage hadn't worked since before the war and had been removed.

Showers. "Mom, it's raining inside!" They loved the shower because they bathe with a bucket pumped from their outside cistern and a wash cloth at the orphanage. Kumba giggled through the whole thing and refused to get out. Gifty, is my scaredy cat and she refused to put her face under the water and took a 30 second shower the first time. Now, of course, I can't get any of them out.

Their own market place. Not using street markets myself, it was a bit overwhelming, but for the kids who had never been in such a crowded area or seen so many items for sale it was a bit too much.

Grocery stores. They have grocery stores in Liberia but they are relatively new and mostly for foreigners and the wealthy. Just like my other daughters, they asked for everything on the shelves whether they knew what it was or not.

This was the girls' first time in a hair salon (Gifty getting her hair washed in a salon). We went in Liberia for the girls to have their washed and styled because I certainly can't do it yet.

Firsts in Travel:

Airplane ride, of course! They did such a great job with this. The weren't afraid of the plane at all and enjoyed the in-flight entertainment. Kumba called the flight-attendant several times. Again it was the toilet that was daunting...it is so loud and sudden that it frightened them. They were so afraid that they began hiding while I went in to flush it.

Airport. The airport in Amsterdam is like a giant mall and we were in a hurry. All decorated for Christmas and with shiny toys and things for sale they have never imagined, I literally had to drag Kumba through the airport. She was so overwhelmed by all there was to see that her legs just stopped moving.

Straight out of a scene in Elf, the escalators were an airport challenge. Kumba was immediately up for the challenge and loved it. Kai was nervous but made it happen. A flight attendant had to help with Gifty who refused to get on. From that point on we had to take the elevator (which was also a first but they found it amazing that the doors closed to one room and opened to another). Kumba kept begging to go on the moving sidewalks but Gifty flat out would not.

Traffic lights have a running status report. From the backseat we hear the constant, "Green light means go. Yellow means slow. Red light, MOM! Red light, MOM!" Even if it is two blocks away.

Firsts in Oregon (America as they call it):

First puzzles. This was an interesting educational experience. The kids had no idea about problem solving and pattern recognition skills. 

 Playdough! They loved play dough and spent a long time playing with it. They had seen advertisements for it on TV in Liberia but never touched it. We will do this again soon.

 Their first time in a restaurant went much smoother than I anticipated. We went to a local pizza place with an informal setting. They liked the elevated seating but not the pizza. This was also their first experience with cheese and with pizza. Kumba eats anything and ate it right up. Kai will eat anything if you add red pepper flakes to it but Gifty is a picky eater and went hungry for the night.

 This one was a bit of a surprise but it was their first use of scissors! Kai is a lefty and there were no left handed scissors at our craft event so it was a little rough for him. They attempted to make snowflakes but really we just had fun chopping things into bits.

 The much anticipated snow. Here are our first snow angels. They love the snow and have adjusted to the cold remarkably well. One day it was 40 degrees and I had to fight them to keep their coats on. We also had a first snowball fight, first teeny-tiny snowmen, and first snow eating.

 The wagon ride wasn't that big of a hit. This was their first time staying out in the cold for an extended length of time. The seats were cold and so were our bums.

 Craft time was fun and they acted like old pros. The glue stick posed a bit of a surprise for Gifty who thought it was chapstick and liberally applied it.

 Hot cocoa after the snow was a favorite.

 Bike riding was the first thing that they asked for. This is Kumba in the picture who thought it was just okay but Kai was an instant success. He literally could balance, peddle and turn his very first time out.

Four girls in a row with newly painted pink toenails.

Addi's first school performance. This was also our first time out of the house as a family of 7.

The were surprised that we could check out books at the library and take them home with us. We also let them use the computer with a mouse for the first time. They typed all their friends' names from the orphanage and pushed all kinds of random buttons. The mouse was definitely a challenge.

We had to take them to buy snow boots and it will be a long time before I take them all to the store again. They ran wild and took the little girls with them. Luckily there weren't many people in the store.

We saw Santa Claus at an event we attended and they were interested and surprised. They asked many, many questions about him. They are now firm believers and have already sworn they are not going to sleep on Christmas Eve. Gifty asked Santa for a gift. Kai asked for candy. Kumba was too afraid to ask. Addison wants a life-sized princess castle and a $400 princess carriage that she is not going to get. Shiloh wanted nothing to do with him whatsoever.

The bounce house was probably the biggest hit yet. Yesterday it was only 19 degrees at 10:30 am and we needed to get these kids out of the house. So, we braved the bounce house. Kai worked up a sweat and Gifty hasn't laughed so much. Kumba was the quietest of all and spent most of her time throwing balls with Addison. Shiloh was the bravest and we spent most of the time chasing her.

The bath tub is a new playground. If they get bored in the evening, I just run some water and they play in the bath until it is cold then they are clean too.

While a playground is not new, they had one at the orphanage, the twisty slide and the tire swing were. They thought the twisty slide was the best thing since sliced bread and kept trying to explain it to me. Then the saw the tire swing....it was the new sliced bread...Kumba went on it until she got sick to her stomach.

Coming up Next: We are waiting to try the movies and the ice cream parlor and I'm feeling a little anxious about Costco and iPads.

The kids in general are doing great. All the kids are getting along surprisingly well with a few basic sibling rivalries and territorial squabbles. They are used to having little kids around and are kind and helpful with the little girls. The older kids aren't used to being inside and we find that we have to keep them busy or they get hyper and loud. While it took me a long time to adjust to the time difference, the kids were so tired from the travel and new experiences they have slid right into our time.

Kai is getting lessons in wood working. Kumba has fallen in love with milk (only given to babies in Liberia). Gifty eats ice from the ice-maker like crazy (also a rarity because they don't have electricity to keep it frozen).

Liberia loves America

Liberia is a country born of America but I bet until we started this journey you didn't know even where it was. Some of you still don't. Even though you have read the blogs, you never looked. It is a history we should know because we created it and they feel we are still their bigger brother in a sense. I started this journey nearly two years ago it wasn't until we were actually ready to travel that I bothered to learn about where I was going and who I was adopting. I heard on the news a few years ago that Ebola was ravaging an African nation. I felt sad, but I never looked to see even where that was. We talked about it in the US only because we worried that it would travel there. But they are distant, and poor, and there is nothing I can do... Turns out God disagreed. I tell you, though, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would be here myself.

Here it is a country about the size of Ohio in land mass with a population of 4.6 million. The next door neighbors are Sierra Leone and The Ivory Coast. You've heard of them. The coast is beautiful and the palm trees lovely.

A small history so that we all know. (This is the Anna Taylor boiled down version and I hope I get all the facts right.)

Liberia is called such because it means Liberty-an American Heritage. The capital city Monrovia is name after the American president  Monroe. Their flag is our flag with only one star. Their constitution is our constitution with the words Liberia substituted. The currency US in addition to their own. Their current laws-taken directly from US law. Why all this?

In the late 1810's the US had a growing number of freed slaves. Many Americans felt that integration of the two races was impossible and they were concerned about how to manage the growing numbers without discord. So, a group was put together to find a solution and that solution was to allow those who wanted to "return" to Africa (even though many of these were the US born children of slaves and their owners.) They decided to aim to "return" them to Sierra Leone, purchase some land, and allow the blacks to run their own state. The society sent 88 blacks and three white members of the society to establish a location. After meeting resistance from the local chiefs and the death of almost all of the original members from malaria, a new white leader was sent to coerce (by way of gun to the head) to force a chief to sell them the land. Not surprisingly they sold them Liberia. The tribes in the area rejected the "settlers" which they called Congo people not because they were from the Congo but because they landed at the Congo river aperture. To this day they are still called Congo and they are often identified by their lighter skin (mixed with white from America obviously.) The local tribes fought back but the settlers had brought guns and cannons and were able to fortify their city.  Other ships from America with American blacks arrived and the Congo people were able to establish and rule their own state. Around 20,000 came from the US but this was much smaller than the hoped for mass exodus they had anticipated. In order to protect itself from the British and the French who had providences nearby, the US allowed the state to be declared sovereign in the 1840s. They provided minimal support and expected the country to establish its own financial structure.

Until the 1980 the Congo people retained control over the government. In 1980, a military nobody named Samuel Doe from one of the tribes miraculously pulled off a coup and seized control of the government. It seems that Doe had no actual plan or experience and simply all the cards fell into his lap and he liked it. He was not a good leader and the country's financial stability immediately declined. He maintained control by cruelty and fear. So while the native Liberian people finally had control of their own country, it was not a beneficial move. Several years after seizing control, he decided to hold a public election to show he was working towards a democratic nation. He, of course, lost the election and rigged the results. But now his paranoia was more severe and he became worse. His rule was marked by rapes, violent murders, and misuse of government moneys and foreign aid (mostly American).

Several attempts at overthrowing his government failed. In 1989, Charles Taylor, a trained guerrilla, successfully entered Liberia to overthrow the government but succeeded mostly in causing civil war and extreme violence. He trained the infamous child soldiers that he kidnapped from foreign and Liberian families, heavily drugged them, forced them to rape and kill their own family members. In 1990, he killed Samuel Doe and took control of the country. But because the country is formed mostly by ethnic tribes, the country's civil war escalated as they all tried to gain or maintain control over the resources of rubber and diamonds mostly. Charles Taylor succeeded in ending the Civil War in 1997 when he won an election with the slogan, "He killed my ma. He killed my pa. I will vote for him." The idea behind the slogan was that he was the most powerful person in the country and he will kill you otherwise...Additionally, his strength in warfare made him the most capable of keeping the country from continuing the civil war.  But, in 1999 the civil war resumed. In 2003, Charles Taylor was finally put under extreme pressure to resign and fled to Nigeria as a political refuge. He was charged internationally with aiding civil war in Sierra Leon, illegally running arms, and selling blood diamonds. He was never charged with the crimes against humanity in his own country.

It is estimated that between 400,000 and 620,000 people, mostly civilians were killed during this time. The number of rapes, specifically gang rapes, is obviously not recorded but the women repeatedly report that it was common practice among the soldiers both child an not. The saying was women are for raping not killing, so much of that death toll above is men.

The Liberian people feel that their big brother America should have been helping them during this time, but America largely ignored it and even sent arms during some portions. It wasn't until Charles Taylor that they pulled out their arms donations and sent paltry air drops of rice that may have been intended for civilians but was taken by armed soldiers. The only consistent American presence was the presence of Firestone rubber plants who were not involved in aiding anyone. There has been some speculation as to how Firestone has been able to run consistent business in the country but I don't know much about it.

Furthermore, Liberia as well as other West African countries was struck by the ebola virus in 2014. It killed approx 4,500 people and infected around 10,000 in Liberia alone. Sierra Leon and Guinea suffered another approx 5,000 deaths. It cause wide spread fear and panic. Again, Liberia asked where is their best friend America? American did send aid but the Liberians felt it was too late. There was one great benefit of ebola...before the ebola virus there were reported only 50 trained doctors for the entire country of 4.6 million. I don't know the number of actual doctors now but there are many more trained healthcare nurses and workers.

My taxi driver says little babies are born looking at the US dollar and dreaming American dreams. It is my goal to make sure that American babies at least know of their Liberian brother.

Left Behind

You had to know it was coming. It is not possible in my heart of hearts to know that there are children in this orphanage who do not have a family and to not advocate or beg, really, that you take a second look at them and to share their stories so that one day they too go home. Many of the children, especially the babies, have families who are waiting to take them home. I thank God that he has provided for them. But the hearts of His people are closed to the older children and children with special needs. I would like you to see four children in particular. See them with your heart and pray for them, support them financially, and share their story so that near or far the right family will hear God's calling to take them in.

A note before you read, adoption research has repeatedly indicated that grown-up adopted children prefer that their adoptive story and history not be aired piublicly without their permission. This is a little bit of a catch-22 when you are trying to create sympathy but I want each of these kids to own their story and not feel violated when they find it on the internet when they are 20. Instead, I mostly will share who this child is that I met. 

Shadrach age 5 1/2

Shadrach groped his way towards me. As soon as he heard my name he would call out, "Aunty Anna. Aunty Anna," until he found my lap. The second time I came, he knew I was there before I spoke. "Aunty Anna, Aunty Anna" as he pushed his way past the other children to be near. When there was space to sit on my lap he would sit on my legs facing me so that he could feel me better and know my breath and movement. He would defend his position but otherwise seemed content to just listen and enjoy. Later a group of men from Nigeria had heard about Shadrach's stunning singing ability and came to visit the orphanage. Without the nervousness or anxiety that I would feel, he quickly found one man out of 10 that he felt comfortable with. He leaned against his leg and listened. He held his hand then refused to leave.  From what I understand he came from another orphanage who did not treat him well. But that doesn't keep Shadrach from opening up his heart to people. Shadrach is a smart cookie but there is not an available school of the blind for him here. With a little time and investment in his education, I think we would be looking at a future leader.

Emmanuel age 8 approx

It is impossible to miss Emmanuel when you enter the orphanage. He is always, I mean, always smiling and his smile is infectious. Emmanuel, God With Us, moves his chair next to me and asks for his picture to be taken. He was quick to pick up on the idea that the younger children could find a space in my lap, he could find a space in my camera lens. His smile moves from his lips to his mouth and it is clear that this boy really does feel joy deep down that transcends his physical limitations.  He wants to be near and engage with you. One Sunday I visited the orphanage to join them for church. For some reason, that Sunday they did not take Emmanuel and the minute he was aware he was being left behind, he cried. Then I cried. He loves deeply and wants to be loved and included in return. He is a kind, pure soul. The cause of his physical condition is unknown; they suspect a stroke in the womb. While he is leaning forward in this picture he has use of his upper body and arms on one side of his body. He cannot speak clearly with his words but he does speak loudly with his gorgeous eyes. I think (unprofessionally) that with a bit of training in sign language he would be able to communicate well. Emmanuel is also not educated as there are no schools for kids with special needs.

Success age 5 approx

I first encountered Success as he was being carried into physical therapy. At first I thought he was Emmanuel because of those amazing bright eyes and because of his wheel chair. But he quickly distinguished himself as I watched him suffer through physical therapy that clearly stretched his pain. He would grimace and then look to make sure that I was still there near by and just as quickly switch to a smile. He can speak well (in Liberian English) and loves to talk. He is sitting in a wheelchair here but he spends just as much time moving around on the floor. He is thought to have mild cerebral palsy but he does have some limited control over his legs and full upper body control. His neck is stiff but just look at the light in his eyes!! These kids with special needs have an incredible level of patience but need engagement with people and stimulation that just cannot be provided when you never get outside of the four walls of an orphanage. He is not be able to attend school because of his physical limitations but I assure you he is smart.  He has no opportunities here and leaving him in an orphanage with no education and no family to help him just ensures that this promising boy will be a beggar. I can't bear it.

Good NEWS! This child has found a family. I've changed the name and removed the picture to protect the privacy of the family and the child's story. But I wanted to keep the idea to help others see who God has given us a chance to love. I've seen George's picture before. The shy 11 year old whose name appeared on the same list of kids that mine did nearly two years ago. He watches me with a mix of hope and grief. My own kids off playing with others in this awkwardly secure feeling knowing that they have been chosen and are leaving, but George finds openings when I have a free hand or am not carrying a baby and he holds my hand leading me from place to place. At church they wanted to sit me in the front row, but I asked to sit with the children. George asked me in disbelief if I wanted to stay with the kids...translation read in his eyes and emotions, "You find me worthwhile enough to sit with me?" If I could have brought home another child, I would have brought home George. He is an only child and I don't know his history at all but when you meet him you don't care. He is seriously the kindest, sweetest, young man I have ever met. It would break my heart to see such an amazing child left behind to age out of an orphanage.

This is a privately run orphanage and it receives no government assistance. Furthermore, the government knows that this orphanage takes good care of their kids with special needs and so places children here but they do not provide aid for them. Everything from the physical therapy to the rice to the security guards to the clothes are provided for by donors largely from America. Recently the main sponsor organization has withdrawn its support to open another orphanage in Liberia. While I commend what it is doing, there is a big gap to fill.

I feel as if this is the most important of all my blogs and yet I also feels that it conveys so little. God loves these children the same as he loves my children.  Please help these children know that they are not left behind!

Give a one time donation.
Sponsor a child for $40 a month
Pray for them.
Spread their news so that someone will take them home.
Visit them!
Go to: Americans for African Adoptions 

There are many others that I haven't mentioned. So if you know an interested family, have them get in touch with the agency and see the beautiful children I didn't mention.

**I KNOW this blog has major tense shifting issues. I am sorry all my writing and English friends.