After our breakfast, we took the bumpy drive to the U.S. Embassy. Traffic was very busy and it took about an hour to get there. Elsa seemed very serious during the ride, I wondered what she must have been thinking as we drove away. Her experience in cars so far has been to go to the doctor, mainly. I asked Wass, our driver, to tell Elsa it was going to be ok. She listened intently as he spoke so I am grateful that he could help ease any of her concerns. She eventually dozed off in my arms.
Once we arrived at the Embassy, we entered a room where about 80 people were waiting. Most of them were Ethiopian. I happened to sit next to a woman with a thick North Carolina accent. She was working to help three teenage Ethiopian boys get there Student Visa's. The boys already had host families lined up in the states. What a wonderful opportunity for them.
The waiting area was very much like a DMV. For whatever reason (maybe because we are already US citizens?) we were called fairly quickly to be interviewed.
During our interview the electricity went out, ha. We were essentially asked by our interviewer to verify the information surrounding the circumstances of Elsa's relinquishment. Then we received her birth certificate, and some other important documentation. Elsa's VISA will be ready for pickup on Wednesday before we fly home.
We drove back to the hotel, ate lunch, then played all afternoon. Elsa is definitely a Daddy's girl, and she loves to have him carry her around. She had lots of giggles today and even started warming up to the hotel staff with a game of hide-and-seek.
When it was time to go upstairs and take a nap, we had a bit of a struggle. Elsa wanted to play still, and would have none of it when it came to sleeping! This is also around the first time I noticed some of her grieving coming out.....
For about half an hour she cried. She didn't want to be held by either of us, it was very sad. She cried deep long sobs, I almost lost it with her but I knew that wouldn't help. I just rubbed her back and offered what comfort I could. She eventually let me cuddle her as she fell asleep. I can't imagine how confusing and difficult all this must be for her. I wish that she didn't have to mourn and grieve at all, but I know this is part of our process all-together.
She has been asleep for well over 3 hours now. Our notes talked about what a great sleeper she is! At least someone in our family is. Here's hoping she does well on that airplane ride home Wednesday.
Praying that sweet heart does well while heading home and that He continues to give you the wisdom for just what she needs. He is faithful.
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