“It will change you…”

First, I would encourage any of you following the blog to view a video about Solace for the Children at the site below, if you have not already seen it – the video provides a great glimpse into what this program is all about:
http://www.solaceforthechildren.org/press_video.html.

Question of the day – How comfortable are Afghans with goo in the refrigerator? Sara and I pondered this question last night, as we debated which one of us would be cleaning up the strange goo which was visible at the bottom of one of the produce bins in our refrigerator. We thought the goo might freak out Sahar, and so I ended up cleaning it…

Also last night, I sat in our family room, contemplating the fact that, if all goes as planned, Sahar would be sleeping under our roof in less than 48 hours now. (Well, I hope she will be sleeping…I am, admittedly, a little nervous about potential disruptions in our routines [i.e., sleep]). The anticipated arrival time for the Solace children is tomorrow (Wednesday) morning, around 10:15 AM Eastern Time at Jacksonville airport. Yesterday afternoon, we hosted a get-together at our home, where many of the host families came together to make “welcome” signs for our airport greeting. Of course, we fully realize the Afghan children will not be able to read our festive “welcome” signs, written in the English language, but surely the general spectacle will get their attention and convey our excitement.

When Patsy Wilson, the Executive Director of Solace, visited our home a few months ago, we discussed our family’s decision to participate in this program, and I vividly remember Patsy saying, “It will change you forever…” At this point, I wonder just how this experience will change our family. What’s amazing, though, is the impact the experience is already having upon our family… Our children have already had their minds opened to the reality of a world starkly different from their everyday existence – undoubtedly, a privileged existence. I have enjoyed some priceless conversations in the car with William recently, about orphanages and about life in Afghanistan. We recently heard from Caroline’s 3rd grade teacher about just how much Caroline has been thinking about this adventure – it’s been the topic of her journals and many conversations in recent months.

As for our anticipated schedule in the coming days… We expect that Sahar and the other children will arrive exhausted, and in need of sleep. Then, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday the children will then begin the process of complete dental, optical, and medical screenings. We’re quite excited about having one of the interpreters to our home for dinner on Friday evening – this will be our first opportunity to attempt a legitimate “conversation” of sorts with Sahar. There is so much we will want to know about her…her background, her daily life, her initial impressions of life with our family, etc.

We anticipate the Afghan children will arrive with very little in the way of luggage and possessions… So, Sara and Caroline have already been clothes shopping for Sahar, simply guessing her size from the one snapshot photo of her we currently have. Dorothy (Sara’s mom) is ready and on-call Wednesday, to make a run to Target, in the event we have guessed incorrectly her size.

As you are reading this, the 16 Afghan children and 2 interpreters have already begun their journey to America. Please hold these children and the interpreters close in prayer, as well as the families here who anxiously await their arrival. Much more to come soon…

Bryan