It's a Marathon, not a Sprint

Knocking over stacking cups is hilarious!

It's only been a few days since we've had Elise, but overall, our time together as gone very well. We are thankful! Many families pick up children that are so traumatized that they won't or can't eat, sleep, be held or consoled.  Elise has been so agreeable, eats well, smiles, talks, laughs with us and generally goes with the flow.  

We've had a busy few days though. The day after picking up Elise, we went back to the Adoption Affairs office to be interviewed and fill out paperwork. The next day we took her to complete her medical exam and to the police station to apply for her passport.  Wednesday, we explored the local street markets for hours. We started to take for granted that she is very laid back and because we have no outward signs of major issues, that she is processing her life changes well.

Having cookies at our hotel.

Then came Wednesday night. In the only way Elise knows how, she told us to slow down. It took 3 hours to get her to bed.  She wasn't throwing a tantrum or even crying, just being playful, talking to herself, flopping her legs and arms, re situating herself again and again.  Her babbling and talking became louder, her movements more frantic.  We both were thrown off, a little alarmed.  Dave ended up walking the halls with her at 11 at night to completely tire her out and then held her until she finally went to sleep. 

We were going to visit the local Safari Park on Thursday (a large zoo with white tigers and pandas!), but we canceled our plans.  It was better to spend a quiet day around the island, go for a walk, to the playground, nap, eat and not be over stimulated by new sites, people and experiences.

I think all the changes are just tough for her little brain to process and she needed some down time. It reminds us that this is not an immediate or quick process and we have to pace ourselves. Nobody can adjust and bond in a few days or weeks, this process takes months and years of showing her consistency and commitment. Anyone that runs a long race knows if you start out too fast in the beginning, you are going to lose steam and not get the results you trained and planned for. 


We are still having a great time getting to know Elise and are enjoying the island and all the people we are meeting, including many other families here getting their children. Thank you for everyone's prayers and support.  We can't wait to get home with her!


Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1

Walking around the island.  

Elise believes in always having a snack with you.

It's somewhat of a traditions for adoptive families
 to take pictures with these statues.

Elise says "meh" to this tradition.

Lucy's has become a regular spot.

Lanterns for the New Year.

Scorpions at the local market, good for soup.

Many birds for sale.

More scorpions and turtles for soup. 

In case you can't make it to this McDonald's.

Turn around and you can go to this one! 
Disclaimer: We did not go to either McDonald's.

Tai Chi at the park. 

Pedestrian street in GZ.

Lanterns for Chinese New Year.