I’m sorry I didn’t get the post in yesterday. We arrived in the morning, got Joy in the afternoon, and I just needed to go to bed when the girls did. Its hard to put into words the days events and I know I cant do justice with words. Seeing Joy for the first time was a very wonderful and emotional experience. We were all scared too – including her. We didn’t know how she would receive us. She is shy and hesitant but I think inside there is a little girl that is a real go getter. You can see it in her eyes. We get little glimpse of her personality but for the most part she is very sad. She has had some moments of deep sobbing but has let me hold her and comfort her and that in itself is amazing. She was well cared for at her orphanage and they did a great job preparing her for adoption. She would look at the picture book we sent and then look for that person in the room – so cute. She sat beside me but wasn’t thrilled to be shown any affection. She willingly left the civil affairs office with us without any hesitation or tears. During our travel back to the hotel she did get car sick. We were told of this by her care giver who didn’t know if it was because of the long ride or if this would be something she would have a problem with, since she hasn’t left the orphanage very much.
When we got up to our room, little tears started rolling down her cheek. I picked her up and held her and she just sobbed (Anna and I joined her). It was so hard to see but also we expected it. She has had times of crying but for the most part she is just sad. Daniel started playing with her and having her jump on the bed with him (I know not the smartest thing to do but she loved it) and she started laughing out loud. She really seems to enjoy Daniel the most. It is so cute. And Daniel is so smitten with her – as we all are. She is a very beautiful child and very healthy. She seems to have been taught how to interact with others with kindness and gentleness. She has spoken a few words and has a deep and raspy voice. I don’t know if she has been sick or if this is her normal voice. It is so cute and we all make such a big deal when we hear her say anything. I got her laughing on video but haven’t caught her talking just yet.
For those back home that have prayed for us – THANKYOU!!!! One of the many prayer requests we have had has been for Hope (our 2 year old that we adopted last year – and a bit spoiled). She has done wonderful. I know this is all so new but she has really tried to ‘baby’ Joy. She brings her things and holds her hands out to her like she does to babies so she can hold her. It is so cute. In time she will figure out she is the baby but for now she thinks she is the big girl. When Joy was crying this morning and I was holding her, Hope was a little upset that I couldn’t hold her too but when I told her I would hold her in just a minute, she then held out her hands to Joy and wanted to hold her. It was adorable.
Please keep praying. It is going much better than we had expected but now that this could be a bit of a honeymoon period.
Love, The Oakes Family
September 7, 2006 Gotcha Day!
Our first Glimpse
Gotcha Moment - Giving Joy her doll
Joy with her Daddy
Looking at the boats outside of our window - she loves this
