The question: How could you leave them?

Parents commented before we made the trip, "I don't think I could leave them once I met them!" We have heard this as many times as we have heard, "Why does the adoption process take so long?!" They are fair, but tough, questions/comments. For us, Pierre and Ange-Laurette led the way. They seemed to have a better understanding of the process...of the long time it takes...and of the reasons their birthparents chose adoption for them. We had one sad night where Pierre had a tear running down his cheek before bed. And this photo was taken on the ride back to the orphanage. They kept hoping our answer to "when are you coming back" would change. Many parents would return in June, but we needed to wait until September. As we arrived, Pierre conceded: "Oke. Septanm." They ran inside, with their backpacks filled with enough toys and treats to share with all the kids there. They would be King and Queen for the day, along with the other two families' kids returning. We handed out the purses we had gotten for the nannies there. An interpreter helped us with a conversation with Pierre's birthmother. It was an emotional yet sweet time as we both shared how God had answered our prayers at the same time. We told her, "We love Pierre already." She responded, "I love you already." The kids mingled with their friends and gave quick hugs goodbye.

We held back our tears until the van door closed and we heard the youngest girl crying for her mother, who sat behind us. The trip to the airport was long...and the scenery even harder to watch pass by. But it reminded us exactly WHY we are doing what we are doing...and how life changing this will be for these kids.