Olivia Ruth Bickel
Well, we finally got to meet Olivia in person today. We started out the day with a meeting of about 9 families picking up children. Some of them had >10 children, one family was picking up #18!! We felt like rookies with only 3 kids so far! After the meetings and some lunch, we arrived at the Civil Affairs office to pick Olivia up. They just call your name and bring your child out in the middle of a lobby. So there are people everywhere with kids screaming, camera flashes going off, basically total chaos! When it was our turn, Olivia came out looking very timid and shy and then when they gave her to us, she had a total meltdown...cried for about 90 minutes. We tried everything to distract her, the other kids tried as well, but she simply could not be consoled. Elise got a little emotional and Olivia noticed that and started to calm down a bit and eventually made a little connection with Elise. When we finally moved out of that room and started to head back to the hotel, she calmed down. We showed her around the room, the kids tried to get her to play some games, but she was in a bit of shock and "shutting down". During dinner, Scott got a half smile out of her, Nanette gave her a shower, and she seemed to be relaxing a bit. We have no idea what to expect tonight, but wouldn't be surprised if she woke up screaming at 2am or slept until 9...who knows! Thanks everyone for your prayers and support, please keep them coming.
Busride back to the hotel...3 Bickel girls.
love you guys! praying for a smooth day and for reliance on God tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteSo excited there is one less. She is precious indeed. Kinley was 3.5 when we met her in April. She cried in the Civil Affairs office but was consoled (=distracted) with a few smiles before we left. Our time in China was pretty smooth. It was upon returning home that our chaos began with fear, and meltdowns and several months of big adjustments for all of us. We have pondered if it might have been easier in a way if she had gone through some of those challenges while in China. We'll never know. However, 7 months as a family and she is growing as a secure and loved member of this family. Just wanting to send encouragement during this challenging time. For what it's worth, I think the children are cared for well in their specific SWI. I know some children cling to their new families as they recognize they have been saved. Kind of a mixed blessing to have come from a loving SWI for our sweeties. Anxious to follow your journey ! And congrats once again.
ReplyDelete