Great Mom Day

Today was a pretty cool day for a mom trying to parent across the ocean. On Sunday, Stephanie had her First Communion. Rakieta was invited over to spend the weekend. Now this was a major effort for both families in a country where women routinely are very jealous of one another due to all the wives having to share husbands and resources in a country with so little.

But because of all the communication back and forth it was successful. Rakieta was able to tell us more about Delilah and Stephanie which was great for us and also there is something pretty cool going on. There is a sense of contentment among all the kids, but especially with Rakieta. She seems truly happy. The girls laughed and played and asked Rakieta lots of questions about us. Now Rakieta wants to invite Delilah and Stephanie to stay at her home for a sleepover.

Also something else remarkable happened. Rakieta will not speak French usually. She is very intimidated by her lack of formal education in Burkina and she knows she doesn't speak it well. Usually she refuses to speak French. (This may have partially led to her visa refusal) I asked her how she talked to the girls who do not speak the same tribal dialect as Rakieta. She said. " I do it by myself. I say to the girls. Don't laugh at my French. Just correct me." Evidently that plan worked for everyone and they had a great time.

They all understand that they are sisters through us and it appears to be a good thing for everyone. Rakieta can help them know us like she does. This is very good for her. She can give extra love to Delilah and Stephanie, who as orphans, really do need it. That is good for them.

I have been invited to contribute to a book about the culture shock of children coming into this country from the 3rd world. So I finished today and I discussed it with Rakieta. She kept telling me which stories to put in. Luckily I had all the ones she thought were important. She was so tickled and happy when we hung up.

After things quieted down and I was alone outside working on the garden it dawned on me how we had reached such great milestones. After all the suffering on everyone's part for so long, it makes my soul feel so good to see where the girls, their families and our family finally are.
This has been a great Mom day indeed.