Day 3 will be known for 3 things – lice, first African girl
hair experience, and a sad visit.
Lice – Miriam has them and now so do Kerry and I. We didn’t even think to bring some anti-lice
shampoo and treatment with us. My first
visit to the pharmacy and trying to order some treatment while speaking in
French resulted in me buying a very expensive bottle of shampoo that does a
nice job with anti-dandruff but does nothing for lice. Another try at the pharmacy got us the treatment we needed. Chemicals or hot water
are the best ways to kill lice. There is
no hot water in the room so we used a hot pot to boil 1 liter of water of time
to wash our clothes and sheets in a bucket in the shower. The boy scout in me at least helped me
remember to bring a lot of twine that we are using as a clothes line. After our clothes and sheets were treated,
we sprayed the treatment in our hair. We had to leave the treatment in our hair
for 10 minutes and then wash it out with regular shampoo.
First hair experience – Miriam’s hair was fixed in what we
call “poofs” but to apply the anti-lice treatment, we have to wash her
hair. This we is the “royal” we because
Kerry is doing all the work. I am just
watching and taking photos of her.
Before we can wash her hair we have to remove the “poofs” by untying all
the thread that ties up the “poofs”.
Thankfully, Miriam sat very patiently, because this process took over an
hour. Kerry applied enough grease to
Miriam’s hair to rival the Gerry Curl episode in the movie Coming to America
(some of you will get that reference).
Now Miriam has the cutest little afro.
Sad visit – This afternoon the three of us took a ride with
Papa John over to the new orphanage where the kids at ZAPE were moved to. After arriving at the orphanage, Miriam
became very upset and started crying.
She thought we were bringing her back.
How traumatic for our little girl.
Of course, when Miriam started crying, the mother -instinct in Kerry
kicked into overdrive. We left after
just a few photos of her friends and you can believe Kerry and Miriam won’t be
going back again. Once we pulled back into the hotel parking lot, Miriam realized she was staying with us and let out a big laugh. The rest of the afternoon and evening, she has really come out of her shell and is talking and teasing and laughing.
It's the "SOUL GLO..." :) This post made me laugh! So glad you guys are such great sports. And it sounds like you are having some real bonding moments. The shower cap photo is awesome! I am sorry the visit to the orphanage was so traumatic, but it sounds like it confirmed one thing: Miriam is yours and belongs with you! Praise the Lord. We love you guys and are praying for you constantly!
ReplyDeleteWe love reading about your adventures and this one did not disappointed!! Oh wow...Coming to America is one of my favorite movies and I can picture the three of you sitting in the sofa with the Soul-glo!! :) The experience at the orphanage was really sad but at least you know that Miriam has attached to you. Keep making memories that's what is all about. We'll continue to pray for you! <3
ReplyDeleteLove it! Rite of passage- lice! I still remember having lice when I was little. Gotta love it! What a fun bonding experience! The highlight of my day this week is checking in with you guys. Glad things are going well so far. Praying for ya'll!
ReplyDeleteAdrienne
i've had lice 3x. xo. i can give you all the tips you need if you are still fighting it when you get home:)
ReplyDeleteRemembering lice checks at Glennwood and going through all the little heads with the long toothpicks. You never had them at Westchester! But at least you have seen Lice! Keep smiling. Your shower caps trio is a keeper. Helen was excited that Gran Doug helped her with her SS homework & her team en the trial. Love you three! Mom and Dad
ReplyDeleteGod works through the craziness! I can't wait to hear all the lice stories. I am loving the smiles. Praying for you three!
ReplyDeletemiriams reaction is exactly what you'd hope for...that clearly indicates she is beginning to trust & bond to you guys...it is a very hard trip to take your child back to the orphanage but it also helps the children to finalize that they are no long orphans...it's hard to articulate at a young age but believe me they get it. praising God for her smile and how much He has protected her and prepared her for her forever mama and daddy.
ReplyDeleteenjoy every second in miriams country....remember the smells, sounds, colors etc. these will be crucial for her one day.
daily prayers being lifted up to our Heavenly Father for all He has already done.
fyi:l ala in chines means grandma ;)