I think it was only day two as I was walking around the farmstead, enjoying the view, loving time with the children, and I found myself thinking what would it be like to run a home like this.......
Well it wasn't long and I soon found out. And I have to ask, Moms, how do you do it? I found myself fervently asking for God's richest blessings every morning, every drive time, every evening, and every spare moment for the children's protection. And also for Lana's (Director of Open Arms) safe return home following her holiday. At the end of each day, I found myself totally spent, filled with a gratitude for having time with the children and knowing they were all safe.
Most days began around 6.00 and it was nonstop until about 20.00, it was wild! It is not only transporting the children safely to and from school, making sure they had everything they need (lunch, books, jackets, etc.), you are also assisting the house mothers with everything they need - preparing meals, snacks, any needs of the child, etc. Then there are our younger children who are so much fun to just have time with - reading a story, coloring, singing, giving a hug, just playing together. We have contractors working on the property so it is not unusual to have difficulties with our water supply or the need to turn the water off for a period of time, or have your electricity go out. Everything eventually comes back, it just takes some time. Add a few visitors to your day, people inquiring about employment, and your day just flies!
One day little Asanda was scheduled to go to the clinic for her blood work. So after delivering the nine children safely to school, I returned home to pick up Asanda and one of our House Mothers to assist me. Asanda is no bigger than a minute, weighing in at a whopping 10.7 kg, and is just a tiny little mite. And of course, her veins are very tiny and very difficult to find.
After patiently waiting for about 60 minutes, as you just show up and wait your turn, we were finally called. The health care providers know our children and are very good with them. They were happy to see Asanda and especially see her progress as she is gaining weight and doing very well. As the doctor said, "She is thriving at Opens Arms." Well the first doctor patiently worked to find a little vein as Asanda was sitting quietly on the house mother's lap. The doctor tried unsuccessfully two times and could not draw any blood. Asanda screamed loudly however was soon consoled and settled down. Doctor number two was called in (we were told he would be able to draw the necessary blood) and took time to visit with Asanda. He decided it would be best to draw blood from a vein in her neck. Now I was nervous!! Little Asanda was moved to a table and was positioned comfortably on a big pillow. A nurse and our house mother were called over to assist the doctor by holding Asanda down as she could not move. As soon as the doctor inserted the needle, Asanda let out a very loud, very long blood curdling scream! Oh it was so sad! And I am just standing there with tears streaming down my face! It was awful! The Doctor was really very caring and very good, and was successful with one poke of the needle, however it was just traumatic for Asanda and me! She was once again quickly calmed down and was her little self before we returned home. And me, well I just hope I don't have to go through that again any time soon!
As we said good-bye to the doctor and his staff, we had to enter another building to pick up a prescription. While walking through the building, I looked into the waiting room and thought I recognized one of our children! I said to the house mother, "isn't he one of our ours?" And she said, "yes!" We found out that he had gotten ill at school and the school nurse brought him over to the clinic. Our timing couldn't have been better as we were able to get him in to see the doctor and get him feeling better right away!
Never a dull moment! I think I made five trips in and out of town that day! I am pleased to tell you that all children are doing very, very well. And I have finally mastered all 21 names and faces!! It is not quite as easy as having a Mike, John, Mary, Sue or Bob. And I am still working on the house mother's names, doing a little better each day. And of course I have to mention Theodore and Bobby, our dog and cat.
I can't wait to share pictures - hoping to find time at an internet cafe soon - maybe next week. Know we are all well, and I am loving my time with the children.
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