Friday, November 30, 2007

Gotcha!!!!

I am posting right now with Henry Davis safe in my arms!!!! Praise the Lord!



We went to see Alma, the Consular, this afternoon. Everything went well. We rode there with Rita, Henry's birthmom. She was very quiet and didn't say much to us on the way there. After we were done, she just asked "please take care of him and send pictures". We assured her that we would definitely send pictures and gave her the 2 pictures we had printed for her and told her to check Acres of Hope for more coming. We also gave her the Africa necklace that we had gotten for her (just like Greg gave me). We also told her that we will love him very much, that he will go to school and university and that he has lots of family waiting for him. We assured her that he will have clean water to drink and food to eat and good doctors to take care of him. I basically cried my way through her appointment with Alma.




After that, we headed to the orphanage to pick him up!! We were thrilled.



At this point, I need to tell you something that I haven't posted yet. We flew here with Donna (our old adoption coordinator). She had some meetings with a new adoption agency and we wanted to spend our time in Liberia wisely by checking out every humanitarian effort possible and wanted someone with us who knew Liberia and who was interested in brainstorming ways to help! Sorry that I've referred to her as "my travel companion", but we were in fear of what the founder of the agency would do if she found out Donna was going with us and we did not want to say anything to jeopardize our son!



Back to the story. We arrived at the baby orphanage and Donna followed us in with our video camera. We were VERY careful to only video our son (for some reason, AoH does not allow you to ask kids names or take pictures of them at the orphanage. . .it's a rule that makes no sense, but we were obeying it. . .mostly, I slipped and asked little Tina what her name was. ) We arrived in his room and all of the children were completely naked!!! They were taking turns having baths in a plastic bowl in the middle of the room. We went in and met our little naked boy! He was a bit nervous, but let me hug him and kept looking up at his new Daddy! We then went to dress him in the new clothes we had brought him. It was at this point that our "gotcha day" was disappointing. Richard, the man who runs the guesthouse, showed up at the orphanage and demanded (in a VERY harsh tone) to turn ALL cameras off. He was incredibly rude. . .right in the middle of us meeting our son! We told him that we were only taping our son and we knew the rules completely. He fumed about and glared at us and went outside and yelled at another staff member. He was obviously upset to see Donna (although she left with a willing heart to help both families and the new staff). He also seemed quite upset at us that we had chosen to stay at a hotel instead of his house. It was very upsetting. I have envisioned my "gotcha day" for many years and it never included someone yelling at us. Boy, am I glad we didn't stay at that guys house! Instead we have gotten to witness many parts of our son's homeland. We went to RockHill today (I'll post on that later b/c it was pretty much life changing) and are going into the Bush tomorrow. I LOVE Liberia! I have loved exploring and falling in love with my boy's place of birth. Ok, back to the story again. We basically left the orphanage after 5 minutes. We didn't get to stay and let him get accustomed to us before leaving with him or let him have long goodbyes with his buddies. . or even explore what has been his home for the past months. . .I am hoping that the staff can figure out a way for us to go back and explore later this week.



But, with all of that said, I am still so glad I came and have him with me! I am so thankful to have Henry Davis in my arms!!! He is here. . .It's finally happened. He just fell asleep in my arms! Praise God Almighty!!! I so felt your prayers today! Thank you for praying and caring and loving us! We are so incredibly grateful. Our son is here!!! I can't wait to step off the plane and introduce you to him. . .but, for now. . pictures will have to do!


By the way, He is super cute! He hasn't said a word yet, but I did get a smile and a tiny giggle when tickling him on his tummy. He is holding 2 cars now and I made sure to introduce him to a Diego figure! He is tiny. Definitely more 12-18 month size instead of 18-24! I hope I have enough outfits for him! Now for the pictures that I know you've been clicking and re-clicking my blog for (mom!)
Greg and I with Rita, Henry's birthmom and Gifty his aunt

Our first picture together! (We have video we'll post when we get home!)
Ok, I'm totally crying here which is why I look so weird!

Us, with Henry's sweet nanny! (I'll find out her name later. . I was a little put off b/c of the guy freaking out She was so sweet, singing to him about missing him!)

Isn't she so sweet! You can tell by her smile! I said thank you and she said that she was working for the Lord!

Greg's first picture! We left in such a hurry that we didn't get one photo of him first meeting Henry!

Aren't they cute?!

The Drive back to the hotel. No, Liberia does not have carseats!


Love you guys! Thank you for praising the LORD with us! We are so excited!!









40 comments:

Unknown said...

Yeah!!! He is so sweet!

Anonymous said...

Not fair Brandi! I shouldn't be weeping like a girl on a Friday afternoon...thanks a lot.
Start preparing Davis now, youth group is not that many years away.
Love you guys, have a safe trip home...we can't wait to meet Davis.
(do I get to give him a nickname?)

Just A Family said...

Oh I'm so happy happy happy.
Rob

carrielkg said...

WOW!!! ahhhhh - that is the sound of me exhaling - I didn't realize that I had been holding my breath until now! We are all rejoicing with you and can't wait until you are home.

Anonymous said...

Yeah!!! I am sooooo happy for you! can't wait to see more pictures.

-Taylor :o)

Anonymous said...

O.K. I am weeping like a girl, too...oh, wait I am a girl. He is so adorable. Can not wait to meet him. It was so weird, I was coming back from a doctor's appt. and all-of-a-sudden God brought you to my mind and within 30 minutes your mom called and said you had him. Praise be to our wonderful God!! Will be praying for the rest of your time. And by the way this is my first ever blog...it would take a beautiful boy from Africa for me to get involved.
We love you, Lisa

Jackie Sue said...

wow...just wow! always gets me how God does the impossible just for us....amazing...i'm weeping like Chip, but since I'm a girl, its perfectly fine :)love you and praying you home

Cassie - Homeschooling Four said...

So, I guess crying is the thing to do right now. I am right there with everyone else. Congratulations!! I'm sorry the gotcha experience wasn't everything you had hoped for, but you'll forget all about that part soon.
Thank you for all the detail. I feel like I am there with you! Love ya!!

missy said...

LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT. YIPPEEE!!
What a bittersweet day. You're right, it should have been different, but at least you finally have your precious, precious little boy. I am so happy for you sweet Brandi. Love, Missy

Anonymous said...

I am sooo happy for you guys I feel like I have been holding my breath all day waiting for this announcement...Not crying but definately misting a little. The other thought that keeps going through my head is-I sure hope he likes Chik Fil A --Andrea

Anonymous said...

Oh...there just aren't any words to describe how happy I am for you guys. I could just see the joy in his nanny's face! Congratulations. Enjoy your new son in his homeland. I hope he can open up and share these precious moments with you while he is still there. Tears, smiles and joy from Denise and Holden!

Anonymous said...

Wow! I am crying at work and the people around me are thinking "what is wrong with Christina today?" I'm so stinkin' moved right now and can't wait to meet him! Congratulations to both of you!!!

Anonymous said...

I've been a little out of touch since starting school, but saw your MySpace Bulliten... Congratulations! I can't wait to meet him!

Jeremy and Kamina Johnson said...

CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Art Teacher said...

Brandi and Greg....Congratulations! I've been reading everyday and I can't believe how God has worked everything out for you all so beautifully...actually I can b/c He is a very good God! I cried when I read today's post. I am so happy that you have your new son. I can't wait to meet Henry Davis just as soon as I can. Love you Guys!

Anonymous said...

So thankful with you! Love u, dEnise

melmac said...

Congratulations to both of you! I am loving being a blog lurker and watching the story unfold. Praying for all three of your as you transition.

Lindsey said...

i started off with misting...then crying...then almost sobbing/laughing. i'm so, sooo, so happy for you.

Welcome to Jen said...

HOW WONDERFUL!!! He is so cute. I am SO happy for you guys. You did it....YEAH!


Luv ya,

Jen ;)

Taylor said...

How did it feel waking up next to your baby boy???
Thinking of you often and I can't wait to talk to ya sister...

love,Rob

running shoes said...

Oh man! I am so happy for you all. Crying, trying to read through the tears, praying for you as I type. God is so so GOOD! He is in the very midst of you all and all those in Liberia.
Love, Jen (the one in OH)

Kristen said...

Ok ok I'm crying too--that happens regularly :)...my heart is filled with joy. I CANNOT WAIT TO MEET Mr. Davis McElheny.
Love him already--the Lord is so faithful.

Largaespada Family said...

I can't stop smiling and the chill bumps just won't go away. Congrats!!!!! Davis is absolutely adorable. He's going to have such a fun time in the McElheny house! Love you and can't wait to meet him! I will be flying home from my mom's the same night that you come in. I might have to send Jarrett and the kids home and hang out at the aiport for you! AHHH!! So exciting!

Jaime (Larg...)

Anonymous said...

I know I cannot fathom what you are experiencing right now. Wow! This is so wonderful! I love you guys! This is only the beginning of so much for you. I know Henry Davis is not the only person that will be affected by your love - it is going to continue to reach out over so many in Liberia and back here at home. Amazing!

Kari said...

Yeah! I couldn't help but cry through reading your blog. What a sweet gift to give Davis' birth mom. I showed Graham the pictures and he was so excited. He said "so can we meet him now?" He is anxious just as we are. CONGRATS and we love you.

Kari said...

Yeah! I couldn't help but cry through reading your blog. What a sweet gift to give Davis' birth mom. I showed Graham the pictures and he was so excited. He said "so can we meet him now?" He is anxious just as we are. CONGRATS and we love you.

Jaciromer said...

Congratulations! We are so excited about Davis be with his new family. Prayers for all of you as you get acquainted. Mia was excited to see Davis too! She said "more more pictures". So bring them on!
Love, Jaci for all the Romer's

Anonymous said...

We're rejoicing with you! Thanks for sharing your journey with us and we can't wait to meet Davis!

Love,
The Mascias

Anonymous said...

congratulations, brandi and greg!! it's so awesome to have been reading your blogs and experiencing this amazing blessing in your lives!!
jacqueline

Anonymous said...

Yeah! I am so happy for you! I was in tears reading. I pray for a safe trip home. Love you guys
Becky Stento

Laura said...

ok come home now:)

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to hear how he's adjusting and how your first day with your new son is going. I'll keep checking for an update. Still praying and praising God for your blessing!
Denise in Orlando

Kelly said...

I'm so excited for you and can't wait to meet Davis! I'm praying for a safe, easy trip back for you. Praise God for who He is and His provision in your journey. He's amazing!

Sarah Pete said...

He is precious! I'm so happy for you guys! Congratulations!!

Anonymous said...

How wonderful to experience the love of God with you as we read your blog! Praise God for His provision and leading in your life!

You have been in our prayers. We look forward to hearing more.

God bless,
Dave & Margie

Anonymous said...

We are so happy for you and are praying for a safe trip home. GOD IS GOOD!!!
Kim Solomon & family

Jamie said...

CONGRATS, BRANDI!!! Now, as someone who was bouncing along over those roads with my own baby boy just a few days ago, let me say in my most motherly tone, "At least carry him in the back seat, okay?" ;0) Can't wait for MORE PICS!!
Love,
Jamie Z. :0)

Erin said...

ok, i'm sitting in the internet cafe holding MY kids, reading about what you blogged while you were holding YOUR son.... God is beautiful. Can't wait until we're all on another continent safe and sound! Love y'all!

Tessa said...

Oh Brandi!
Such an incredible story. I just read it all now...(I've been playing catch up because Laura told me it was a must do!)
I love all of the stories and pictures you guys have up on here.
Congratulations! I am so happy for you and for what God is doing in and through you both. I cannot wait to see your cute new son.
I'll be praying for you.
Love, Tessa

Kristen Howerton said...

Brandi, I just found your blog and I've enjoyed reading through it. I also have a 3-year-old boy, and an almost 2-year-old girl at home, and an almost-2-year-old boy in Haiti who I hope will come home soon. I was struck by your gotcha day story. Some of your disappointments were very similiar to another couple we know who adopted from AoH. How sad. I am glad your son is home with you now!