Day 8: We Celebrated with Cake

We went and visited again today.  Charlie was pretty indifferent and uninterested.  We brought all of our toys today since this was going to be the last visit and told him he could take them with him.  He ended the visit early by packing up what he wanted (which wasn't much) and then told us to call the nanny.  He did give us a each a big hug and kiss as he left so we ended on a good note.  Our biggest concern today was that, without our facilitator, Charlie wouldn't understand why we weren't showing up anymore.  We had planned to address this with our facilitator when we spoke to him later.  The orphanage, however, had already considered this and called to say they wanted our facilitator to bring us back so that we could tell Charlie what was happening.

I cannot begin to tell you how happy this makes me.  The orphanage didn't have to care.  But they do.  I honestly feel like they do.  I know that nothing can take the place of a family but if I have to leave Charlie somewhere until we can get him home to his family, I'm glad it is this place.  He isn't tied to a bed.  He isn't malnourished, beaten or drugged.  Most of the fears I had going into this have thus far been unfounded and for that I am thankful.

All our bags are packed and we are ready to go.  Eager to head home but sad to say goodbye, even though we know it is only temporary.  We made one last stop at the grocery store to pick up supplies for our last homemade meal and, on an impulse, decided to top off the festivities with cake.  =)

We thank you so much, U, for your hospitality.  We'll see you again soon.