Haiti Second Adoption Trip Journal (4/2/13-4/7/13): Thinking of Her on Mother's Day

We walked to the covered pavilion next to the playground.

There she was.  Tall and slender. Hair pulled back. High cheekbones. Dark brown, almond-shaped eyes.

HM and J have her eyes.

We embraced. I didn't want to let go.  I cried as I prayed God would give me words to convey my gratitude, respect, compassion and love for her. That He would anoint our conversation and time together. We pulled chairs up next to hers.  Formed a circle with our translator.

She told us some things she wanted the boys to know about her and their stories. She requested that we have them presented at church. We agreed to share those things with HM and J, to have them dedicated and raise them in the church, and to give them all the love we have.  I promised she will always be honored in our home, that her name will fall lovingly and frequently on our boys’ ears, that they will know of her love for them.

Our time together was precious and sacred.  Most of the details will be kept for our sons and not shared here.  It is our hope that it will not be our only meeting with her.  That it only marks the beginning of a lifelong relationship.

D asked if we could pray with her before she left.  She agreed and he prayed. 

As we walked down the gravel path past the office, our girls unexpectedly ran out to meet us. I introduced her to them. They surprised me (and her, too, I’m sure) by surrounding her with a group hug. I saw a twinkle in her eye when she looked down at K. “Adoption” Beverly said as she put her hand on K’s head. “This is the grace and mercy of God,” our boys’ mother replied. 

We watched her walk to the gate of the village.  I don’t know what her heart was feeling, but I pray she felt a sense of peace. Peace that she will not be forgotten. Peace that her sons will be well cared for and loved. She will always be their mother. The brave, tenacious woman who gave them life. The woman who loved them first, loves them still and will love them always.

In so many ways, our lives couldn’t be more different. Yet I am as intimately connected with her as two women can possibly be. Because of two little boys that are sons to us both.