The blessing of a stranger

Today we had the first visit with the psychologist who is following the adaptation of Cecilia and also our well being. Everything is going really well. She has a couple of regression symptoms - which is normal and desirable. At the orphanage, as much as the "tias" (aunties) loved those kids, autonomy is encouraged much too early for the sake of anything getting done. Lia fed herself with a spoon, so who knows how much actually went in. She also was put in her crib and was out, cold in minutes and without a word. For the last couple days she has wanted to be held while fed, and complained at being laid down to sleep.

That is all a good sign. Just never thought I'd be saying this...

As I grow used to her little face , her little sounds to communicate, her temperament, life seems more normal.

And then I take her out in the stroller.

I knew my discomfort radar was beeping, but it took me a whole day to put my finger on what was bugging me. Looks. Some people look discretely and look away politely. Some look at her, then up at me, then down at her again. Some can't help themselves and turn their heads as we pass each other in busy down town Lima. One lady in a little convenience store, stopped sweeping the floor to stare at her.

So I didn't leave my fear in Huaraz.

When Lia walked into that orphanage room for the first time, we balked. The pictures we had gotten had been of her looking straight on and did not do justice to the condition of her lips. A picture also can't show how small she really is. REALLY is. We might as well not have been prepared at all. We judge nobody (maybe their manners, but not them)

When we stopped for dinner, Lia started flirting with the restaurant owner who came out to our sidewalk table to talk to her.

"How old is she?"

"She's 2 and 4 months"

"She's a little pepper! Has she had her mouth operated on?"

"Yes, twice, but we're not finished yet."

"Yes, I can see." Then she put her hand on Lia's head

"God bless you, sweetheart. God bless you many times."

Here is something else I was not prepared for. The blessing of that stranger came also upon my head. What Lia needs, God has been providing since her birth. He has been preparing her (really) little heart, and won't quit the job and hand it over to us now. He is the one who will bless her (many times). And I am the lucky tool. Glory to God.

For somebody who likes control, it feels good to have so little.

That's a good sign. Just never thought I'd be saying that...

lp