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AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE |
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Shayson and his new sister becoming fast friends |
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Shayson has been home with his adopted family for a little over two months. Here his parents, Gregg and Tammy, share a little about their adoption experience and how he is doing since coming home.
After what seemed an eternity of waiting (but was only 20 months from when we were matched), we made our second trip to Haiti on April 3, 2008, to bring our son Shayson Charles Savage home. Upon arriving in Haiti we headed directly for the Crèche. Having traveled to visit Shayson in October 2007, we had seen Haiti before but we doubt that we could really ever get used to the depravation of this impoverished country. As we had been before, we were deeply touched by the strength of the human will found in the Haitian people. Our hope is that we can somehow help Shayson maintain the strength of his heritage. We spent a day at the Crèche before leaving for home. Based on both our time at Crèche and from the development of Shayson since coming home, it is clear that amazing things are accomplished at the Crèche.
We also had the unique experience of meeting Shayson's natural mother, father, younger sister and grandmother. They had asked to meet us and so we visited with them for about 90 minutes before heading to airport. Given the many ups and downs of the adoption process, the request to meet with Shayson's natural family presented some concerns but was ultimately a great experience. We were able to learn about his natural family and will be able to share some information should he grow curious as he gets older (right now Shayson wants nothing to do Haiti and we have to occasionally assure him he does not have to go back). We were also able to thank them for their willingness to share Shayson with us and give him a life that was otherwise unavailable to him.
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A family photo at his big sister's graduation |
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The plane ride provided some interesting moments as Shayson experienced firsts such as putting an ice cube in his mouth, drinking through a straw and using airplane lavatories. Clearing immigration took what seemed to be another eternity (can anyone explain why there are never enough clerks in government offices?), but as we walked out of the airport in Miami we knew Shayson was finally home. The next day (April 5th) we flew home to Salt Lake City where we were greeted by cold weather and Shayson's five brothers and sisters, his grandparents and one of Gregg's law partners who speaks Haitian Creole. It has been a whirlwind ever since.
Watching Shayson acclimate and adapt to his new surroundings has been an amazing experience. He is constantly on the go as he seeks to experience his new world. His English has developed quickly (thanks largely to the foundation provided at the Crèche) and he wins people over quickly with his charming personality. His health is great. He both annoys and idolizes his older siblings, just as a younger brother should. Watching the developing relationship between him and his sister who is just eight months older has been interesting. We now have some sense of what it is like to have twins but they seem to be good for each other. Having shared most of his life with sixty or so other kids, we think Shayson would go stir crazy in a home without brothers and sisters.
Shayson attends an ESL preschool and church every week. Now that summer has finally found Utah, he is constantly outside playing with the neighborhood kids. He rides his scooter and bike as though he had been born on them. He seems to have no fear and has learned to do flips on the trampoline and taken to swimming like a fish. We are sure there will yet be more challenges, but we know that Shayson is truly home and part of our forever family. |
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Isn't he adorable? |
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JUNE MEXICO REPORT |
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Diane's smile says it all |
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Thank you to all of the volunteers who participated in our most recent work project to Mexico. It is always wonderful to hear you say you can't wait to return on a future trip. On this project we were able to lay around 400 cinder blocks, paint several rooms in various buildings, build and hang some doors, and bring food and other needed supplies to various orphanages in Baja California.
Playing with the children at the orphanages is always the highlight of these trips and, when they weren't working, most volunteers spent every spare moment playing with the kids. In future newsletters we will highlight stories and experiences of individuals who have volunteered on a work project. So if you have a story to share, whether in Haiti or Mexico, please email it to us! |
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