We tried a new venue out today! We picked the Gaddis crew up nice and early and headed to the American Recreation Association. Keren and Mark said they were heading there today too, so a good time to all meet up and have a nice family day. It was very high security when we entered and everything seemed to be very Americanised. Could only Americans use the venue? We weren't sure, so I hit the mute button and let the Gaddis guys talk on my behalf too. Then busted, we needed photo ID. We were all so quick to hand our passports over, but weren't expecting them to keep them! We also weren't allowed to take photos, so unless I can steal any of the sneaky ones Keren or Nathan took, we don't have any.
All I can say is Lutaaya Deborah has spent almost the full day in the water. She tried so hard to swim, I really wish she could. She is really confident in the water just lacks the technique. It will come with time. She found a new friend in Mark and Keren's little girl. They played for ages together, pretending to be the fish or the crocodile. Such a joy to watch.
Little Jaydn gained so much confidence in the water today too. She walked on her own in the baby pool. Jumped up and down, putting her head under water and let us all swing her around as she floated. Every day I see her make so much progress. I'm so happy for this little girl with her parents.
It was nice to talk to Keren too about attachment and the methods she has researched. It is very easy for children who have lived in institutions to think all people they come into contact with are friends. They have no stranger danger. I guess Lutaaya Deborah, being older, doesn't have the same tendencies to walk off with anyone, as little Jaydn does. In saying that, if someone asked her to go somewhere with them, she would gladly follow. It is a difficult task to ensure our children know we are their parents. For them to know we are the only ones they can trust. Obviously this will take time and effort. It's more difficult when other people assume that attachment issues don't exist and it isn't a problem. It will, for some, always be a problem or at least a challenge. We were so proud of Bethany earlier, when she went over to the lady Jaydn had attached herself too at the pool, and explained she would be continuing to remove her as she didn't yet know who was safe and unsafe. I'm sure, we as families, will have many times to say this and to take action to keep our children safe. It's not that we don't want our children to be loved on, we certainly do, but they have to know who they can trust for this and who's job it is to love on them. While in Africa, the people loving on Lutaaya Deborah are me, Nathan and Bethany. These are the ones she can trust and be with for now. These are her family while we are here in Uganda We know other people here and our network will grow slowly as we come home, with Nathan and Bethany becoming 'virtual' friends on skype, but for the time being that's it. So when we FINALLY make it home, please be prepared for this slow progression. Please don't be offended if you're refused a cuddle that you expected, or can't come meet her as soon as we hit UK soil. There'll be time for everyone to love her, but for the first part, it's time for me to love her. After all, she's with us forever and forever is a long time!
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