Meeting Netzanette

So I had jumped ahead. Let's get back to day one in Africa!

Kim and I were tired from our long night, smelled less than beautiful but had hopes of a shower perhaps that night, and were already heart stricken since our walk that morning. Unsure of exactly how any of our trip would play out, we sat down to a home made breakfast at our guest house to chart out the day. It looked like this...

1) Eat breakfast

2) Get Nettie

Beyond that, we didn't really know what to do or where to begin but Kim's long wait for her new daughter was definately top of the priority list for conquering. We called the orphanage and got into the car that our guest house had arranged for us. We were on our way.

THe streets were crowded. Traffic moved in a mostly orderly fashion and yet there was no real traffic control. Just being on the streets was an experience. Our windows were rolled down to circulate air- but not fresh air. Exhaust of black came from neighboring tail pipes and the air with thick with dust and smog. We passed the Prime Minister's place. Down through the town and on a straight shot out of the town. Just as the town reached its edge, we turned onto a very rocky and rough road. No street signs marked the way. Yet the driver knew more by area than real street where we were going. We bounced back and forth and made our way to a solid black gate. We honked. A young man slid the gate open and we pulled inside. The gates closed behind us.

IT was a three story home with a small patio area. Ahead of teh car was a sort of laundry and storage area. Clothes hung on the line to dry and cloth diapers hung here and there. Up the steps to the "ground floor"... Inside we were greeted by a man. He was a striking man, dressed well and had a warm smile. Ganano was later told to me to be his name. He took us inside and as instructed by Kim, I followed their every move with my video camera.

A young boy, about 10 years of age, grabbed my still camera. His name was Antone and later I was told that TOMORROW would be his last day at the orphanage. He was being adopted by Grace, the director of the agency and located in Texas. Armed with our cameras, Antone and I wound up the steps behind Kim and Ganano.

There she was. She was wearing a yellow outfit that Kim had sent for her. Her hair done up in little ties all about. She looked to the ground. Timid, and curious. She had seen many pictures of Kim and been told what would happen. And here it was- and it was scary. The fear was obvious for all to see. Kim opened her arms and picked her up. Her eyes watered with joy. This was the child she had been praying for. This was the child she had longed to see and hold. Her name was Netzanette. And she was perfect.

We went back to the main room and Kim sat next to her new treasure. A cookie was taken from the front pocket of Kim's bag and placed into the tiny four year old hands. She didn't know what to do with it. Prompting from Ganano lead to not one, but 2 cookies filling the little tummy. She began to warm up. (Remember this trick, men. All us ladies, of all ages, can warm up with the right sweet!) Now Kim was needing to get to paperwork so I was invited to meet the other children. Netza was finally with her mom. And it was perfect.