India journal writings - Sept. 9, 2012

Sunday September 9, 2012


When we woke today – we had no idea what a great day it would turn out to be.

Free day…. Got up today and showered – getting ready to meet friends for breakfast – Meena and Colleen, and her friend Linda. Anjali loves to be near Meena and she watches her very closely….Anjali is still very reserved and quiet – but loves to watch her. We had a bit of extra time, so Brad got out some blocks and built a tower for Anjali. With a stuffed animal lamb he began to knock it over (all six of them) – first with the lamb’s arms… she was amused. Although she's sitting quietly with her hands in her lap - it seems she is enjoying this pretend time.  As she grinned, he continued to rebuild the block tower and get more and more silly; next lamb used his ears to knock it down, she chuckled, we did this for quite a while and she was having so much fun. Our hearts jumped with joy! I was so glad to see Brad get the first big smile from her. He’s been so patient working with her and hand feeding her – trying to bond – and she still doesn’t want him to hold her. So the fact that he stepped into her world and got this response…the very first smile response, followed up with a belly chuckle, and even a laugh – I am thrilled for him. He’s very happy too!


What is he doing??  Love those eye brows - she's thinking ---"this is NOT going to work out well"

He's funny.

Check out that eye to eye connection  - kids LOVE cause and effect stuff.

Every great party - has good treats :)

One very funny thing about this whole knocking the blocks down routine – when Brad did it the very first time, he gently hit his head as if to say, “oh no….what happened??” – well guess who mimicked him anytime thereafter when she dropped something… little miss. Now every time she makes a mistake, drops something, spills a drink, etc…. she hits herself in the head – like, “uh – o” - nothing too hard, just kindof one of the “could have had a V-8 moments”, and it’s funny; we all laugh, including her. (She still does it now while at home…. cracks us up).

He continued playing and I grabbed iPad to take picture and she came to iPad and started touching it. I pretended to "get" her with her hand and she laughed more. I accidentally touched her belly and found her tickle spot- oh my stars she wanted to do this over and over as she laughed- we played with her baby keys and kept tickling her through the ring at her "belly spot" - she loved it. Most importantly we unlocked a silly child that explored the room with ease and continued to touch everything; she turned on the blow dryer in the bathroom, touched toilet paper and quietly jabbered a bit. She was so funny. I’m so glad to have this break through with her and Brad. He now can be in the room without her crying at his direction and can usually get within a foot or so of her without her fussing. If he puts his arms out to hold her - still no go and she fusses, but today was great progress. Later at nap time she held her lamb in her hands and she was mimicking lamb knocking down blocks with ears... and just jabbered away….it was hilarious.

She also colored today – she holds the crayon the correct way in her hand (like a pencil) and in her rules, the crayon goes right in the box when you are done. She let Brad color with her and then she pointed to the box to make sure he was putting his crayon away – we cracked up! She’s smart, she’s funny, and she’s a joy!

As a post-journal sidenote – on Sept 28, 2012 – Anjali and Brad really seemed to bond – and now he can hold her – if she’s in the mood for it – but more and more she has warmed up to Brad. Each night after work he comes home and they play in the back yard, go for stroller rides, and /or go to the park. Now she will even ride on his shoulders. And today at the apple orchard, she wanted Brad about as much as she wanted me – she walked around and came up to him and hugged his leg, she let him hold her more…..and I even got to go to the bathroom by myself!!





Daily Trip must haves:

Wooden blocks (about 6 – don’t need a lot)

Stuffed animal with floppy arms, legs, ears

Crayons and coloring books

Baby keys

Camera charged :)



Daily Lessons:

Bonding takes time and cannot be forced or rushed

When a child is fed, and basic needs are met – they long to meet you more than half way to connect

When a child feels safe – look out for all the exploration he/she will do – allow it as they are learning all about their environment

When you unlock a child’s heart – joy will abound!

Kids LOVE cause and effect at this age

Count your blessings daily – tomorrow will bring its own challenges. – Welcome to parenting.

Reflection upon India Culture - a special journal writing

On this particular day (while in India) I began to process the sights and sounds of India – because the culture was heavy on my heart. Here is what I wrote in my journal. Ironically, all you “blog stockers” out there – I pray the timing of this post will bless you and help to prepare your heart for what’s to come….just remember – it is all good. (Plus, it gets much easier at home – I guess in some ways :) - at least you have the comforts of your own home to rely upon). Please know I do read all your comments and I’m thankful if in any way this may help you – I just may not reply because of time limits.  I am always open to an email if you want to write me offline with any questions, etc.



The Streets of India

Here is what you see in India- much like Nairobi, Kenya there are street vendors with bright signs selling everything from fruit to belts, to cell phone chargers – one thing we noticed was they sell mostly necessities. As we were looking periodically for children’s toys – that were authentic India toys – we didn’t find any. Vendors sell what is in demand and what is needed to survive, similar to Kenya. (And in the malls – it’s American –type toys like Leggos and Cars toys – which I refuse to bring home something like this for Joshua). The street side vendors are inspiring to me – both here and in Kenya because of the determination, drive and entrepreneurial spirit. (I guess it’s an extension of the “go out, kill it, bring it home to eat” – mentality.… before business and technology, etc)… humanity went out for their food or grew it in their back yards. – These small businesses are humanity’s way of “making it” – survival, food, prosperity.

These are not the greatest pictures - but it's hard to get out that camera on the streets and take pics....it feels so personal and imposing on the people and culture. 

In Mumbai, the rain kept coming; Monsoon season (although it wasn’t as stormy as I would have expected – just wet and gloomy, and grey). The streets are wet and people tend to just walk the best they can – but sometimes right in a mud puddle – it’s either that or get clipped by a motorbike or “auto”. (recall – I don’t think pedestrians have any right of way). The street people (homeless) are present – but honestly tend to blend in because there are sooo many people walking everywhere on the streets. Naked children don’t seem to faze anyone; garbage is everywhere as it is collected by the wind along fences, walls, streets, overpass concrete poles, etc. There isn’t much green here – which makes Bal Asha a really special sanctuary of trees tucked away. On the streets, sidewalks around bridges are often found with a make shift tent of plastic, cloth, and sometimes a board to lean the structure somehow in upright position. And that is what some people call home….each time we ventured out - we would see at least one or two of these makeshift tents (sometimes a row of them along the sidewalk).... it's fairly common. It’s mostly women and children in these settings – but sometimes men too – all a very dirty, dark, and sad sight. But what amazes me about this sight is the fact that the naked baby doesn’t run into the traffic – as the momma sits on the ground just at the edge of the tent, baby is exploring just outside of the tent – playing in the dirt …but doesn’t go further than what is clearly an invisible line….. gridlock traffic inches and feet away going about the daily commute.

When people ask why we adopted from India – (instead of US) – we have many reasons, but I’d like for them to just for one day see the life of an Indian street kid or young woman on the streets. We have poverty in the states – but I don’t see ANY of these poor carrying a cell phone or have cable TV like so many of the “poor” in the US. I don’t want to diminish US poverty – but folks this is a whole new level of poverty in the slums of Africa and on the streets of India.

At a stop light we are approached while in our car – by a young girl – tiny – I’d say maybe 7 or 8 (only because of the maturity in her face) – she is hand washing car windows and begging for change. You can tell she’s of the deepest level of poverty – her hair un-kept and matted, clothes dirty, and no shoes. She’s working for either her family or for herself to eat – and she’s cute. We took off before we could even think about giving her money. She’s not fazed as we drove away – as she smiles back at us dodging out of the traffic as the light changed – she’s rejected millions of times each day. We asked our driver if many people give money to the children on the streets and he said, “no”. The survival –spirit that God gives humanity should not be taken lightly.

Children are also seen in school uniforms walking to and from school – just like Kenya. And the haves and the have nots just seem to blend together in the crowds. I am so thankful that I’ve had the two Kenya experiences because in many ways it has prepared me emotionally to see the sights of India. (As you can imagine – I am a very emotional gal – tough on the outside (yet marshmallow on the inside).

My first day to the village in Kenya on our mission trip, we passed young children – Anjali’s age and size digging through garbage for food – I silently cried just taking in all the sights during our 30 minute drive to the Rift Valley where Mwemotoni Village is located. The van was silent as my teammates were surely feeling the same way. So similar to Kenya, are the sights of India and people sifting through garbage, although in India it’s a bit different because garbage isn’t being burned everywhere – (imagine the Kenya sights with the smell of strong, stinky charcoal everywhere – it is senses overload for sure)…not in India – thankful there isn’t burning garbage to add to the sensory challenges.

As I’ve watched out the windows during our drives – honestly looking at many people’s feet – so taken by the dirt and dust – it’s such a stark contrast to the beautiful women in beautiful sari’s – I’m amazed that they too walk through the dirty streets in their sandals. In the quiet of my heart I hear the Holy Spirit say to me – “I too walked dusty streets in sandals – and I am the “I am” – don’t judge them for the life they have”….. ouch – I love it when I hear a clear message from the Lord, even if it hurts! “recall my teaching on foot washing and serving others” – so with a message like that from our Lord – what do I do with that??? - And as I transfer my journal notes as we speak I can’t help but wonder if the purpose of this message was just what I needed to prepare for the endless servant heart I will have to grow more and more into as I parent Anjali. It’s been 7 years since having a newborn – and Joshua was a very easy baby – he’s independent even now to some extent – so it’s like starting all over again….although she’s not a newborn – needy, but mobile, high energy, and very curious. (AHHHH!).   And I think I may have mentioned a time or two on this blog .... I'm a selfish person!  Honest - I need some me time... guess what, that will have to be on hold because this little child needs me (or at least tabled until those daily naps) - as Brad has put it to me a few times, "you are her oxygen"... no pressure or anything.... :)  I gotta do this right, and guess what I'm certain to mess some things up! "God is good, God is faithful".... keep saying this...over and over, Lord give me your grace. ...enough of the sidebar....see my BLOG even becomes about me!! :)...back to the journal.


Meanwhile I’m reminded that Anjali seems to be a bit obsessed (perhaps too strong a word – but can’t think of another) with having her hands clean, her sucker clean, the lint off the coach in the hotel room, the biscuit crumbs off her side of the bed and I’m thankful that some of her training at Bal Asha must’ve been cleanliness, perhaps a bit of nurture and nature of who she is, but if this is taught – I’m thankful because she’s SO VERY healthy, although I fear at times she may go nuts when seeing our kitchen floor :) - cheerios, goldfish, wheat thin, remnants of cooking, etc. I bet she will be happiest when the cleaning lady comes every two weeks – but hey, that’s when I’m happy too :)

Remember to pray for the people of India – the rich and poor, - the close proximity of people, traffic, and buildings must be an extremely stressful life. I’m longing for my bluegrass and my old Kentucky home.

Sick today - no posting

Please pray for me - I was up all night going to the bathroom - with severe abdominal pain.  So thankful for my mom who came to my rescue this morning.  Tyring to spend most of the day in bed.  Little miss has been great and playing with Nana today  - and then while I layed on the couch she came and patted me.  (I think compasion is on my bonding matrix - but too tired to look it up :)   Waiting for a call from the doctor.

Pray for relief.   Had nothing to eat all day - and don't want anything :(

India journal writings - Sept. 8, 2012

For the faithful readers - just a few days left in India -- and some exciting events on the horizon :)

Saturday – September 8, 2012


This morning we got up early and got ready to go to Anjali’s doctor appointment. She sat in a high chair at breakfast! She ate well and drank more apple juice; we are stilling working on our little “project” to get some relief. TMI!! :)   I’m dreading her doctor’s appointment because she gets a needle stick for her TB test. As I was holding her in the room after breakfast I could feel her grunt and yippee – just what we were praying for! She pointed to the bathroom. Seriously! Got her all cleaned up and not long after the flood gates were open. :) So happy we don’t have to talk about this issue at the doctor’s office now. She got her shower and all cleaned up and Brad and I got ready and we waited for Madu to pick us up. Brad got our bags ready and even made lunch for Anjali – he’s so thoughtful. We bring bottled water wherever we go – it’s hot here and you have to keep yourself hydrated. Given she’s on a strict schedule – we also have learned to have food available at the right time. She will tolerate her Dora sippy cup – we use to avoid water being spilled everywhere :). In hindsight – with an older child I’d bring a water bottle with a built-in straw. (now that she's home - she's WAY too big of a girl to use that sippy cup!)... but she will use the water bottle with the straw.

Off through the traffic to the hospital / clinic. People were everywhere, and once again I’m reminded how happy I am that we left Joshua at home. The crowds and chaos would be too much for all of us keeping track of each other, etc. People standing in the hallways, sitting in chairs, literally everywhere! The elevator held about 4 people (almost on top of each other) Hallways are narrow, rooms are small…. personal space is a challenge. All the while, people seeming to admire little Anjali and wondering why she’s clinging to me (not crying – just looking around and holding on for her life) – if I could only read their minds. Most were smiling, others seemed to have a look of concern like, “what wrong with this little girl”… I wanted to say – “she’s fine – she’s just experiencing new things and is a little timid”. Anjali did great at the appointment. She cried a bit but mostly because I had to sit her on the nurse’s table, not because of the needle. I honestly don't think she realized they put the needle in, they did it so quick and she wanted me to pick her up so bad her focus was there. Then we waited to see the doctor – finally got called to his office.

The doctor asked me, “does she walk?” – I put her down in his office and she quickly ran to me – “yep, she walks”… he was a nice man – but seemed a bit stoic – very serious about his job. He asked if we had anything “significant” from the orphanage – I wasn’t sure what this meant – so I looked to Madu – she said, he’s wondering if you have your medical records with you – of course I did – it’s hard to navigate – why not say, “did the orphanage give you her medical records??” LOL – I handed over the thick chart that Bal Asha gave us – and he paged through and transferred important notes to his record. We don’t get this record – I believe that is probably part of what goes in the TOP SECRET package that goes to the US Embassy – that we are not allowed to open. :) So who knows what’s in her documents – but he returned her medical record to us that we received from Bal Asha – and listened to her chest real quick. I told him we had been giving her an antibiotic – he said abruptly, “what for”… I said, “well, when we first got her – she had very green mucas from her nose – and seemed to have a fever” – he huffed a bit and said, “ok, continue to give her that”… with a bit of resolve and a bit of unbelief – I really couldn’t read him- was he on our side or not?? We are there – all excited – holding our girl – going through the process – at this point you want to say – “hey everybody – she’s all mine!” – and then you get this stoic, serious doctor – that writes on documents more than he looks you in the eye – or even looks at your daughter. Oh well…. We got through it; maybe I’m looking too much for the love pats we get from pediatricians here at home.

Check out her sleeve rolled up - her needle stick bled a bit - and the clinic didn't have a bandaid - so gave us cotton.  We came right to restaurant for dinner - it was done bleeding by then... but she kept looking at it with those sad eyes - and we continued to love on it :) 

Brad continues to hand feed her as much as she will tolerate.  She's beginning to become more independent and wants to feed herself.  She does still take from his hand - and I know this persistence with pay off and they continue to bond. 

We met another JOH family, her name is Colleen and she’s adopted Meena who is deaf. We had dinner last night and plan to meet them again maybe today. Colleen and Meena are really interesting to watch as they communicate together so well through sign language. Colleen is quite proficient at signing. Anjali seemed to enjoy being around them, and cried each time we left them or they left our hotel room. We were really blessed to share several meals with her and compare stories -- it's wonderful talking with someone right there who knows what you are experiencing.  (sure hope Colleen doesn't mind her precious daughter on our blog :)

Of course I can't sleep, it is the afternoon nap that is throwing me off but this is a great time to journal in the middle of the night. Anjali continues to warm up to Brad - he is basically the only person hand feeding her during most meals. She has taken two bottles from me and given me those “big bright eyes, as Dr. P says” - which is great!!! Prayers are being answered and we are making our way through the challenges. God-given instincts continue to kick in and we are getting better and better at reading her needs. She works hard to please and we affirm her actions with responses from all our Dr. Purvis training. Thankful for all training requirements!!!  I just wonder if this little girl is happy (or if she trusts us enough to open up just yet??) - she hasn't really smiled or laughed yet.......hmmmm? Stay tuned!


Daily Trip must haves:

Apple juice :)

Dr. Brown bottle – just one and a bit of formula – it’s awesome getting that first gaze into her eyes. (We used gentle start – because it’s easy to digest). She struggled with it a bit and I continued to cut the end open more and more.  Such a sweet fragile little child - submitting to taking a bottle - was an amazing sight.

Take medical records (and a bandaid) with you to doctor never know when you need something and believe me you don’t want to have to turn around and go back to make a second trip in this traffic.

Bottled water – plenty available in the hotel room for free – take several with you wherever you go – I think water was one of those things that kept us going!

Child’s water bottle with built-in straw



Daily Lessons:

Comfortable shoes – for when you are trekking down the street making your way from the driver and his car into the medical clinic. Parking is a challenge.

Remember to breathe – when you are carrying your precious bundle through the crowds because she won’t go to anyone other than you – remember to breathe :)
The Lord will give you all the strength you need for this moment.

A special thank you - for Butt Rubbin' BBQ

To Mer and Mike, Colista and Grant, Peter and Nancy, Sarah and David, Cory and Nikki, and Kristen-

You guys have blessed our family these months with encouragement and continuing wisdom, advice and prayers.  I pray one day we can all get together for some fun adoption reunion.  Mer seems to think a rental house in Florida (if I recall).... wouldn't that be great - all of us and umpteen million kiddos running around? 

But your surprise gift certificate from our beloved Kentucky Butt Rubbin' BBQ - just blew us away.... this generous gift will be so helpful for weeks to come when cooking just isn't in the cards.  (I can honestly say, at times we forget to eat - it's so busy and the energy is so high in our home with little Anjali - we're all getting used to it).  She is a handful, but so much fun ....and when she smiles or laughs...there is nothing better. 

So let us thank you from the bottom of our heart for giving us this gift -- see picture below of our VERY first dinner out as a family of four!  Yep - that's a playschool toy on the table - must travel with activites for little miss.  She loved the BBQ - but traded mine for hers once she poured sauce on hers (I hadn't gotten around to putting any sauce on mine just yet)  -- so glad her choice wasn't the totally HOT stuff :)  We traded - all was good.  :)   As you can see Joshua LOVES the restaurant name and takes this opportunity to exhibit bad tasteless manners.  I think he likes it because it allows him to say the word "butt".

Love you guys -
The Blunts.