The tantrums and screaming began when Camila woke up from her nap and realized that everything she has known as home for nearly three weeks was being packed up. She would whine for our affection one minute and then scream and tantrum the next when we tried to console her. She knew something was going on and we believe as we were packing up our belongings, she thought we were bringing her back to he orphanage.
When we loaded our stuff in the hotel van (remember, vehicles are very rare in Iquitos), and climbed inside, you would have thought Camila was stepping into outer space. She gasped and reached and her head was turning in all directions as we sat in the comfortable van- a luxury none of us had enjoyed for a few weeks. Then it dawned on us that Camila had never been in a car before! She was walked to her therapy and rode in a moto taxi to any doc appointment.
The radio in the van played some American songs like, "We've got tonight...who needs tomorrow". Lol ai- ya-ya! We will teach Camila about quality music soon! She would try to sing along with the male and female parts, throwing her voice high and low. It was rather hilarious. This van ride was the very last bit of peace we'd have for a while.
The real tantrums began at the airport. Camila was biting her nails. One minute she'd lean over to kiss us and the next she'd throw her weight and hit us in the face. I must say that it is rather difficult to hold your sanity when your daughter is angrily screaming and hitting you while you also try to keep your other three gringo children together as well. It was, truthfully, all I could do to not crumble to pieces. I still believe Camila thought we were going to leave her.
We had to go through some extra red tape with Camila's papers and had to go to a police office in the airport. When we sat down in the office Camila saw a jug of water and began hollering, "Agua! Agua!" This was the very first time Camila has asked us for anything. The police woman gave Camila a cup of water. She finished it and began hollering for another one. The police woman was now busy discussing our documents with Marisa, and I could not interrupt to ask for another one immediately when Camila wanted it. So right there in the office another screaming fit began.
Finally we got through all of the paperwork and went through security for the second time. The first time we had been sent back to the police office.
When we boarded the plane Camila was very afraid. We had moments of peace and then moments of screaming. She didn't want to sit, wear the seat belt, be talked to, not be talked to...it was a challenge. She was so nervous when we landed in Lima that she bit her nail until her finger bled. (All the while with me trying to calm her) At times it worked, and others it did not.
The boys are seasoned travelers now, it seems and were thankfully, calm and content. Isaac sat by Camila and I and he would also try to comfort Camila.
When we got to the Ardiles' last night, Camila became very happy. It was so good to be back at Ardiles' home. The boys greeted Señora Ardiles with hugs and so did Camila.
Camila had a good bit of difficulty going to sleep last night. Finally she rested after an hour or so of crying.
This morning we felt better. We are tired and yesterday was hard, but we are clinging to God's promises and declaring that peace over our daughter through all of these changes she is going through. Yesterday, I really do believe Camila was afraid we were going to leave her. She also was going through so many scary things to a child who scarcely has been outside of an orphanage. This all came out in the form of anger and sadness.
We are beginning to pray now for the flight home. We are fighting in prayer that Camila will be surrounded by the peace that passes all understanding. Thanks for praying for us, friends.
Camila with Señora Julia
This morning we signed some final documents at SNA, and are resting at the Ardiles' today.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
3 comments:
So sorry about your hard day yesterday. I want to cry when I think about poor Camilla and all she went through. So glad things are better now. We are praying, Love you very much, Mom
Girl, you're strong! I know that desperate feeling- it's a tough fight to keep yourself together. You're so close to home, Calley. Be encouraged! You're in step with God and there's no BETTER place to be. Even in turmoil, even in chaos. You are right where you should be. I love you.
praying!
Post a Comment