Learning to Dance

Yesterday consisted of more chillaxin.




Camila likes trying on her big brothers' shoes!












She still loves stacking her cups!
Yesterday afternoon, while the littles napped, I took Josiah and Isaac swimming. We came back to the room and I cooked some supper. After that we all watched a movie.




Amaus is being the best big brother! It's almost like he has suddenly grown up since Camila has been a part of our family! He has been super!




Isaac loves Spanish cartoons and the fact that he can have complete control of a remote! (since no one else has the same interest in Spanish tv)




If Josiah realizes we aren't going anywhere, he puts his pjs on! Haha He told me he likes doing that. He's been drawing different dinosaurs and creatures today.




Daddy dancing with his two three year olds. They got helados (ice cream) all over their clothes- hence the half dressed attire.
Camila seems like a different little girl than we met two weeks ago. Danny and I cannot believe the strides we are seeing in her.




When each of our boys were born, I remember meeting them for the first time and examining every detail of their hands, feet and faces. The weeks that followed were full of getting to know one another- full of watching and learning what each expression and tear meant. They were weeks of falling in love.
It's no different with Camila. Only, she is a three year old little girl with her own ideas and personality. When I hold her close she seems to be soaking in all of us, just as we are her.




It's strange to stare into the face of your three year old daughter and realize you are just noticing a birthmark, facial expression or response for the first time.
We are noticing that Camila seems timid at meal times. She hides her face in the crook of her elbow (something she does when she's afraid). We aren't sure if it's because meal times were not enjoyable for her at the orphanage, or what. She shovels down her food in a hurry, grabbing huge bites.
We've also noticed that when we go in public she seems to divert to more baby like behavior. She, at times, will suddenly act mad at us and it's difficult to figure out why, or if she's wanting attention or testing us.
If I'm standing beside someone in a restaurant or store, she will try to get their attention. If they show her some attention in return, she will begin diving for them and want to go to them and me to put her down. It becomes a tug of war, because usually the stranger finds it flattering and wants to hold her. I for one, am teaching her she doesn't need to reach for every person that comes by, and we want her to know that Danny and I love her fully! (Not to mention that she doesn't need to go to strangers!)I know this is probably how Camila got any inkling of attention while in the orphanage, and we are striving to teach her that she doesn't have to work, throw fits or earn anyone's attention anymore.
This 'learning who a mommy and daddy are' stuff is more complicated than I could have expected. It's sort of like we are dancing in a waltz with Camila. Yes, things are going surprisingly smooth. A few times a day though, we get off beat with the music or step on one another's toes. After the fumble, we realize that we weren't paying close enough attention or following Camila's cues.
It's in those moments that we finally hear the back ground orchestra playing in sweet melody. This music, with it's rhythm, amazing detail and rich, full tones, are the promises of God over our family and our little girl's life. When we stop and listen closely again we are reminded of the most important things. We are reminded of the One who is directing this dance and faithfully teaching these pupils. He is the One who will bring about His plan.
Our next steps are more confident, after we have been reassured in the promises of God.
It's okay, though, even with the off steps and the missed cues. I know the One instructing this waltz finds pleasure in taking those who are surrendered to His will, and working a masterpiece of victory in them and through them, even with their human imperfections. What a great director we have in Jesus!




So as we learn to dance these steps, we are strengthened by the rhythm of God's grace. Jesus has supplied all we need...and watching this beautiful metamorphosis in our daughter, and in ourselves, might be challenging at times. But it's so, so worth it.