FOREVER FAMILY DAY

Today, we awoke bright and early to make the trip to Matatiele, Eastern Cape to go fetch Siyabonga. Janet was our trusty driver and Robyn joined us for the journey. The trip was a beautiful 3.5 hour scenic drive along the coast and later northbound towards Matatiele. It was a great time to catch up and learn more about eachother. We arrived at Matatiele around 9:40am and went to meet the Director of the orphange at her home. All I can say is that the woman is amazing and the world would be a better place if we all had a fraction of her passion towards helping children...truly an inspirational meeting!

At around 11 am we arrived at the orphange and Maddie was the first to spot Siyabonga in his cottage as they had him dressed in the same outfit as our referral photos. What a beautiful moment when Maddie and Siyabonga met face to face for the first time. Little guy looked a little confused having all these strange people coming in to visit and one very excited little girl (Maddie) just buzzing around him. Needless to say, Lisa and I quickly began to focus our attention on Siyabonga and although he wasn't very responsive at first, what happened next was truly magical...for Daddy! I crouched down beside the bed that Siyabonga was on and began to engage him with some friendly hellos. To my amazement, he stood up and walked over to me and gave me the biggest hug...my heart melted and it was love at first sight from all ends!!! Robyn, somehow you have worked your magic and have created the perfect match...we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this amazing gift in our lives.

We hung around the orphanage for about an hour and visited with some of the other children and caregivers...it was great to capture this first hand so that we can one day share all of this when Siyabonga is old enough to understand and appreciate the magnitude of this day. We could tell which children and caregivers were going to miss Siyabonga the most once he left the orphanage. My heart goes out to all the children at the orphanage and I wish they could all find forever families of their own.

The drive back was better than expected and Siyabonga and Maddie slept for a good chunk of the 4 hour trip back. Once back at Janet's it was pure bonding time!!! Maddie is already such a great big sister and has began sharing and helping Mummy and Daddy with making Siyabonga happy. Candi and David dropped by to see the new addition and we look forward to a good old SA "braai" (BBQ) tomorrow with them and just chillin' around the house.

Surprisingly, Siyabonga has already taken to both of us, which will make the transition that much easier for him and us. He was a bit fussy going down for the night and does not like being laid down, but we let him know that we are here for good and after some more fussing, he finally closed his eyes and fell asleep in Lisa'a arms.

Siyabonga's world has changed so dramatically in the last 12 hours, but he is doing great and we are trying to make his transition and adaptation to his new family, friends and surroundings as pleasant as possible. Janet has been great with Maddie, Siyabonga and us and I know that this bond will exist forever. For Siyabonga, SA and the Xhosa culture are in his blood and SA will always be home to him.

Well, gotta go turn it in and get over this jet lag...not so bad, but oversleeping that 1st day was costly last night as we did not get any sleep!

Cheers and God bless!
Cas