Two more days, and then we fly

I honestly can't believe that tomorrow is Christmas Eve! Last week I was so ready to fly back home, I could hardly stand it. This week I feel so at home ... almost too used to this place. I'm used to the decent weather, the Chinese food, the breakfast buffet, the wonderful people I meet every day. I think part of it is the wonderful group we have linked up with this week. Although our schedules don't match, we've already been able to share two nice dinners and a little time at breakfast. Another part is a very sweet shopkeeper whom I've met. I will tell more later about her.

Mayana ..... Well, she had a little rough start this morning -- we had to wake her up, and she didn't like that. She didn't want to get dressed. She didn't want to Skype with family. She ended up huddled against a wall crying, which is the only time she has cried since the very first hour we had her. What is so sad is not knowing why she is crying .... but later, much later, we found out that she was just tired and didn't want to wake up (or that is what she told Helen, anyway.) The rest of the day she was much happier. We had some great times today, and a real breakthrough in speaking English. She started repeating everything I said (in a nice way!) for about 10 minutes -- and she does pretty well, all things considered.

I've found myself starting to fall in love with this child already. I don't want to say that it is easy, though. It's quite difficult and frustrating having an 8 year old with whom I can communicate so little. But, then she snuggles with me and gazes at me with adoring eyes, and I melt. Up and down go the feelings. But the love ... the true love ... it really is there and growing. I am so thankful!

I will try to post again soon. Thanks for all your continued prayers!