Grief

A lot of people have asked about the language barrier. It seems weird that it hasn't been too much of a problem so far. When we know the basic Amharic words that have to do with the bathroom and eating, that really takes care of quite a bit. But it's times like today, where Abuzaid was sitting at the bottom of the stairs and just staring off, very sadly, where it's really hard. I went over to him and sat with him and asked him why he was sad. Tears came out, but very softly. The only time he cries hard is when he gets hurt or sometimes, when he wakes up from his nap. It's so hard to just have no clue what's wrong with your child and know that there's no way of finding out anytime soon. He could've been frustrated with his brothers (there are 4 little boys who all want to do their own things at times) and just couldn't communicate that so he went off by himself. He could've been not feeling well but couldn't tell me. But what makes it hard is that it could've been that something triggered grief in his little heart and he was sad about what he left behind in Ethiopia, sad about being overwhelmed in this new world he was taken to. I know his language will come and he's really trying, but it's all just labeling type of words that he's working on. It's not words that would help explain why he's so sad. Those might take a while. So in the meantime, we're just praying for them both. Praying that their hearts will heal from the trauma and grief.

It didn't last long today- we went on some errands and he seems completely back to himself now. But it just reminds us of the loss they've experienced. Sometimes it's easy to put that aside and see all that they've gained. They've lost a ton and we need to be there for them when that reality comes out of them in whatever way it comes out.
Thanks for listening! :-)