Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Talking to my brain

So I'm having this conversation with my brain, and it's not going well. My brain seems to understand everything I'm telling it, until it gets stuck on this one thing.

We're going to Ethiopia a week from tomorrow, I tell my brain.

Sounds exciting, my brain says.

We're going to court, I say.

Wow, court, says my brain. I've been in a courtroom before. I totally get that.

We're going to meet the children that we hope to adopt, I say.

No, that doesn't make any sense, says my brain.

Hmm.

Let me try again. I'll break it down a little more this time.

We're getting on a plane...

I like plane rides. They usually mean something fun is going to happen.

We're going to Ethiopia...

Nine years since I was last in Africa. Really looking forward to going back.

When we get to Addis Ababa, A's brother will pick us up from the airport...

Wow, that's really nice. What a great family. So lucky to have met them.

He'll take us to a hotel...

Hotels are like plane rides. Generally they're connected to fun things.

He'll probably show us around Addis...

Really super family. So, so lucky.

Two or three days later, we'll go to an orphanage. There will be a bunch of kids there, and they will probably be excited to see us...

That brings back memories of visiting schools in Namibia.

Then someone will bring two little boys to meet us, and will tell us that these could soon be our sons.

Huh.

Did you hear me? These could be our sons.

Yeah, I'm not really getting that part. Could we skip to where we're taking a road trip to see giant crocodiles?

Listen. We are going to meet two little boys, and we're going to go to court, and these could be our sons. Forever. Our sons.

Nope, not getting it. No offense, but you're talking jibber jabber.

Sigh... Never mind.

Seriously, have you seen the size of these crocodiles?

11 comments:

  1. It will all make sense soon. I know what you mean, though. Sometimes I look at the pictures on my fridge and think, "who are THESE kids?"

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  2. Tears every time you post. I cannot wait to hear how it goes. Enjoy every step on the journey...

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  3. It doesn't have to make sense and probably won't. I'm surprised your brain can follow such a logical line of thought for so long still. I don't think I could even get through a sentence a week before our court trip.

    Don't worry about pounding it into your brain. Just take a deep breath, jump in, and live it - all of it - the pure, utter joy and the heartache that will likely leave you crumpled on your bed in your hotel on more than one night. It's a wild, amazing ride! I can't wait to see pictures of your boys!

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  4. Your brain is funny...

    Hey, I couldn't get my act together enough to send you those crib sheets before you leave - maybe on the second trip? Would also love to send you some photos for Elfe's birth family then if that's okay...thanks!

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  5. LOVE this!! as we were boarding the plane a few weeks ago, I texted my mom and said I still don't get it!! LOL!! Such a sureal time!! Yeah one week!! OMG!!! Cannot wait to hear about it!

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  6. One week!!! Yes, I can see how that would be hard to wrap your mind around. One week! Wow--so exciting!
    And yes, those are enormous crocs! :-)

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  7. Ahhhh, I remember these feelings all too well. You just have to go with it...there is only so much you can do to prepare =)

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  8. I think this makes a lot of sense! I imagine I will feel the same way when our time comes. One week - so exciting! And nerve-wracking, I imagine!

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  9. Glad to hear this is normal. I pretty much knew that already. There is only so much a brain can handle.

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  10. It would be nerve-wracking if either one of us could actually conceptualize what is actually happening.

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