The Resurrection of a Blog

Welcome back! It’s been 2 years, and we’re in Africa again!

After 24 hours of travel we have arrived in Kinshasa, DRC to complete the adoption of our son Béni. The travel has been a little bumpy, beginning with a layover in DC where we were awakened several times at the hotel by fire alarms, and 1:30am roof pressure washings (cause who doesn’t clean the roof at that hour?). After missing the first shuttle to the airport, we caught a second by a bus driver nice enough to take us even though he wasn’t assigned to leave for another 30 minutes. Upon arrival to the airport, I (christen) began to feel a little sick- I believe because I took my malaria meds on and empty stomach. Nevertheless, I got some food in me and began to feel better. Also, we met several nice people in the airport, who were either adopting or going for humanitarian work.

When we finally did arrive in Kinshasa, we could not find our driver (this happened to us once before in Ghana- on that occasion we waited 3 hours for his arrival!). Thankfully, we did not have to wait 3 hours today. Although, there was confusion as to whether or not this particular man was our driver. He spoke French. We do not. Hence the problem. Unfortunately, my French studies have done little thus far to help. Although, we can recognize some words, it is not enough to carry on a conversation. He was convinced we were the family he was picking up, because… well, we were the only white couple in the airport. We, however, needed proof before going with him (which was supposed to be given to us in the form of our name on a sign; which he didn’t have). We insisted that the man tell us the last name of the family he was sent to pick up. Finally after some much discussion he called someone and said something that sounded like Raanes. So we went with him.

Turns out, he was the right guy, but we are not at the right hotel. We were told that the place we are supposed to stay may be full for the night, but that we can go there tomorrow. Nevertheless, our current hotel is relatively nice. TV (although nothing good is on), AC (leaks- but at least we got it!), Hot water (with a mind of its own). Also, there is one couple with another agency staying here- which is always nice to see and speak with other Americans, when you are abroad. After clearing up with our agency which hotel we had been brought to, Dido our facilitator/driver/translator (yes-English!!) met us and had a short meeting to fill us in on all the details. We are under the impression that Béni will be brought to the hotel to us tomorrow. We were told Béni was upset on Tuesday when the other families arrived and their children went to stay with them at the hotel. So the anticipation is built, and it seems both we and he are ready the meet each other :)