First Day of School

March 09, 2009

The week starts. In a matter of days, our family has expanded by one, and life keeps on going. Once again this morning I woke up with a few nerves: first day of school. Patrick and I have had many a conversation about how we would incorporate Solomon into our lives, how we'd juggle being parents here while still attending to the jobs we've been assigned to. Our schedules are such that our alternating office time allows for one of us to be available to care for a baby while the other is teaching, in clinic, or in the midst of meetings. When Solomon gets more mobile, we'll have to come up with an alternative solution to taking him to work, but today the three of us headed to CONASPEH together.

Solomon, upon entering the school, was immediately embraced by all within… an instant hit with students and staff. We’ve fielded a lot of frank questions that go along the lines of, “Is this your child?” “Where is his mother?” “Where is his father?” “Can you make babies yourself?” “Do you love him?” For which we answer that we found him in an orphanage where his mother placed him because she could no longer care for him, that we are currently taking care of him and are in the process of adoption, and of course we love him. When we state the latter, smiles universally spread across faces, and acceptance is palpable. Questions from Haitians are always very frank and without reservation… especially from the children at the school. I’ve long since gotten over feeling taken back by the straight-forwardness. In fact, I find it refreshing. And when we tell Solomon’s story wrapped into our own story, understanding and support floods the faces of the people we’ve informed. They validate us, and I'm so grateful for their welcome and acceptance.

So today, after introductions were made, Solomon came to hang out with me in clinic. One by one, he fielded visitors who laughed and tickled and held him high; the janitor came up and insisted on feeding him and rocking him to sleep. Solomon napped amidst the singing and shouting and reverberating sound of the school in session, not at all bothered by the raucous activity around him. He fits in well.

So another big "first" accomplished. And once again Haiti has unabashedly shown its hospitality and acceptance. After becoming parents in a flash, and having our world suddenly and beautifully changed in an hour, we feel fortunate that our Haitian friends and partners adapt easily and embrace change with welcoming grace.