The Language of Love

 

Our dear friends Rebecca and Chris just adopted a five year old son from Ethiopia.  It's been a long process, but he arrived in Vermont last Tuesday.  His name is Caku and we've been anxiously awaiting his arrival.  We'd seen pictures and heard stories, but nothing could prepare us for our initial meeting on Sunday.

I had told the kids that we were going to meet Caku and drop off some dinner for his family.  When we woke up that morning, Cally eagerly got dressed and asked that I not help her (which lately has not been the case).  She promptly returned to my room in her "Chinatown outfit" (a birthday present from her thoughtful godparents).  She told me she was wearing that because she knew that people who usually wear that type of outfit live far away and she also knew that Caku had come from someplace very far away.

We knocked on their door and Caku ran to the door and immediately hugged Cally and Hazen.  He kissed them, stroked their hair, held their hands and smiled the biggest smile I've ever seen.  He doesn't speak English, but the universally understood language of love was so apparent.  He was so trusting and loving and for the next two hours, he amazed me.  He ate an American lunch, he got tackled by his older brother, and he gave tons and tons of hugs and kisses.

 

He already looks like he's fitting right in here in Vermont.  He is dressed just like a Vermonter, has gone sledding, and even skied three times.  It's not an easy adjustment for Chase, whose been an only child for the past six plus years, but he too is giving lots of hugs and telling his mom how much he loves Caku.  

I'm in awe of the Brown-Winukor family.  They haven't just adopted two children.  They are committed to helping children and making the world a better place.  Rebecca has raised thousands of dollars for Ethiopian hospitals and the people there.  She's returned to the country numerous times to do just that.  They have so much love to give and these two little guys are giving it right back to them.  They make me want to be a better person and I'm so glad that my kids can call these folks their friends.