There really are no words. I’ve tried writing this post four or five times now. I don’t know how to start or what to write. Or how to describe any of it…
How do I write about the culture shock of Haiti? 
How do I write about the sounds and the smells and the chaos? The streets that are teeming with people. The motorcycles, sometimes carrying three people, weaving in and out of traffic. The unofficial markets on every corner. Every square inch of sidewalk covered with people selling everything from fruit to live chickens to clothes to mattresses. 
How do I write about Geurline, 
the woman who served us delicious (and I mean delicious!) home cooked meals every day? Or Margarette who took charge and made sure we knew exactly where we had to go and what we had to do each day? Or Frank who drove us wherever we needed to go? Who also paid for us to go to the National Museum because they wouldn’t take American dollars and we didn’t have any Haitian gourdes.
How do I explain what life is like at the crèche (orphanage)? How can I 
possibly tell you about all these incredible kids? All the personalities and the smiles and the need for hugs and cuddles. How can I explain how they are given everything they need to survive, but they need so much more to thrive? Thirty-two kids in one cement building, all longing for the love and personal attention they deserve. Many of them have families from all over the world, waiting anxiously to take them to their forever homes. And some are still waiting for families.
How can I describe how incredibly amazing Lucy and Sam were the whole trip? How they dealt with long flights and late drivers and a 12km commute that took over two hours thanks to the chaos of the streets of Port Au Prince? How they tried their best to communicate with everyone, even though 90% of the people we encountered didn’t speak English or French (only Creole)? How they took it all in stride because they knew it was what we had to do to be with Stanley…
Stanley.
How do I begin to describe Stanley, the little man who tugged at my heart strings the moment I first saw his photo and cemented his place in my heart once I met him? How can I describe the look on his face when he launched himself into Mark’s arms as soon as we walked through the door of the crèche? Or how he nestled into my arms, like he was always meant to be there?
How can I possibly explain the feeling of giving Stanley one last hug before we had to leave Haiti?
I can’t. There are no words.
(We still need to wait approximately nine months before we can bring Stanley home. I’m going to break up the wait and visit him with my sister in May.)
OH my goodness Amy that is so, I’m having trouble describing how I feel about your wonderful reaching out, caring and the love your giving to this wonderful little boy. Mark, Sam and Lucy too are so loving, you’ve done such a marvellous job of being a mother and a loving family.
Thanks, Bella!!!
I am so happy for you!
Soon, Stanley will have a lovely family.
😘
Why do you need to wait because some one in government said so because people make up laws that don’t benefit anyone and it’s just because they can because someone gave them the power to do so! This is so sickening that humans treat humans this way! This little boy has a forever home and he should be allowed to come be there! It’s just not right!
I agree that the process is painfully slow, but it’s done to make sure everything is above board; to make sure the best interests of the child are looked after.
Awww reading this made me cry. I can’t imagine the excitement nearing Stanley for the first time. I am so happy for iu and your family.
Thanks so much Jenny! 🙏
I was driving today when you and Johnny were talking about Stanley. I was in tears. You and your family are amazing! Your story is inspiring. Thanks so much for sharing. Your lives will be richer with Stanley and his life has been completely changed from now on. I wish your family health and happiness.
Awwww thank you so much! And thank you so much for taking the time to read this.
I remember you planning this before you had your twins. I’m so happy for you all. I hope The time goes by quick for you and you cannot be united as a big happy family❤️Much love
Thank you so much, Shannon. ❤️❤️❤️
Hi Amy,
Congratulations on your new family! He is lucky to have you and your whole family.
My husband and I are planning to adopt. May I ask what agency you worked with? Any insight or suggestions would be much appreciated.
Thanks.
Awww thanks Linda! And thanks for reading.
We are with Sunrise Family Services in North Van. They are wonderful. Are thinking of local or international adoption (Sunrise does both)? My first suggestion would be to meet with an agency and get the ball rolling. It’s an incredibly long process.
If you have any specific questions, please feel free to email me (amy@amybeeman.ca). I will answer them all as best as I can!!!! 💕