Today, great progress has been made in Rahul’s attachment to us. He has bonded a little more quickly to me, since he has never really been exposed to very many men at the orphanage. He now calls us Mommy & Daddy, and I have even been able to hug and kiss him a few times. Ironically, the thing that has helped this bonding the most is through his “school” time. He brought a notebook that he would use during his school time at the orphanage to practice writing his alphabet and numbers…which he does a surprisingly good job at saying and writing. He has allowed me to help him with his writing, and he loves to show off his work to us so we will cheer for him. It was during this time that he first allowed me to hug him. He also will not go anywhere outside of this room without one of us (usually me) holding his hand. This is good practically so he doesn’t run away from us, but it also helps to build trust. So, all that to say, progress is being made, but I’m afraid that we may be caught in a “50 First Dates” moment and have to start from scratch on the attachment building each day.
Other topics of interest…We were able to file our lost luggage claim officially today, so we have been assured that they will be found, and should arrive at our Delhi B&B. We shall see if this is true. We have found that the people here are so kind and wanting to please us that sometimes they just tell us things that we want to hear, which is sweet, but not always helpful. The longer I am here the more I am enjoying the people and the place of India. The people are beautiful, and despite the great poverty here the people, especially the women take great pride in the way they dress. I have seen women living in shacks elegantly dressed. It really is a sight to see. Kevin and I have gotten to experience life on the road here a few times, and as chaotic as it appears, Kevin and I really love it and I have found these to be times of great calm and peace…I know I’m crazy!
On a side note, Kevin has been my superhero during this trip. As if I wasn’t already crazy in love with him, this trip has made me love him even more and treasure his wisdom and leadership in our marriage!
I’m going back to bed. It’s 3:30am on Sunday here. We have a big day today. Rahul gets to ride in his first plane. I think he will be okay. So far, he has consistently shown us that when he gets scared or overwhelmed, he just kind of shuts down. This is preferred, at this time, to excessively screaming and hitting that other kids in this situation sometimes demonstrate.
We have been overwhelmed by your comments of support and prayer! We are thankful for each of you…
Progress
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Propes Family Adventures 
Jessica Coghill Said:
on April 2, 2011 at 6:14 pm
Praying for a peace to be upon Rahul!
Andrew & Corrie Said:
on April 2, 2011 at 6:51 pm
Thanks for the updates. We love you guys and are praying for you.
vicki Said:
on April 2, 2011 at 7:09 pm
My heart hurts to know the fear this child has inside. No matter what….I know he had to be petrified to so quickly be taken away from all he knows. Prayers are said, and hope that each day he accepts and feels the love you both have for him. I know the transition will start again, when he arrives home to his sister & brother & new surroundings.
Please know that Larry & I love you, are their beside you in spirit, and can’t wait to welcome our nephew to the family.
Love Always,
Vicki
tpropes Said:
on April 2, 2011 at 8:35 pm
Thank you all for your prayers! Yes, Vicki, our heart hurts for him too. The orphanage does a great job preparing him to know who we are, but nothing could prepare him for his leaving. We love each of you all!
jamie and jeremy Said:
on April 2, 2011 at 8:48 pm
definitely cried all the way through this update! WHEW! such a blessing to read your updates… we are praying and loving you all!!!!!!
Carrie Gaddis Said:
on April 2, 2011 at 10:56 pm
Praying for you all! An exciting and scary time for all of you. Thanks for taking the time to do your updates! Can’t wait to see you all together.
Carrie
Melinda Said:
on April 3, 2011 at 7:27 am
Prayers continue to be answered. Praying for your safe arrival and your new life together.
Erin Said:
on April 3, 2011 at 11:15 am
Thanks TIna for keeping us up to date! We are thinking for you and what your travel week will be like. And, the end of the “50 first dates” movie, they play a good song….”somewhere over the rainbow!” We can’t wait unitl you are back !
tpropes Said:
on April 3, 2011 at 11:21 am
We can’t wait to be home too! India is nice, but it’s not home. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers!
Susie Said:
on April 3, 2011 at 8:54 pm
So glad to hear that everything is going well! All 3 of you are in our prayers. God is doing miracles inside Rahul’s heart-even though we can’t see them yet. I am sure he is falling in love with both of you! Send pictures!