We were greeted by Maggie and many of the other children( there are 60 girls at SMSS, and 20 of them are currently in the process of adoption). The girls all seem happy and care for each other--the older girls take on some of the care taking of the younger girls. They have a class room and the pre school aged children have lessons and activities. The older girls go to a local school. It was hard to see the impoverished condition of the orphanage -- the majority of the girls do not have shoes( Mary had a burning desire to give them all pedicures--their feet look old). The staff was very helpful with helping us in teaching us how to take care of Maggie and very affectionate toward all of the children.
Maggie has changed physically since the last photo we had seen, so initially our thought was "where is Maggie"--but she still has the same big beautiful eyes. Because of the cultural disconnect, our first meeting was difficult--Maggie's care takers wanted her to run into our arms --opposed to letting her come to us. Also we did not have any time alone to interact with her --it was like a three ringed circus--but our motto on this trip is" go with the flow."
We will return to SMSS tomorrow in the afternoon to observe the afternoon routine. Then we will plan to take custody of Maggie on Wednesday---we initially thought that we would not be able to take custody until Friday--it will be nice to have some quiet time with Maggie at the hotel , before we fly back to Delhi.
The orphanage :Subhadra Mahatab Seba Sadan in Kolathia Khurda Orissa about 15 km from Bhubaneswar.
The kids of SMSS
How lovely to see these pictures! I can imagine that you didn't recognise Maggie. To be honest, I don't think I would recognise our girl.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your detailed reports! They are so nice to read knowing that we will soon be going there too!
Can't find words to describe the photos. Overwhelming. Congratulations. Please give Maggie a hug for me. See you soon.
ReplyDeletePaul
Hello, Thom and Mary! It has been such fun (and a little overwhelming!) to see your photos....thank you for the details. Our son is not at SMSS, but it is still good to see Orissa and to hear about it more. I know that it will be many months before we are able to travel, but I'm already looking forward to it SO much! CONGRATULATIONS on getting to meet your daughter!
ReplyDeleteWow! Thank you for sharing the moment of meeting Maggie. I wish you all the best as you get some quiet time together, and you start to become familiar to each other.
ReplyDeleteIt's sweet to see her hugging the pink stuffed animal. Are the butterflies going away and you catching up on sleep?
Love, Nancy and boys
We see our daughter in some of the pictures!!!! Thank you so much for sharing! (hoping to be behind you soon).
ReplyDeleteCindy
Hello Tom and mary, We're happy that you finally have your daugther. Our girls are excited about meeting her as we are. Have safe travels and see you soon. Moses & Cathy
ReplyDeleteThom & Mary - this is so awesome!!! Your daughter has grown a lot since the first photo. Thanks for sharing and we can't wait to meet Maggie! Jeff & Janna
ReplyDeleteThe pictures are beautiful. Its so nice to see Maggie. Do the kids in the orphanage understand Hindi, or do they only speak Oriya?
ReplyDeleteHow about do they know Amitabh Bachchan, and Sharukh Khan (Indian actors)? The kids look so friendly. What is the environment like outside the orphanage? I am missing India...
God Bless
Thom and Mary!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to be able to share these moments with you! Thanks for taking and posting all the pictures. It must have been an amazing day, if overwhelming. Maggie is beautiful! Holly
Congratulations! What a whirlwind. Glad it's going well. Maggie looks great!
ReplyDeleteI would like seeing Maggie soon. I want my friend Tefara in Botswana to see her also. Love Willie
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Atlast you have Maggie with you, your Christmas gift. All the pictures are beautiful. God bless.
ReplyDeleteThom & Mary,
ReplyDeleteMaggie looks very comfortable and happy in all of the pictures. It's wonderful that the workers are able to provide the level of attention and affection to all of the girls that they are. I'm sure that helped her comfort level when she met you and you two were full of excitement and affection for her. Congratulations and we all look forward to meeting the family! -- Adnan M. ---
love reading all about getting Maggie! I am sure you will have an emotional trip home! our prayers are with you all, Love ,martha and bobby
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