When we arrived in Accra, Ghana on the evening of May 9th, we were immediately greeted by the intense heat and many friendly people. The in-country coordinator was right at the airport to greet us and escort us to our hotel, the Mahogany Lodge. We felt safe and did not encounter any travel problems. The following morning, the coordinator picked us up an drove us to the foster home where Diana and Rebecca are currently living. There is not much infrastructure in Accra, so the drive to the foster home included dirt roads and the scenery included plywood shacks, goats and cows on the road and many ladies carrying goods on their heads. The poverty is wide sweeping, but the Ghanaian people are generally peaceful and happy.
Upon arriving to the foster home, we were instantly greeted by our two smiling daughters, Diana and Rebecca. The foster home is run by a very loving couple and a staff of six "aunties". There are currently 35 children living in the clean, well organized home. We enjoyed playing with all of the children and passing out the gifts we brought for the children and foster home staff. The children were so content and happy. We were allowed to take our daughters back to our hotel for 6 nights.
We spent precious time with our girls at the hotel, exploring Accra and eating the delicious Ghanaian cuisine. Some of our best family times were spent over long, relaxing meals. Diana (age 6) and Rebecca (age 3) understood a lot of English and we were able to communicate quite well with them. Both girls warmed up nicely to us and we felt an instant connection with them.
We attended court on Thursday, May 13th. The court hearing was held in a private judge's chamber. All judges and lawyers wear the traditional British wigs and the proceeding was formal, but not too stressful. The judge reviewed our case, asked some questions of the social welfare worker and the lawyer. The whole event took less than 15 minutes and we were blessed to be granted the adoption. We are now the very proud parents of Diana and Rebecca! The girls understood exactly what was happening and did a little dance in the hallway as we exited the courthouse. They especially liked saying their new last name.
It was difficult for us to return the girls to the foster home on Saturday. It was comforting that although the girls enjoyed their time with us, it was very natural for them to return to the foster home. They were excited to see their friends and share about the adventures with their mommy and daddy. We are confident they are receiving loving care while we wait for the I-600 approval and their Visas. It was a wonderful experience and we absolutely cannot wait to return to Ghana and our daughters!
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