“Grammy’s coming! Grammy’s coming! Grammy’s coming! GRAMMY’S COMING!” Everyone’s faces have been beaming with these words for the past week as the anticipation is almost too much for them to handle. It is clear from the sparkle in their eyes and the excitement in their voice when they talk about “Grammy and Grandpa” that the Waids are dearly loved here. And it’s contagious—I find myself just as excited for my new grandparents to arrive, even though I’ve never even met them! The past few days have been filled with preparations of not only cleaning the entire compound but lining the sidewalks with brightly colored flags and constructing a bamboo arch near the gate and covering it in balloons(that say Happy Birthday, hehe).
Today was probably one of the most exciting days of their entire year. The Waids are not only the kids’ beloved grandparents but also “Mommy” and “Daddy” to many of the staff that now work here. AND THEY WERE COMING HOME! In honor of the occasion school was cancelled for the afternoon. At the ring of the bell children come running to line up at the gate. We are hardly able to stand still in eager anticipation of Grammy and Grandpa’s arrival. With eyes sparkling and smiles beaming the van bringing the Waids is finally spotted and drives in, letting out some of the most loving people I’ve ever met (well I hadn’t met them yet). Immediately being smothered with hugs and kisses from staff and kids alike, the Waids greet every single kid, each interaction making it more and more clear to me why Grammy and Grandpa are loved so much. But the welcome ceremony has just begun. After many a hug and kiss and even a few tears of joy, the Waids are ushered to some chairs where their feet are washed. Then a group of girls dressed as beautiful angels perform a dance as huge paper leis are tenderly placed around the honored grandparents’ necks. They are finally ushered through the bamboo arch of birthday balloons and along the colorful sidewalk up to their house where the ceremony ends. Then I got to meet Grammy for the 1st time! I was so excited, they felt like my own grandparents I hadn’t seen in a long time! In talking to them a little more over dinner I am even more amazed at the love they have for all their “kids” here. Grandpa even said “they would go crazy without being able to come and live here with their kids.”
It is exciting, relieving and refreshing to have their presence on the compound. Tonight, the lightning illuminating the sky through cool rain with the powerful booming thunder in the background was like God’s reminder of what a powerful yet refreshing light was brought to this campus today. The sign hung with love on the Waids door says is perfectly: “Welcome Home Grammy and Grandpa.”
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