Bedtime~My Favorite Time

Bedtime has always been one of my favorite times here at Karim. I loved tucking my children in when they were little and I miss it so maybe that's why it is a special time for me. At bedtime, I would tuck my children in and they would say "I love you Mom" and I would say "I love you more" and they would always respond with "I love you up to the moon!" I miss that so much. EVERY night, ALL the children here get a 'busu' ~swahili for kiss~ on the cheek from Mama Linda and an "I love you". Then, I get a kiss on the cheek back and an "I love you Mama Linda". One night while tucking the children into bed, I told them what my children would say to me. I am so glad I told that story because now it is a 'bedtime tradition' here for me and the Karim Children "Goodnight Mama Linda, I love you up to the Moon" and a big kiss on the cheek I get! I LOVE IT!! It really makes me miss my children while I am here and I think of them every night! I hope one day they can all come and experience this with me. Last night, while tucking them in and saying my good nights, my favorite little guy, Ibra, whose is only 2 years old, sits up in bed and says "Mama Linda, I love you to the moon" All the kids started giggling because it was the first time he said it and it sounded so damn cute! I held back the tears until I got to my room and I sat on my bed and had a cry. I am the luckiest MOM in the world! I have 16 beautiful children here in Africa that love me and 5 wonderful children in Canada that love me! I miss my children very much! And of course "I love them to the moon and back".