Growing Pains

As first time parents of four older girls we expected that there would be challenges.
The girls have been very happy, and it is difficult at times to reprimand them for being happy, giddy and for teasing each other all the time. We understand that they are probably feeling very free to express themselves differently with us than in their previous environments. From what we have been told, the girls are on a faster pace in terms of becoming close to us than other families. This wa s made more obvious to us by a comment made by our oldest daughter when she said: "We have all called you mami and papi, and that doesn't always happen. I know because other kids in the orphanage have told me so".
As preparation for coming to a different culture we have advised the girls through family meetings and meals about some of the things that they are to expect once they come to the United States. I know this is going to sound sad, and I don't mean to insult anyone, but in the U.S. people can be pretty intolerant. To help with culture shock we have been doing this throughout the week. We will be helping with this transition, so hopefully it won't be as difficult. As a family we are growing together, which is a wonderful experience, but we are also feeling some pains come with that growth. We have been challenged though certain behaviors that we certainly expected and have been trying our best to keep an warm and open heart while keeping a strong sense guidance for our family.
There is also the fact that our discipline style is different than what the girls have been used to, that is, we have open dialogue about the issues and conflicts at hand. For some, not all, this seems to be uncomfortable but necessary since this is how we will be handling things in our family for the future.
Tomorrow we get a tour of Medellin. We are looking forward to that, so we need to go to bed now. Luckily the girls went to bed a little later, maybe they will wake up a little later.. More to come.