Woke up early this morning (jetlag!) and didn't get back to sleep (excitement!). After breakfast we met our guide in the hotel lobby and, after talking about what to expect and making sure that everyone had what they needed, we got on the bus and headed over to the registration office about ten minutes away.
There are five families in our adoption group. One of the kiddo's was already there waiting for his family. Lots of photos taken of that meeting! Then a while later, one more little girl arrived from her orphanage. It's very emotional going through all this together. Watching the tears and little ones not wanting to leave their caregivers. Heartbreaking and beautiful all at the same time.
Then finally Valerie arrived! She was walking in holding hands with the orphanage director. She let go and let me take her hand. No tears. Just wide eyes looking around. I sat on the floor for the longest time like that, just holding her little hand. Then gradually she let me move her onto my lap. She let me hold her and feed her. No smiles and on the verge of tears but she worked so hard at holding it together.
Since being back at the hotel she's had a few tears but lets me hold her close to comfort her. We haven't heard her say anything and she isn't making eye contact with us much yet. We're trying to be very gentle with her as she becomes comfortable with us.
Welcome to the family precious one! We're so thankful that God has placed you into our care!
So very special and what a precious picture!!!
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