Beautiful Day!

Today was the day we have been anticipating for so long. We finally got to meet Hope. Thanks to all of you who sent kind words of prayers and encouragement. Your prayers were felt today. I can't imagine today having gone any smoother.

We were picked up by our guide at 9am and we traveled about 45 minutes to a different part of town to the Civil Affairs building. We arrived before Hope did, so they had us fill out some paperwork in an office. While we were in the office, I heard a small commotion. I looked out and saw a woman carrying a baby and I immediately knew it was Hope. Of course, I started crying. We went out to meet her, but did not try to hold her right away. She was being held by one of the orphanage nannies and I stood by her and rubbed her back while she got used to looking at me. The nanny answered many questions for us about Hope's schedule, preferred foods and sleeping patterns. I was able to ask questions and our guide translated for us. One of the questions I asked was whether or not Hope could walk. The nanny put Hope down to demonstrate her ability to walk. After that, I picked her up and she has been glued to Mike and I since. What a beautiful moment!!

I am in awe of how wonderfully the orphanage has prepared for today. They gave us a photo album with pictures of Hope. They gave us a little care package of snacks for her along with the disposable camera that we sent in our care package a while back. Hope's foster mother also put together a little package for Hope, which included her favorite bottle (phew). We were given a typed out copy of her daily routine and it is obvious that they took care to dress her in a special outfit and new shoes. We feel very blessed because we know that not all orphanages provide so much for the adopting families.

Hope's transition has gone really well. She started crying at the office of Civil Affiars and it got worse when the nanny left. We got on the car to head back to our hotel and that's when she really started crying. She cried pretty hard for about 20 minutes and then she fell asleep. She woke up when we arrived at the hotel and she has been playing ever since. Her skills are amazing. She can walk and talk. She also is a wonderful imitator. She was scared of Mike at first, but he used Cheerios to wiggle his way into her heart. She is full of smiles and giggles. We have not been able to get her to eat much of substance today, but maybe she'll be famished by dinner.

We are so blessed. God granted us a beautiful meeting day with our daughter.