Day 2 - WE FINALLY MET HER!

As I'm getting ready this morning that ball of emotions is stirring inside. I'm so excited to meet this girl we've prayed for and loved for the last 4.5+ years. But, she doesn't know that! Her life was recently turned upside down when her mom dropped off at the orphanage 9 months ago. How will she receive us? Lord, help your love to shine through us, your unconditional love to be what is evident, to draw her in and start building a bond that is pure, without hurt and pain.  You've had this one for years, I'm not going to take it from you now.  Amen.

Friends, I cannot even begin to explain the joy my heart felt today. To hold her, play with her, color, laugh, sing and tickle her. To watch her mimic our moves, color in the lines, create games out of bubbles and laugh and laugh and laugh...WOW! My face literally hurt at one point from smiling so big and laughing so hard!  I can't wait to share her with you all. I'm not sure when that's allowed, but here's what I can tell you.

B was hesitant at first. Unsure of what to think, how to act or respond to us. She loves our goody bag of stuff to do and definitely enjoyed taking pictures and watching videos on the phones. Videos of us that is! One she played over and over was of Jayla just days ago singing and dancing.  B must've watched it 10 times! We tried to explain that was her sister and who Drew, Grant and Qade are as well. (Qade is here with us.) No idea if she is comprehending any of it. She hasn't spoken much at all today. They did introduce us as mama and papa, but I think any white people that come in get that title. Eventually we are called Mama B and Papa B, connecting us to her. 

For most of the time today we were with just her, no other kids in the same area. She hummed and sang a lot, has great gross and fine motor skills and draws really well. She's talented, I can tell already. She's full of energy and creativity and oh, her laughter, it's just the best!!! One of my favorite moments today was when Qade was chasing her around the circle bench. As she passed Jason, he picked her up and swung her around in the air. The joy in her scream would melt anyone's heart, but it got better. She ran around again, Qade chasing, but this time yelled 'Papa"! He was the hero who swooped her up and swung her around again. I had to wipe away the tears of joy that overwhelmed my spirit in that moment.

One other sweet moment today was when B tried to do my hair. She stayed at it for probably 15-20 minutes. She even braided it! So smart. I have some hair things and combs I will be sure to take on another day.

I'm not sure what the rest of this trip will look like, but I'm going to take it one day at a time. God is in control, not I! He will click the rest of the pieces together and we will continue to walk by faith.

Other News: Two ladies came into the guest house yesterday, that's where we're staying. They only stayed one night but the one was here to pick up her son! She had lots of information to share with us, but was discouraged by a flaw in the process for her that happened when she arrived.  Pray for her please, and for the upcoming transition she has ahead!