So to back up a bit, our day started very early around 5 am. We got some coffee in our room (Starbucks instant packets of course), and got ready for the day. We had paperwork to pack up and also our bags to get ready and a little backpack for Lydia to get ready. Her backpack was filled with snacks and treats, little toys, a small stuffed panda and a couple of small books. We were as prepared as possible to have to distract her away from screaming for our one hour car ride from the orphanage back to the hotel. Oh and I can't forget, we also brought a couple of plastic bags because we were warned these kids are frequently very motion sick everytime they go in a car at first. So we got all packed up and ready to go, including of course the butterflies in our stomach! We had to eat a very very fast breakfast in about 5-10 minutes, but that was ok because I don't think either of us were very focused on food at that point! So we met our guide at 6:50am and headed on our one hour drive to the orphanage.
Breakfast - had to get just a little in the stomach to feed the butterflies. |
The best way I can describe this whole morning is surreal. Absolutely a bizarre and unreal experience. All of these things that we have seen in pictures and tried to imagine from the other side of the world, we drove straight into the middle of today. We pulled up to the gate of the orphanage and waited while they approved us to pull in and park. Then we got out and waited in the parking lot for one of the staff members to arrive and take us inside. Here are some pictures we took in the parking lot of the outside of the orphanage and also of the lobby as we walked in. Again, surreal to see these places that we saw in pictures - the pictures we were sent of Lydia that are posted back in November on the blog were taken in this lobby and we walked right past the things we saw in the background of her photos.
The sign at the gate |
Looking at the gate and the Social Welfare Institute beyond |
Our guide talking to the guard at the gate to get approval to let us in |
A view of the SWI |
Me with our guide as we wait for the staff member to walk us in |
In front of the SWI |
In the lobby |
To the side of the lobby - one of the pictures we had of her was in front of that fish wall |
The flower things in the background to the right were in another of the photos we received of her |
And this big book in the lobby was another place they took a photo of her. Amazing to be able to fly around the world and walk into the places where we saw her in the pictures. |
The couch area in the meeting room |
Signing papers |
Fingerprinting papers |
Then we waited, and waited some more....we found out they were still getting her dressed and ready to go. So we waited....
And then we saw outside the window into the hallway, a woman and a little girl walking by....and into the room walks our little Lydia....took my breath away....
The staff member who helped us with paperwork and Lydia with one of the Nannies that helped care for her. |
Walking in holding her bag of crackers. Silent shock was how I would describe her. The woman on the right is one of the nannies we think, although we never found out her name. |
After only a few minutes of looking at the book and taking a couple of pictures, they said, "Ok, you can go." No kidding. That fast. So we gathered up our things and our guide said to me, "She wants to hold your hand." So she held my hand and out we walked. The only other thing we did was stop in the hallway and ask some questions about her and her routine there. You'd have to ask Jim if you wanted to know what the questions were and what the answers were that were given. I was too in awe of the little girl quietly holding my hand to have heard much of that conversation.
We found out she loves animal crackers! And absolutely no car sickness! |
I am absolutely amazed at how smoothly she coasted through this whole experience. NO tears. Already smiling for the camera. |
She LOVES looking at the book of pictures of all of us. |
A final thought until later -
"This was the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes!"
Psalm 118.23
and
Congratulations Rachel & Jim!!! She is absolutely precious and I cried at the photo of her walking in the room with her little bag of crackers ready to meet you all....
ReplyDeleteWe will travel to the SAME orphanage in May/June for our 2 year old son. Thanks for sharing all the photos and details of your day so I could follow along!!!
Congratulations again and enjoy your journey! You couldn't have prayed for a better first meeting!! She's lovely. Best wishes!!!
Kim
HOORAH - that's a child that was well prepared for her gotcha day - and well loved by her Ayi to get her through this so readily!
ReplyDeleteAnd the SWI looks wonderful compared to one we've seen!
Great joy for ya'll here in Cincy -
aus and co.
the pictures were wonderful. she is so beautiful. i am so glad everything went so smooth. i'll keep praying things will stay that way. i cried when i read she wanted to hold your hand. what a burst of joy you must have felt. i still can't believe she is really yours that all that time of waiting you now have your hands on her!!! can't wait to meet her myself :) we love and miss you guys. bye for now Jamie
ReplyDeleteEach time I woke up last night I prayed for you guys, and especially that Lydia would have a peace about her in spite of being taken away from everything she knows and being with people who don't speak her language. I cried the whole time I was reading this! I can't believe how easy it was for you to pick her up after all these years of nitpicking and technicalities. Thank God! Well, Anna wants to look at pictures of her new cousin, so back to the blog. :)
ReplyDeleteAnna is now very concerned about what Lydia's new baby is named! Thanks for all the blogs and pictures - it has been so amazing to follow your journey!
ReplyDeleteThis brought me to tears!! So happy for you both! Everyone's prayers were answered! We will keep praying for continued peace, reassurance, and smooth transition!! God Bless! ~Wendy
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Jim and Rachel, and Welcome to the family Lydia!!! Lydia you are beautiful and your smile is contagious! Praying for all of you as you continue this journey <3 Katie
ReplyDelete