Our Gotcha Day

After two flights and one insane taxi ride we finally arrived at the hotel where we would meet Lia. Her nanny, Miss Sue, walked into the room holding her and handed her right to me. She came to me without crying but her big brown eyes just scanned the room taking it all in. She never really relaxed in my arms but she did seem to become a little bit more comfortable after a while. I cannot imagine what is going on inside her little head right now with all the changes she's endured today.

With our guide serving as a translator, I was able to ask Miss Sue a lot of questions about Lia's personality, development and routine. She is very reserved and quiet and has teared up a few times with some whimpering but no real crying. That, I think, will come in time. She was so tired, she fell asleep in my lap and I put her down in the crib to sleep. It was very close to her regular bed time, so that may be all we see of Miss Lia tonight.

Tomorrow is our appointment with the Civil Affairs official where we formally adopt Lia. Bright and early at 8:30 in the morning. Getting all 3 of us fed and ready by that time (with jet lag starting to rear its ugly head) should be interesting.

I cannot begin to thank you all for you prayers and encouragement. The kids at home are doing great (THANK YOU everyone who is helping with them) and we have skyped a few times. We had to drag the computer over to the crib so they could get a peek at Lia (I wasn't about to wake her up) and they all oohed and ahhed appropriately :)

The Lord has been SO merciful to us on this trip. Everything from air travel to meeting Lia has gone so smoothly and for that we are grateful. I'll leave you with this picture of our little sleeping beauty.