Today, Lee and I are struck by some self discovery.... At different times throughout this process there have been mounds of paperwork, or apostilling difficulties or delays for a stamp which have placed visions of villans in our heads. Individuals who were making the process harder or more aggrevating. Truly, however, that isn't always the case. There are others in this process which deserve much recognition. The real heros of the adoption process are many, but I had forgotten about the caregivers. Maybe "forgotten" isn't the correct word, but I had not put a face to these individuals. There was no face on those whose hugs are the only hugs my children have known or whom they can remember being loving and kind. There was no face for those that have fed our children day after day and changed all their dirty diapers and have nursed them back to health when they have been sick. Today we said good bye and it was about the most difficult thing we have ever had to do. It was all I could do to communicate my appreciation to the caregivers by saying "thank you" over and over and over again as I reached out my hands from my heart. It is the blessing of the Caregiver that I will add into my prayers tonight, and it is their story and their face that we will never forget to include in our story.

Another Great Day!

We had yet another great day! We spent 1 1/2 hours walking around with Adam and Agnieszka throughout the village and around their orphanage. They were so excited at everything they saw and squealed in delight at the sight of people walking their dogs and cars whizzing by. It is so thrilling to see a child discovering something new! We are having some technical difficulties with re-charging batteries, so we may be out of "juice" soon. All is well, though. I have started a list of things I want to be sure to inform everyone of and will be sure to post when we get home. Funny things to make traveling 5000 miles away from home a little smother..... Like how to order bottled water without getting just plain Hot water (without tea) and how to turn your lights on in your hotel room. Sounds crazy, but there is a trick to it!! :)

Make it a great day! Live Love Laugh!!

What an incredible Day! It was rainy and cold on the outside, but warm and sunny on the inside. Both figuratively and literally! These pictures were on our first meeting with Adam and Agnieszka. Their orphanage is a clean, happy place filled with bright painted rooms and lots of toys. Throughout the day, we got the genuine sense that their care givers really loved the children and have been very nurturing. We spent the first half of the morning with the Director of the Orphanage Center and the Director of the specific orphanage Adam and Agnieszka reside. Followed by some brief questions pertaining to why we choose Poland and were we prepared for the challenges of parenting, we were lead to a rather large room to play with children. As we were lead to the doorway, both Lee and I were unaware that the children were already there. We stepped into their world almost unexpectedly, however, instantly were overcome with complete joy. Wow! is really the only word I can come up with right now. It's either that or the studdering......"A A A A A aaaaaa" scenerio. We were able to feed the kids lunch, see their sleeping areas, bath areas and even put them down for a nap! The second visit was after lunch and just as energetic. "I alone know the plans for you...." and God said those plans are GOOD!

Getting Ready to Turn the Corner

Over the past couple of days many have said "This is so exciting, how do you feel?" My first reply was a studdering "A, A, A, Aaaaaaa". My second reply to the question was "I am so overwhelmed!" and on my third reply I was lucky enough to send it via e-mail so I could articulate a little more precisely the exact emotions. But what are those exact emotions because there are so many? I think I have figured it out.......Do you know that moment just before you turn to walk down the aisle at your church and marry the man of your dreams? Now hold your breath as you recall the exhaustion from the months of planning every minute detail, the anticipation of turning the corner and seeing all your loved ones gathered to bear witness, the flood of memories of those in heaven but somehow knowing they are standing right next to you watching and encouraging your journey, and the Love of God beating so hard in your heart that you feel as though it could burst. Take that moment and stretch it out for 10 days and that is exactly how I am feeling. Lee and I are blessed and I can't wait to turn the corner.

We Have Dates!

I am shouting from a Mountain top - We have dates!!!

Can you hear me?

I can't begin to express the excitement we are feeling right now! We leave in 10 days. We are finalizing our travel arrangements and are planning to be in Poland on Sunday, 11/15. We will meet our CHILDREN (WOW) on Monday, 11/16 and Tuesday, 11/17 and then will travel home on Friday. It will be a very quick trip. Our heads are spinning, our hearts are racing, and our cheeks hurt because we are smiling so much! Here is our preliminary Packing list:

(2) Scrapbooks with family pictures
(2) O-Balls (they pack flat - great idea I picked up from another blog)
Crayons and Coloring Books
(4) sock puppets
A Journal to take notes (and to trace the children's feet and hands)
A measuring tape to document their sizes.
(2) Stuffed Animals
Small I-Pod Docking Station and I-Pod loaded with Children songs.
Snacks (not sure if the orphanage will allow us to give them snacks, but we thought we would try)

A Christmas Children's Book

Are we missing anything?

Yahoo!!!! This feeling is simply unbelievable!