Before I begin, I feel the need to say, if you are a visitor to my blog and are interested in adopting, WELCOME! I am happy to share with you. But I do need to write a VERY honest statement that I want you to take seriously. This is OUR story. Every adoption story is different. Please do not read this post and expect your experience to be just like ours. We were there with 5 other families and EACH of our experiences were different and unique. Get good training about adoption and attachment, and pray a LOT!!!
So, here is it...our story.
It was a small room, like a waiting room, right off the elevator. There were a lot of people there, two families who had just met their little ones. Our guide told us to go in there and wait, then left. I tried to find a spot to sit out of the way. I didn't know if Zoe was in the building or not. I wondered, and prayed.
I knew this could be traumatizing for my sweet girl. I'd planned and prayed, literally, for years for her, but she did not know me at all. I was a stranger. Would she be afraid? Would she refuse to come to me? Would I have to pry her away from him, adding to the trauma? Would there be screaming and tears? For all of these scenarios we'd planned and prepared. We had been trained well to not expect her to run into my arms and live "happily ever after." We knew to expect the worst (but hope and pray for the best). So plan I did, because I knew I would be heartbroken if I expected her to love me and she didn't. I knew she came from a lot of loss, and I was just about to add more by taking her from all she knew. I was prepared to bear whatever she gave and try not to take any of it personally, but love her unconditionally, the best I could.
I saw them get off the elevator. I told momma to turn the camera on, but she couldn't see them so was a little confused. The man who was carrying her didn't know where to go and headed toward our door. I met him at the door and held my hands out to her. She came right to me. I was so surprised, and thrilled to have her in my arms.
A little later I found out I wasn't supposed to have her until they'd checked us all out, but I KNEW that was my girl and I didn't know I wasn't supposed to go to her. Oops! We completed all the paperwork they needed for the day and the man who brought her gave me a precious photo album with pictures of Zoe in it. He answered some questions, then we left. This began our "harmonious period" as it is called-to make sure we still want this girl. Are you kidding me!!!
So, here are a couple of pictures from that day.
This is as we are walking out the door to go meet Zoe. I was SO excited!!!!!
Momma in front of the government building where I would meet Zoe.
Beautiful baby girl!!!!
SO in love already!!!!!
Momma and Zoe leaving the government building.
It was a wonderful day. It unfolded better than I'd expected, but exactly how I'd hoped. I'll add more later (or try) but for now, the sleeping beauty is rising. :)
Thank you so much for your prayers for us over these long years of waiting.
