We landed in Siberia in -27 degrees Celsius at 5:30 AM. We were taken to our hotel for breakfast and a much needed nap. We had a chance to shower and prepare for our meeting with the Ministry of Education. This office overseas all the children who have no parents in this region. After a meeting with her we were driven approximately 45 minutes to the orphanage. We met the orphanage director and were able to ask her questions. She was a nice lady with a genuine concern for the children and the homes they will be placed in. She was a very warm, inviting lady who also loves the children she is in charge of, and desires loving homes for each of them. The orphanage was very well taken care of, clean with lots of toys and pictures. After our meeting we were walking to the room to meet our little one, and as we passed the stair well we saw her being walked upstairs by her caregiver. Immediately our tears started flowing.
She was hesitant at first, there were lots of people around fussing over her. After about 30 minutes of being timid she started to warm up and crawl around. She stuck close to Amy's lap, we called it her "home base". She would crawl to get a toy then back herself right back into my lap. She and Ryan started a game of pass the toy and she loved that. We played for about an hour and a half, then she drifted off to sleep in my arms while staring at Ryan and him whispering to her. At her mealtime her caretaker came to get her so we had to say goodbye until the next day.
It is 5:30 AM now, we are starving and in much need of coffee!! Not a Starbucks to be found in this Siberian tundra. We will go to the orphanage again at 2 PM. Please continue to pray, especially for strength today as we will have to say goodbye to her for the next few months.
We are struck by how big our God is...no doubt He knew long ago about this very little girl and placed it on our hearts 6000 miles away. We have no fear or doubts about this reality and have a sense of peace that only he can give!
6 comments:
My tears are flowing as I read this and see your pictures. AMEN, PRAISE THE LORD! We will continue to pray for you guys, and for little Anna. Love you- Amy and Ty
We are an AWAA family and went to Kazakhstan last spring to adopt our daughter. Just wanted to read and remember the joy of that first meeting! Congratulations and I pray the Lord's richest blessings on you and your new daughter. It is amazing isn' it?
Praise the Lord! This is so exciting! Have a wonderful day visiting with her. Can't wait to meet her. Rejoicing with you!
Shanna
How wonderful!! Thanks for the update - we are so very excited for you. :)
Praying for you as you spend time with your daughter trying to help her feel safe and loved and praying for your hearts as you say "good bye." May His peace continue to be poured into all of you. May He give you the strength and endurace for each step.
The Thomas Family
Praise the Lord! We can't wait to meet her too!
Love,
Nathan & June
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