I am completely(happily) exhausted, so please excuse this post if it doesn’t make any sense or has many errors.
Our flight was long, some connections delayed by hours, and a night in an airport. I have had about 3 hours of sleep in 36 hours, but it was all SO worth it the moment we arrived at the orphanage.
Rachel ran into the building ahead of us to get Giselle. There is often a “greeting party” of children on the steps, but today there was no one. It was only us. Rachel walked out, holding Giselle by the hand and introduced us as Mommy and Daddy. Giselle didn’t hesitate and walked right into my arms, snuggled in and didn’t move from there. She gave Darren some cuddles too which was great! Darren was able to video tape the moment, but I won’t be able to load it until we are home :(
I had so many scenarios running through my head about how it would go – I must confess non of those scenarios went that beautifully! It was a moment I will treasure in my memory for the rest of my life. Yes, I cried. Yes, I kissed her over and over and hugged her as tight as I dared. It was amazing to finally hold my daughter in my arms, knowing I won’t suffer from a broken heart on the way home.
We spent about 6 hours at the orphanage. She had a good long sleep in my arms, we played with some toys and just sat and cuddled a lot. We spent some time playing with the other children, eating some delicious, fresh, melt-in-your-mouth croissants. She is definitely not “herself”, but she is “normal” for what she is like for me (if that makes any sense). They say she is bossy, and can be loud. With me she is quiet and a bit sad. It’s only a matter of time though, and we will see the real Giselle.
Tonight we opted to leave her at the orphanage for her last night there. In case she has a hard time sleeping at the guest house with us, we want to be rested and ready. Tonight we are too tired, and I think the stress of today was a lot for her as well. This is the way I have always wanted to do Giselle’s transition, so I am thankful it has worked out the way I had imagined.
All in all, today has gone better than I expected. We are happy, excited for tomorrow when we can have her here at the guest house with us. It is quiet here and we can spend more one-on-one time with just her. I know she will be very stressed – remember she rarely ever leaves the orphanage, and now she will be in this unfamiliar place with strangers. Please pray that her spirit can be at peace, pray that we will have wisdom on how to engage and show love to her.
SO, SO happy that our daughter is finally ours! So excited to get to know who she is. Thank you for all your kind comments on fb, here and in our email inbox. It really is so wonderful to be able to share in our joy with you. It is a sweeter journey with all this loving support behind us.
Wow, so amazing! So excited for what lies ahead :)
So happy for you. It made me teary eyed reading your post. You are very blessed. Have a safe trip home. Enjoy this time. God Bless….Laurel
I am so glad you made it safely. May your time go well with Giselle. Heard your other kids in the backyard and they sound like they are doing fine LOL
Wow! So very happy for you! Glad that everything is going as planned. Can’t wait to hear more!
PS: You don’t look tired on the pic Paige posted…just content and blissfully beautiful!
Love it! And you always look beautiful, even on 2 hours of sleep! She is finally yours forever…
LOve it, balling rEading this to my kids
So happy for you all! God is so good! Praise Him for His kindness and compassionate and for always “making a way where there is no way!” We love y’all and look forward to one day meeting little Giselle and giving her a hug. I know it won’t be this trip but hopefully another time. Praying for the rest of the trip to go perfectly! Love, Sally
I am so, so, so happy! God has been preparing her heart and I will pray that He will continue to do so. I hope that you can really sleep tonight because who knows what the next few nights will be like as Giselle tries to settle in. Praying for you…can hardly wait to see that video clip of the moment that even I have been dreaming of for you for so long!
I, again, got goosebumps reading this and nearly cried imagining every moment and what you must be feeling. It’s almost like reading a book, only very real. I am sooo happy for you guys and also can’t wait to see that video clip! Praying for a very uneventful and calm and peaceful and restful next few days and flight home for you guys!
I am crying so hard, I can’t see straight! I have to read it again and again! I am SOO happy for Giselle (and I am happy for you guys too!). She has no idea how amazing this all is….until one day she will be able to look and read HER story! What an amazing blessing you guys are to her! Many blessings on the BEST day tomorrow, and a wonderful trip home! Rest well my friend! ps… Sadie and the girls can hardly wait til you come home cause they have a small little thing to bring the girls.
Wow! I must stop reading your blogs at work ;0)
Another wonderful entry, Denise – may God grant all your wishes – for you & your wonderful family. (Although, I believe he already has!)
I am so happy for you!!! What a relief that you can finally bring her home! I cannot wait to see that video! I hope your trip back is as easy as possible. Praying for you all!