Why we do what we do. . . .

People often ask us why we adopt or why we have chosen to have the number of children we do at such a young age (26 and 30 for those who are curious). Simply put, who wouldn't want to be inspired and amazed every day of their lives (and, of course, we are NUTS. . .but we LOVE it)!? Because honestly, every one of my children inspire and amaze me each and every day. What a privilege and a blessing it is to be given the honor to know and associate daily with such incredible people. To see the world through the eyes of a child. . .amazing! To love as purely, completely and unconditionally as a child. . .amazing! To truly see people and not race, religion or (dis)ability. . .amazing! The scriptures teach us to "be like unto little children" and so, selfishly perhaps, I have chosen to surround myself with the experts! What greater teachers of compassion, faith, hope, charity and Christ-like love could there be!?

Why do I bring this up? Because everyday I have spent getting to know Lily and Alayna has been equally amazing! These girls are A.M.A.Z.I.N.G and I am truly humbled that I have been chosen to be their mom.

Today's visits with Alayna were wonderful. Although both visits were still supervised, the psychologist sat in the back of the room and only stepped in when Alayna or Toni addressed her personally, which gave me a chance to spend more one-on-one time with Alayna. We spent more time coloring (this girl LOVES to color and is very detail oriented. . .there is not a white spot on the page when she is done with it!). We also made necklaces for her and her friend, Sashka. What she enjoyed the most today however, was looking through her photo album! Once she had looked through it several times, she asked me if I had more pictures. At the time I didn't have any with me, but during our break between visits I downloaded all of my Facebook pictures to my computer and she spent the first half of our afternoon visit looking through all of the pictures on the computer. She LOVED it (I did too!).

Making necklaces

Mommy and Alayna looking at pictures from home!

When we were preparing to leave after our morning visit she told us that she would have a surprise for us when we returned. When we arrived at the orphanage this afternoon, she came into the room with a HUGE smile on her face and presented me with a picture she had drawn and some beautiful flowers! Again, my heart just melted into a puddle on the floor! Not only is she a fantastic artist, but her handwriting is incredible. She writes her name beautifully in Bulgarian and even copied it perfectly when I showed her how it was spelled in English. Let me tell you, nothing is going to hold this little lady back!

The picture and flowers Alayna gave to me. The house, she informed us, is Baba Marta's!

Alayna showing me the back of the picture where she had written her name (Her Bulgarian name is Tsvetelinka).

She sang for me again today (several times) and I was able to capture it on video (she is definitely not shy about singing in front of people). Unfortunately, it is taking forever for the video to upload, so I will have to wait to share that until I get home.

At the request of the orphanage director, Toni and I introduced ourselves as guests who had come to visit yesterday (the director felt it would be best to ease into telling Alayna that I am her mama and that she will be adopted. . . .Because there are several families in the process of adopting from the same orphanage, we didn't want to burn any bridges so we have gone along with this for now). Right now, she knows me as Valerie, the nice lady with the "magic bag" full of fun things! Tomorrow we are going to share with her that I am going to be her mama and that she will be coming home with us in a few months. I do not think that she is completely unaware of what is going on (there have been many adoptions from this orphanage, so the children likely know why I am here), but I am praying that this will be good and welcome news for her. The transition from an orphanage to a family is likely to be very difficult for her, but I am praying that she will take the news well and be excited about the thought of joining our family. Your prayers, as always, are greatly appreciated!