We are Parents

We have prayed and dreamed about this day and it is finally here.  We were not anxious or nervous at all as we headed out this morning.  We experienced a peace only God could give.There are two other families with us.  One adopted a two year old girl and the other a 10 year old.  We are blessed to have these experienced parents with us.

Dennis signing papers

As we entered the orphanage, we were first given a pile of papers to sign.  They included everything from temporary guardianship to some of the adoption documents we will finalize tomorrow.


Shortly after, Brooke entered the room.  She was absolutely beautiful!  She came to us right away and seemed comfortable with us.  It didn't take long for her to be sitting on the couch with us and interacting.  

Our first family picture.

Her smiles were amazing.  She had with her the Wisconsin sweatshirt we had sent her and pulled it out of her bag to show us.  She also had all of the other things we had sent her.  When she pulled out the stuffed springer spaniel we sent her, we thought it was a good time to tell her there were dogs at home.  Dennis pulled up a picture of Willow and one of Maddie and she pointed to parts of the stuffed dog and then to our dogs.  The interpreter asked her if she liked dogs and she said she does.  The interpreter told her that the dogs in the picture were at our house but would not be there when we first got home.

She wrote on the doodle pad, "Mommy and Daddy I love you."

Daddy and Brooke playing a video game.

At the door as we left the orphanage.

She also took out the photo album we sent her and pulled out a letter from her foster family along with contact information.  We were advised not to use it immediately as it may make it hard for her.  We are so grateful to this family for the love they have given her. 


We stopped at a McDonalds for lunch and then to a grocery store to pick up some snacks.  At McDonalds she would take a bite or two of her corn and then put the spoon up for us to have a bite.  She did the same with her ice cream too.  Such a sweet girl.

Asleep in the cart.

By this point she was exhausted and said she had a headache.  As soon as we got to the hotel room, she crawled into bed and went to sleep.  


We will spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel.  We will go for a short walk to a get a bite to eat later but mostly we will spend time getting to know one another.  


Our hearts are full and marveling at the gift God has given to us. Please remember to pray for us as we bond together as a family.