On Meeting Dina

So, today was not only my birthday, but one of the most amazing days of my life.  It was so simple, yet so profound.  I think my belief and faith in God just jumped to a completely unheard of level.  To even think about this event is mind boggling.  But to be a part of it... well, that is something completely different.  I am so honored to have been chosen to care for this little girl.. a little girl, half way around the world... who I never would have met if EVERY single step had not been planned and ordained by God.  Oh, and having a super star, adoption agency hasn't hurt either!!!  

So, we arrived at the orphanage.  It is a four story, limestone, stately building.  As you walk up to the door, you can see a fenced, playground area with large outdoor, play equipment.  It was the first sign that we struck gold.  Out of all the orphanage, stories, of things that could be bad ...  we found a clean, well equipped, well run, actually very lovely home for children.   We entered the building and were asked to wait in the lobby area.  The entire building smelled like wonderful, home cooked food.  We hadn't eaten lunch so it made me VERY hungry.  It was as clean inside as outside.  There were a few, mostly older, women bustling about to and from.  Soon, the woman who was standing in for the Director, escorted us to her office.  There we were met by the orphanage doctor and psychologist.  

Our interpreter assisted in relaying a short biographical history of Dina from the director's assistant, followed by the doctor and psychologist reports.  I admit to having tears in my eyes when thinking of the good news we were given about Dina's condition.  In addition, my heart felt full of amazement at the strength of her birthmother, who obviously very much wanted her... it seems she would visit Dina often for several months.  However, she very much accepted that she could not care for Dina.  I will always feel indebted to her for her selfless bravery.  

Oh, before I move on... a little funny... when they told us the doctor and psychologist were coming into the room my first thoughts were... "what if the language barrier keeps them from getting a clear perspective of us during their exams of us?"  Okay, so I was a little paranoid...  it never dawned on me to think they were there to tell us about Dina!  I chuckle now.

After the information session, we were led into the nearby room to meet her...Dina... 

after one year of paper-chasing, one year of looking at her photo and telling it... as though she could hear me... "mommy is coming soon."  Here we were... and there she was.  It's such a surreal experience.  Not overly emotional, just... surreal.  My first impression was that she was so much smaller than I thought she would be.  I had pictured her on the big side.  Her hair was more blond and her eyes... a deep, dark blue.   She was playing contently on the floor as we entered the room.  We were introduced by the Doctor as "Aunt and Uncle to visit her."  Then Dina was asked to shake our hands to say "hello."  She did so, very politely...until she came to me.  Then she ran into my arms and smiled as big as she could while hugging me.  We were all taken aback.  I swear to it... it felt to me as though her hug was recognition of my promises to come for her."  I will never be able to adequately express this moment in my life.  It was just as a birthing experiencing that only a mother and her child experience.  Please know, I don't intend to leave my husband out of this picture... he was very much there with us... this was just a daughter and mother moment.

We played for a bit with Dina and then the doctor, came back for us to lead us to her office for a look at Dina's physical situation.  Please know, we are just so thankful that things are better than we had imagined.  I think this is one thing I picked up from other adoptive parents.  I have read so many times how parents went on their adoption journey expecting medical conditions to be worse than they actually were.  I just knew this was the case with Dina.  This was something I researched and researched and spoke with doctor's about before the trip.  All the research and conversations took me to the same place... we will have to see her or get more information to tell you more about the possible outcome.  But I had this "feeling" from the first time I gave her a second look... I knew it would be okay.  Again, thank you to God for the little ways He has of speaking to us.

Another very special moment came when Dina was coloring in the doctor's office.  The doctor asked her what she was drawing and she said...  "mommy."  The picture was a black, mark of some sort... which DID look like me... I was wearing a black outfit.  

Then, as soon as we arrived, we were leaving again... with hugs for me and then for Brent(yeah!!!), we left her for the day.  

We then walked around old town Riga with Viktoria.  I promise to talk more of the city on a future blog as this one is already so long.  Needless to say... it is a city that was in existance since 1200 AD!!! So it rich with history and beauty.  The fish market is NOT so beautiful.  Great fish, but YIKES!!! They were some of the most odd looking things I ever saw.  I just have to mention the half fish, half worm thingy...that was still ALIVE and trying to breathe without any water!!!  It was even grosser than the kidneys and the livers and the other gross stuff down the aisle from it.  Linda...you know what I'm talking about...  Gross, huh?

Well, after a long drive to orphan court. we met with the judge and were granted permission to take Dina for one week to know her better and for her to know us better.  We were expecting two weeks...so this was a great surprise.  We feel this is so much better for all concerned.  Of course, there will never be a good time to "give" her back while we finish the paper chase.  But the wait will soon show us the glory in the entire plan... which includes the waiting time.  For those who may read this and are yet to reach this point in the journey... please know, it's much easier if you keep living your daily life as usual and hope for the best.  Of course... don't leave ANYTHING unknown...such as if your paperwork arrives where it should, when it should etc...  ALWAYS follow up!

Well my kind readers, I need to leave for the evening.  My husband and I are going to enjoy a movie.  Of course, we have to watch it via the computer.  Oh well, it shows us how much we DON'T need that we have back home.

Adieu~