While packing...

I am sitting in my living room right now.  It's late and I need to go to bed.  Much of the floor and almost every place to sit is covered with luggage in various stages of being packed.  My mind is wandering to where it usually wanders these days...  In three days, I will see my new daughter.  I love her very much.  I have thought a lot about the first time we see each other again.  What should I should I do?  What should I say? How do I convey my heart to this little girl who has never experienced the love of a father?  

 I have rehearsed it a thousand times in my mind: I'll start with a bear hug that will lift her off her feet and leave her just a little bit breathless.  I will put her down, get on my knees, hold her face in my hands, look her in the eyes and say, "Irena, my beautiful girl (I learned how to say that part in Latvian).  You are home.  You are safe.  You will never be alone again."  Yes, that's what I'll say...if I can make it through.  Even if I don't, it's okay.  I have every day for the rest of my life to tell her and show her.

Sleep well tonight Irena...your daddy is coming to get you...very soon.

Let's get this started...

We board the plane on Monday afternoon.  After stopping for breakfast in Helsinki on Tuesday, we fly to Riga, Latvia.  The next morning, we will meet our new daughter at a Latvian courthouse.

Believe it or not, it all started on Facebook.  Laila replied to a wall post and one month later we welcomed Irena into our home.  We hosted her for five weeks.  At the end of her stay, we put her on a plane with heavy hearts and tearful eyes.  ...that was in January 2012.  Since then, we have been working to bring her home to us.  No more goodbyes for this child.  Ever again.

Over the last 11 months, we have seen much that has encouraged and amazed us.  God has provided for every detail both large and small.  We have experienced the generosity of so many...from those most dear to us to those we hardly know.  We know that we have never been alone every step of the way.

Now, we would like to invite you to join us on this next most exciting part of our journey so far.  Walk with us as we go there and back again...and bring Irena home!