We woke up bright and early and made our way out to the orphanage. The hour long ride seemed to last forever. I kept repeating out loud, "I really hope she doesn't hate me." I obviously knew she wasn't going to hate me but I was definitely expecting her to shy away from me, even though I was praying she wouldn't.
When we pulled in I was shaking, not just from the cold but from the anxiety that was building up. James lead us to the room where we would spend our time and we took our seats and waited for someone to bring Ava down. About ten minutes later, as I sat with my coloring book for Ava, her care taker brought her in. She came in with such a huge smile that faded for only a second when she saw me. I guess I can understand that she wasn't expecting a new face but she brightened up again and gave hugs to mom and dad. Before Kari and James changed her I gave her the coloring book and received a huge smile. That's when I knew I was in.
The rest of the time was spent coloring with Ava on my lap. We had a buddy system where she would pick out a marker and hand it to me so I could color her book. Occasionally, she would look up and give me the huge grin I had been waiting so long to see in person. Trying to hold back tears as we colored, I soaked up every moment. When we left, I was completely reassured that little Ava D and auntie had a bond that's never going to be broken.
Ava showing me where to color
Ava taking a turn coloring
Team Ava D and Auntie Erica
A visit from a previous day. Father and daughter love
14 comments:
She loved you Auntie Erica! She even wanted you over me at one point today. Very fun to see you with her! Thanks for coming and spending time with us :-)
Awesome, I am still tearing up. So glad the meeting went so well, prayerfully she will have the same reaction when she meets her grandma and I get to see that precious smile in person (I must remember to have a coloring book in hand).
Love the way you wrote about your experience Erica, like I said before I still have tears. So glad you made the trip and could be with some of your family.
Love to all,
Mom
Now all my kids are in Kaz... who would have "thunk"? I am so glad the four of you are enjoying time together as a family; I wish mom and I could be there or better yet, all four of you were here! I love you all so much and can't wait to see and hear more! Keep the great pictures coming!
Auntie Erica! how could you have ever thought she would not love you. Of course she was gonna love you! She is truly a sweetheart, as I'm sure you are, tho we have not met. The pics are beyond precious! the other posts from Dad and Sheral and others are so good to read! Thanks for sharing this journey. Love to you all
Sandra Sherritt
Touching story ! Go auntie Erica !!!
PS. Did James explained to you that you have to jump every time you pass the mosk ? :-) And don't forget to taste of Karis special Kazakh carrots soup !
TEARS! I love you guys. Have fun and stay warm!
Ok. Tearing up as we speak. that is SO precious.
Ava looks so cute on Auntie's lap..I think Erica is going to be the perfect babysitter!...xoxox Mom
I just have to point out that you cannot get her to look at the camera for a family photo for the life of you but she sure looked pretty in the picture of you 3 ladies ;-)
True Kelly... This is b/c James makes crazy noises behind the camera and gets her to smile. That doesn't work out when he's in the picture :-)
Aww ha thats my technique too and now Anya just ignores me-I use to hold a phone and tell her that Daddy was on it-now she will have none of my lies;-)
How incredibly precious. Definitely time for some Kleenex after that blog! :)
What a blessing for you two to be able to meet!! Love and prayers to all of you.
Definitely holding back tears! Erica, I knew Ava would bond with you immediately - how could she not?? I love you all!
aww your sister is so precious. What a lovely family Ava is coming into....so sweet! :)
I love your blog....thanks so much for the invite. :)
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