THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE!!!!

What an amazing day!  Gosh...  highlights.... 

We went downstairs early to help blow up balloons and visit with the people.  The people here are very kind and they were excited for us.  As the 11am hour approached the minutes could not tick by fast enough!  The hotel has a resturant on the first floor that opens to the street.  We waited outside...  and waited... and watched every car that came by... and waited...    and THEN Pete said ...."There they are!"

Apparently they had parked about the corner and were walking towards us down the side walk with an entourage of people around them...  the psycologist, the doctor, the nutritionist, and 2 social workers.  Oh my...  their smiles were so big.  Pete and I took off running towards them...  hugs...hugs...hugs....  a few tears...  more hugs....lots of smiles!   It seemed like all the activity on the streets and even the people who accompanied Heidy and Andres faded away.  It was a wonderful reunion!

Heidy and Andres had made us gifts...  a bracelet, and a phone holder, and Heidy had painted a ceramic deer.  Elana, their foster mom, sent a photo album of Heidy and Andres since they were about 3 years old. She also sent a few Colombian crafts.  It was all so special.  We spent time looking at the photo albums...  then we slowly realized the Social workers etc... were there!  We were very grateful they seemed to allow us to have that time to ourselves.

Then we met with the whole group.  It was clear that the Dr. was in charge!  She quickly told us what to expect..  including that the bonding period would last  one week...  until Tuesday.   After they told us lots of details our interpreter asked us if we wanted to ask the Dr. if the bonding period could be shortened so Pete could get home for Rachel and Matthew'a birthday on Monday and Tuesday.  She seemed to connect with us...  but said they would let us know on Friday.  Our interpreter reminded her we needed to make plane reservations....  she smile.... and said ok, Pete could come home at the end of  the week!   Thank you Lord....  thank you!

So...  everyone left... and it was just us! We had lunch here at the  hotel, and Pete played chess with Andres.  Heidy and I did a craft, and then  it was time for a siesta ( Except for Andres who put together a loge set)  After that... legal stuff.... attorney... notary...  all very kind and helpful.

Heidy and Andres are joyful and happy.  There is a lot of laughter and hugs.  They do say they are a bit sad as well...  We expect that and want to make it ok to talk about. 

Thank you for praying, helping and celebrating with us!

This IS the day the Lord has made!

Today... watching and enjoying our children, and missing and longing for our children at home...  I realized...again... that God chose us to be their parents...each and every one... their family...  forever...   

And I realized again, that this is God's story...   and that He invited us to join him on the journey...  I am  left with a deep awe and wonder...     Thank you Lord...  and thank you to all who are helping us to say yes to God's call...