Charlotte Day!!!!!

It is with such delight, gratitude, and humility that we present the newest member of our family, Charlotte Evelyn Grace!

What a long day it was waiting for our time to go and get Charlotte.  We were tired from travel and went to sleep Sunday night around 8:30PM.  Maran awoke around 2AM, and I fared a little better- waking up around 5:00AM. A mix of jet lag/time change and anticipation was behind all of the sleeplessness.  Finally 2:30PM came and we met our driver and guide, and then we held our breath as we dodged scooters, cars and pedestrians to get to the apartment across town where our meeting with the Civil Affairs and one of Charlotte's nannies was to take place.  Two other families were there receiving their children, but Charlotte was delayed in traffic (although her orphanage was closest), so we got to see how the sometimes chaotic/emotional hand-off would go from the other groups.  However, as God has continued to do, and I have to think as a result of all our our faithful friends who have been praying so fervently- -when Charlotte arrived, she immediately went to Maran and never let go. In fact, back at the hotel now as I type this- she is peacefully sleeping in Maran's arms on the bed.  We think that she is a very introspective and thoughtful little girl, taking all of the activity in, not yet showing a lot of emotion or crying.  We found out today that all of the nannies at the orphanage loved her, and one in particular cried today when she left. They had bought her two special outfits for today's meeting- she definitely seemed to have been well-loved and even cherished by her caregivers.  We also saw that the elephant that Margaret picked out for her in the care package we sent several months ago was with her, and seems to be one of her favorite toys!  

We were somewhat anxious as we waited for her to arrive, but it really could not have gone better.  Praise the Lord for His continued provision for us!  Charlotte is with her forever family now, and we feel so blessed and grateful to have her.  Please pray for continued bonding and attachment with us both- -I haven't held her yet, but have wiped a few small tears from her eyes and kissed her a few times on the head.  She also came to us with the picture book we sent a few months ago, and we think that her nannies did a good job of preparing her. for today  But, we give all of that praise and credit to the Lord.  The rest of this evening will be feeding her a bottle and some rice cereal tonight at dinner, putting her to bed (and us too soon after).  Tomorrow morning is the 2nd round of paperwork, and then we will figure out what she is up for.  Thanks again for all of your prayers and well wishes!

So grateful for what He has done,

Wade and Maran