On our way home

I sit here and wonder where to begin. Our journey in Bulgria is ending, but our life with Chad is just beginning. What a week it's been. We arrived at the orphanage at 7:45am on Monday after 6 long months of waiting to finally hold him again. As we signed this paper and that- the time seemed to crawl by. We kept listening for the sound of running feet all the while hearing lots of little voices. His caregiver came out holding him and was not wanting to let him go. Everyone was hugging and kissing him. It was clear to see that he was well taken care of and loved there. I can see why- to meet him is to love him. He did well on the 5+ hour trip to Sophia. We made it just in time for the visa picture before 2. On our own with him for the first time, we decided to walk around the beautiful city of Sophia. After our walk, we were ready to head back to Florida. Mission accomplished. Let's hit the road. Ahhh- the waiting. Our next four days consisted of more walking than I've ever done in one city or even on 5 consecutive days, one bus tour and several delicious Bulgarian meals. We have truly enjoyed our time bonding with our new son. He is so precious! Sweet, loving and oh such a ham. Other people who became familiar to him- our translator Didi and her father, others in the hotel, a girl from a local cafe who spoke English and anyone else who could and would talk to him in Bulgarian. He has already picked up several English words such as "okay, I love you, thank you, cool, sit down". He loves to laugh and joke around. It's amazing how he can speak right to our hearts. I love him so. Thursday we met back up with Didi to have his physical done for his visa. ENT=perfect, eyes=perfect, speech and language=perfect! Amazing for a sweet little boy who was delayed for so long. Anyone feel God,s greatness here?After a quick lunch we went to the US Embassy for our interview appointment. There was another family there from Florida also adopting. Their translator recognized Chad right away. Her agency had previously had Chad's file and was trying to find him a family for some time. Later as I commented on how crazy that was, Stuart reminded me that God wouldn't give our child to anyone else. :) Friday was another walking tour day. We managed in our five days to always take differnt routes. The city is huge, full of communist history and just gorgeous. We visited at least 5 different parks. Chad rode his first electric rid today. The minute the car started going he was ready to jump off. Just like his first bath on Monday, he was scared to death. But with a little encouragement, just like his bath, the ride soon became something he loved and couldn't get enough of. He's very bright, independent and funny. I know he will fit in quite perfectly with our crew. He hasn't been sad about leaving the orphanage once. I get the feeling he likes us. :) This afternoon, shortly after our final day of adventure in Sophia, our attorney Toni came to the hotel to have dinner with us and two other families adopting. She gave us Chad's visa, passport and immigration papers. We're official. I think I've used that term several other times at different steps in the process. Now we have the birth certificate, court decree and visa to prove it. God is so amazing. He knew when he made this precious little boy that he was meant for our family. We only know what we see. Trusting Him and just saying yes to get out of our bubble is the hardest part. We have been so truly blessed throughout this entire experience. We an awesome God we serve! Our family and friends are pretty outstanding too! Thank you! Sorry this took so long to post. This mama is tired, but so ready to be home. Check back with more updates on Chad's transition into family life. Come on little man- let's go home.