Thursday, February 10, 2011

From Russia With Love!

I am here and had a wonderful visit with my sweet E. today but boy was it a long 30 hours to get there. I hear mom's say all the time that the memories of labor fade quickly when you put your love goggles on with your new infant. Today I experienced something similar. Getting to Moscow this time was nothing short of a miracle. I woke up on Tuesday morning to about 5 inches of snow and it was coming down fierce. My dear friend Lesa braved the roads and the frigid temperature to pick me up and take me to the airport. One hurdle crossed! Made it through security and boarded the plane no problem. We even left the gate on time. We headed out to wait in line to be de-iced and then sat there for the longest time after being de-iced. The captain finally came on told us that some de-icing fluid had leaked into the plane. Huh? I'veer never heard of that before. So we had to wait for authorization to head back to the gate to have maintenance look at it. I only had a one hour connection in DC so I quickly got on the phone with United to see what could be done. They worked out an alternate plan for me to route from DC to Frankfurt and then Moscow but the couldn't confirm anything for me :( So I tried to stay calm and wait...and wait....about an hour later we were told to take our seats the problem was fixed....and so we headed out to wait in line to de-ice again. After de-icing we waited - I thought we were waiting for our turn to take off - nope. It turns out some fluid leaked in through the door - again! By this time the peace I had been feeling had vanished - I was close to tears and spent most of the next 24 hours in that state. I am giving the Reader's Digest version here - United re-booked me and my agency called the region to see what we would do about my new later arrival time. The region said no problem we will be there and will take you to the region that night. Original plan - leave Denver at 10:30am arrive Moscow 11am next day - God's plan - hang out at DIA all day leave Denver at 5:40pm fly to Frankfurt connect to Moscow and arrive at 6:40pm the next day - file a lost baggage report and leave the airport with my driver at 8pm to head for E.s region. Arrive at my hotel at midnight. Whew - what a long day! And what a harrowing 4 hour drive on snowy, icy roads in a Camry - with my driver who spoke no English and kept passing folks on a two lane highway in said Camry on the snowy, icy roads - YIKES! We had some tough angels surrounding us! Spending an hour with E. today makes it all worth it! She was shy and tentative with me again, but she had the pictures I left last time and we looked at those together. Dear Ann printed multiple copies of pictures of my first visit with E. and I brought those with me. She loved looking at those and we added them to her photo album. One of the caregivers told me that whenever they look at the album or the toys I left E. says "Mama, Mama Mama, My Mama!" Isn't that the sweetest? Warms my heart. By the end of the visit she was willing to sit on my lap and we colored together (getting to that point included some screaming and crying when the caregivers kept trying to leave her alone with me - she wanted none of that!) But I was thrilled that the journey of tears led to a content little girl sitting on my lap, letting me rub her back and stroke her hair and kiss her cheek.....bliss! I can,t think of anyplace I''d rather be! And 30 hours to get there to arrive without luggage? Oh well - it's no matter!
We have court tomorrow at 2pm...and then she will be officially my daughter. Simply amazing.

6 comments:

  1. So glad to hear this wonderful news. God is so awesome in the ways He is moving on your and E's behalf in Russia! Enjoy and give her a hug for me!

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  2. What wonderful news!!! I am so excited for you!

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  3. So glad to here you are there and spent some time with sweet E. Sounds like she been able to bond with her caregivers which is an awesome sign! Best of luck w/ court and everything else!

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  4. Oh Kimberly--it is really finally happening!!! I am so excited for you. I can't wait until she is officially yours and we can see pictures. I will be praying for court to go smoothly and for you to have her home in no time.
    It is heaven when they sit on your lap and when you hear them say "Mama". It only gets better!

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