Gotcha Day in Peru

Amazing surreal, joyous, overwhelming, spectacular, incredible, are words that come to mind, yet words are inadequate. I want to update and share the multitude of answered prayers right before our eyes so bare with me as I just write.

I have prayed since before we were matched that God would prepare the hearts of our children for us and us for them. Let me try to give you a glimpse of what this was today.
We arrived and we walked through the big locked wall enclosing the whole orphanage and we heard, "there they are" and as we looked beyond a few girls and staff we could see our daughters waving to us through barred windows where they waited for us in the locked common living area. We lost it as we waved they waved we waved more and they did too. We were wisked into an an office with multiple adults speaking Spanish faster than my greatest rate of speech. I turned to Ben and said, what is going on babe and he said honey I can't make anything out. They moved us to another side room where they quickly brought the most amazing girls to us. They had hugs and kisses just as they promised on the phone and then they asked us if they could leave with us right away.

We shared many special moments as the girls checked us out. Just let me tell you that I was blown away at how they interacted with us, touched us, smelled us, outlined our faces with their precious little hands. They interacted with us like we have been together. They asked questions and shared freely about themselves and their lives. They gave us a tour of every square inch of the orphanage. They wanted to share their food with us, they wanted to feed it to us. Their desire to know us and to let us begin to know them was incredible.  No walls, no guarding, just 2 little girls who have lived in an orphanage for nearly six years whose hearts are ready.  Johanna said Mama, I prayed and prayed for you to come, thank you Mama , I love you.  Julissa shared after all this waiting we had a really first good day with you.

Lil Miss Johanna doing a dance for her Papi and Mama.  Sweet Julissa laughing at her goofy and silly abilities.

There were some very sobering moments as we loved on our daughters and other girls looked on through the windows. Our hearts broke. While one little girl looked at my necklace and bracelet that have both of my daughters name on it and read them aloud and said me too! As she asked if they would be back in a year to visit and as she told Ben she wants to go to the United States too. As she turned to me for hugs and comfort as she cried at the loss of her friends. How I wish I could tell her I will be her mommy too.

Jessica, we love you and we will do all we can for you. Our girl comforting her friend. 

Words escape me and we are exhausted. Thank you all for the love support and prayers.  Your prayers do not return void.

and... ONE more Check

So our papers have been received and reviewed at NBC  CHECK

Now they go to NVC (like all the acronyms?) National Visa Center who cables them to the Embassey.

So tonight I will call the NVC and see about the speediness of this cabling process.  I worked with 2 adoption travel agents yesterday and the rates were changing and non matching between the 2 of them all day.  Flights are limited and expensive.  Flights for the girls ranged from $630.00 to $1700.00 for one way tickets and I was told it is illegal for an agent to book a RT ticket if they know it is only one way.  I am hopeful that I can get an answer later today or in the morning about booking these.  They are expensive because it is summer in Peru, in addition to Christmas. So waiting until after Christmas would not be a help.  Additionally, I have done my research.... :) and it is best to use a travel agent in these circumstances.

We are hopeful that we will FLY on Tuesday or Wednesday, to make it to Peru and have our meeting with the SNA on Wednesday or Thursday at the latest.  They are closed on Christmas Eve.  We are thrilled that the papers have moved so rapidly and we STILL have HOPE that will be with our daughters on Christmas.  This would be the best CHRISTMAS present ever since the GIFT of Christmas.  More than a Christmas present our prayer is that our daughters would know that this years Christmas gift is representative of how much we love them and that we did everything possible to be with them on Christmas because of our love.  A gift that they would truly have forever!  Our Gotcha Day to be celebrated on Christmas!  We are believing it can happen!
Thank you for ALL for the PRAYERS, words of ENCOURAGEMENT, and EXCITEMENT as you journey with us to our union as a FOREVER FAMILY!!!