Sunday, November 13, 2005
It's amazing and startling to realize that it's almost Gotcha Day. One year ago tomorrow I became Alesia's Mom. What a whirlwind year it has been!
Mother was saying the blessing tonight at dinner and got choked up and could hardly talk. It scarcely seems possible that it's been a year. I said "I remember what I was doing one year ago today!" Mother replied "I do too - I was praying!" She looked at Alesia "I was praying for you and your Mommy!"
I hope one day Alesia will understand the story behind the adoption, only to know the huge amount of faith it took to get her here. I've told her we literally "prayed her here." She looked puzzled by that, even after I told her about all the prayers that went up on her behalf. I know she believes in God. I guess we'll just have to wait for the "Aha!" moment when she will realize how alive he is in the world, and his awesome power.
We had a busy weekend, planning the little Gotcha Day celebration tomorrow we are having with a few close friends. Plus we had to get in the plants for the winter and find places for them in the house, which took time. I had wanted to plant some bulbs and take Alesia to the movies, but there just wasn't time.
Yesterday we mailed off a large box to Topolevo, to Alesia's friends. It contained letters and photos from her, and some candy. It also contained 2 rolls of toilet paper and several bars of soap - things that were luxuries to her just one year ago. I pray it will get there intact.
Today after we got back from church I had a terrible headache. I came home and was trying to fix lunch and I felt dizzy, and slightly nauseous. [I get these headaches about this time every month.] Alesia came in and unloaded the dishwasher and helped me get lunch together, without me asking. She is so thoughtful.
I am posting some new/old photos, of Alesia and me outside the courthouse in Khabarovsk. I don't want to ever forget that day. I went back and re-read my journal from that day, too. Amazing how quickly the details fade. How blessed I am. How lucky I am to have so many wonderful friends. How blessed I am to have such a beautiful daughter.
