Family Day: Monday April 12

 After very little sleep, Family Day arrived! Robert and I woke up early to grab breakfast in the hotel restaurant before riding to Sliven, where we would meet Emmaline. 

The drive to Sliven was about 3 1/2 hours through Bulgarian countryside. We rode past the mountains and into the plains. We rode through rural villages, farms, orchards, and saw the people out in the country taking care of their homes and land, and shepherds with their flocks of sheep and cows. 

Sliven

We arrived in Sliven and waited for Emmaline in the Social Services building. She arrived a few minutes after us. We signed some papers and then loaded back into the car for the long drive back to Sofia. Emmaline seemed content to come with us and was eager to drive away from Sliven. 

Our first night together was hard. It's difficult to see your child, who you love, processing through so much trauma and hardship. She was afraid of everything and refused water and food. Although she was terrified of getting in the bath, once I let her hold the shower head, she seemed to have a good time. She played and enjoyed licking the water (we were thankful she was staying hydrated!) 

Sleep did not come easy, but she eventually went to sleep in her little bed, and only woke up once in the middle of the night. I laid down with her and she eventually calmed down. 

The first day is always hard. Strangers coming together and figuring each other out. And, although we have loved her for many months, she does not know us at all and does not have any reason to trust us. Even so, she seems perceptive and discerning. Children often are. She knew in that Social Service building who loved her and relatively quickly understood we are a safe place for her. 

We are so thankful to have her in our arms, finally! We have prayed for her and over her. We have hoped and looked forward to meeting her in person! Emmaline is full of spirit and fire. She has a terrific stink eye and will flash the cutest smile (but usually when she thinks you aren't looking.) We can't wait to know her better.

We love you, Emmaline Victoria!