Travel Day and Sofia Day

On Friday, April 9, Robert and I woke up to a very quiet house. The kids were with Grammy and Poppy and it was the day we would finally leave to pick up Emmaline. We basically paced all morning, waiting for it to be time to go to the airport. I went out for a quick jog (just to ease my nerves), and we went over our packing list one last time. We headed to the airport way too early, just because we couldn't stand waiting anymore. We were thankful for the extra time since Covid has made everything more difficult in regards to travel. The airport parking was closed, so we had to find a park and ride. And there were several checks to make sure we had the proper paperwork before we were allowed on the airplane. 

The Atlanta airport always provides entertainment. Here were our two funniest moments: 

1. When we were checking in (the first time), the ticket agent looked at Robert and said, "My system says: 'This customer cannot go to Bulgaria.'" Robert looked at me with total panic. I just laughed at him and told the agent, yes, we can. I had all our documentation from the courts and Embassy. I think the agent still wasn't sure what he was supposed to do, because he said "I am not liable if they do not let you in." Gotcha. (Spoiler: They let us in, of course.) 

2. While in line for security, the man in front of us pulled out a TSA Approved card and flashed it at the agent, and tried to walk through the security point. The TSA agent stopped him and said, "YOU are TSA approved, your bag is not" and made him go to the back of the line. Hilarious. (For us, not so much him.) 

We sat on the runway in Atlanta for 45 minutes and all I could do was watch my watch and think 'We are going to miss our flight in Paris.' We only had a 2 hour lay over to begin with, 1 hour in Paris is not enough time to get to another flight. But, God smiled on us, because we hustled through that Paris airport, had an extra security line opened just as we arrived (thank you, Jesus!) We made it to our gate in time to grab a bottle of water and get on the plane. We are so thankful because that was the ONLY flight to Sofia until Monday! 

After about 14 hours of total travel time, we finally arrived in Sofia. Sadly, our luggage did not arrive with us and we are still waiting on it. It is hanging out in Paris until there is another flight to Bulgaria. We hope they remember to put our bags on the next flight! We would love to get some clean clothes, and all the clothes and toys and supplies we brought for Emmaline. 

We were thrilled when we got to our hotel and found out we had received a free upgrade to one of the suites. We have a lot more space to spread out and a little living room where we can play with Emmaline once she is here. 

We spent a very sleepy evening wandering Vitosha street (right outside our hotel), trying to find a few necessary toiletries and dinner. 

After a much needed full night of sleep, we had a quiet Sunday morning in the hotel room reading our Bibles, followed by a busy afternoon of grocery shopping and attempting (but failing) to find a stroller. We enjoyed street pizza and gelato for lunch and took in more of the city. The juxtaposition of the new and the old is interesting here. Modern buildings built next to (or on top of) ancient buildings. New apartments next to crumbling homes. It's been fun getting to know the area around our hotel. If Emmaline is up to it, we hope to see some more of the city and surrounding areas in the weeks to come. 

Tomorrow is the big day! We finally meet Emmaline! We know tomorrow will be difficult for her. Two people she has never met coming to take her away from all she knows. Terrifying. We love her and we are looking forward to getting to know who she is...but we know this beginning bit will be difficult. We pray tonight for her little heart and mind. We pray she will feel loved and safe soon. We pray for our own hearts as we try to meet all her needs. 

Our kids at home are doing well with Grammy and Poppy! We are thankful they are being loved on while we are away.