Immeasureable Joy!

First of all, I am so sorry I didn't get any posting done last night! The good news is that one little princess wasn't letting go of me nor had she any plans of sitting still until I got her to sleep...and that required me laying with her which is not good on as little sleep as I have had!

Selah Day- April 4th, 2011 - a day of experiencing the goodness of God in amazing magnitude! We started the morning with a 7:30 pick-up by Petko and then stopped a couple of times for another parent and translator. We made a stop in Plovdiv to drop off the other parent and then headed to Narechenski Bani! I was so nervous the last few miles....I had butterflies in my stomach! Zachary was so cute. He was really nervous, too! As we winded through the mountains, we came around that last curve and there was the little village! And then...there was her orphanage!

We walked in and went to the director's office where we talked for a few minutes. Within ten minutes, Selah comes around the corner in the arms of one of the caregivers! I don't know if they handed her to me, or if she reached out to me, or if I just grabbed her out of their arms!!! All I know is that she was in my arms and I just couldn't hold her tighter. (and yes, of course, mush that I am, the tears were flowing) God confirmed in that moment, though, that He had prepared her heart and that she had never forgotten. Our prayers had been answered.

We were there for another 45 minutes or so asking questions and signing some paperwork. At first the assisstant director whom we had gotten to know on the last visit and loved so much, was not there. I was sad because we had hoped to see her and then at the very last minute she arrived! Someone had called her and told her we were there! She came in just to say "good-bye" to Selah and greet us. She is such a treasure and I know she was loving Selah well for us while we were gone.

Finally, it was time to leave! Yippee!! Again, God was so good. She didn't cry or even look back. She jumped in that car with us and was just as happy as could be! We drove for quite a while and then stopped for a late lunch. We were all starved by then, especially Selah! She was getting upset because of being tired and hungry and started wanting to comfort herself with the rocking. I know that it is the reality for orphans, but it still aches when I see it. I know that in time, though, we will be able to be her comfort.

Lunch was fantastic the child seriously ate more than Bryan! For anyone that knows Bryan, that is quite an accomplishment!!! She ate everything on her plate and a lot from everyone else's plate as well! She is not afraid to try new foods...for sure!

We arrived back in Sofia and went to the police station to apply for her passport. It was a smooth process and soon we were back at the apartment. By this time, though, it was around 5:00 pm. First thing on the agenda was a bath for sweet Selah. In her true spirit of adventure, she jumped right in and LOVED it!  I brought baby lotion along and gave her a nice massage after which she loved, too! Then we dressed her in one of her special outfits and I had my first adventure with girl's hair! It was so fun because she sooooooo enjoyed it! She loves pretty things! 
                    

Next we Skyped with little L at home because he was heading to school shortly and we were so happy to see that he and Grandma and Grandpa were doing great! Our friends had stopped over the night before to fix the volume on the webcam for us! Our first night we hadn't been able to hear them, so our savy tech friends rescued us! Thanks, Kar and Isaac!

We then headed to the park and dinner and by the time we got home, Selah and the rest of the Schumakers were exhausted. The director had told me that Selah never lays down to sleep unless someone sits by her. If you leave her, she sits up and lays her body on her lap and rocks herself to sleep that way. They said she often sleeps sitting up.... So, pj time, kisses, prayers and snuggles went well, but sleeping did not. There were moments where Selah cried and my mommy heart wanted to make it all better, but all I could do was hold her and love her. I wish I knew exactly what the tears were about...just the difference of where she was? A grief over leaving everything she ever knew? Or was there even more? I may never know, but I do know that God met us there and as I whispered the name of Jesus over her again and again throughout the night, she finally calmed. She woke me up at 6:30 am with her hands on my cheeks, holding my face, looking into my eyes like just like my boys have since they were babies,  and giving me the most precious kisses ever.

Now? We are all still in pj's trying to entertain our little busybody! She wants to check out EVEYTHING! There is nothing left unturned! She is so excited about life....and I am so thankful God has filled her heart with such resiliency and such unstoppable JOY!

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;let them sing joyful praises forever.Spread your protection over them,that all who love your name may be filled with joy. Psalm 5:11