Monday, April 4, 2011

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

17 comments:

  1. Love you so all so much.
    Thank You, Lord.
    Love, Col and the Nolans

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  2. God's blessings are so great. Love you all and loving that sweet little daughter of yours. Lots of tears on this end. My heart is rejoicing for you all. Can't wait to see you.

    Love you, Julie and Family

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  3. Amazingly wonderful news! Thanks for sharing your journey Lori! And Welcome little Selah!:)

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  4. I was dying last night checking your blog until I turned it. So happy everything went well. Love the picture of her kissing your face. What a sweety.
    ps. Were you able to give Petko the package for our little guy? Thanks again.

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  5. I was soooooo thrilled to hear that your reunion was glorious!!!!!!! Now enjoy every second of bonding with your princess!!!!!!!!!

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  6. Tears!!! So happy for your family. God is so good in joining these sweet Bulgarian children with their families. His heart is for them and it makes my heart rejoice to hear your story!!!

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  7. So Awesome, Lori! The experiences you're writing about and the significant presence of the Lord with all of you are amazing to read - from all these miles away. So happy to share in your joy! There's a whole lotta lovin goin on in Bulgaria!

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  8. So happy to hear your Selah is doing well. Congratulations!

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  9. Do what you need to do this week to maintain a calm atmosphere for Selah... it is a very trying week, with all the appointments and difficulty/frustration with communication. Know that I am continuing to pray for you... and I am so happy that you have your little Bulgarian Princess in your arms.

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  10. FINALLY... things are as they were always meant to be. Love the picture of Selah looking at her big brother! Too cute.

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  11. Lor - I can't stop crying! I'm so happy for all of you! What a wonderful reunion with your beautiful Selah, I can't imagine the joy you are feeling. We are praying for a wonderful week, and safe trip home for all of you....Praise to God, that she is finally in your arms!

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  12. Praise God! Wow...what a wonderful feeling to have her in your arms! Love the photos. We are rejoicing with you and your family!

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  13. What a cutie! So happy that she is finally in your arms. Hope and pray that things go well the rest of this week with all your appointments.

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  14. What a beautiful little girl! I'm crying too; especially when I read about you giving her a warm bath and massage on her first night with you. There is no language barrier with the power of touch. Lots of love to all of you,
    Jan and Tom

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  15. SO happy for you all! This post is the answer to the prayers of so many. We went through sleep issues and it does get better. We found a CD of instramental music that helps her relax. Orphanage life may have stressed these kids enough at night to make it hard for them to relax. Enjoy the rest of the week in Sofia. Say hi to Rosi and Etee.

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  16. What a wonderful Gotcha day. We are so happy for you all. Unbelievably sweet memories are being made. What a blessing. Congratulations.

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  17. Congratulations Lori! Selah truly has found HER family. What a difference that makes. Reading your blog and your story has been a life changing event for me and helped to steer me on a new path in more ways than one. April has come full circle now. I wish you, Selah and your family all the best- from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for letting me share in the journey she is on to finding her family.

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