We started the day with a long walk around Tirane. Mila had her camera ready for EVERY photo opportunity (over 500 on her camera as of last count!). This little camera has been a good transitional tool for her--she has control over something in a world that is totally upside down for her. I'm actually excited to print many of her photos out for her so she has a living record of the start of her new life from HER perspective.
We know exactly 17 people in Albania and we just happened to bump into the one Albanian adoptive family we "know". This lovely woman and her husband opened their home & hearts to one of our favorite little dudes at the baby orphanage. I am so very happy to see him in a loving family in his native country and his momma is particularly proud of her new son. <3
We wandered around Tirane and introduced Mila to some of the cultural landmarks of her country:
Isaac snuck in a ride on a merry-go-round! Whoah horsey!
We had our formal interview with the US Consulate this afternoon to approve Mila's entry into the US. It was surprisingly quick without any issues whatsoever (the first time in any step of this process!). For 12 months I have been keeping meticulous track of every scrap of adoption paperwork and expertly organized it into an expanding folder with color coding and alphabetization--I can't tell you how prepared I was to show this work of organization art off. But they didn't even ask for it! Like, not one solitary piece of paper. I was crushed! "Ok Miss, you are good to go. Your daughter's Visa will be ready by Friday." But, but...what about my folder?? Nothing. *sad face*
Mila has had a series of very lovely Sisters who have known and loved her well. The current Mother Superior over Albania was working at the baby orphanage when Mila arrived, and then was at the institution in Shkodra when Mila lived there. Mother Superior called this morning asking for a final visit with the girl she has helped raise. Mila was so excited to see her old friend and they chatted easily about Mila's new life ahead of her. I am again so very thankful for these women who serve the Lord by serving His most vulnerable, including my daughter.
We ended the evening with a trip to a local park with our missionary friends. Isaac loved the running and jumping and outsided-ness of it all...Mila, not so much. Astroturf, rope ladders and see-saws are overwhelming when you've never seen them before! I keep telling her how brave she is. So many new things are being presented to her and she is processing it all to the absolute best of her ability.
Mila got a hold of my phone and got a good one of our missionary friends <3
It's hard to believe but we are half way done with our trip already! Our schedule is keeping pretty busy which is good to keep Mila distracted, but now I can tell both my children "four more days and we are going on an airplane"
Mila's response: eyes gazing off into the distance with a somewhat giddy sigh "Avion..."
Isaac's response: "YEAHHHH. Airplane!"
My goofballs.
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