"moving day!"

Viktorija woke with excitement this morning! She was anxious about our court session, and excited about our move to Riga for the next 5 days. We were able to check out of our apt later than the usual check-out time (thank the Lord!), so we didn't have to hang out in the lobby for 3-1/2 hrs! This was a blessing.

A few months ago I sent Viktorija a card with a token that says "FAMILY" on it. She showed it to me today, and said she carries it with her everyday. I was surprised she still had it, quite frankly. It's just a small "penny-sized" token that would be easily lost. But, she calls it her lucky charm. Too sweet!

Our attorney arrived around 3:15 to pick us up for court. She was also bringing with her, our friends from NC who had just been to court to meet their new daughter, and have their first court session. We were thrilled to see Kirk, Beth, and Vanda!! Vanda was shy. But, that's to be expected. She hadn't seen them in over 6 mos, since they hosted her last Summer. I'll give Vanda a day, and Kirk will have her coming out of her shell once again! :-) This is a precious family, and we are so thrilled for them to be together once again!

Court went smoothly, as was expected. Viktorija signed the necessary documents stating that she wants to return home with us, and that she wants to take our last name. I wish we would have taken our camera in to court so we could document this special moment. We didn't know it would be allowed. Note to Kirk and Beth...take your camera;-) The court director and the other ladies involved were just thrilled that we are now going to be a family. They said it was so hard to believe what a perfect match it is. I say, there are no mistakes in God's plan!

We then headed out for our 3-1/2 ride back to Riga. We arrived around 7:30 to our new hotel. Oh, how glad we were to be out of the car! The roads are terrible, and people drive crazy! Mike even got a bit car sick. When we were checking in, the nice lady at the counter told us that we were being upgraded to a 2-room suite! What another blessing!! This is much better for a 5-night stay! God is good!

I don't know what tomorrow will bring. But, I'm sure it will be another new experience:-) For now...we are pooped and going to bed! Love to all....