Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Our First Visit with Ema





Our first visit with Ema was very exciting to say the least. First we met with the orphanage director and drank green tea with him. The workers went and got Ema and brought her to us. She was not a happy camper from this moment on. She screamed, kicked,flailed the entire time. Her personality seemed to be that of a very determined child. (Kristi Escue...I know what you are thinking :) She did not want any part of me or Kirk and any toy that we had was not going to pacify her. The orphanage worker that had taken care of her since the moment she entered the orphanage was there and she was the only one that could console her. I hugged her as tight as I could and she would calm down for a brief moment but it was all so overwhelming to her and us.





During this visit we spoke with the orphanage worker about what foods she likes and how her appetite was. We were able to take pictures of her bed and visit with some of the other children there. And the orphanage director said a few words of encouragement to her.





Words or pictures cannot describe how beautiful she is. Kirk and I both said she is more beautiful then we ever imagined.

21 comments:

mom and dad said...

dad and 1 were waiting on your call all night. I decided to read my bible until you called but you out did me. At about 12:30 I could not keep my eyes open, then went to bed and could not sleep. I was awakwe when you called and so happy to hear from you both! Remember how I told you that this would be a love like you have never known, and I could tell by your voice that you knew what I was talking about! She is beautiful and we can't wait to get our arms around her ( I think). She may not feel that way about us but oh well! We will talk to you today. We love you both and pray that God will get you through this and I know he will because he is such a loving God. Talk to you soon. Love ya mom and dad

Amy said...

Words cannot describe how exciting it is to see Ema in your arms. Wow! She is beautiful.

Tammy said...

She is absolutely beautiful! You are right Kirk...the music made me cry. Through your love for her, Ema will overcome her fear and anxiety. God is with you ever step of the way. Love, Tammy

Pat said...

HOW BEAUTIFUL SHE IS!!! I can see it in her face and yours that this did not go like the dream that you had. Keep going back to that dream of Ema collecting your tears with her little fingers.She senses your love but she, also, senses your fears as you do hers! You and Kirk and Ema are all adjusting to this new season in your life. IT WILL GET BETTER! God brought you together and He will see you through this and don't you believe otherwise!

kate said...

ok. I am now a blubbering basket case. That was so amazing. I am so happy for you guys. Congratulations Mommy and Daddy. Welcome to the most amazing time of your life! Don't let the first meeting get you down. You guys have loved her for so long, she will realize that very soon.

Kaikoura said...

Mark and I both commented that Ema is more beautiful than we remember. Congratulations! Emily, I can't help but wonder if you're feeling homesickness now in order to empathize with Ema more. Leaving those four walls of her room will be the biggest cultural shock ever! Stay strong. We will pray for courage for the three of you. If you need, ask one of the hotel staff to show you how to cross the street, we had to have a tutorial ourselves, so don't feel stupid asking. May God grant you all PEACE!
The Kremers

nicole said...

Where's the kleenex box when you need it? :-) I am overcome with emotion when I see these pictures of you with Ema. (The music probably added a tug at my heartstrings, too!) Good song! Just remember that there are always "bumps in the road" and don't let the first meeting be remembered as a hard time, but a beautiful time. The cries will soon be forgotten...replaced with immense joy that you will remember for a lifetime! We love you guys!
Jan, Nicole, John Owen, Jonah and Mary Claire

Kristi said...

Ema is absolutely beautiful!!! I know your hearts are full! Remember determination can be a good thing! Kinley can show her the ropes:) Be strong and know that God is with you! I am so excited, I don't even know what to say! Love Kristi

Life As We Know IT said...

Like everyone else, these pictures brought tears to my eyes. The thought of you seeing Ema for the first time. She is beautiful. Children are great, I can't wait to see her home with you guys.

Laura Dawson said...

Ironically, Lane woke up this morning and said "When are Miss Emily and Mr. Kirk getting their baby girl?" It was so great to say, "Today!" We sat at the breakfast table and made a little sign for her (check out our blog!. I couldn't check your blog until I got to work, and when I did, I sat and cried at my desk so much, that I had to close it and compose myself in order to work....I text everyone I knew, then got back on to look again an hour later and cried all over again! We had just talked Saturday about that fact that she was probably going to cry, but of course in your hearts, you hoped she wouldn't....but doesn't it speak volumes about how much she has been loved and cared for, what a blessing! Please give us more pictures!! I will pray that you will start the bonding process today! We can't wait to hear more! Love, The Dawson's

Unknown said...

Hey guys!I guess I went to bed with you and Ema on my mind, because I actually had a dream last night about seeing pictures of you meeting Ema. I remember crying with joy in my dream and wouldnt you know I cried for real just now when I saw that beautiful baby girl and the love from her mommy and daddy. I am so excited for you! Praise God for this blessing!
love, jen

Brittany said...

She is beautiful and perfect! I can't imagine all of the emotions y'all must have going on right now. I'm just so happy for you both and that you have finally gotten to her! The day has FINALLY come! YAY!

Cynthia said...

Oh, you guys - this is just so amazing. I teared up with the rest of the bunch. She's absolutely beautiful and what a little blessing. Can't wait to see you when you get back!
Ryan, Cynthia, and Rylee

Georgia said...

She is beautiful. Tears rolled down my face as I read your blog. I am so excited for you guys. Ema is very lucky to have two wonderful parents. Have a safe trip home and we love you guys.
The Glass Family

Ms. Sarah Sullivan said...

congratulations and hang in there...before you know it you will be her "comfort zone" just like the orphanage and caretakers have been. a few days of being unsure about who you are, will be tiny drops in the bucket compared to the lifetime she will spend as you being her mommy and daddy. she won't remember this. to her you will have been there from the beginning. take care:)
sarah

JJ and Brandy Brown said...

Ema is absolutely beautiful! We can't wait to see her running around the neighborhood playing and enjoying the wonderful life here in the U.S. with two loving and devoted Christian parents like yourself. We continue to keep you guys in our thoughts and prayers! I have shared your story with everyone here at Munford Elementary School today and of course, our church is totally informed of this amazing work of God. Keep the pictures coming of sweet baby Ema.

Aimee Baker Hooper said...

This was one of the sweetest things I've seen in a long time. Children are a true blessing from the Lord. Ironically even though you think you are the ones that have so much to teach Ema you will be amazed at what she will teach you about life and about yourselves. I am so happy for both of you.

Kristi said...

HEY HOPE YOU AND KIRK ARE DOIN WELL. EMA IS BEAUTIFUL. i CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HER. LOVE YOU SO MUCH MY SUGAR HONEY BUNCHES OF OATS.
BY THE WAY THIS IS TAYLOR WRITING THIS.
LOVE FIG,TAYLOR,INDIE,DAWN

Kendra said...

Words fail me and tears are rolling. Know that I am praying for your family and can't wait to see you back here in the good ol' US of A.

FIG AND DAWN said...

DEEP BREATH. PATIENCE. YOU'VE LEARNED IT FOR PAST 17 MONTHS NOW YOU GET TO USE IT. THIS WILL PASS AND SHE WILL BE LOVING ON YOU TWO BEFORE YOU KNOW IT. YOU BOTH ARE A NATURAL AND YOU ARE WONDERFUL PARENTS. I LOVE THE GLEAM IN KIRK'S EYES LOOKING AT YOU HOLDING EMA. IT IS AWESOME. CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR FROM YOU. DAWN

~~Kerri~~ said...

Emily it is 7 am here on Wednesday and I sit and cry. I cant imgine how you feel. God is so merciful and faithful. Your strength and obediance and faithfulness to HIM has allowed you to stay strong and reach for your goal. YOU ARE A MOMMY!!!! She will adjust just as you and KIRK. She is beautiful and Christmas will never be the same. Praying for you, Ema and Kirk.
today.
Kerri