We Have Lydia!

How to start to tell you about today? It's just unreal. We went to Kidane Mehret this morning to get Lydia and she finally came around the corner and I got a big hug and picked her up. She is absolutely amazing. We got a surprise visit there from some of her family members - cousins who brought us a photo album including a picture of her as a baby, one from her fourth birthday and then quite a few more recent ones. We also found out from Sister Lutgerda that Lydia has been in the orphanage for one year and four months. We had thought she'd only been there about five months. Her family has visited her throughout this time. We also got her baptismal certificate which lists her date of birth as well as her shot record from when she was a baby. I had no idea we'd be able to get more information. We will be visiting the family in their home on Friday and will get even more information at that time.

At first we didn't think she spoke or understood much English but I think she was shy and overwhelmed. As the day has gone on she has loosened up a bit and talked and answered a little more. So, I'm still not sure how much English she has but communication is definitely more difficult than I thought it would be.

We are going shopping with a driver tomorrow then will visit Layla House on Wednesday. I will be able to give kids their letters that I brought for other families on that day. On Friday we will go back to Kidane Mehret for a goodbye party for Lydia and we will be able to give letters to KM kids that we brought at that time. Unfortunately my mom forgot the part she needed for her computer to hook up to the Internet in our room so I'm emailing from the business center. That also means I won't be able to upload photos from here as I had hoped I could. Sorry those of you who are waiting for a glimpse of your kids! I will get them to you as soon as we get home.

Lalie's loving having Lydia here. Lalie wants to hold her hand all the time which I don't think Lydia is quite up for but they're doing very well. Lalie introduced Lydia to Nintendo DS and she loves that. She also loves taking pictures with Nanya's camera. She picks up these things VERY quickly and was able to switch back and forth on the camera from taking pictures to viewing pictures in a flash.

I have to go, my time is running out soon. Love to everyone.