A Temporary Goodbye

We knew the last day would be bittersweet. It was a cold snowy day in Bulgaria. We made the short walk to the orphange with gift bags and donations in hand. We were able to have 2 visits the last day which was a pleasant unexpected surprise. She was still a little tentative when the caregivers dropped her off but she warmed up quickly the last day. It was clear she starting to feel a little more relaxed with us. She loved the music and danced a sang a little with us. The afternoon visits were in a larger room and it was wonderful to see her run around and play a little more freely. She came to love the bag we carried full of toys and snacks. This tiny little girl LOVED to snack. We brought her banannas, goldfish, animal crackers, and juice and when the times got tense the snacks always did the trick!!! When it was time to say goodbye we were both tearful as she waved goodbye to us and blew us kisses and was wisked away up the stairs of the orphanage. The nurse took extra care of all the items we brought for her and made sure they would be used and separated from the community goods.

We know this was not goodbye forever but it was still a moment that stung my heart. I will never forget walking through the gates of her orphanage knowing we were meant to be her family yet still apart.

Our driver brought us back to Sofia and dropped us off at a hotel. We decided we were both a little on edge and enjoyed a nice walk through the center of Sofia. It was beautiful to see the Christmas decorations!!!

One more day of business and then we are on our way back HOME!!!!