We're Here!

Well friends, we have arrived!!  It was a long but uneventful trip. Praise the Lord! We made all of our connections, all of our luggage was ready and waiting for us when we arrived at the baggage carousel, we were greeted by a very friendly face, our helpful and wonderful guide, Mitko, and we've checked in to a lovely hotel in Sofia and just enjoyed a relaxing dinner. I'd say our first day was a success!

Anna has been the perfect travel companion. She's traveled many times before and is great at navigating confusing airports (Paris...whoa!), and she's calm and has a positive attitude, which has been great to counteract some of my anxiousness. Her company is very much a blessing. Jon and Ishmael, thank you for letting me borrow her!

And we've already made a few friends. There was a lovely couple from the UK in the lobby when we arrived. They heard us speaking English and struck up a conversation about why we're here. I'm learning how impossible it is to explain this crazy life I'm living without explaining Jesus. He's the reason all of this is happening and the reason it makes sense. 

We also ran into another couple who is adopting through Reece's Rainbow. They're bringing their daughter home this trip! How great is that?! I'm so excited for them. I hope we'll run into them again and have the opportunity to meet their little girl. I think that would be a sweet reminder, after saying goodbye to Sam, that my baby's time is coming.

Tomorrow we get to sleep in, which will be a great blessing after a long day of travel. At noon our sweet and very accommodating guide will pick us up and drive us to Pleven. We're told the drive should take around three hours. Once we arrive, our only plans for the rest of the day are to get settled in our hotel and to prepare for my first visit with Sam. I'm getting so excited and nervous! Please keep praying for our interactions. Pray that I might greet her with a gentle and quiet spirit, and that I will keep my eyes on Jesus and trust Him for all of our needs.

My eyes are drooping so I think I'd better get some sleep. Thank you all for your continued prayers. Love to each of you.