Today is the day... the day that you "officially" became a Davis... sweet little girl, we knew this day would come since the minute our eyes met yours. We truly feel like God has blessed us with such a sweet girl and we couldn't be happier... okay, I lie... perhaps if they told us we could bring you home today, we'd be even happier, but we'll be patient, and we'll wait.
We had a little understanding/explanation of how today's Court Date was going to go. We were prepped, as in a 15 minute "brief", on the "hows" of how the proceedings would go and then were ushered into a room that looked like a conference room. As the judge walked in, we all stood... and then it sort of became a blur for us. Papa was told to stand first, and after introducing himself, the judge started drilling him with all the "tough" questions... you would have been so proud of how your Papa answered each question so diligently and completely 100% from the heart. It was pure love that poured out of his mouth... love for his little girl... you... and it made Mama's heart melt. Then, it was Mama's turn, and the judge didn't hold back from asking some tough questions... but the answers came... straight from the heart. Then your sweet orphanage director spoke, and shared how much you've changed in the past few days since you've been hanging out with Mama and Papa. She shared how you've become more lively (it's probably from all those flips Papa makes you do in his arms) and how you're sharing more emotions (it's probably from all the kisses I give you on your cheeks) and how you've been transforming into a girl that's ready to be in a "home" with a family... ready for the world (essentially).
Our court time went on for about 45 minutes, before the judge closed up your filed, looked at us and said in Ukrainian (translated into English), "Good Luck with your new family, you will be great parents for Charlotte" and then proceeded to leave the room. And in that moment, we became parents... your parents. And the tears of joy streamed down your Mama's face as she gave Papa a huge hug and kiss, and then thanked our translator (who congratulated us with hugs). It was time to celebrate, and it felt great. Even your orphanage director came over and gave Mama a huge hug, and said in her broken English, "Now you a Mama" and kissed your Mama's cheek. We then breathed a huge sigh of relief... and walked out of the courthouse with big smiles. In fact, when we saw you this afternoon, I think we were still gleaming from ear to ear. Sweet girl.. you had no idea what went on today... but hopefully in years to come, you'll actually be interested and want to read about the "official" day, and that's why I write you this letter.
Charlie (that's our nickname for you)... now we have about 2 more weeks in region to get to know you better... and we're so excited. After about 10 days, we'll start applying for your passport and receive the official court decree, and your birth certificate, and then we'll be on our way to a few more days in Kiev before heading to our home in Korea. We're hoping to be on a plane with you in our arms sometime towards the end of June... and we can't wait to introduce you to all of our wonderful friends that have been praying for you and love you like crazy! You my dear... have no idea what you're in for... it's only just begun...
We Love You,
Mama and Papa (he's sitting here right beside me as I type)
"This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118: 24