Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Dear Charlie...

Dear Charlotte Wray...

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


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35 comments:

  1. Can't think of what to say. There aren't words, just lots of joyful tears for you both!

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  2. I am crying...... this is exactly what you guys and Charlie deserve!!!!!!
    Mark& Nicole

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  3. So, so happy for you Karen! It's a wonderful feeling to become a parent!! The best days of your life lie ahead!

    ~Candiss Casimir

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  4. Aw Karen, I've been checking your blog all morning/afternoon to see if there was an update. You have been on my mind and in my prayers today as I hoped all things went smoothly. I'm so glad they did and you can call Charlie 'yours'. What a precious thing. I'm so happy for you - words cannot describe. :-)

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  5. I'm so happy for you Karen! Congratulations! I have been keeping you and your family in my prayers! I wish you all nothing but the best! I can't stop smiling (and tearing)Can't wait to read and see all things Charlotte! =0)

    -Nicole Teator

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  6. This entry should have come with a tissue count warning.

    Congratulations you two!

    I get the feeling that Papa will be doing everything in his power to make sure that Charlie is a daddy's girl and that Momma will be teaching her all of the lovely crafts she's so skilled at.

    Cant wait to meet her.

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  7. aw...tearing up here...God is so good! congratulations!

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  8. Jason, Karen and Charlie,

    Tears of JOY!!!!! As someone else said, "no words..." just tears.. I love the ring!

    Love in Christ,
    Judy

    PH 4:13

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  9. Praise God! He is SO GOOD! What a happy day! We can't wait to meet you Charlie! Love you all!

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  10. I am overcome with God's goodness on each of your behalf! What an incredible gift!

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  11. PRECIOUS. What a blessed little girl..

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  12. I'm bawling tears of joy! WOOOOOHOOOOO DAVIS FAMILY!!!!! And Praise GOD!!!

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  13. Yay!!!!! ~CB
    PS Prayers continuing. :O)

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  14. Well you did it Karen, I am totally crying. I am so incredibly excited for you both. God has truly blessed you both. Take care and enjoy your days in your daughter's homeland.

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  15. oh tears of joy! how wonderful! thanks so much for sharing with us. :) congratulations karen & jason & CHARLIE! yay!

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  16. Rejoicing with you!
    Tracy

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  17. wow. Praise the Lord! What a gift. Just beautiful - happy and excited for you.

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  18. Total tear jerker!
    How incredible...God is SO AWESOME!

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  19. Congratulations!!!! I'm so excited for you all!

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  20. Absolutely an amazing story of a creation of the new family!

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  21. "For I know the plans I have for you....."
    I am so excited right now!!! WOOHOOO!!!! What a great day!!! Miss you and cant wait to that little girl in person!!!

    Kim Stafford

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  22. So happy for the three of you! Charlie, you will have wonderful parents!!! They love you a whole lot already! That will only continue to grow!

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  23. I'm so happy for all 3 of you!! :)

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  24. So filled with tears and feelings of joy for you. Charlie is so lucky to have such wonderful parents. Hugs.

    Kristi G.

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  25. aw, that´s so nice. I am so happy for you!! Congratulations. I believe you will be the best parents for her :)

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  26. I had to stop and keep wiping the tears away from my own eyes, give my little man a kiss who kept looking up at me as my tear drops fell on his lil head! So beautiful! The Baldwin's are thinking praying for your new lil family!

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  27. I don't even know you, but my heart is brimming with joy for you both. And even though I don't know either one of you personally, I know that little girl is VERY blessed to have you two as her parents. Congratulations on starting the next chapter of your life as a family of 3.

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  28. I am so happy for you!! What a great day! This is such a beautiful letter, and I am sure Charlie will be very thankful for it one day! I have an adopted sister...so, I understand...wishing you all the best and that you can take your family home very soon!

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  29. YAY! I am SO happy for you and your new family! And Charlie... what an adorable name! :)

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  30. AWESOME!!!! Thank you so much for sharing this Beautiful letter to Charlie with all of us!!! SOOO excited for your adventure ahead with Charlie!!!
    love you tons Davis'

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  31. So thrilled for your newly expanded family. :) Congratulations!!

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  32. OH MY GOSH!!!! I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU GUYS!!!!!

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