Where does the time go? Really this past year has gone by so fast. Today is our first Metcha day Anniversary.It’s been an exciting year full of changes and adjustments. I remember fondly being in Siberia this time last year. We had just sleepy eyed departed a plane in the middle of the coldest weather in recent Siberian history. We walked down the plane stairs and across the frigid snowy airfield and into the old terminal (If you could call it that). We waited for our translator who arrived a little late and made us very nervous. We were told that within a few hours we would meet our daughter… we needed sleep but there would be no time. My husband fell Ill and I would be going to meet our daughter all by myself.


I can close my eyes and recall the sights & sounds, the villages and little cottages that dotted the hillsides.You try to prepare yourself for what the Orphanage will look like. It was nestled among depressing high-rise apartments but was a pleasant surprise on the inside. After talking with the director, the door opened and there she was. Sleepy eyed, tiny and leery. She looked as if she was in a fight with another toddler- with a patch of her hair shaved off, scratches on her head, face & ears… she was covered in a bright red medicine.

I was so nervous but the minute she was placed in my arms I knew she was the child I was meant to parent. I had only just met her but would move heaven and earth to bring her home; I would do anything for her. There are no words to describe that moment. This is what a Mother's Love is all about. I took my tiny girl into my arms, she looked at me pensively, not impressed with me to say the least. I still see that same look on her face from time to time in uncertain situations. The second day we visited with her we had this incredible moment, it was towards the end of our visit and I cradled her like a baby and we made eye contact and connected. Some healing took place at that moment on both sides. We both continue to heal. It’s been a great year.

Metcha Day- This is a term to describe the first day we met Livi on Trip 1.