Day 4 with "Z"

Today was our fourth with "Z" and as with our previous days, we are gaining more insight with her.  We went to another monastery today, the Klisurski Monastery of St. Cyril and St. Methodius.  On the way to the monastery we had to pass through Berkovitsa, the birthplace for "Z."  When asked if "Z" was ok with going through her birthplace, she was somewhat reluctant as she pretty much stated she does not care about Berkovitsa because that is where her biological mother lives.  But she agreed to go since Mommo and Daddy were with her.  "Z" asked if I could pick her up and hold her and I did so the entire time before leaving for the monastery.  I may have pinched a nerve in my neck sleeping last night, but there is no way I am going to deny my precious daughter!  I held her tight!.  We all jumped in the vehicle and headed towards Berkovitsa and the monastery.  The entire way, she held our hands.

At the monastery, we toured the courtyard and made our way to the temple.  As with all the monasteries we visited, they sell items to raise funds.  We asked Ivan what we should get "Z" as we felt like we should get her something from the monastery near her birthplace.  So Ivan asked the nun what she felt would be a nice gift.  She asked her name and we told her and she stated that her name means "To Live," in which she said...."like the resurrection."  That sent chills down my spine.  "Z" was not inclined to be near the place she was born as she was abandoned (death) but now God has brought her with Amy and I to give her a new life.  How cool is that!!  God Is Good!!

After leaving the monastery we went to a nearby restaraunt and enjoyed another great meal (I really like the Bulgarian cuisine)!  After eating we just sat and chatted. Amy found a pen and gave it to "Z" to write with on a tablet.  We wrote and drew different things.  It is so cool for her to draw a house, representing our house in Carlsbad, and she wants to draw the window where her room will be.  Every time she looks at the photo album she turns to the page with our house and points at the window of her bedroom.  She is very proud of it and shows it to everyone.  Amy took a picture of her hand writing with me (see below).

After lunch we headed back to the orphanage (about a 30 plus kilometer drive) so we had more time with "Z" holding our hands.  "Z" was fairly tired and leaned on me laid on my lap for most of the drive.  It was very precious!  On the drive, we were also reminded that tomorrow (Friday) will be our last day to see "Z" and it will only be a short, short visit.  I stated I did not want to talk about that as I almost break down each time I think of that.  We changed the conversation and Sonia started to discuss in Bulgarian to Ivan and Dimo about "Z" since we started seeing her this week  After getting it interpreted back, Dimo and Ivan were pleased to translate back that "Z" has surprised the orphanage staff immensely this week.  I guess, the staff would be so frustrated with her because she never speaks and only points at what she wants.  Since we have been here, she has not stopped talking and she is like a different person.  She has come to life and has made them all so happy with her progress in a short time.  What a blessing this was to hear!!

We made it back to the orphanage and we played games and had some fun!  Then it was time to leave and I must say, Amy and I are getting fairly sad to think about the time without her!  We will miss all the little things.  Like her holding our hand, her smiles, her silly faces, her contagious laugh, her most respectful demeanor (after you help her with anything, you get a "Merci Mommo" or "Merci Daddy!") and listening to her jabber!  She is so awesome and precious and it is really starting to break our heart that tomorrow will be our last day on this trip.  But it will be the start of the rest of our journey.  The journey to get "Z" home!!  To get "Z" in the home she is so happy to brag about and to let her sleep in the room she points at in the picture!!  It is the new chapter to our lives and most importantly the new chapter for "Z!"  

I do ask for prayer for Amy and I, but please pray hard for "Z" after we leave and start the process of bringing her home!  Pray that she understands we will be back soon to get her!  She has witnessed this before with other children being adopted, so she understands the process, but it must be hard waiting for her "going home" date.  One cool thing from the other children that are learning English in school told Amy and I they will help teach "Z" English while we are gone.  How awesome all these kids are!  It always makes me think of the song, "Jesus loves all the Children of the World!"

I may or may not post tomorrow.  Tomorrow after our short visit with "Z" we will head back to Sofia and start the paperwork to make "Z" our daughter.  We even must give "Z" her official name (tonight we have to provide it).

I so appreciate all the support and encouraging messages we have received while on this journey.  It is because of all the prayer and support, this trip has been such a blessing!  We appreciate all our family for all their help and support.  We also appreciate all our friends for all they have done to support us and we so appreciate our employers for allowing us the time to take off during this time!!  Thank you all!!  God Bless you all!!