Moments

So tonight, at dinner, we talked about how there are a few moments you REALLY remember in life. Karl said today was his favorite day, ever. Trygve felt overcome when she reached out to him for the first time. We talked about how they will not forget this day, how big of a deal it is, that they are meeting Sylvi, who would forever be their sister. I told them how unique of a story they will always have the rest of their life. One that they will both have, and that Sylvi will never tire of hearing.

Incredible, how God works in all these little ways. Maybe it is us, making the best of the situation of time and waiting here. But, the way she was with us at first-and then how comfortable and open she was towards her brothers and aunt, that were complete strangers to this extremely shy girl-it makes you think that this played out the way it should have. Maybe this is a way of easing her into our lives, and us hers. Making us all understand a little better. The magnitude of today's meeting weighed on all our nervous minds before our visit. Except her. She was perfect.

She was hesitant at first, with a serious look on her face, and reached out for Trygve first. He was kneeling, so she grabbed around his neck to break her fall. He interpreted it as a hug, and his smile was HUGE-he was totally taken. He stood up hugging her cheek-to-cheek, the first time he has EVER picked up a person! He noticed how helpless and small she was, how she needed him to help her stand. He got so flushed he took his coat off immediately.

Karl was a bit shy. As soon as he held out his hand, she leaned out for him, and another 'hug', and then it was all over. Karl never left her side, bending over to walk her the entire time. Competing for her attention, laughing and desperate to make her just smile. She had two brothers that loved her. And an aunt that was close at hand, even got a little kiss. She loved to get picked up by Glo, and stared at her so closely, into her eyes.

We let them run with her-they never stopped playing. Kaia and I stayed back, resisting the urge to take our turn. At the end of two hours, the kids' faces were all smiles. I have this picture in my mind of her, the boys walking her back to the Orphanage doors, and she looks up at one, and then the other-with this totally proud look on her face. "Look at me, and look at what I've got."

That, I won't forget. When it clicked. Sylvi, Trygve and Karl. Our three kids, happy to have found one another at last. That moment.