She was stunned. It seemed she had not been made aware of what was happening or why, and she regarded us quizzically at first. We were stunned. The picture had turned in to a person! My mind was literally swimming, I could not remember a.single.word. of Russian. I couldn’t remember how to greet her, or how to tell her she was absolutely gorgeous, or how to say I am your Mama. Nothing. Just complete shock.
Then I remembered I had a Disney princess doll in my bag to give her. I pulled it out, and she smiled. I asked if she wanted to sit on my lap, and she did. The director and doctor began talking again, but all I could do was stare at the sweet, brown pigtails swishing in front of me. Her little hands turning the doll over, as she began to speak a little bit. She began to realize what was happening.
We were there FOR. HER.
Our sweet little Vi.
She looked up and asked me “What is your name?” in Russian. I told her “Lora. Mama.” She looked straight to Dean, “What is your name?” He told her “Dean. Papa.” She looked to the director and smiled “Mama! Papa!”
Everyone was absolutely beaming, and perhaps had just a glint of tears in their eyes.
“I kept asking for you!! Mama? Mama? Mama? When will you come??” she said, according to our translator.
Or this...
I can't imagine Lily never knowing the security of having a mama to tuck her in every night, to hold her when she's hurting or comfort her when she's sad, never knowing how it feels to be desired and loved. I can't imagine what goes through a little girl's mind for five years, wondering when her mama will come take her home, waiting for the day she will walk through the doors of her orphanage, dreaming about that elusive, imaginary angel.... Mama? Mama? Mama? When will you come??
Six days to make a miracle happen. Do you think we can do it? With God's help, I believe we can. Charlotte's mama, Kelly, emailed me yesterday, after I said I would do everything I could to help. There are no words to thank you and the others who have stepped up and spoken out for us and for my girl. I knew this journey would give me the opportunity to learn a great deal about being a momma and about Down Syndrome...but I didn't know just how strong this community is. Well, Kelly- you're about to find out. I say that not because I have confidence in Lily's blog, or in my own words, but because I serve a BIG God. And I'm part of a faithful and generous community, one who rallies around its own. Charlotte is our own, friends.
Lily's readers have responded so many times to the needs of orphans. You've given so much to help these families find and rescue their children. Will you help me again?
Will you help us make a six day miracle happen? Will you help save a little girl? Because Charlotte is our own.
Here's how it works....
1 chance=$10 donation
5 chances=$25 donation
20 chances=$50 donation
All donations are tax-deductible and go directly to the Dirkes's grant fund through Reece’s Rainbow. They can be made using the Chip-In at the top of my sidebar on the right.
Canon Rebel DSLR camera (with lens)
Petal Knot Dress from Willow Bean Creations
Custom made t-shirt from If You Say Sew
Starfish necklace from The Vintage Pearl
Pearl, bracelet, and earring set from Kay Jewelers
Insulated Tote from 31
Autographed copy of Alton Brown’s book “I’m Just Here for the Food”
Autographed “Hopkins” from Rachel Coleman of Signing Time
$150 gift card for Kimberly Wilson's TranquiliT (an amazing line of clothing for anyone who loves yoga...or comfort)
$50 gift card for Planet Jill
$50 gift card for Planet Jill
$50 gift card for Scentsy
$50 gift card for Hanna Andersson
$50 gift card for Target
$25 gift card for The Adopt Shoppe
$25 gift card for Wal-Mart
$25 gift card for Starbucks
$25 gift card for Olive Garden
A jar of Renee Tam’s famous toffee
A batch of oReshki, traditional cookies from Charlotte’s country
Kelly sees who donated on her chip-in, so you do not need to leave a comment to be entered to win. She will announce winners on her blog on February 6th, the day they leave to see Charlotte....
We need that chip-in to be at $13,300 for the Dirkes family to travel on February 6th.
I believe in miracles.
Do you????
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