Forever Family Day!

One year ago today we were here:

Staying here:

Picking up:

It is hard to believe, but today is one year since we picked Mia up at the hogar. What a year! It has probably been the hardest year of my life (and hers, too, I'm sure!) - the adjustments have been really hard for all of us...and we're still working on it. Mia has learned so much. She has gone from a scared little Spanish-speaking 4-year-old to a brave, outgoing English-speaking 5-year-old who just finished Pre-K, and is ready for Kindergarten. She has grown over 3 inches in height. Her English is great. Last night at the Kindergarten graduation at her school, Mia got up front and led the congregation in a pledge and song. It brought tears to my eyes when I thought of how far she has come. After living a sheltered life with a very consistent routine, it's been tough for her adjusting to our varied and hectic schedule. She still asks daily, "School today?", "Church today?", "Grandma going to pick us up?", "You going to pick us up?" - her little head is spinning all the time! But when I think back to those first few weeks - wow - she has come SO FAR! I can't say she has taken all of the changes in stride - she has fought us every step of the way. She's still learning to trust us, and we have a long way to go - but I believe we're going to make it!