Announcing: Sophia Salem Dianne Vlieg

We have a daughter!  we passed court this morning.  While in a small waiting room with over 100 adoptive and biological families waiting to see the judge the enormity of this hit me.  I saw many parents walk out of court with big smiles and relief.  I also saw many biological families that were also very happy that their children have the opportunity for a good and privileged life, I was very sad for them and almost broke down a few times.  I also had a huge lump in my throat.  The emotions that I really went through are indescribable. The judge was a beautiful young woman who really appeared to want the best for the children and our families.  When see said that she is ours and it is irrevocable I broke down and could not stop until we were outside.  Prayers are answered!  I weep as I type this.  Afterwards Neil, Laura and myself went to the cafe next door.  They didn't have coffee, no coke, no Mirinda only water and Fanta; so we celebrated.  back to the hotel.to call Mommy about her daughter....best call ever!
I then went for a walk and met two men who worked at a near hotel.  They took me to a traditional cafe near Bole.  We had traditionally coffee that was roasted on the spot.  We were in a very small room sitting on very low stools and everyone was talking, Sudanese, Somali's and Ethiopians and me the white guy.  They had some fun teasing me.  Now I wait for Germacho to pick us up to go to the orphanage to "meet" our children.  There we will have a celebration as the staff there and children get the chance to say goodbye.  This will be very difficult, bitter sweet but good in the long run.