Today

Alright, so I have been very upfront with everyone about not wanting a kid shower.  Ok, I know it might sound odd, but I really hate being the center of attention.  The thought of it totally stresses me out....I know silly.  So, today I as I was finishing up covering an IEP meeting with one of the special ed teachers I work with, my consultant Michelle comes in and sits down.  As we were finishing talking Michelle told me that I was wanted in the teacher lounge.  Well, you guess it....some of the teachers and associates I work with decided to throw me a small kid shower.  It was very nice of them and totally unexpected.  We ended up talking some and of course they wanted to know about M.  Most had to leave quickly because of after school activities, which was fine.  As Michelle and I were leaving the school she had to tell me what happened.  She said that the MS staff was looking all over for me and she let them know I was in a staffing in the HS (MS and HS are in the same building, each has their own hallway).  Well they finally told Michelle why they needed me.  Her response was "Katherine's going to be soooo mad."  I wasn't.....still don't want any more adoption/kid showers, wondering how many people are not going to listen to me on that one...

Items that I was given for M at the shower

1 month

It has been 1 month since I have seen M.  I remember 1 month ago squeezing 2 visit in on that last day in Stara Zagora.  The director coming in and sharing how happy he is for M and thankful that I am adopting her.  Saying goodbye and knowing it would be several months till I would be coming back.  Watching my girl walk up the steps after our last visit.  Knowing that she is well taken care of and loved by the people in her orphanage.  This made it so much easier to leave her there.  Knowing that I will be back and when I do we will be a family forever. 
I can't say that it has been an easy month away from her now that I have finally met her.  I have gotten to email her, but heard no reply.  I have worked on getting things together for her room and items that I hope she will love.  I have bought Barbies and found the perfect desk.  I have looked for pink items, even though a little can go a long way!  I have broken down and shopped in the store Justice and discovered it isn't as bad as I thought it would be.  I have fielded many questions about her and her medical needs.  Decided that open enrolling her into a different school district is truly the best choice.  I have had my times of crying looking at her sweet face and wondering when I will see it again.  I know that day will come....can't wait till it is here.  Until then I pray that she is healthy....that she knows that she is loved and will be patient until I can come back.  Love you M!

Some of you might know my amazing friend Yvonne.  She has been a wonderful advocate for Bulgarian children and adopting children with special needs.  She is also one of the two organizers for the Bulgarian Adoptee's Reunion (wonderful event if you can come).  She in now in the process of adopted two beautiful little boys from EE.  Earlier today someone posted a very ugly comment on her blog.  In true Yvonne fashion she addressed this person while maintaining her dignity and showed how intelligent she is.  Please read her post and pass it on to others.

http://withloveourgivingtreegrows.blogspot.com/2012/01/ignorance.html

One of those moments....

Ever have one of those moments when you just want to shake your head in disbelief?  I had on today at work.  We had a big meeting, which was good.  I had pictures from my trip with me and a co-work, who is big into animal rights was looking through them.  She asked why I had a random picture of a dog.

I explained that there are lots of stray dogs just wondering around Bulgaria and how the dog packs in some towns have been known to attack and maul people.  The kids at the orphanage are even taught to be afraid of dogs.  She asked what they are going to do about all these poor animals.  Really?  I told her that I knew that there are some groups who are starting to fix the stray dogs, but this is also part of the country.  The country and many of the people there do not have the money to spend on their animals, they are focusing on providing for their families.   I love my animals as much as the next person, but I know that the 180 orphans at M's orphanage and the thousands of other orphans in Bulgaria are the important ones that should be taken care of.