An Unforgetable Day

I will never forget April 25th 2009!! Tom and I flew into Kinshasa airport, excited, anxious and a little afraid. But we knew that on the other side of the airport we would have just a car ride to finally meet our sweet baby girl. What we did not know was that our little Debora was actually in the van waiting for us at the airport. So, as we carefully and fearfully made our way off the plane full of people who only spoke French. We were wisked through the doors by a French speaking guard named Peter who has been sent to help us get through customs and passport control. Once through the airport we were greeted by our OFA excort Chris and Pastor Loma who would both be such a blessing to us through out our stay in DRC!! Tom and Peter had to actually go back in the airport terminal to retreive our luggage. Pastor Loma and Chris walked me to the van. I was very anxious about being seperated from Tom but I was told I really did'nt have a choice but to go with Chris and Pastor Loma.

I still did not know that Debora was in the van as we walked to the van through a sea of people. I was trembling inside by all that I was seeing but more so because I knew soon we would finally be able to touch and kiss our little girl. After walking a few hundred yards Chris says he has a surprise in the van. As we approached the van I could see a precious little girl in the back seat with our driver (Joyce).

As I got in the van Chris said "Debora this is "Ma Ma Traci" Debora repeated "Ma Ma Traci" and then very sweetly and gently put her sweet little hands on my face and began softly tracing my face, touching my forehead, my eyes, my nose , my cheeks, my mouth, my chin and she was smiling the whole time. I wish I could have stopped time at that moment. My heart was so full of love I thought I would burst!!! After that very precious time we hugged and laughed and she immediately went into my carry on bag and found her books and crayons so for the next 20 mins or so while we waited for Tom to get back with our luggage, we read and played.

It was such an incredible moment and as I reflect back over that day and all that has happened in the year since that day I am so humbled and amazed at what a faithful and awesome God we serve.