What a day!

Greetings from Manila!  We started out our morning with a beautiful breakfast at our hotel and then went for a walk around the grounds.  I must say this place is beautiful, and I found myself feeling guilty knowing that just outside these doors are hungry children.  A harsh reality of this city - a population of 20 million (according to our driver last night) - which would explain the fact that traffic was still heavy at nearly midnight when we arrived. 

As I tried to move past my thoughts of the children I've seen so far, my heart quickly turned to our precious Rammy.  Matt and I both couldn't help but imagine what he will think of all the fruits and pastries we saw at the breakfast buffet - I cautioned my sweet husband we would have to be careful to not give him a tummy ache.  Daddy loves to spoil his babies.  Then we walked around the beautiful gardens and pool area.  Every thought of Rammy - how he may enjoy the fountains, the rocks (a boys dream come true!  rocks everywhere!), and the pool . . . I'm beginning to think we didn't even need to bring the toys we brought!  I could just picture strolling through the garden with him allowing him to explore just enough but not too far from Mommy.  Can't wait . . .

Of course, we know that the transition is an unknown territory.  We don't know what his reaction will be to us and the drastic change in his life, but we have been praying for a long time about this - we trust the Lord knows. 

It's really surreal - we are going to meet our son tomorrow!  I just don't even know how we got here.  It seems like for months we longed for this child - truly before we even knew who God intended for us, there was a longing in our hearts.  We can't wait to see him. 

Today was a nice day.  We were able to spend the whole day with Matt's Tito Gerry and Tita Baby along with their daughter, Margery.  The city of Manila has changed a great deal since 1999 (our last visit here).  I reminded Matt of the statement I made the last time we were here "we will come back here someday, Matt!  We will adopt a little girl."  Matt told me well, it's a boy.  I guess God had a different plan - yes, a better plan.  I can't imagine another child for us than Rammy. 

We also had the opportunity to visit the home of Matt's grandparents where his Tito Ignatio and Tita Mercy  now live.  The sweet little girls we visited in 1999, Matt's cousins, are all grown up, married and some with children of their own. 

I'm typing about all of this because I guess - I just don't know what to say.  I feel completely overwhelmed.  I don't have the words to express how I feel... God is so good.  It's just hard to believe we are here.  I can remember all the times I felt like we'd never get to this point and now it's here! 

Grateful for your prayers & we'll keep you posted as best we can.