Elsa and Ella {Adoption Love}

After living and teaching at an orphanage, I have a huge heart for adoption.  Early this past summer, I was thrilled to find out one of my co-workers was in the process of adopting a little girl from the Democratic Republic of Congo.  (I once unexpectedly found myself in the DRC, but that's a story for another time.)

Here's a little bit about Elsa's adoption journey as share by The McFarland Thistle. 
Elsa started her adoption paperwork in the winter of 2011, and had an approved international dossier in hand by mid-summer of 2012.  Approximately five months after submitting her application to the agency, Banks received a referral for a seven-month old baby girl.
  
“The e-mail came in from my agency on Thursday, Dec. 29, sometime in the afternoon. I had just returned home from a short holiday trip to visit my stepfather in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula when I saw the e-mail.   Adoptive parents are advised to remain level headed, carefully consider, and consult with a doctor before making a decision, but the minute I saw Ella’s face I knew that she was my girl. Have you seen that face? Could you possibly say no to her? I sure couldn’t!”


Elsa and Ella arrived home earlier this fall after a month together in Kinshasa, DRC.  I had a great time getting to know them both better during their photo shoot at McDanel's Park.  Ella Rose is a beautiful little girl who is full of smiles and laughter.   She is transitioning wonderfully well and has clearly stolen her mommy's heart.

Welcome home Ella Rose!  I'm so glad you found your forever home.