My journey to parenthood has spanned nearly two decades, but the day I met Eva I knew why the wait had been so long. It was a beautiful, sunny day in August when I accompanied our EAC representative and two couples to the orphanage in our region in Russia. As we arrived, we were told that we would meet our children just inside the door. It was a moment I will never forget. As I walked into the entry area, I could see a child gazing through a gauze-like curtain in the living room. She was grasping a small plastic horse in her hand and peering through the partition with a mix of curiosity, excitement and caution. She was my child--a curly haired--blue-eyed girl that truly looked like an angel.

She emerged through the curtain and looked up at me with her big, piercing blue eyes. You could see that she wanted to connect – she had been told that morning that Mama was coming to see her. I wished so much at that moment that I could have spoken fluent Russian. I wanted to say the words that would comfort and reassure her. But, although we didn’t speak the same language, very shortly afterwards we overcame the barrier.

I had come to the orphanage with lots of stickers, books and a doll, hoping that something would help break the ice. Eva thoughtfully placed each sticker in the book. It was clear from the beginning that she was a very smart child. I saw my first smile that day when we played "Trot the Little Horsy". It was then that I knew there was a happy little girl inside.

It was also clear that Eva had been loved and cared for at the orphanage. I had heard stories about conditions in some orphanages and had been concerned. However, the staff had obviously nurtured her during her two years in their care. What a gift they had given me!

I was able to see Eva a number of times during my three trips. It was helpful to have this opportunity to bond and prepare for the day when we would leave the orphanage. I captured so much on film for a diary so that one day she can relive the journey.

Eva has been home in Atlanta for less than six weeks and has made extraordinary progress. She is speaking short sentences (the first being, "Eva sleep in car...") and saying, "Hello" and "Bye-Bye" to everyone she meets on the street. She speaks over 75 words in English and can actually have a conversation with me. People are taken by her friendly nature and have actually come up to me to say what a darling little girl I have.

I have been truly blessed by God to have been able to bring her into my life. I could not have imagined a more perfect child. She is loving, smart, funny and beautiful. I would encourage those wishing to adopt to consider an older child. Eva is almost three and there are many children her age who need loving homes.

Each night as we fall asleep Eva points to herself and says "Eva" and then points to me and says "Mama". She seems to want to reaffirm who she is and to fall asleep with the reassurance that Mama is finally here and she is home at last.

Visit the Adoption Storybook to view more adoption stories from people like you.