What an emotion-filled day this has been! We arrived early to pick up Haven at the Civil Affairs office, because our guide thought we could do the paperwork before she arrived. As we walked in the door, Anthony said, “There she is!” They had arrived long before us and were waiting. We scrambled to get out our camera. As we walked up to Haven and her nanny, we knew that we should take things very slowly. We knew that she would be terrified. And she was! As soon as she saw us, she hid behind the nanny and wanted absolutely nothing to do with us, having absolute fear in her eyes. We just sat nearby and let her get used to having us there. Eventually we asked the nannies if they would go back to our hotel room with us; we figured it would be easier on Haven than just walking away with her. They agreed. It was such a blessing to have them stay with us for a while, we asked them many questions and got a lot of feedback. It was so helpful.
When the time came for them to leave, we knew it was not going to be easy. Haven freaked out and clung to them, begging them not to go. When they left, she cried uncontrollably for about an hour…it broke my heart. Everyone that she knew and loved just walked out the door, leaving her with people she had never seen. I felt her pain and could not help weeping with her. After about an hour of sobbing, she began to settle down. She just lay in my arms and calmed down. When Anthony and the kids got back, she started coming out of her shell a little, very slowly but surely.
By this afternoon she was a different child. She has been exploring her environment and laughing at the silliest things. I have no doubt that she is going to bond with us. She is already coming for hugs. 
I know that as the days progress, and she knows that she can trust us, it will get even better.
So, here are some observations about her personality and development. Firstly, she is TINY! She is so much smaller than Hannah-Claire, who is two years younger. Either she is just a very small person, or she will catch up. I bought size 6 clothes for her, but they are way too big. She is completely non-verbal (we have not heard her say anything). She makes lots of babbling sounds, but no words. The nannies were adament that she does indeed say words….we will just have to see. Inspite of not speaking, she communicates pretty well….she shakes her head for NO and smiles for YES. Our initial feeling, and it is only day one, is that she is EXTREMELY delayed in all areas of her life. She seems more like a three year old, than an almost eight year old. A lot of it could be institutionalism. The nannies told me that she never has one-on-one time in the orphanage. There are just too many kids. She is always in a group setting. We will share more as time passes.
We feel so blessed tonight. Yes, the road ahead with Haven is going to have its challenges. We still have no idea what the future is going to hold for her, and probably will not know for a while. BUT, she is such a joy. I look at her today and am so grateful that finally, after three years of waiting for a family, she has a mom and dad who love her unconditionally, and brothers and a sister who will treasure her just the way she is. She will have all the one-on-one time she so deserves and things will only get better, one day at a time.
Here are some picture of our first day with Haven. You will notice toward the end how she is smiling and how her little personality starts shining. I have a feeling that this little rosebud is going to blossom She is just absolutely beautiful.
Haven is beautiful! What a precious smile. I will pray for all of you as you bond. I’m so glad you are all finally together. What a precious family! God bless and enjoy every moment.
Love, Debbie
P.S. How is Anthony feeling?
Wonderful news on this Tuesday morning here in the states. I pray it continues to go well for all of you.
She may not be talking but man that smile is a beautiful thing.
Ginny
How wonderful to see her smile!!! You mentioned that she was very tiny and acted much younger. Have you considered that her age is inaccurate? My son and my oldest niece’s ages were wrong by 2 years. On paper, my son was 9, my niece was suppose to be 7. According to left wrist and full head x-rays, my son was in the 6-7 age range, my niece in the 4-5 year range. Developmentally in both size and emotion/mentally, they fit these ages well. In the case of my niece, it was poor paperwork keeping. In the case of my son, it was blatent forgery to get him into boarding school and out of the orphanage care faster. He knew exactly what his true age was but was told to lie.
WOW, i just cannot stop crying as i read this and see the beautiful pictures. May the Lord continue to soften her little heart towards each of you as she learns how truly she is loved. Thinking about you and will continue to pray for the rest of your journey.
Love, Cris
God is so good! I’m crying as I look at Haven’s beautiful smile and so soon after joining her family. You are so incredibly blessed!!! Can’t wait to see her in person
Barbara
I just got home and went straight for the computer, I was so excited to see Haven. Chris and I are sitting here with tears as we read your entry, our hearts are so full of joy and emotion for you guys. She is so beautiful Adeye, what a precious child. I know she is just going to blossom as she finds love and security in being a part of the Salem family. I don’t know if I can go to bed, I can’t stop thinking about you all!!! LOV Rach
Adeye and Anthony, I too am holding back tears as I read of your patience with Haven and her adjustments. I pray that all continues to go well and she will soak up that love and commitment that she must surely feel. Children receive on a such a visceral level . . . she’s got to sense it. God bless, and I’m praying for Anthony’s full recovery.
Sue Thompson
Adeye & Anthony, The day arrived, FINALLY!!! She’s YOURS!!!! She has a family!!!! Haven has the most precious smile and how wonderful that you were able to see it on day one!!! What a blessing. God has prepared your heart so well for her and I just sit holding back the tears as I read your Gotcha story. You are a blessed family!!!
Love, Dawn
My friend … I have been praying so much for you & Haven. To see your precious daughter with you just makes me cry with joy!!! Brett and I are celebrating with you guys today. She is soooo beautiful and precious. I love you my friend. All my love, Janine
Adeye, I cannot stop the tear of shear joy. I see the photos and read your words and the Spirit of the Lord is so real and confirms that it is so right that Haven is with you, every breath within me feels such JOY! God Bless, Pat
Congrats on your growing family. Your journey has inspired as we too have 3 bio boys and an adopted ‘china doll’ and wonder and pray if we could do it again, thank you for giving us a glimpse into your life.
(Dawn’s friend)
Nicole and Family
I can’t stop the tears either. I am so happy for you all and was looking forward to this post! Congrats on your beautiful little girl. She does look great! love, Amy
OH MY! How precious. I can’t stop crying, we are SO happy for you and so thankful to God for giving precious Haven a family. This road has been a long one but our Father is faithful in every step and He will be there every step forward. Kenrick and I are so happy for you guys. God bles on these precious first days with your girl and we are trusting Him together with you for a FULL restoration. Love you so much!
congratulations. what a story of God’s goodness and God’s pursuit of us, as you guys have pursued and waited for Haven. She is beautiful and what a story she will have to tell. so so thrilled
your family is now a little more complete. thanks so much for sharing. love, Laura Parker