I'm waxing on about one year ago when Cj joined our family ...

Big changes in Cambodia happen all the time with the country on the verge of doing things right ... maybe ... but I was unprepared for how dramatic some would be. Finding the road to the orphanage paved was my first surprise. What had been a rutted, dusty track was now a smooth two-lane road, and the structures along it showed the benefits with much tidier homes and business along the route. Even here on the outskirts of the city, things looked more prosperous and a bit less dirt-poor-inpoverished-hopeless.

AOA itself had seen some changes, with a deep well for a good supply of fresh water in the final stages of bringing on line. A pump had been installed, but there were a few problems with power. This was such a huge step forward after the months and months of drought where the pond that had served as resevoir had dried up completely and water had to be purchased by the truck load.

We went ladened with all sorts of things for people at AOA. Two suitcases were stuffed with clothing for the children, and I had photos from parents of kids for nannies, and messages and gifts for some of the children still waiting to come home.

One e-friend was in the final stages of paperwork to bring home two girls, sisters six and eight years old who'd been waiting for two years, and I was especially happy to meet them, to give them hugs and gifts and to convey some love their mom had sent via me.

Of course, though, my main focus was on Cj.

Shelley had been visiting her every week, so we had hundreds of photos and not a few videos of her in action. The falling in love had happened months before, so all that was left was the actual introduction.

Cj, this is Mom.

Mom, this is Cj.

Then Dad and Sam.

Wow!

Is there another moment like this one?

More to come