A whole new life

So the last few days have been a frenzy of activity.  I really really want to get the room put together before the long weekend is over.
I have also been acutely aware that my life is about to change fundamentally, and will never be the same again.  At the same time, I have been really thinking a lot about how Alexandra's life is about to change.  I have changed her name, I am about to take her away from everything she's ever known -- the language, the people, the foods .... most likely the smells, the sounds, and feel of fabrics too.  She's never been out of the orphanage, and I am about to spend a week with her running errands in Moscow, then put her on an airplane for a miserably long trip ....and then put her in a completely strange environment.  Tall order for a little girl.  We'll see how she'll do.  Obviously, growing up in an orphanage, however familiar, and nice it may be is not the best situation for a child.  Obviously, I will be able to provide more opportunities for travel, education, medical care (should she need it), then she would get at the orphanage.  But I feel really so much better about it all after attending one of my good friend's Labor Day party.  Some people there were my good friends, others people I see at parties -- maybe a few times a year.  I was so touched by the support and encouragement, and offers of help from people -- it really made me feel like I could manage this situation, and that Alexandra is a lucky little girl ...eagerly awaited in her new home, and with a large extended family (biological and not) ready to embrace her and make her part of our lives.