Introducing...Sophia Elizabeth
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Presentation...at FANA

It was a very special day today, as you all know.  But, it also was very emotional for us to return to FANA for the 1st time with Luke.  We all piled in Guierrmo's van today - Paul, Sarah, Luke, Betty, and Paula & Ron Covelli.  We took the ride to Suba, where FANA is located, at the northern edge of the city.  The sites were familiar to us, and we approached the gates with watery eyes and anticipation.  FANA, as always, remains to be an oasis of sorts in the middle of this pueblo.  Suba has undergone some changes since we saw it last - and looked well and lively to us.  FANA staff welcomed us with open arms...and the fun began.

We were presented with the medical history of our daughter, and brief information of how she is doing now.  The reports were perfect - as is she!  We then gathered in the Green Room - surrounded by walls of photos of children and families from all over the globe.  You can't help but think you are maiking a small piece of history at that moment, and that someday it will also fill a space on the walls.  When we return this week, we will look for Luke's photos.  Maria Teresa, Flor, Mercedes,  her daughter Elena, and her granddaughter Juliana were all there with us.  It was Elena's 1st visit to FANA since the birth of Juliana, and the children of FANA had prepared a welcome sign for her and the new baby!  Unfortunately, Elizabeth, the head nurse was on vacation in Minnesota for their annual FANA weekend.  We missed that she was not part of the celebration, but we will see her soon.  Alonso Castellanos was also present.  He was the gentleman who gave us the referral of Sophia, so it was very meaningful to us that he could make it too.

The Covelli's (Ron & Paula) were presented with their daughter first.  Alonso had the honors of carrying her into the room.  This allowed us to pour out our emotion and tears first, and be all smiles for Sophia.

Next it was our turn.  Sarah held tightly to Luke, to keep from losing control, and Paul grinned from ear to ear.  Mercedes, accompanied by a special guest, presented Sophia Elizabeth to us.  I cannot put the JOY into words, but hopefully the pictures we share with you will tell the story...

  Sophia Elizabeth Melone Sophia was presented to us dressed in a tiny pink dress that was Sarah's dress almost 34 years ago.  Nana saved it all these years for something special - and this day was it!  Sophia is wrapped in a blanket that Sarah's grandmother made last year.  Since Grandma just pased away, it was a beautiful way to share part of Sophia family with her today.

Our pink princess
  Mercedes, Milena, and Sophia This beautiful 23 year old young woman, Milena, presented Sophia to us today.  She was adopted by a family from France, from FANA, when she was 5 years old.  Today was her first visit to FANA.  She came to Colombia with her mother to learn about her history.  It was a very emotional day for her, especially meeting Mercedes.  For us, it was an honor to have her beside Mercedes and presenting us with our daughter.  Again, we can't put into words the joy and love that is felt during the Presentation.

2 beautiful girls, with their angel Mercedes, who provided for their early days in life...
  Even our eyes are smiling... This is Milena placing Sophia in Paul's arms for the first time, as Mercedes, Luke and Sarah look on.

FANA is another word for LOVE.