She looked nervous on stage. She couldnt smile but her moves were right and she was graceful and pretty. while watching her, I thought to myself, "what a beautiful blessing it is to be able to help a child grow up properly - To develop confidence...feel secure that no matter what happens, someone will be there for her...to be compassioante towards others... value education...and faith in God."

Ballet recitals are always long and i can get very impatient, but I sat there for 2 and a half hours not minding it at all.

When she took her bow during curtain call and they announced her promtion, I could see her scanning the audience. I waved silly and when she saw me, a great big smile suddenly filled her tiny brown face.

Monina is my little girl. Not my daughter but my special little girl.

In the cab, still ih her blue and brown tutoo, she held my hand tight and fell asleep in my lap.

Bliss.

Pure.

Joy.