LOUISVILLE (WHAS11) -- A Starlight, Ind. family reached a milestone in August with the help of a local school for the visually impaired. The Danglers adopted Louisa Mae Ruth six months ago from an orphanage in China, knowing her language barrier would not be the only obstacle in bringing her home.
Today, the Danglers say great progress is being made for this little girl who's looking at a bright future in a world of darkness.
She walked hand in hand with her mother, Donna Dangler, to her first day of School at Visual Impaired Preschool in Louisville.
"We're so excited. This is such a new adventure," Dangler said.
Louisa Mae's father, Jeff, and sisters also tagged along to capture the moment on camera.
She'll learn to know her classroom by touch, rather than sight.
"Remember your cubby. It's where we put your things and your name is down here and it says, Louisa Mae," Dangler said to Louisa Mae, moving her hands over the four walls of her cubby.
The name tag at the bottom is one she can't read or see, because Louisa Mae was born blind.
"She has a blood vessel disorder which means there's no chance of sight at this time, they don't have surgery, so we are praying for a miracle from God. If it's in his plans," Dangler said.
It's a difficulty many families back in China couldn't see past, leaving this young girl in an orphanage for nearly three years, until the Danglers came along.
"We literally cannot imagine life without her," Dangler said. "We've had her home for six months and it has been amazing."
It may be her first day at VIPS, but Louisa Mae already knows her teachers.
The last few months, Page Maynard has visited with the Danglers at their Southern Indiana home to help with her adjustments, making her first day at school a much more comfortable experience.
Unlike many 4-year-olds, Louisa Mae is still working on tasks such as walking on her own and feeding herself. Just last week, she learned to drink out of a straw, with her progress documented daily on Donna's Facebook page. With the help of VIPS, we're sure to see that list of accomplishments grow.
"It's exciting. It's been a journey, but I would not trade it for the world," Dangler said.