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Our 1st year GOTCHA DAY!! :)

1 year ago today, my entire life completely changed.

I remember around 8:30p.m. before I slept my last night by myself, running frantically around my bedroom "baby-proofing" it.  Many things were placed out of reach of little fingers.

I remember getting ready, eating breakfast, and getting in the car all in a daze of excitement, wonder, and joy.  As I turned on the street and saw the gate, a wave of nervousness swept over me.

What if I'm not a good mom? What if I can't really do this? Am I sure this is the right step of obedience?

Then the gate opened.  I turned the corner of the building and saw my sweet boy.  He was riding on a bike on the other side of the yard.  He saw me and dropped the bike in an instant.  He started running.  He dove into my arms and just squeezed.


Then I whispered:

"Today is the day.  You are coming home"

We signed the papers and said goodbyes.  I remember walking out of the orphanage thinking that this exact moment was SO surreal.  When we got home, Eli walked around looking at everything in wonder.  He only spoke Nyanja, but thankfully Carol, our housekeeper, was there to help me out.  He played with some of his toys, took a bath, and went to sleep.

That night, I remember cooking him Chicken and Sausage Gumbo.  He ate every bite.  :) When he fell asleep that first night, I remember not being able to leave him.  The next week was very hard, but in my time with Jesus, my Savior filled me up.  He comforted me, guided me, strengthened me, and poured so much love on me.

The months passed slowly at first, but then faster and faster.  Eli grew into a polite, loving, fun, laughable, confident, strong, and sweet sweet boy.  I'm blessed to stand a year later and see what the Lord has done in both of our lives.  Walk with me through our first year as a family! :)

August 2012


September 2012


October 2012


November 2012


December 2012


January 2013


February 2013


March 2013


April 2013


May 2013


June 2013


July 2013


August 2013


Oh how Jesus has transformed us.
Oh how Jesus' story of redemption plays out every day in our lives.
Oh how Jesus' love, joy, grace, and peace is evident every morning.
Oh how Jesus' heart for Eli shines SO brightly.

"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers."  Malachi 4:5-6

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