A Year Ago Today

Kevin, Josh and I were talking last night about what were doing a year ago today. We were leaving our home for the journey that we had waited excitedly for almost FOUR YEARS to take -- the journey to meet our daughter and sister, our prayed for child, our blessing -- Ellie. We didn't have a clue where that airplane ride would actually take us or the vast array of emotions we would feel before we touched back down in Nashville 17 days later, but we left filled with excitement and anticipation in meeting this wonderful gift.

I'm filled with nostalgia as I think back to it all. I have been all week -- more so, I think than even I was over the year anniversary of her referral photo. As one who can't remember anything, I am in awe of the intimate details I remember of the days leading up to us leaving, the actual trip there and my reactions in country when we arrived. They are as fresh as if they happened a month ago and not a year ago. Kevin even commented it didn't seem like a year ago that we left.

And now, we have this sweet little girl who laughs a lot, tries to talk, tries to walk, throws terribly "hissy fits" when she doesn't get what she wants, loves broccoli and ice cream (although not together!!) and her brother, is finally growing some hair and who delights every one of us every day. There is not a day that goes by that she doesn't make one of us burst out laughing with something she does. She is an absolute joy.

Thank you, God, for giving us the child we prayed for -- for allowing us to take that long, long plane ride to the other side of the world, for the country that allowed us to bring her home and be her family, for her birthmom who made the choice to have her, for the test you put us through to get her, for our tested and growing faith because of the decisions we made and the way you brought about a miracle for her and us, for the love we have experienced as a family because of her. Thank you seems so small, but, I know, to you, it is enough.