...we had just deplaned and were introducing Isabella to her big brothers and extended family for the first time. We, in the adoption community, call this special anniversary "Forever Family Day". It's the day we will celebrate each year for the rest of our lives. It's the day Isabella was "born" into our family. It may be strange to imagine how special this day is if you haven't had the privilege of adopting your daughter or son. Whether my children are biological or adopted the same emotions are present the moment we introduce them to their extended family for the first time... be it in a busy airport or a warm hospital room. I remember the elation, gratitude to God, joy, thankfulness, giddiness and exhaustion all rolled into one. Below is what I posted one year ago today.
"Our plane landed late in the evening on April 30, 2008. Isabella was completely asleep in my arms on the plane and had zero interest at being awakened, changed and primped for her first meeting with her extended forever family. She was a trooper, though! It was the best feeling in the world to see our whole family waiting for us (with signs and balloons) when we got off the plane. My favorite moment was when I had just gotten off the escalator and I had all three of my kids in my arms for the first time. It was brief, but it was probably the best moment of my entire life! It was so hard being away from the boys for nearly a month while I was in Guatemala. Seeing them love and hold their sister right away made it all worth it. I think Isabella's favorite moment was when Grami handed her an Elmo balloon. She stared at that thing the whole night. I think she thinks it's another member of the family! How am I going to break it it her?
'The Lord has done GREAT things for us, and we are filled with joy.' (Psalm 126:3)"
Tonight, in honor of Forever Family Day, my hubby and I watched the video together. All those great emotions came flooding back. A lifetime of prayers were answered in that one moment last year. Thank you, Jesus, for your faithfulness.
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Big Kahuna and I have known each other since we were kids and have been married for almost 15 years. We are passionate about our family, travel and serving God. We love helping people and bringing them hope. We laugh ourselves to tears watching classic episodes of Saturday Night Live and The Office. Summer is our favorite season, and we live for warm evenings playing with the kids on the beach.
Big Surf is 14 years old. He's a voracious reader, focused, and spends hours building things. He is our resident techie and is also learning to play the violin. He loves to spend his free time playing baseball, flag football, or out on the trails by the house building his clubhouse.
Goofy Foot is ten years old. He devours his free reading books like there is no tomorrow. He is also the family comedian. If you see him, ask him to tell you a joke! He is tender-hearted, social and compliant. When he is not outside riding his bike, you'll find him drawing or writing a funny book.
Beach Bunny is three years old. She is our sunshine! She joined our family through the unbelievable gift of adoption. Beach Bunny loves to snuggle with us and carefully takes care of her baby dolls. She is super silly and must say hi to everyone! One word that describes her is "joy".
