Fifteen years ago today I received the most precious birthday gift I have ever received....the gift of our daughter Abigail, whom God had destined for our family long before she was conceived.
On the anniversary of her third Gotcha Day celebration I created a layout for her scrapbook, shared below, which contained hidden journaling for her. Adopted children are no less loved than our biological children, and in fact, we do have a choice to say "no" when the agency sends you photos and information on the child available for adoption. I could not fathom saying no...and indeed she has been one of the greatest blessings in my life.
Twelve years ago I write this letter to her:
Dear Abigail,
There are many ways to grow a family. Your brother grew inside me for nine months, and I gave birth to him, but you grew in my heart - long before you were born. As we waited fifteen months for the adoption process to become final, my heart ached, longing to hold you. We rejoiced at the very first glimpse of you, in a photo from the agency. I knew right then that God had chosen the most beautiful baby girl in the world for our family.
As pretty as you are in a photo, nothing compares to that very first moment we saw you in real life, as your daddy stooped down to take you into his arms. That image will forever be etched in my memory, and from that moment on, our lives have been blessed with smiles, laughter and hugs from you - one of the happiest children I know.
Your birth-mother loved you so much that she unselfishly gave up the desire to hold you, so that you could have a better future. I will always be grateful to her, and pray she has peace in her heart, trusting that God found you the Christian family she desired for you. Your foster family took wonderful care of you for the first five months of your life. The photos your foster mother sent of you in Korea are a priceless treasure - know that you were loved.
Soon we will be celebrating the third anniversary of "Gotcha Day". I am thankful to God for answering our prayers beyond comprehension. Through your desire to give love and receive love, I am keenly aware of His presence here on earth in the relationship that takes place between mother and daughter. Home is where the heart is, and my heart is filled with joy since you made the journey home.
Twelve years ago I write this letter to her:
Dear Abigail,
There are many ways to grow a family. Your brother grew inside me for nine months, and I gave birth to him, but you grew in my heart - long before you were born. As we waited fifteen months for the adoption process to become final, my heart ached, longing to hold you. We rejoiced at the very first glimpse of you, in a photo from the agency. I knew right then that God had chosen the most beautiful baby girl in the world for our family.
As pretty as you are in a photo, nothing compares to that very first moment we saw you in real life, as your daddy stooped down to take you into his arms. That image will forever be etched in my memory, and from that moment on, our lives have been blessed with smiles, laughter and hugs from you - one of the happiest children I know.
Your birth-mother loved you so much that she unselfishly gave up the desire to hold you, so that you could have a better future. I will always be grateful to her, and pray she has peace in her heart, trusting that God found you the Christian family she desired for you. Your foster family took wonderful care of you for the first five months of your life. The photos your foster mother sent of you in Korea are a priceless treasure - know that you were loved.
Soon we will be celebrating the third anniversary of "Gotcha Day". I am thankful to God for answering our prayers beyond comprehension. Through your desire to give love and receive love, I am keenly aware of His presence here on earth in the relationship that takes place between mother and daughter. Home is where the heart is, and my heart is filled with joy since you made the journey home.
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