For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope.....

...for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. Romans 8:24-25
While most people start a blog at the beginning of their adoption journey I find myself putting together one at the end. Why? It can be answered by the first question they ask you when you start to put together the blog..."Title for your blog?" That was enough to stop me. Something so personal...what should my blog say? I knew it should express HOPE. Knowing there is hope in every situation, at every place in your life and that hope can never run out. We're adding to our family again: a little girl named Amisha. She will have spent her first three years in an orphanage this coming October 10th. I wonder if she held on to hope... she has a condition called schizencephaly. Her time here on earth will be determined by complications as time passes. For now we will bring her home, love her and hope....

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Happy 1st "Gotcha Day"!!!

Exactly 1 year ago today we were picking up our beautiful daughter from ISRC in Kolkata India. She had spent over three years waiting for a family and we arrived today. She was frightened beyond belief and sooo sad to leave her only home that she knew. It was a change for our family that couldn't be predicted or explained. How can someone else that has nothing give you more than you give them when you have everything? She is a little miracle.
Here is a small update for all who prayed for her to find a family and knew of her medical needs. Her left side weakness has improved and she has great flexibility on that side. She is still testing comparable with her peers. Her only deficiency is no speech. Schizencephaly is considered a terminal condition because the seizures will eventually become uncontrollable and they will take their life-guess what? Not one seizure. Praise God!!

Bringing her in the office to meet us....she was a frightened little girl.
After screaming uncontrollably (her, not me-even though I was close to it) on the way to get our visa we are calmed walking to the embassy because we think there is a chance of us returning home. Not home-so we cried so hard at the embassy they asked us to wait outside. :)

Now were home. Posing on our front step this fall.

Jumping in the jumpy with the boys.

Swimming in the back yard with her adoring brother. She finally warmed up to the cold water, at first swimming was not an option. Too Cold!!!

Waiting to walk Jonathan down to the bus stop early one sunny morning.

Loving one of her many "babies"


Monday, November 2, 2009

Sweet little trick or treater!!

Her last "first" because we are nearing her homecoming-her first time trick or treating. If you think about it Halloween is a strange activity for someone that has never experienced it. We stuck her in a costume, dragged her out in the dark, there were strangers roaming the neighborhood-some in not so friendly costumes and then people give you candy. Did she love it? Of course!! She word Allie's costume that she wore when she was 3-that was 17 years ago. Kyle's mom sewed it for her right before she passed away from cancer. So, it had special meaning to us. The bonus of Halloween for Amisha is that she LOVES chocolate-I think she could live off of it.