Now...
The last couple of weeks have brought about some great celebrations! We love that we can celebrate E's forever family day the same week as Thanksgiving... as it just brings a focus around the many many things we can be Thankful for. The last year feels like it has been a whirlwind! I am truly blown away by the grace of God upon my family...
I am so thankful that we can look behind us and see some of the hurts and fears slowly fade away. We have been able to witness one of the strongest little boys I know truly rise above circumstance. Not just some difficult things in his life in Ethiopia, but living with severe Asthma, many medical treatments, medicines, blood draws, etc... and the boy is simply courageous. His strength brings me to tears of thankfulness. I love that I can attribute that to not only the amazing Ethiopian culture that he comes from, but from the Lord Almighty, molding E into a strong little man. His joy for life makes me laugh, and his full out "love like there's no tomorrow" Love for us, and his brother and sister (and Lightening McQueen) is truly an amazing gift.
He has come so far... and yet, I know we are all still on a long beautiful, sometimes difficult, journey toward healing.
When looking at E, I can't help but see the beauty in Z & KG. They have walked this transition well, too. For only being 2&3 at the time, they have not only made adjustments, but fallen deeply in love with their little brother. The are officially the "three musketeers"... If you had asked me a year ago if that were possible I would have laughed.in.your.face. and maybe cried a little too. I thought certainly I had "ruined KGs life" because of her difficulties having a new brother only 6 months younger. They have moved from "Cain and Able" status to "normal sibling" status... which is a HUGE blessing and answered prayer. Z has been the true leader... setting the pace for the rest. He is kind, patient, loving, and wants to love his brother and sister. It's truly magnificent to watch the dynamic. Please don't get me wrong... we still have way to much whining, problems sharing, impulse control issues, and LOTS OF TRAINING going on in our house... but as for the 3 of them... they have come a LOOOONG WAY from where we were a year ago. Sleep issues... gone. Aggression... gone. Attachment issues... few if any. Bonding... strong. Praise the Lord! It came with lots of work, but SO worth it. Thus... the expecting...
With all that said... we have reflected on our year... and now with great expectation for the coming year. More change... more transitions.... more sleepless nights... but I know that God is unfolding His plan... even as we speak... to get us to our AJ just in perfect time....
Sleep issues gone??!! Halleluuuuujah! I know that makes for one rejuvenated Momma! I immediately thought of Judges 6:12 when you were talking about E's strength ("...The Lord is with you, mighty warrior."). Great pictures. Love your family. CanNOT wait to see how the Lord brings AJ to your family. Continuing to pray...
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