November is National Adoption Month
...it's a time to help the outside world see inside ours (those of us who have adopted); but, more importantly, it is a time to show the outside world how many millions of children are living and breathing without parents. Did you know that there are...
Jason and I have known for almost 20 years now, that we would parent at least 2 little girls that would not be birthed by me. In 2009, the idea of a third little one was birthed in both of our hearts. Fast forward to 2010 or so, and we decided we ought to have even numbers... so, a fourth was birthed. Since 2011 we actually were pursuing the adoption of THREE little ones... one can never fully understand how your heart can long for and love a child you have never met and never held (although Jason had met 2 of the 3 new little ones)... it just happens.
Once a face is put to a name... once you have experienced the joy of adoption... you wonder how you ever could have lived without that little one.
Today, we are re-adopting our second little one. Amaris has been in the United States for 112 days... although you would never know it. While in China her story was a bit different... but, from the moment she came home, she was confident, outgoing, entertaining, engaging and just a true joy to behold. She's one of those kids anyone can love.
JoAnn wrote our homestudies for Amaris and our next two girls...
She has also helped us re-adopt both
Gabriella (in November 2011) and Amaris (November 2012)...
we LOVE her!
Amaris was quite a character... she actually walked up to the commissioner and started talking to her (without ANY of us with her)... she heard her name and confidentally approached the stand. That is probably why she made the front page of their newspaper!
She was so proud of Adoption Bear...
she just held passionately on to her.
Looking out at the water!
Amaris and Gabriella holding Adoption Bear...
a gift given to Amaris!
Gabriella got her bear last year... but,
she is in a safe place hibernating and we haven't found her yet!
The name Amaris means "God has promised".
Her middle name "Nanette" means "grace and favor"
Even her Chinese name: "Nan" means "grace and favor"
For her adoption, this is what I prayed...
For her adoption, this is what I prayed...
that God would give us "grace and favor"... He took me literally!
God truly has given us a piece of grace and favor and
we will forever be grateful for this promise.
