Thursday, December 30, 2010

Day 35: Home Sweet Home

Swerdfeger - party of five!



One year ago today April asked me if I was interested in adoption. Not just any adoption, either. She had on her heart an orphan with special needs, who lived half-a-world away.

As I read the description of a little girl who loved to laugh and read, my heart jumped. For so long we had discussed our desire for a larger family. For so long we had tried. For so long we had prayed, and prayed. Could it be that God's answer was this little one with an extra chromosome who really was half-a-world away?

Yes.

That was my answer to God, and to April.
Yes, we should adopt.
Yes, Alyona was the one.
Yes, I had no idea what we were in for.

It has been the hardest thing we have ever done, and yet the most rewarding. God has stretched us, and blessed us beyond measure. He has grown us, and shown us His grace and mercy.

A year ago we did not have any paperwork started, we did not have the money, we had no experience in adoption.

Today there is one less orphan in the world.
Today Alyona has a family.
Today she and momma arrived home.

If God is speaking to your heart about adoption, today is the day to say yes.
If God is calling you to help finance an adoption, today is the day to give.
If you have prayed for us and Aly, today is the day to praise God and give Him thanks.

What a year it has been!

9 comments:

Sue & Bruce said...

Congratulations to your Party of 5! We're so happy for your big, happy family to be all together at last! Happy Day and Happy New Year! Thanks be to God for bringing you all together.

Nan and Dan said...

Congrats!!! So happy to see all of you together!!! Welcome HOME!!!!!
hugs!

Unknown said...

It has been wonderful to watch the blessings rain down!!

Hansina said...

Yay! So happy for your family. Praising God for the blessing of Aly!

The McEacherns said...

Congratulations! Love the picture of all 5 of you!

Katrina said...

Yay!!! So happy she is home! What a blessing. What a wonderful way to start the New Year!

Denise said...

Soooo happy to see everyone home together as a family!! Congratulations on completing this process and what a great reward you have received!! She already looks like she has been with you guys forever!!

Lisa said...

CONGRATULATIONS! You are blessed indeed :)!!

Ken L. said...

It is so wonderful what a difference a year makes.
How lucky you are to have such a wonderful child come into your life.

God bless.

Ken L.