"In love He predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will." Ephesians 1:5
This week we have experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Last Wednesday, the 18th of March, we visited the baby house for the first time. We were shown a little three year old girl named Darina. We immediately feel in love with this spunky, active, happy little girl and the three of us bonded quickly. Darina has a mild case of Cerebral Palsy and because of this we initially thought we wouldn’t be bringing her home with us. We were scared of the unknown and knew that this would be an even bigger life change than we expected. We spent hours crying, torn over the thought of never seeing her again. We were told of other children available but our hearts kept leading us back to Darina.
This week we have experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Last Wednesday, the 18th of March, we visited the baby house for the first time. We were shown a little three year old girl named Darina. We immediately feel in love with this spunky, active, happy little girl and the three of us bonded quickly. Darina has a mild case of Cerebral Palsy and because of this we initially thought we wouldn’t be bringing her home with us. We were scared of the unknown and knew that this would be an even bigger life change than we expected. We spent hours crying, torn over the thought of never seeing her again. We were told of other children available but our hearts kept leading us back to Darina.
Through talking with her doctors and caretakers at the baby house, along with lots of internet research, we know that her future is bright. Mentally Darina is very smart, her only limitations are physical. We have already seen her progress in the days we’ve spent with her and know that she will continue to prosper with committed parents and the opportunities available in the United States. We've also been given a referral for an American peditrician who specializes in international adoptions. We'll keep you all posted as we communicate with the doctor and continue to visit Darina.
We could write a novel on all that we have been through this past week but we feel totally at peace with our decision and we are excited to continue bonding with our daughter! Plus, I'm sure you'll get more than a novel over the next few weeks!
Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement.
Enjoy some pictures from our first week of bonding:
Outside the Baby House.
Watching video of her new bedroom. She's excited!
She's such a sweetie!
That girl is always smiling!
She loves the slide... over and over and over
Adorable baby girl.
Don't be fooled by the outfit, some of these pictures were actually taken on different days. Since she only has one outfit we'll be bringing some clothes for our next visit. =)
19 comments:
Oh My! What a darling! I love that smile...it absoultely lights up a room. Congratulations on finding your daughter and making a commitment to being a family! Best wishes!
Quaintance
Oh my gosh, that smile is so contagious, she is a marvelous addition to our family. Love you all very much. Gramma
CONGRADULATIONS!!!!!!!!!
GPAW
Oh she is beautiful!!!!! She looks like an Ava too! She has a wonderful smile! Congrats!!! :)
Congratulations!! She is adorable! She looks so happy to be with you guys, you will be an awesome family! Love you all! P.S. Kyleigh is very excited to meet her new cousin...
I can hardly wait to give her a great big hug! She is absolutely adorable. I can see why you both fell in love with her. Congratulations on your new daughter. Love, Aunt Judy
Kari & james, just got the news and pictures, what a darling little girl. She is smiling and happy. She is the cutest girl and I am sure you will have a wonderful life with her. God Bless
Grandpa & Grandma. See you soon
Kari-
All of us here are glued to the screen as we speak. What a beautiful little girl....Handpicked by the Lord for the two of you!! We can't wait to see her here in the halls running into Mommy's classroom. :-)
With much love from all of us at Umana Academy..
She's beautiful! I'm so happy for both of you. I want to know more about her! :)
Oh my gosh I am in tears of joy you guys I am so proud of you getting through these days you did a splendid job what a gift from God. Ava is a blessing for our family we are so exited do you think you will be home by Easter, maybe not but soon after. We love you and Greatgrandma is so excited too she doesn't know how to write on these but she just called me at work and said "Look at your Blog there is some good new!", Love you,
Auntie Kristie, Uncle Steffan, Cousin Katie, Don, Caden and Isabella (Bella will be so anxious and they have the same haircut too!)
How exciting, congratulations!!! The three of you already look so happy and perfect together! Her smile is so infectious! I cant wait for more pictures of your beautiful little girl and the new family!
We are so happy for you guys! She is beautiful!!
Congratulations proud parents! What an adorable little girl you have! (not a baby!) I am so excited for you guys...what a fun journey you have ahead of you!
I will have to buy a plane ticket as soon as you get back (or as soon as I can afford it!) to meet this angel! She is just gorgeous! So excited to see how the Lord will continue to grow your family - He is so good!
Hi Kari and James,
We are so excited to be Ava Dorina's mimi and papa!! She is gorgeous and has the most incredible smile...I can already hear her giggles! We can't wait to kiss and hold her! (and you guys too!)
Zoe sends wet kisses!
Love you...Mom and Dad
You may not believe me but from the moment I saw the pictures of Darina I knew she was my niece. I felt so much love for her that I can't even explain. I would look at her picture and get so anxious for a decision to be made. Today I am filled with such happiness knowing this beautiful little girl is my niece! I cannot wait until you are all home and I will be counting down the days. Darina you better be ready because Auntie Erica is going to spoil you!
Yay yay yay!! Praise the Lord!!! She is beautiful and a wonderful addition to your family! Can't wait to meet this beautiful girl. God is GOOD! He knew what He was doing all along!
Ohhh Kari and James-I LOVE HER-she is sooo cute and perfect! You definitely picked your daughter! I can't wait to see more pictures of her! I am so excited for you guys-the wait is now worth every minute! Congratulations!
We could not be more excited for you-- we have been stalking the blog multiple times a day waiting for this news and these adorable photos! She looks like such a happy little girl-- she has the most beautiful life ahead of her with you two as her loving parents-- congratulations on finally having your family together!!
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