Happy Gotcha Day!

Our boys the second time we met...

Yesterday, we celebrated Gotcha Day with our two boys. It was a year ago yesterday that the courts recognized us as legally the parents of two precious boys, then ages 5 and 7. Due to some paperwork and logistical issues, we did not actually get to take our boys with us for three more days.

In a year, they (and we) have grown and changed so much. Raising boys is certainly different from parenting an only child who is a girly-girl. It has not been an easy year. In fact, you could say that it has been one of the two most difficult years of my life--perhaps the most difficult year. It has been challenging, frustrating and sometimes hair-pulling as we searched for the wisdom and love necessary to help our boys heal from what life has thrown at them.

Have we found all the answers? No. Are they totally secure and healed? No. But they have learned about what family is. They have enjoyed the love of extended family. They have had opportunties to receive an education. They have learned that they can push, and we are still here to love them. My youngest is not skin and bones anymore. Most importantly, they have learned about the God who loves and cares for them, who forgives and restores hope.

We, who were yet sinners when Christ died for us, who were adopted by God as co-heirs with Christ, have learned so much about true love and commitment this year. We have learned about perseverance in situations that are not easy. We look forward to seeing them continue to grow and learn, and pray that one day, with confidence in their worth as seen by God, they will serve Him wholeheartedly.

I am thankful that God blessed us with these children.

Our children now...