July 9, 2015

Almost a week until our baby boy turns 1!! These last five months have sure flown by. I miss him more and more with each passing day. I know God has him in His hands, and I trust Him with my whole being, for His timing and His plan are perfect. It is only by the strength of Christ, the love and support from my amazing husband, and the encouragement from family and friends that I even get by! Thank you all for your love, your support, your kind words, but mostly, for your prayers. You have no idea how much it means to me! I praise our Heavenly Father for each of you!

Ephraim's 1st birthday care package was, by far, my favorite one yet!! Thank you so much to everyone who contributed! It means so much to us that he has so many people in his life who love him already! In his care package included:

• "See 'N Say - The Farmer Says" animal toy (from Aunt Leah, Aunt Sarah & Uncle Paul)
• "Elephant - Shape Sorter" (from Aunt Leah, Aunt Sarah & Uncle Paul)
• "Rock-a-Stack" toy (from Aunt Brittany & Uncle Caleb)
• "Baby's First Blocks" (from Aunt Brittany & Uncle Caleb)
• "Teddy the Firefly," "Twist-o-Round," & (2) Dr. Seuss books (from Gamaw & Gampa Parry and Great-Grandma Atkinson)
• Fun, elephant toy (from Megan & Charlie)
• "Here Come The Birthday Boy!" t-shirt (from Grammy & Papa Smith)
• Jigsaw puzzle w/ our faces :)
• Rubber ducky
• "Bright & Beautiful - A Child's Blessing" recordable book w/ our voices reading to him
• flash drive with his birthday video!! <--my favorite!  
• snackies

I know he is going to love these gifts so much!!

I praise our Almighty God that our sweet boy is growing up strong, that he healthy (and seems so happy!) and that his foster Omma (Mom) seems to genuinely love and care for him so! How blessed we are! All glory to our King!!

"The Lord lives! Praise by to my Rock!

      Exalted be God my Savior!" (Psalm 18:46)

One last thing (because it is heavy on my heart and mind today and this week) ....as of today, our sweet friends, Brittany & Jeremy are {officially} a family of three!! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!! Their sweet Judah is finally in their arms forever! And what a blessing, I know, he already is!! If you could please be praying for them as they are currently in the process of connecting with their sweet boy. Prayers for his little heart and mind, for quick attachment, for peace and rest for all three of them, for their health and safety as they continue to remain in India for a few more days, for a smooth and safe flight home, and as Brittany put it: "Pray that God is telling Judah all the things I might not be able, so that he has minimal fear and anxiety." Brittany, Jeremy, & Judah....I love you guys so much. I'm praying for you always, and I can't wait to meet your precious little guy! Our God is so good!!