It's December 20th, Nana's birthday. Today our little girl turns two. I never would have imagined when we accepted her referral that she would still be in Liberia on her second birthday. At that time she was 10 months old. Of course I wish we could be with her today...a cake with white and pink icing, pretty balloons and a baby doll wrapped up with a big bow on top of the package. I would love to sing Happy Birthday, take pictures, and watch her brothers laugh as she smeared icing all over her pretty birthday dress. These are the images that are in my mind this morning, but the simple reality is that she is not here. When will she be here? I have no idea. I've heard nothing again for a couple of weeks.
I'm not angry this morning, just a little sad. I pray she is happy and well cared for today. I pray that her belly is full and that the water that is mixed with her formula is clean. I pray, as I do each day, that God moves mountains and makes a way for our little girl to come home.
We still call her Nana here, it's the original name we were given when we first found out about her. This is actually a nickname of sorts and her actual name is Nator. When she comes home her name will be Ana Grace Nator Stetler.
Happy Birthday Ana. You are loved.
My heart is aching for you today, dear friend. I know that feeling of longing for your child... and special days, like today, sure are rough.
I've been told many times that while this wait is extremely hard and painful, once you have your child, the wait will seem like nothing because of the joy that comes with finally being able to embrace your child.
I'm still praying so hard that we can all have our kids in the loving and safe homes they have awaiting them.
Hang in there - you have many people praying for you and your daughter!
Sarah said...
12:21 AM
I understand the agony of waiting, but it is the not knowing which truly drains us ... I am so sorry for this long, long wait and the uncertainty of it all. Asking God for a miracle for your family and so many others longing for their children to come home!
Stephanie said...
9:28 AM