Looking Back . . . Looking Forward

With a new year upon us it makes me reflect on the previous year, as it does for so many.  I remember the start of 2011 was just the first sign that the coming year, mainly our adoption process, was going to be anything but smooth.  Our problems with paperwork began in January with the birth certificate issue and things just snowballed from there.  A seven week delay in January, a court failure in April, another seven week delay in the summer and a two and a half month delay at Embassy.  I feel like I could go on and on.  Looking back it seems like I spent most of the year in frustration, sadness, and anxiety.

Of course, this year begins much differently.  No longer am I ruled by heartbreak, longing, and anxiety.  My boy is home and with him he has brought happiness, love, and much laughter.  Most days I barely remember the torment of the previous year.  I guess time does heal most wounds. 

He is a gift from God and I truly believe he was picked by God to be a part of our family.  What else would explain his quick adjustment and perfect fit for our family.  I still look at him sometimes and can't believe he is actually here, yet in the same breath feel as though he was never NOT here.  And not only is he here, but he is here to stay!  We can now look forward to a lifetime of memories with this little boy we fought so hard for.  Memories that we as a family have already begun to gather and cherish.  Time flies so quickly and each day must not be taken for granted.  It seems so long ago that we sent in our application to start the adoption process.  Likewise, it will someday seem so long ago that our boy was little and joining our family forever.

Referral photo we received 11/4/10

First meeting in Ethiopia on 4/17/11

First moments at the guest house after leaving the orphanage on 10/9/11

At the airport---Finally home on 10/14/11

Nathan and his Forever Family

Happy 2012 Everyone and God Bless You and Yours!