Gotcha Day!

THE FAMILY TREE

We added to our family tree,
A stronger one to make,
A child from another plant
Has become our new namesake.

Just as a limb is grafted
From one tree to another,
It alters and improves the plant,
Making it unique like no other.

Our family tree has been improved,
Adoption has made this so.
For love much more than bloodlines
Is what makes us thrive and grow.

We chose to share our life and love
And all the joys to come.
Our family tree has blossomed
With the arrival of our cherished ones.

-Author Unknown

Today, 1 year ago, a judge in Kazakhstan made me the happiest mommy around! October 4, 2006 was the court date that officially finalized the adoption of our sons. We had been through a lot for a long time leading up to that day but in that moment, we knew that God was blessing us more than we EVER could have imagined.

We knew when we got married that we wanted to adopt some day. We have always had a heart for children all of over the world who did not choose to be parentless and did not choose to grow up in (and possibly age out of) an orphanage or foster care. Can you imagine never knowing the unconditional love of a family, never having a family to get together with, never having parents to call with exciting news or to help you through the difficult times? Our hearts grieve for these children and we wish we could give them all a home!

We are so thankful for the 2 children God has chosen to give us. It is truly His work! We cannot imagine our lives without them! It seem like they have been with us forever - we could not love them more if they were biologically related to us. They are OUR SONS! God just chose for someone else to carry them for us - He knew (and planned!) from the foundation of the world that Calvin and Patrick would be our children.

We are so thankful for the birthmoms God used to give us these wonderful gifts and pray that they know that the boys are cared for and loved; that they are learning about the Lord and growing and changing daily. If I had a chance to write them a letter, it would go something like this:

Dear Calvin's birthmom & Patrick's birthmom,

Tears fill my eyes when I think of you. You probably don't even realize the great gift you have given me. I longed for children and through both of you, I have the most beautiful boys in the whole world. You carried them and gave them life so I could show them how to live life. We will never let them forget you.

My heart is overwhelmed with love for these two children who miraculously came into our family. I watch them grow and develop and wish that you could see them, too and know that they are doing great! Calvin had surgery to repair his lip and palate - he was so brave and he looks so handsome. He was so proud to have it done! Patrick is tall, handsome and strong - just yesterday he was pulling a wagon and being such a big boy. The boys love each other; they are brothers in the truest sense of the word. We are so glad they have each other.

We love the country of Kazakhstan and look forward to teaching them about the traditions and culture of their birthplace. We love you. In some way, you are a part of our family, you have made our family stronger and more beautiful, you have given us more of an appreciation for life, you have unknowingly changed our view of the world, and you have challenged us to think beyond ourselves.

We are forever grateful to you for relinquishing the boys you carried so they could be a part of our family. We commit to give them every opportunity we can, to care for their health, to teach them about life and more importantly about the Lord, and to love them unconditionally. Thank you. They are well. We are well. We are blessed.

With love and gratitude,
Calvin & Patrick's Mom

**We don't have a picture from today yet...we'll work on that. :)**