December 27th marked the one year anniversary of our meeting Josi in Guatemala. We flew to Guatemala City the day before and landed in the evening. We were able to get a good night's rest before meeting our daughter for the first time. When she walked in the hotel room, I could have sworn right then she was an angel. I could not believe how absolutely beautiful she was. She was scared and crying, but quickly stopped when we gave her a few Christmas presents. We signed the POA that morning, and then spent the next few days at the hotel with her.
It always felt like a dream to me, Josi's adoption. Sammy and I seeing her photo on the photolisting December 23rd, praying and deciding to adopt her on the 24th (which was a miracle,) and flying to Guatemala on the 26th. In between that time was Sammy's company Christmas party, heading out to the store on Christmas Eve to buy a few gifts and clothes for Josi, hosting and cooking and visiting with family and friends, Christmas with five children, and packing to leave the country. Talk about a whirlwind. All the while my head was spinning. And if my head was spinning like that, I can only imagine what was going through Sammy's mind. (I had been wanting to adopt again for a year, but Sammy kept saying no.) But we both new that this was God's will. There was no question about that. We believe that God led us to her photo, guided us and told us what we needed to do. It's amazing what happens when you put your trust in Him. At that level of faith, you don't even think or move, God does it all for you.
I do know that God has his reasons for doing things, and that I am incapable of understanding why. As much as I still can't help but question all of this, and the pain can be unbearable at times; I do have peace because I feel in my heart that we did what we had been called to do.
These photos were taken right after Josi came to our room. She was so scared and precious. I wanted to hold her so bad, but didn't want to scare her more.
~~~~~
A couple of weeks ago we got an awesome snow storm. It was so fun to watch it happen. When it was done, it was a gorgeous sight. It snows here probably once or twice a year, and it's always a big deal when it happens. But we haven't had snow like this in 14 years. It was very cool!!!
Our front yard before the storm
Yay, it's snowing!
The snowflakes were as big as quarters!
Our front yard about four hours later.
Our back yard.
17 comments:
Happy anniversary of meeting your sweet girl! The snow is beautiful. Hugs on this bittersweet day...
I know it is so bitter sweet for you right now about Josi! She is a true angel!! You all were so faithful to fulfill God's plan. She knew she had a mommy and daddy who loved her!
The snow storm is awesome!! wow! You are so lucky! My kids would love to have a snow like that just once this year. Here in SC we only see a skiff once a yr, if we are lucky!
Beautiful Pictures Carla!!!!!!
Lifting you and your family up in prayer.
~~~~~~~~~~
Wow!! I can't believe you got snow! WOW!!! Beautiful!!
Carla and Family,
I have been coming back to your blog to see how you are doing. I literally cry each and every time, which isn't good because I'm always at work. I absolutely can not imagine your pain in the loss of Josi. Not that it makes any difference, but she was such a cutie! and how anyone can hurt a child is so beyond my comprehension.
please know there are even strangers out here lifting you up to the Heavenly Father who loves us so dearly.
Dana
Franklin, TN
Carla,
I'm still praying that God will soon reveal His plan for you as He has for us. We also followed God straight to Guatemala for our angel baby, and we will never regret one moment of it despite our tragedy. I believe God had a plan in leading you there as well.
Still praying for your precious family... Amy
Happy New Year! I think of you often and pray for you often.
Big Hugs!
Teresa (TJ)
Carla,
Hugs to you on this tough anniversary. I'm still praying for you. The pain must be so raw.
It is so good that Josi knew your love in this world. I'm so glad you answered the call to go to her. I'm just so sorry that you have been brought to such a painful place.
I wish I could say or do something that would ease your hurt.
Julie
Sending you hugs and prayers on this bittersweet day!!
Loving and praying for your family from afar!
Hello, Thank-you for your post on my blog...yes we are all very sad about what is happening in Guatemala right now...and I am so sorry to hear about your little girl. I will keep you in my prayers as we all know that God has a plan...and we may not see it right now but we will know why he puts us in these situations that seem so hard to understand.
You appear to be cherishing every memory that you have of your little girl for that time that she was with us.
I pray for peace and understanding for you right now.
God Bless. Felis
I have been following your blog after seeing the link on someone else's blog. My heart just breaks for your family. I just wanted to tell you my thoughts for what they are worth :) When you met your little girl, God knew she had only one year to live. When you fell in love with her, I'm sure His heart hurt for the pain He knew you would soon experience. But the beauty in all of this tragedy is that you gave your daughter the best gift of all. For that final year, she knew someone truly loved her. She knew she had a family. She left this Earth as a sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and precious daughter. She didn't spend her final year as an orphan. I can't imagine your pain, but I hope you must have brought great joy into the life of your little angel.
Angela www.journeyforjordan.blogspot.com
I'm not sure that I have words for you, but I felt it important to let you know that we're still here. Sweet little Josi touched so many of our lives.
We're still praying for you and for your family. Thank you for sharing you Faith and love of God with us.
And that snow is AWESOME! ;-)
carla,
I am praying for you & your family..
alex
I am so sorry for your loss of Josi. This is devastating to any adoptive parent,To be so close to finally holding your child and then to have her taken away. I can not even imagine what you are going through. I will hold my babies,from Vietnam, closer tonight and think of Josi. I am so glad you did have the time a year ago to be with her. I am sure you will always cherish that time with your Daughter.
Hugs,
Heather-Mommy to Meliah and Khai 21 Months from Lang son,Vietnam
Carla and family,
May 2009 hold blessings that outweigh your tragedy. You are continually on my heart and mind. Hugs and Prayers to all of you.
You don't know me - but I heard about you from a friend from my adoption agency. I, along with many of my friends, have been praying for you all since the beginning of December. My heart breaks every time i think about Josi and what you guys have been through (esp. when i look at my guatemalan daughter). Just wanted you to know that you are being covered in prayer still.
God bless you all this year.
Post a Comment