As we celebrated Hannah’s 11th birthday this weekend, I started reflecting back over the last 10 years she has been with us. This was a time of our life I will never forget. As a matter of fact, whenever I think about the day she came off that airplane, I automatically tear up. What a beautiful day it was. It was the 2nd of April and the sun was shining so bright. We had so many friends & family gathered at Nashville airport awaiting her arrival. I was on pins & needles. I wanted so desperately to run onto the airplane & get her myself, but I held back. When she & her escort came off the plane, the tears started rolling. She was so beautiful with her hair standing straight up in the air just patiently waiting as everyone approached her. I remember saying, “Will her hair ever lay down?”
When the adoption agency sent her pictures to us before she came home, she looked like she was a fat little girl. We could not tell really how big or small she was until she got off the plane. Once I took her in my arms, I realized she wasn’t as chunky as I had thought. She had on 3 layers of clothes, so we instantly started peeling them off so she wouldn’t be so hot.
As we were leaving the airport, I remember thinking how wonderful God is for giving us such a beautiful gift and I didn’t not know if I could ever thank Him enough. Even today, as I pray, I always thank him for her & Sophia. He has given me so much more than I could ever thank Him for.
I just want to say that was one of the most wonderful day’s I ever experienced. When we arrived home, we had so many friends there waiting for us. We all just watched her every move. She transitioned so much better than we anticipated. As I think about it now, I believe Hannah knew she was finally in her own home because she never appeared fearful or out of sorts. It seemed like she had been there since the day she was born. Well, let me rephrase…. she was afraid of Ken for a day or two, but in her defense, if I came here from a foreign country, I would be afraid of him too. It didn’t take long for her to warm up to him and it was hasn’t changed since. She is very much a DADDY’S GIRL .
So over the years, we have seen Hannah grow into a beautiful, artistic, selfless, loving, kindhearted, compassionate, intelligent young pre-teen. She is very shy & soft spoken. She is a straight “A” student (not with our help) in her school. She amazes us the way she carries herself. She is a God loving young girl with massive plans for her future.
She has stated several times that she wants to be a member of the Supreme Court Justice.
Regardless of what her future holds, I will always be very proud of her.
I know God has his own plan for each & every one of us and I am so thankful for his plan. I knew after 5 miscarriages and a stillbirth, my plan was not God’s so I had to trust in him to get me through those very difficult times. It just all fell into place. After all those miscarriages & a stillbirth, I had surgery to correct what was causing the miscarriages, only to find out I would never be pregnant again. I was devastated. Ken at the time was not sure he wanted to adopt, but I did not give up. When we decided to go through with it we did not realize that the day we applied for adoption, Hannah was being born. GOD IS AMAZING!!!
So…Hannah is 11 and I am 29 (ha, ha, ha). These 10 years have been the best years of our lives. Not just having Hannah & Sophia, but also have the love and support of all our family & friends. As much as I want time to stand still sometimes, I know the next 10 years will be just as incredible. I have a few (a lot) pictures I just have to share so some of you that went through the adoption with us can reflect too… How Time Flies!!!!!!
When the adoption agency sent her pictures to us before she came home, she looked like she was a fat little girl. We could not tell really how big or small she was until she got off the plane. Once I took her in my arms, I realized she wasn’t as chunky as I had thought. She had on 3 layers of clothes, so we instantly started peeling them off so she wouldn’t be so hot.
As we were leaving the airport, I remember thinking how wonderful God is for giving us such a beautiful gift and I didn’t not know if I could ever thank Him enough. Even today, as I pray, I always thank him for her & Sophia. He has given me so much more than I could ever thank Him for.
I just want to say that was one of the most wonderful day’s I ever experienced. When we arrived home, we had so many friends there waiting for us. We all just watched her every move. She transitioned so much better than we anticipated. As I think about it now, I believe Hannah knew she was finally in her own home because she never appeared fearful or out of sorts. It seemed like she had been there since the day she was born. Well, let me rephrase…. she was afraid of Ken for a day or two, but in her defense, if I came here from a foreign country, I would be afraid of him too. It didn’t take long for her to warm up to him and it was hasn’t changed since. She is very much a DADDY’S GIRL .
So over the years, we have seen Hannah grow into a beautiful, artistic, selfless, loving, kindhearted, compassionate, intelligent young pre-teen. She is very shy & soft spoken. She is a straight “A” student (not with our help) in her school. She amazes us the way she carries herself. She is a God loving young girl with massive plans for her future.
She has stated several times that she wants to be a member of the Supreme Court Justice.
Regardless of what her future holds, I will always be very proud of her.
I know God has his own plan for each & every one of us and I am so thankful for his plan. I knew after 5 miscarriages and a stillbirth, my plan was not God’s so I had to trust in him to get me through those very difficult times. It just all fell into place. After all those miscarriages & a stillbirth, I had surgery to correct what was causing the miscarriages, only to find out I would never be pregnant again. I was devastated. Ken at the time was not sure he wanted to adopt, but I did not give up. When we decided to go through with it we did not realize that the day we applied for adoption, Hannah was being born. GOD IS AMAZING!!!
So…Hannah is 11 and I am 29 (ha, ha, ha). These 10 years have been the best years of our lives. Not just having Hannah & Sophia, but also have the love and support of all our family & friends. As much as I want time to stand still sometimes, I know the next 10 years will be just as incredible. I have a few (a lot) pictures I just have to share so some of you that went through the adoption with us can reflect too… How Time Flies!!!!!!
Still in Korea
First day in the USA....
I'm Happy.........
We're happy...
Adoption Day....
My Mulan haircut....
Me & my best friend Caleb at church...
Ballet Days...Not!!!
Let us pray!
Let us pray!
Being an artist..
All dressed up...
I'm posing now......
I'm posing now......
School Days...
9 years old...
10 years old...
11 years old...
4 comments:
ok. you got me...i think i just shorted out my keyboard. too many tears and all of them happy ones. i wish we could "go back"...life has taken off at a rapid pace and i know i can't recapture our friendship like that again. together in the trenches, serving God and walking with you as you received your little gifts from God. I will ALWAYS cherish that time, you, the girls, regardless of the distance - how embarrassing it's not that far...but thank you for the pictures. I'm amazed.
oh my goodness. she is gorgeous!!!! i can not believe how long ago that was! man, time goes by so fast. it is so good to hear from you. I am excited to keep in touch again. how's sophia??
i'm with kirsten. lots of happy tears. i remember hannah coming off the plane in the arms of her escort like it was yesterday and then hanging out with you guys at your house the rest of the afternoon in awe of your new addition. thanks for posting all of the pics and letting us share in your memories. tell hannah happy birthday. she is a beautiful young lady.
i have such fond memories of our friendship, and no matter where God leads us, to places far or near, you are always in our hearts, and we will always call you friends.
xoxoxoxo
~Bronie
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