This weekend was filled with wonderful memories that were being made. Saturday we celebrated Eliana's first birthday (a few days late but that's ok), and then today (Sunday) 
we had her dedicated at church. What a whirlwind weekend.
we had her dedicated at church. What a whirlwind weekend.I'm so amazed every time I go and get her out of her bed, or come home from work and see her bright shining face as I walk through the door. She is so precious. I call her Bangel, a cross between a baby and an angel. God is good, sooo good.
It's amazing to think that this is her first birthday, a year ago she was born to a loving mother (which we had the honor of meeting) and due to circumstances beyond her control the Lord has placed her in our care. I truly feel for her mother, it's sad to think of a woman a half a world away today who weeps for Nigist. I hope the Lord brings her comfort in a way that only he can on such a special day. I'll save the meeting between us and her mother for another pos
t, it was an experience that I'll never forget.
t, it was an experience that I'll never forget. In addition to her birthday this weekend we also had Eliana's dedication today in church. What an incredible morning. We did it in the middle service at church, and were fortunate that some of our family could be there to share it with us.
Ian our pastor did the dedication, and handed me the microphone to briefly share a few words regarding our adoption experience, boy was it tough. I don't have problems speaking in front of people by any stretch, in fact I do it quite often in the military. The tough part is overcoming the emotion of my mother's death being a part of making the whole adoption possible but also the emotion of my little girl. Those two together is a recipe for water works, and sure enough there was no holding back (I hate that!). I'm by no means afraid to cry, but on my terms, oh well I balled in front of everybody. All in all it was great to share our experience and for everybody to finally be able to see me and Mary's beautiful angel. The icing on the cake was my four boys standing up there with us, six in total, oops!, seven in total. The Lord has truly blessed the Stapp family.
Many Blessings
Joe
She looks so beautiful in that ET dress. The shade of pink is definitely her cool.
ReplyDeleteI love this post!
Thanks! Yes it's the that Mary had gotten for her in Ethiopia. How are your kiddos doing?
ReplyDeleteJoe
Ohhhh, happy 1st birthday, Eliana!!!! What a special weekend.....so sweet to see her bright smiling face! Hugs to you all!!!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Melissa
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteI just came across your wonderful blog. I love how you word things...just makes me melt and she is soooo pretty. The meaning of your adoption touched me so much I had tears!! My husband and I are currently waiting for a referral for a girl and boy. They say anyday now but as you know....God only knows when that day is. So, we patiently wait and I love to read blogs like yours to help inspire me:) Please do keep the post and pictures coming. if you would like to follow our blog please go to www.hernkekid.blogspot.com. I come from a family of 10 kids plus my mom and dad. All I have ever dreamed of was being a mom and when that day comes watch out...the tears will be pouring out!!! Congrats on your adoption....wish I would have found your blog sooner. God Bless:)
Karen
www.hernkekid.blogspot.com
Adopting 2 kiddos:)