Happy Birthday Pey Pey!

I can't believe that it has been 2 year since our sweet little baby girl was born. Bringing her home, I never would've guessed how amazing, vibrant and spunky this little bundle of joy would someday become. The bond we share with her is unimaginable and I cannot begin to think of life without her in it. So here are 3 letters Dan, Caleb and I wrote to her as she celebrates her 2nd birthday:

Happy Birthday Pey!

I love you, I love you so much. You are the best sister ever. Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday to Pey Pey, happy birthday to you.

Love, Caleb

To my sweet Pey Pey,

I cannot believe you are 2 already! These past 2 years have flown by and I have loved watching you grow into your little personality. Your smile and joy for life are already so contagious, you never cease to amaze me. You are one of the best gifts that God has given us. I am so lucky to call you my daughter.

 I love you so very much! Happy birthday sweet girl!

Love,

         Mom

Happy Birthday Papers,

It has been a wonderful 2 years having you around.  In fact, I cannot imagine this family without you as a part.  Your constant joy, adventuresome personality and overall sweet nature dispense so much life into our home.  I am also in constant awe of the effect you have on each human being you come into contact with.  Your personality is a gift from God designed to bring life into people's hearts.  I mostly want to say that I am so in love with you and extremely grateful for the way in which God placed you into our lives.  I can't wait to share in the adventures that lie ahead of you and watch you overcome the challenges placed before you.  Love you Pey... And happy 2nd birthday!

Affectionately, 

Dad

Blessings Through Raindrops

"Consider it pure joy my brothers when you face trails of many kinds, because the testing of your faith develops persevence so that you may be whole and complete not lacking in anything."

-James 1:2

 Dan recently was the guest speaker at our high school's baccalaureate and although he was speaking to the students, his message spoke to me as well. He told the story of Daniel and the choices he had to make through the adversity he was experiencing.  His 3 main points were: 1. Life will not go acorriding to your plan ( God's plans are so much better than our own) 2. How will you deal with adversity? 3. Are you going to change the culture or let the culture change you? Although I am not heading off to college ( oh how I wish I could visit those days again!) these points still apply to my life, and really everyone's lives. 

God and I have had some pretty hard talks lately and each time he reminds me that his will and timing are so much better than my own. I'm not going to sugar coat anything. I get angry at God and question why he does the things he does. Every time I feel as if I am drowning, he speaks into my life in amazing ways, reminding me that those who trust in the Lord will find new strength and soar high on wings like eagles.  They will run and not grown weary, will walk and not faint. This is why although I have experienced some difficult situations in life and in these times been angry at God, not once have I lost my trust or my faith in his plans. Through these trials, I feel as though I have come out stronger than ever in my love and faith in Jesus.  

We recently found out that my grandpa Showers has stage four colon cancer.  This was tough on our family and friends, leading us yet again to ask, "why?"  After talking with my grandpa today, telling each other story after story about what God is doing in each of our lives, and the people, conversations and miricles that keep on happening, it is so evident that our ways are not his ways. 

Thank you to all for giving us those conversations to share and for being our miracles.  A number of times recently, when I have been getting discouraged, I randomly find a powerful, encouraging message in my inbox. Thank you again for continuing to walk through this journey with us.  It may be a year or it may be 5 months, but before long we will have a little blessing in our arms I just know it! 

This song below powerfully conveys how so many times the blessings in our lives will come from difficult situations.

http://youtu.be/XQan9L3yXjc

*ADOPTION UPDATE: We just sent in a huge stack of paperwork to continue keeping the ball rolling, along with our first payment.