Today was the anniversary of a very, very special day!
Eighteen years ago today our oldest son Grant was placed into our arms in the Chicago International Airport!
I was ‘chatting’ with an adoptive mama friend the other day, and she encouraged me to share Grant’s story. A great idea!
Adoption has always been a part of our hearts, because my husband Blake is adopted.
Blake and I had many conversations about adoption even when we were dating and engaged.
We had looked into domestic adoption after we were married and before Kayla, our oldest child and daughter, was born.
It was after our sixth miscarriage that we finally moved forward with the plan to adopt.
The Lord used a doctor that I saw during all of our infertility problems to open our eyes to international adoptions!
From the first paperwork to Grant’s arrival took sixteen months, a lot of prayers, a lot of waiting, and many tears!
Grant was six months old this first day that we held him.
I was fourteen weeks pregnant with Addie Mae when Grant arrived home!
Addie Mae was born a day before Grant turned one year old!
We had many sweet, dear friends and our families at the airport with us that day.
I can still remember the strong emotions of this day like it was yesterday.
We still stand in AWE of how the Lord put our family together!
Grant is from Seoul, South Korea.
With the Korean program, at that time, you did not travel to Korea.
The orphanage in Korea appointed an escort to bring the children to their forever families!
We had a man who was in the air force and coming state side on mid-tour bring Grant to us!
Such a joyous time in our lives!
The memories of that special day are tucked deep into our minds and our hearts.
On February 28th every year since then, we have celebrated the arrival of Grant into our family!
And so we did that today!
We always have a big Asian meal!
And the dessert of Grant’s choice!
Blake prays over our son, and we give thanks for the God-fearing, amazing young man he has become!
We enjoyed sweet fellowship today. My all time favorite thing is sharing our big kitchen table, a big meal, chatter, smiles and laughter!
Eliza said “It’s a big circle day!!” She loves the table full as much as I do!
Some of our kiddos are growing up!
It is a bittersweet time of life!
When I look out the window and see these kiddos with each other – their best friends – I tend to get a lump in my throat!
But then I look at our son-in-law, and our grandbaby – and I know the best is yet to come!
The best is yet to come!!
Grant, we are so thankful that the Lord chose you to be our son. We are privileged to watch the Lord work in your life, to see your love for Him, and to see you live your life with your eyes on Him!
Happy Grant’s Day, Grant! We love you!!
Oh, thank you for sharing this beautiful story! We all oohed and ahhed over the pictures and stories as we are sitting around the table studying, snacking, and writing together tonight. Such joy, thank you, Lord!
Wish I could have been there around the table with you! ❤
Oh! Thanks for sharing!! What a godly young man your special Korean son has become. Rejoicing with you in God’s special blessing to you all.
Yes, he has!! Thank you!
I love this so much! What an amazing story for a great boy. That food looked delicious and I just love, “big circle day”! Thanks so much for sharing. 🙂
Thanks for the prompting, Jennie!!
This brought tears to my eyes all over again…what a joy it was to make that journey with you! It didn’t take long for us to understand that adoption is “just as best”. God used our trials to open our eyes to the needs around the world, didn’t he? We learned pretty quickly that orphans are easier to forget if you don’t see their faces. They’re easier to ignore if you don’t know their names. They’re easier to overlook if you don’t hold them in your arms. But once you do, Everything Changes.
Well said, dear friend!!
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