18 months

  Today our sweet girl is 18 months old.  I can hardly believe it.  A year ago at this time we were screaming in despair as our daughter, our heart, our love was all the way on the other side of the world and we couldn't get to her.  I secretly grieved on the 4th of July as I watched fireworks with my nephew, every inch of me aching to celebrate with my daughter.  We had already met her, already snuggled and fallen in love.  Most of the other families we had traveled to court with had already brought home their children, but we had no answers as to when we might be united again with our daughter.  The pain was nearly unbearable.
  This year our daughter has been home for 11 months.  We enjoyed a barbecue with good friends and watched our children run around wearing their red, white, and blue.  We were finally able to celebrate with our daughter.  God has healed our wounds and brought us joy.
  To our friends that are still in the midst of the all consuming ache to be united with your child, God WILL bring healing.  The ache will leave in an instant and God will bring joy and peace that passes all understanding.  The holidays that bring even more pain will soon bring more joy than you could ever have imagined.
  Happy 18 months old, my beautiful A.F.T.  You're presence brings me joy and your infectious laugh makes my heart soar.  Ewedeshalo!

-amory