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| Zambia, Africa September 4th 2011 |
After 7 weeks in Africa..we're home and with our new DAUGHTER!!
At times, it seemed like we would never be able to leave.. Painstakingly at the mercy of a very slow country.. Extreme emotional highs colliding with extreme lows.. But I would do it again in a heartbeat.. Every bit of it - I would go through it all..
It's been 1 week since we arrived in Seattle, and it still seems surreal..
I longed for the day that when I looked into my rearview mirror, I'd see my little girl sitting in her carseat.. It's a good thing I was still parked in my driveway as I sat there bawling with my baby in the back seat for the first time!
Happy tears..
She now looks at me, with a question in her voice "happy tears?"
Yes baby, these are happy tears.
So many tell us - she is so lucky. I actually think we are the lucky ones! Blessed beyond belief! I can hardly describe the absolute pure joy it has been for us to witness this amazing transformation of our daughter as she learns how to be a child! How to giggle and dance. How to be a sister and a daughter. How to hug and be held. How to hold her head high and speak clearly. How to be silly and cry when she is hurt.. And we're just two months into this forever relationship!
How we are SO blessed!
We have marveled at the amazing beauty that God doesn't make mistakes.. He created her especially for us. She is a true Avery - in every way!
Zefina means God has hidden.
We believe wholeheartedly that He had her safely hidden, waiting for that day when she joined our family forever and became an Avery. What a sweet day indeed!
We could not be more thrilled with how amazing Zefina is transitioning into our family and into her new home. But I have found re-entry a bit overwhelming. My mind feels exhausted. A reel seems to be constantly running through my head - the sights, sounds, smells.. the feeling of people as they press around you. The daily plead of total strangers that we please adopt their children too.. their nieces and nephews of their deceased siblings.. Or that we take them - so we can have a nanny.. Our own lawyer, as he sat in our cottage with his beautiful little 3 year old - asked us to adopt her as well..
Trying to process 7 weeks of this and so many more emotions.. and trying to process it through with our kids.. its a lot. And sometimes I just want to turn off the reel, turn off the processing for just a few minutes.. To relish in this moment we are in with our new family, right now. To bathe in this new little life God has given us.
We know that everyone is SO excited for us and is anxious to meet our precious little Z, we can't wait for you to get to know her and her fun little personality. We want to express our deep gratitude for every single prayer, all your love and amazing support - we still do covet your prayers and support! Your support got us to Zambia, and helped us through during our time there. We are forever grateful!
And now that we have entered into the beginning our new "normal" we've realized we need to hunker down and slowly (as much as that's possible with 4 kids!) ease into this different pace of life. Please know that if you don't hear from us or see us, its not you - its us :) We just need some time is all. We do love you all!
Before I close this post, I want to bring your attention to Wait No More a Wa. State Adoption Conference held at Overlake Christian Church on September 24th from 1-5.
In Wa. there are over 1,000 kids sitting in foster care right now, waiting to be adopted..
Focus on the Family is sponsoring this event to advocate for these legally free kids in the Foster Care system, waiting to be adopted. Come learn and meet with agencies who will be there to support you in information etc....
Will you go? Will you learn about the awesome ways adoption can grow and complete your family?! You don't even have to go all the way to Africa! :) just Redmond!
We thought we had an idea of how blessed we would be when we adopted Zefina..but WOW! We have completely been blown away!!
Please, sign up here and go, and let a child change YOUR life.. Adoption Rocks! :) {trust us!!}
