Meeting Our Hannah JOY

How do you begin to describe those first, holy, life changing moments with a child?

I fear it won't be possible to find the words.

We were nervous. Excited, yes. But there were jitters. Even especially from me. This place!

Our nerves may have put a damper on our visit...had she not been absolutely perfect.

God did it again. Our hearts seemed to have already been inextricably woven together with hers. There is overwhelming peace. Between Chris and I about our decision. Between us and Hannah. She is completely ours.

Someone already told us she looks a little like her mama, although I look at her sweet little lips and I'm sure I see her daddy.

She was cautious throughout our first visit, so we spent a lot of our time walking with her in circles around the room. This kid learned how to walk at age 12, and hasn't stopped since. She has a lot of time to make up for!

She already seemed to recognize us when she walked in for her second visit, warming up to us quickly. Chris has been praying for her the last couple days, that God would help her to be brave in getting to know us. We already sense Him answering that prayer.

We were able to remain in closer proximity to her this afternoon. She would hold our hands or hold our arms while she walked. She liked laying down next to us on the red activity mat, reaching out to lightly touch Chris's beard, or to touch my hand. All on her terms.

She loves to laugh and laughs a lot! And they're big girl laughs coming out of that teeny, lanky frame.

Speaking of big girls, she knows she's a teenager. She's very interested in phones and purses. All things lovely and feminine very well may be the way to this little girls heart. She carried my purse around for a while today and was all smiles, so proud.

We can't show her face quite yet, but here she is laughing with her daddy.

Laughing, laughing, laughing.

Dancing with mommy.

Walking with daddy.

Again, we can't show her face, but here's an audio of her laughing! I dare you to listen to it only once.

In addition to all of the fun we've been having with our girl, we've had the opportunity, over the last couple of days, to learn a little bit more about the suffering our girl has experienced in the last 14, almost 15 years. It is more than we can fathom. Years upon years of unimaginable pain brought on by complete negligence and deliberate abuse. And yet. God, in His grace, because of His "never stopping, never giving up, unbreaking, always and forever love" (Courtesy of the Jesus Storybook Bible) preserved this child's joy-filled heart.

Chris and I have loved this song throughout this adoption process as it gives words to the pain we feel for Hannah and all we pray God will accomplish in her redemption. Take a listen if you would.

We're gonna take back all the enemy has stolen  

It's in the blood of the One who's worthy

I know God has not forgotten all that's lost and broken

We are so looking forward to helping Hannah take back all the enemy stole from her.

Please continue to pray for our Hannah Joy.

Lots of love to all of you.