Let me tell you a little bit about Darya. She will be 2 this June, which marks the halfway point of when she would be sent to live the rest of her life in a mental institution. (In her country, at around the age of 4, orphans with special needs - could be as minor as a physical deformity to severe mental disabilities - are sent to live the rest of their lives in mental institutions, if they aren't adopted by then. The mortality rate is then high within the first year.) Two years ago when she was born, I had no idea that my future daughter was being rejected by her birth mother. I was probably sitting out by the pool enjoying some Florida sun with my boys. She was likely abandoned out of shame and pressure; or to give her mother the benefit-of-the-doubt, it was in hopes that Darya would get adopted by a family that could meet her needs and provide her with a hopeful future. In either case, it was a painful decision that I'm sure she will never forget.
We are humbled and grateful of how the Lord brought us to this point. I still can't believe it's really happening! The Lord put this burden on my heart over a year ago when I first discovered Reece's Rainbow. We have been praying for the orphans, and now we get to be one of the families to provide a special child with a loving home. We are all excited with the anticipation of bringing her to our home from across the world. I will be sure to post more later, especially about our progress as we tackle all the paperwork and jump through all the hoops. In the meantime, be sure to "follow" my blog (I love seeing all my friends - real-life or internet - following me, it's so encouraging!)
Here's another picture I have of her (don't you just want to smother her with kisses?):
Congratulations, I am so excited for you and for her....can't wait to see your story unfold! God Bless!
ReplyDeleteOh, she's so pretty. I'll be happy to follow along.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for your family!
ReplyDeleteGood look with everything!
So darling!!! Looks like she's about to blow a kiss!
ReplyDeleteShe is a doll! My daughters and I have been praying for a family for her!! We will continue to pray for your family as you continue on your journey!
ReplyDeleteDaddy's girl.
ReplyDeleteMarianne - Your post brings to mind the movie The Blind Side and someone says to Mrs. Toughy (the adoptive mother), "You're changing that boys life," and she replies, "No. He's changing mine." We love you and are so happy for your family!!
ReplyDeleteAw how exciting! I am so happy for you and your family, I can't wait to meet her. Love the name too!
ReplyDeleteI have been following Darya's journey through this adoption process since "the big Thanksgiving fundraiser". Sooo many people are in love with this little girl and I know for a fact that many hoped to get her when she became available again. To me, that says something wonderful about your family....that you were chosen to get to be her forever family. I just know that she was meant to be in your family. I am so happy for you guys and even happier that you have a blog that we can follow along. I have a little girl with Ds who just turned 2 and would love nothing more than to someday bring one of those angels home to our family as well. I just have to get my husband on board :) So for now, we get to enjoy following in your amazing journey. Good luck and I pray that everything will go smoothly for you guys!!
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