Five Years Home

Five Years Home..just typing that almost takes my breath away.  When I boarded that plane more than five years ago, I had no way of knowing where this journey would lead me.  This road has been bumpy, treacherous, and unpredictable to say the least, but the scenery that God has allowed us to take in along the way is so very beautiful.  This girl of mine is such a tremendous blessing, and, though this journey is nothing like the one I imagined when I began, I wouldn't trade this last five years for anything this world has to offer.  I can hardly talk about this girl without being reduced to a weepy mess because she does something to me.  God has used her in mighty, gigantic ways in my life.  She has changed my heart, turned my world upside down for the better, and I love her to the moon and back.

I know the images mostly look the same, but I waited so long to see this smile, that is now present most of the time, and I couldn't resist posting them all.

 Here she is eating her second brownie all mashed up with chocolate syrup on her fifth gotcha day, and bringing this momma such tremendous joy!

Her baby sister was using a straw to blow bubbles next to her in her drink.  Jilly signed for a cup and straw then put that straw in her mouth and blew!  Miracles never cease around here!  I would have never dreamed she would come so far five years ago, but here she is taking on the world.

Five years down and a lifetime to go!  We are so very blessed to be your forever family Jilly!  We love you with all our hearts sweet, sweet one!