Gotcha Day

I was just thinking that today it has been two years since she moved into our home. Many adoptive families celebrate gotcha day because it is a happy day. The day they finally got the child they had prayed for. Our gotcha day is a little different. We had not prayed for a child to add to our family, but when we were asked we said yes, we'll take this child. I've mentioned before in previous posts that looking back on the 24 months that have gone by and all we've been through, it is almost overwhelming to think about. Our home is normal, very very normal. Our kids are loved deeply and unconditionally as that is how we were raised. You would think that it would have been a piece of cake for her to adjust to a normal home. A home where people don't hit or yell but one where issues are talked about and discussed and worked through. A home where there aren't secrets hiding, a home where people are who they say they are even when the door is closed.  A home that doesn't have conditions on love. But, no it wasn't so easy. It was hard and painful but two years later I can tell you she is good. She had hoped someone in her family would help her. She hoped someone would at least talk to her but she is coming to terms that they're not going to. She said, maybe someday that will happen. We never thought we'd be on this journey alone without someone from her family on either side giving support. Sometimes I do that blinking that's in the GIF like what? what? what? Who does that? Who just let's their family member go, a 15 year old?  A 15 year old daughter, granddaughter, & niece. Questions that we don't have answers to, but it only makes us think that she is so much better being away from the toxic situations she grew up with. We've learned to let go and let God. Not that we don't get frustrated and angry because what has happened to this child is terribly unfair but life isn't fair and God always knows what He is doing. We are honored to be her people. We are doing our best to give her love and support and direction. Please continue to pray for her and us as she grows up. Prayer is always so good. But, know that 2 years later on this December 3rd, we are good. I believe this is a story that should be told to everyone. It's about love and trust and God's grace. It's about faith and hope and believing. It's about Oh my gosh, what in the world is going on and it's about trusting that  God knows best. It'll be interesting to see where she is in 365 days on the 3rd gotcha day. She is growing and learning and I know God has amazing things in store for her!

(Sidebar) I sometimes wonder why we were chosen. I have to laugh when I think God chose us because he knew we'd give him the glory. He knew I more than my husband wouldn't be able to not tell people how God provided for us during this time. He continues to nudge me and encourage me to keep telling of the good He has done and how he has shown up big time during turmoil. My friends who have big mouths be careful where you'll be called! haha. God knows who will shout it from the rooftops!