Franklin Five

Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Peace


As we finish our first week home as a family of five, I look back at the week and reflect. I thought it would be so filled with emotion but it really can be summed up in one word...peaceful.


I've felt peace when I've gazed into my daughter's eyes as she drinks her bottle. I've felt peace as I've watched the boys completely adore their little sister. I've felt peace even in the chaos of the dinner time hour when we are trying to finish homework, settle a fussy baby, and get dinner on the table (which thankfully was brought to us by wonderful friends-not too hard to get that on the table).


I was so anxious with my other babies always wondering if they were getting enough to eat or if I was doing everything the right way. I don't feel that uncertainity with Lidiyanna. Yes, I've had moments of trying to learn what she needs, but mostly I've felt peace as I care for her. Maybe it's because she's my third child, maybe it's because I'm not nursing and I don't have the hormones that go along with that, and maybe it's because she's not a tiny newborn. I'm sure all of this things help to make me feel more settled. I also believe that God is showering us with peace at this time.


He has taken us across the world and brought us home with a new daughter. I look at her and think about all that she has gone through in her seven months of her life. I think about how she could have been one of the babies on the backs of the beggars out in the streets of Addis. I am completely amazed and thankful for God's hand who mercifully plucked her from a life of despair and gave her a family. I look at our family and am utterly grateful for the daughter He has given us. Why did He choose us to be her family? Why do I get to be her mommy? I will never understand, but I will forever be thankful and honored.


I love her so much already. I did not carry her in my tummy for nine months, but we prayed for her, dreamed about her, and loved her for months before we finally held her. She fits in perfectly in our home. She is a Franklin, and my heart is filled with peace.

Because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise from on high shall visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Luke 1:78-79

2 comments:

Christine Hoover said...

Beautiful post and beautiful family!

Anne Rodgers said...

Love this and the Glory that God is being given through you telling the story and lifting His name up. May you always proclaim Him and may Lidiyanna learn from one of the sweetest mommies to do the same.