Heartache to Hugs

Today is Valentine's Day....I spent my day loving on my kiddos, giving sloppy kisses, and reassuring "I Love You's".  They ate too much candy and got silly little cards of all shapes and sizes.  One year ago today, however, I vividly remember sulking through my day with an ache in the pit of my stomach.  Valentine's day has never been a super big deal for our family - we love each other every day!!!  Last year as this commercialism-filled day came and went my heart ACHED for my child that I had never met who was SO very far away!  I didn't know who God had planned for our family, but He did!  I wondered and worried all day where they were and if anyone was around to tell them they were loved.  Were they safe?  I remember praying that God would send someone into their lives to give them a hug and make them smile.  A mama's wish on Valentine's day!

As God unveiled our children to us, it became apparent why my heart ACHED for my kiddos last year on Valentine's Day!  Five days before Valentine's Day, Isaiah made his way to our agency's transition home to begin getting his paperwork ready to be adopted.  He thought when he got there he would be going home with a family right away.  After a few days he realized that he was in for a wait.  Then five short days later, on VALENTINE'S Day, Nahome made his way to our agency's home.  My boys were surrounded by new people and new faces.  They didn't ask to be there and didn't know how long they would stay.  After meeting our agency's staff when we were in Ethiopia, I can rest assured that someone gave my boys hugs last Valentine's Day.  I can rest assured that God knew what he was doing as I cried myself to sleep yearning for my kids!  I can rest assured that God brought my boys together to love on each other months before they became brothers.  I LOVE how God takes care of the details!

It is AMAZING how far they have come in a YEAR...

This Valentine's Day I got to give the hugs and tell my FIVE blessings how loved they are!  I also got to receive the hugs and have my heart filled to overflowing!  This is what Valentine's Day is all about!

BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE!