Home...and Loved!

Mrs. Beaver:

If there's one thing our family loves, it's going to the airport to watch a family grow through adoption. Today we got that blessing as some dear friends returned from Ethiopia with former orphans, Kindi and Joshua. The sister and brother are 11 and 9. 

Here, the family's two oldest, Jack and Katie, await the big homecoming. Their brother, Tommy--who is several years younger--was too busy racing from window to window watching for the plane to pose for a photo.

When the crowd who'd gathered sensed that it couldn't be long until the plane landed, Jack made sure the poster holders were ready.

As passengers began to exit the boarding area, the family's attention was riveted on one spot.

And then...the wait was over. Kindi and her daddy were within sight. Joshua and his mama would follow a few minutes later. He required a wheelchair to de-plane after breaking his leg a few weeks ago while still in his orphanage.

As soon as Kindi reached the crowd, her new Grandma began introducing Kindi to her siblings. 

Jack and his little sister were quick to hug.

...while a proud, happy and very tired dad watched.

Next Joshua appeared to the clapping and loud cheers of the crowd.

Kindi watched her brother's entrance...

...wrapped in her new aunt's arms...

...already happy to receive the affection.

(Adoptive parents travel with photo albums to familiarize the

kids with things like family members and their new home.)

Meanwhile, Grandpa beamed as he gained two grandchildren.

This was one of my favorite moments--look at the glance exchanged by these new brothers!

Joshua then looked straight at me.

However, he immediately returned his eyes to his big brother again.

Isn't adoption amazing? Isn't our God amazing?

Despite being surrounded by strangers in a new country, he never lost his grin.

Grandma was radiant as she introduced Joshua to extended family. Isn't adoption amazing?

Meanwhile, Kindi was surrounded by children eager to become her friends.

Jaynie, who was adopted from Russia 11 years ago, remembers well what it's like to be overwhelmed at the airport as you join your forever family. She made the effort to help Kindi feel comfortable.

Kindi's mom was also aware of her daughter's need for security in this radically new situation.

After both kids enjoyed countless greetings...

...Joshua climbed back into his wheel chair.

Jack pushed Joshua to a spot where the family could pose for their first photo together.

The last step before the seven of them headed home? 

A group picture of the crowd who'd gathered to celebrate God's goodness.

Exploration

Mrs. Beaver:

The day following Aunt Jean's death there were, of course, countless details to be taken care of by Mr. Beaver, his brothers and uncle. The rest of us spent a great deal of time in the hotel. Ideal afternoon light in our room allowed me an impromptu photo shoot of our oldest daughter, Anna, and her baby, Brielle, who'd come in from Ohio.

At seven months, Brielle's tongue is an important tool in learning about her world. Here her tongue came in handy for exploring the zipper of her vest.

When her fascination with her vest nearly brought the photo shoot to an end, we removed it. Which led to more exploration...

...and the temporary loss of her foot.

Not being a baby to be easily frustrated...

...she just checked in with her mom for reassurance.

Then she was back to exploring. this time her hand was her target...

...and then her wrist.

But it wasn't long before her attention was captured by a foot again.

After a while, Anna changed Brielle's position. This gave the little one the chance to run her finger's through her mama's long locks.

This bit of "research" became painful!

When Anna was able to free herself from the tiny fingers, the ends of her hair still held fascination, but by now Brielle had her feet up in the air again--one of her favorite positions when on her back.

Now it was time for Brielle's mama to explore. She thoroughly investigated the bottom of Brielle's feet with kisses.

And finally, my favorite two photos that day--my first baby tenderly exploring the face of her first baby:

In the Blink of An Eye

Mrs. Beaver:

This week our family experienced the reality of "Yet you do not know what what your life will be like tomorrow" (James 4:14 NASB).

We went to bed on Monday night thinking all was well in our little corner of the world. We were awakened by a phone call about 11:30 with the news that my husband's Aunt Jean had fallen down the basement stairs in her home. This tumble didn't result in a broken hip or arm for the 80-year-old. Aunt Jean had suffered such a serve brain injury that death was imminent.

We hurriedly packed and drove through the night to be at her bedside. Other family also hastily made their way to Denver from across the country. By Wednesday morning all the extended family who was able to come had arrived. Aunt Jean's trauma doctor was consulted. With compassion, he confirmed that her situation was without hope. Prolonging her life would only result in slowing the inevitable--her death. We prayed fervently and made the decision you never hope to have to make for a loved one. We asked that life support be removed; Aunt Jean then died peacefully about two hours later.

Aunt Jean has been exceptionally close to each of us Beavers, and I hope to post again to share more about her remarkable life of Christ-like servant hood. (That will take more concentration than I have tonight at the end of very stretching week.) For now, suffice it to say that Mr. Beaver's father died in an airplane accident when he was seven, and Aunt Jean, who always remained single, helped his widowed mother raise my husband and his two brothers. As these three grew into manhood and began having their own children, the next generation has been bathed in Aunt Jean's unconditional, unwavering love. Then seven months ago our daughter, Anna, gave birth to Brielle, and Aunt Jean's love spread to a third generation.

We finish this week grateful to God for Aunt Jean. The photos in this post were taken just two weeks ago when Aunt Jean and Mr. Beaver's mom, Jane, visited over the New Year's holiday weekend.

Brielle, Aunt Jean, and Mr. Beaver's mom, Jane

Twice as Nice

Mrs. Beaver:

On our blog we often tout the blessings of adoption. Truthfully, I think our reason for this frequent focus is to get our readers to consider the role they can play in the world-wide need for orphan care.

Today, however, I'm reveling in the other miracles in the make up of our family--the twins to which I gave birth, John and Lissie. What a blessing this duo has been to a couple that was told they would never conceive! God does do the impossible!

This photo was taken on Christmas day. On New Year's Day, John and Lissie turned twenty-one. I look forward to watching what our great God has in store for our precious twins as they each navigate their way through their twenties with the Lord as their ever-faithful guide.

Thank you, Lord, for giving this very infertile woman the desire of her heart. Gratitude wells up in me today for the gift of twins. You are so good, God. You are so kind, Lord. I thank You and praise You with all my heart for John and Lissie. Thank You for the miracle of multiples!

Eric and Lissie's Courtship: Growing...Together

Mrs. Beaver:

Eric and Lissie's Courtship: Winter Warmth II

Mrs. Beaver:

Photo Credit: Daria