Over 3 years ago, a tiny, premature baby was placed into our family. We spent the next several years raising her, loving on her, and watching her mature and thrive. There were many trials along the way and she had many obstacles to overcome. God in his infinite grace allowed us the ultimate privilege the beginning of the month as we were finally able to adopt her! Naomi Marie Rice is now legally ours forever. Make no mistake, she was ours from day 1 but now the courts recognize it! The first smilebox is a release of pictures from the past 3 years.
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The adoption was amazing but even more so was getting to celebrate the birth of our Savior. There were many times throughout the month that we took time to read and remember the story of Jesus coming to earth as a tiny baby. I have been overwhelmed, yet again, by the depth of His love for us that he would "put on flesh and dwell among us" all the time knowing that he would face an even greater sacrifice for me. Wow! I am so humbled by the reminder of this tiny baby. Emmanuel...God with us.
Christmas was a wonderful day of celebration and memories. From having Nana and Papa spending the holiday with us to having our cousins over for a day of games and fellowship, there was so much to be thankful for. God was so good to give us this special day before the Anderson's head back to Albania the beginning of next month. We are so thankful to have such a great family that it makes it difficult to say good-bye. May God continue to richly bless their ministry as they serve in Albania! Saying good-bye to Nana and Papa was so hard too. We plan on visiting them next summer but that seems so far away. Lord, please protect our family until we are together again.
The second smilebox is of our adventures this month. We enjoyed many Christmas activities including a trip to Silver Dollar City, riding the Christmas train in a park here in Fort Smith, and playing games together as a family. I hope that this month you too enjoyed time spent remembering the best Christmas gift of all: JESUS!
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