From the minute I heard about you, I loved you. Actually, from the minute I started filling out papers and praying for you, I fell madly in love with you. But nothing prepared my heart for the second I walked in your hospital room and saw the sweetest little face, all burritoed up just waiting to be held. I knew that great challenges were ahead of us, many days of waiting, but I just knew you were ours. And so this weekend sweet girl, we celebrate you. With my new favorite day quickly approaching, I wanted to share with you what you already know and have heard my talk about time and time again. The hours we've spent rocking in your room, driving from place to place, or just playing on the floor, this momma of yours has been praying for you. I'll continue to do so all the days we have together. My sweet Jooniper, here is what I wish for you...
That you would laugh and smile often. You have a smile that can change anyone's day. Thats dangerous you know, because you know exactly how to use your smile to melt my heart! But I hope you go throughout life giggling like you do now. The littlest things crack you up and it makes everyone around you so happy. When you smile, I get this glimpse of grace in your life. Smile often little one, this world needs to see joy!
That you would live generously. So much has been given to you. Dozens of people surrounded you from the beginning and showered you with love, care, and things to make (y)our transition smooth. I hope that you notice how much has been given and want to express that generosity to others around you. What amazes me, is in your 15 month old mind, you already love to give back. When I give you 2 gold fish, you like to personally feed me 1. When you play with your toys, you light up when I ask if you would share with momma. You have a generous heart, may that only continue to grow!
That you would be a leader. Jooniper, already I can see sides of your personality and giftings that will make you a leader. You like to arrange things (and I believe see the big picture) and you are strong-willed and passionate. When opportunities arise, step in and lead. At the same time, I pray that you would also be an excellent follower of the leaders God puts in your life. A great leader has the humility to know when to follow yet the courage to lead when no one else will.
That compassion, kindness, and care would mark your life. So many character traits I have prayed for God to give you, but on the top of the list would be compassion, kindness, and care for others. I hope you are selfless with your time in a culture that says its all about you. I hope you move towards others with gentleness to show love. There is nothing sweeter than watching you line up your stuffed animals and give each one a hug, so I think you are growing a heart that cares.
That you would see the brokenness of the world and be moved to action. It won't take you long to notice that this world is broken and hurting. We are surrounded by war, terror, trafficking, hunger, disease, and the list extends. Joonie, I pray that you would notice not only the things going on in the world around you but also with your neighbors. May you not just take note, but be moved to take action. As a parent, this makes me feel vulnerable. However, I know there will be no greater joy than watching you serve others, even if that means far away from momma!
That your childhood would be filled with great memories. Daddy and I have conversations about what the next 20 years will be like. What traditions will we have, how will family meals look, where should we vacation, how will holidays be celebrated and so much more. We want you to look back on your childhood with a grin on your face, grateful for the opportunities, blessings, hardship, and memories. We will always be a family and love you endlessly. I can't wait to see what memories fill up the pages.
That you would be surrounded with life-long friendships. Its so endearing to pick you up from 'school' because you light up upon our arrival, but don't want to leave the fun of playing with your friends. I hope that your friendships are long lasting, deep, and endure trials. May you be a great friend to others too. You're a pretty blessed kid because mommy and daddy's friends have been some our heroes during your story.
That you would risk for the things your passionate about and learn from failure. I hope you take great risk, take chances, go out on a limb. Its ok to if things don't work out, although sometimes the payoff will have been worth it. The admirable quality is you went for it, followed your heart, and pursued a passion. In the same breath, I hope that when you fail, which you will, I hope you take that as a learning opportunity. And finally, I hope that we are there to encourage you often, but not save you from failing.
That you would know who the safe people are in your life. As you grow older, you are going to want to talk about so many things. Sweet girl, there is nothing you can ever tell me that will make me love you any less, or any more. Your dad and I (and others....family...friends) are safe people to come to. We love you dearly and want what's best for you. Sometimes that isn't what you want. Please know you can always come to us when your hurting, happy, scared, unsure, or feeling alone.
That your first adoption would change you life, but a second adoption would change your eternity. I've longed and prayed for April 25 for a lot of days now. For some time, I didn't know it was that day I was praying for, but alas it has come. All the while, I was also praying for another adoption day. A day that you would understand that you are separated from God and nothing you can do will change that. However, Jesus intervened, lived a perfect life, and died on our behalf as a payment for our brokenness, separation, and shortcomings. I pray that you would believe by faith that Jesus is enough and experience a second adoption, a spiritual adoption. Nothing could ever take away from this adoption, but I certainly pray you get to have both!
When you entered our life, I was given one of the greatest roles and responsibilities; to be your momma. With great joy I get to love you, take you do fun things, teach you, and play all day long. There is no greater honor as you mom than to spend time praying for you, so you can count of me for that. No matter what the future holds, I'm going to love and adore you dearly. I didn't think I could love you anymore, and then right now happened. Love you mean it sweet Jooniper.
Momma
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