How fitting for the season ... as we enjoy new life outside springing forth from the ground and trees, there is newness in our home and family as well.
EVERYTHING. IS. NEW.
The update on our adoption of Irena is that she and Jon just returned from our third and final trip to Latvia. Irena returned with her NEW Latvian passport that displays her NEW name, Irena Hope Bechtle. We also received a NEW birth certificate, that not only lists Irena's NEW name, but her NEW parents, US! We now have in hand the documents required to obtain her social security number and US passport.
EVERYTHING. IS. NEW.
Having a mom and dad is new.
Having a family is new.
Parenting a 14 year old daughter is new.
Having an older sister is new.
Having three younger sisters is new.
Schooling in English is new.
Trying out for the soccer team is new.
Being part of a church community is new.
Bedtime is new.
As are bike helmets, seatbelts & coats.
Conversations are new.
As is talking about how we feel, what we like, don't like, want and don't want.
EVERYTHING. IS. NEW.
For Easter we got each girl a new devotional book and we are 2 for 2 in reading together at the breakfast table in the mornings.
Evangeline's reading today came from 2 Corinthians 5:17,
"If anyone belongs to Christ, then he is made new. The old things have gone; everything is made new!"
The example was that of a caterpillar being transformed into a butterfly.
Our parallel is God transforming us to be more like His Son.
What a beautiful picture and reminder!
EVERYTHING. IS. NEW.
and
GOD is MAKING everything new ... including US!
Grateful to know that today!
