Life begins......

First I want to share a scripture that keeps going through my head regarding Ava and how I believe she will impact her world. I Cor 1:27-28 But God chose the simple things(foolish in the eyes of the world) to shame the "wise": God chose the weak things of the earth to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things and the things that are not-to nullify the things that are.....and v. 31 Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.

Ps. 105:2 Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.

We got home around 7pm, more like 3 a.m. for John, Ava and I. Can you tell by the photos how exhausted we all are? As my grandma Rovenstine would say, "International adoption ain't for sissies!"

I was surprised to find several needed items including clothes already here at home waiting for us (I expected 10 days between the 2 trips to round up what I needed). Thanks to my Mom, my sister and Melanie from our church's adoption ministry for rounding things up. Melanie even had dinner waiting for us! What a welcome.

We decided to have a family sleepover, since everyone of course wanted to sleep with Ava. Don't know if it is the time change, the adrenaline high, or the fact that I was squished somewhere in between 8 elbows and 8 legs kicking the blankets off, but I decided after two hours that was all I could take, and I got up to blog instead. Ava is content in her little crib in our room (also thanks to Melanie-HA), sleeping peacefully, and we are all happy she is finally home.

Now.....the pictures we have all been waiting for. I am happy to report to you the response of the clan to their newest family member.

Jude said, "Mom, she is so cute!" Then he pointed to the empty seat next to him in the Suburban and said, "But look, there is room for one more orphan. You should have brought home two..... I wish orphans only cost one dollar." (Evidently he thinks all there is to it is the cost!) HA

3 year old cousin Sebastian said, "Aunt Charissa, can I carry her upstairs?"

Liesel said, "I keep thinking it is just a dream and tomorrow I will wake up and she won't be here anymore."

Hope said, "Can I hold her forever? Can she stay with us forever or do we have to take her back to the orphan-eggs?" and "I missed you Mommy and I missed Ava too. I love her."

I told her Ava shows love by licking, and then Hope started licking Ava's head!

Oma gets a turn too....

Simeon said, "Can I take her to school tomorrow to show my class and my teacher?"


7 yr. old cousin Evi said, "Aunt Charissa can she come to my play next Friday so my class can see her?" Last night I realized Evi and I have a lot in common. She was crying, and she said, "I'm so happy I can't stop crying. Do you ever feel that way Aunt Charissa?" Lately, all the time, yes.