ALL Smiles...

-by Mark

Today, there were giggles, squeals, laughter and a lot of smiles in the Fertig home.  We are blessed beyond measure to have this child with us, in our family.  We are blessed to have so many around us and with us supporting this endeavor.  We have been strengthened by God’s hand to endure hardship in the last 10 years.  And I have found a new appreciation for wet-wipes.  

These last few weeks have been difficult for so many reasons.  There was a point where I literally wanted to give up.  Erika, in her infinite wisdom handed our daughter to me and just let me hold her and have a moment with her.  It was all I needed to endure.  

We also see the immense blessing we have already been to this little one.  Since we have brought her home, she cannot stand to be alone.  This in stark contrast to the hours of blank staring at the ceiling and walls at the orphanage.  When we first met her, she would not make eye contact with us.  Now, as if to say, “You are mine”, her eyes follow us everywhere and when we look into those dark, penetrating doorways to her heart, she smiles.  Not just a simple grin.  A wide, toothless, slobbery, open mouthed smile with a coo at the end if she’s extra happy.  The three of us had an amazingly delightful time on our bed this afternoon.  Cuddling, laughing and her shrieks of delight resonating throughout the house.  She had us in the palm of her hand.  

God is good.  Even when we don’t understand.  Even when we don’t see His hand.  Even when everything falls apart.  He is still good.  Rejoice with us now as we see His goodness to us in our cherished little girl.  Rejoice with us in His timing.  But long with us too as we still await our second, unknown daughter… who even now probably still sits somewhere in a room with eight other crying babies, waiting for forever families to call them “mine”.

We are thankful for your prayers and content in His provision.