Alyssa's early birthday and she learns that she's a princess. Countdown to Mohale begins!

OHHH, THE DAY WE MEET HIM IS GETTING CLOSER!

(Alyssa's birthday was celebrated early so others could join her celebration- because on her actual birthday, attention will be turned towards another miracle in answer to her prayers....) 

Alyssa prayed months ago that we could meet Mohale on her birthday...

Count down!!  We leave in 10 days!  16 days left until we finally meet you, precious treasured, Mohale!!!!!

In September when I was told that Mohale's "gotcha day" had been arranged for October 27, my heart silently skipped a beat...

October 27 is Alyssa's 5th birthday. 

Precious little girl with a sweet little curl...

This mama's heart had been praying that somehow, our jewel, Alyssa, could grasp that the God of the universe lovingly created her with purpose, ADORES her and HEARS her prayers.  

  A day has not passed since that Alyssa hasn't thanked her Daddy in Heaven during bedtime prayers for hearing her...

Every year, Alyssa asks for a new "princess dress" for her birthday.   It's become a tradition.

Her answered prayer has rippled into days that have followed.   My beautiful, beloved, powerhouse, strong-willed, undeterred daughter, become even more beautiful.

 (I CHERISH her strong will!  NO ONE NO WHERE WILL EVER MAKE ALYSSA DO SOMETHING SHE HAS NOT CHOSEN TO DO. AND OH SHE FIGHTS FOR THE UNDERDOG.)

This week, after an episode of spice, I found Alyssa sitting on her bed alone. Alyssa, through tears, told me she felt sad for being grouchy.  Holding her close, she listened intently as I explained that every human on this planet including me and daddy and Sunday school teachers, pastors, grandma's and pretty ballet teachers all have grouchy moments and make awful mistakes, but, when we are adopted by God,- when He is our Daddy, He gently cleans our heart and helps us become more and more beautiful by letting us feel bad when we behave icky.  This is one way He helps us change.  It means that just like her ballet teacher is teaching her to do ballet, God, her Biggest Daddy, is lovingly coaching her how to be even more beautiful inside- He's making her into the most beautiful kind of princess- one who is beautiful on the inside-
Princesses who are beautiful on the inside are beautiful forever!
And when we ask him to,  He takes all the icky things we do or say and washes them into something beautiful too!

SHE GOT IT. 

Her face practically glowed.

HER FATHER IN HEAVEN LOVES HER AND SHE FEELS IT.

"Mom, I really am a real princess!"

Yes, dear, beloved, cherished, treasured daughter, you are.  

You absolutely are. 

And you are incredibly, indescribably loved

ALL THE TIME

on the good days and the bad

when you are sweet and when you are spicy

ALL THE TIME. 

Forever.

Oh Alyssa, our precious jewel. Your life is a miracle that shines with power and purpose.  My eyes will always fill with tears of love when I ponder the miracle that you are and the humbling honor it is to love you.   You are barely five years old.  Yet, the inner beauty that you hold- that inner, forever, life changing beauty- is growing in astounding measure and shines from you already-
And Yes, the One who lovingly created you, adores the sound of your voice...

ANOTHER INCREDIBLE GIFT

MOHALE already will have a very special day in common with Alyssa-  As SIBLINGS,

they will share a very special day.  

Precious, adored, and longed for, Mohale, we are humbled and honored beyond description that we will soon carry the privilege of being your parents and siblings- in person.

Ten days until we leave....

10 days until we leave!  16 days until we meet.