Adoption: the Ferrell Family

To Judah, Upon His One Year Adoption Anniversary

August 5, 2007

You've been home one year today. It seems like so long ago we made all those long flights together -- as a family, finally! I really don't remember life before you. Your being my little boy is as natural as the air I breathe. I am so in love with you. You are a constant light in our world, and you bless us in so many ways.

I hope when you are a man, all grown up, you will be blessed by your own story -- what God has done for you. It makes me excited to think about what He has yet to do for you. I wait with great anticipation to see what good things your life holds. What sorts of hobbies will you have? What kind of sense of humor will you have? What will you be passionate about? Who will you fall in love with? What kind of work will you choose? What gifts will you have -- what spiritual gifts as God given you? What music will you be drawn to? Will you like to cook?

I'm sure these seem like hollow, silly ramblings of a woman about her baby. But I want you to always be sure about the love your dad and I have for you. It is unswerving. It is constant. It is enduring. It is unconditional.

I would give anything to go back and give you a different first year of life. And I mean anything. You should never doubt your strength. And you should never doubt your purpose. When you doubt Him -- which you will surely do, we all do -- You will always be able to see His movement in your life from the beginning. Cling to this. The world said you were abandoned, fatherless, unwanted, and alone. But God made us a family. This was God's perfect plan for you. He brings beauty out of ashes. He has done so for you and for me. When I look at you, I know what redemption looks like.

What a gift you are! I just love being your mom. I pray God stays so close to you all the days of your life that you feel His breath upon you.

Loving you more every day,
Mom

Judah

Birthplace: adopted from Krasnoyarsk, Russia July 2006
Born: Vyacheslav. So, yes, we changed his name. Plus, God seems to be in the name-changing business to mark significant life moments, right?

Agency: We used AWAA (America World Adoption Association) and would do so again. Great experience with this agency. 

New Home: Tennessee