19 August 2008

One Year Anniversary!

"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him."


1 Samuel 1:27

Today is the first anniversary of Elianna Ray Day! That's the day that this little beauty, born Betelihem Bekele...



became OUR little beauty, Elianna Ray!





Here we are with Almaz,
the (probably an angel in disguise) wonderful woman who runs Hannah's Hope Ethiopia.

Elianna means "my God has provided" in Hebrew. Our daughter is named for my grandmother (Elizabeth Anne Ortlund), me (Anna is my middle name) and for my precious granddaddy (Ray Ortlund, Sr.) who went Home to Jesus on July 22nd, just two weeks after we showed him her beautiful photo and shared with him that she would carry his name.

This year has been a year of beautiful miracles. We never would have imagined when the Lord planted the desire in our hearts for a child from Ethiopia what a journey it would be.

Thank You, Father, for Ray Ray! Thank You for carrying us through those first few months of adjustment which were so very much more trying than we expected them to be. Thank You for answering prayer after prayer for her health and development. Thank You for all the amazing milestones of the past year. Thank You for weaving us into a family. Thank You for the awareness of and compassion for the many desperate plights of Africans (AIDS, disease, famine, drought, poverty, oppression and war) and the desire to help that having an Ethiopian daughter has brought to our hearts and minds. Thank You for the immense joy she has added to our lives!





One year ago...

... and today!

13 comments:

Julie said...

Happy Anniversary!! Woo Hoo to little Ray Ray, the champion body surfer!!!

Michael and Michelle said...

Happy anniversary!
She is a BEAUTY!!!!!! To say the least!!!!! WOW!
Can I ask you how old Ray Ray was when you brought her home??

Thank you!
Michelle

The Redman's said...

Yes!! Today is a special day!! The memories of that day will always be soooo wonderful!!!

xoxo
-Suzi

Shelly Roberts said...

What a special reflection! :) Just love seeing these children with their forever families. How my heart aches for those still waiting. What a glorious sight to see your Ray-Ray blossoming. Thanks for sharing! ~Shelly

Jana said...

Oh my gosh, she is so precious!!!!

Wolfemom said...

What a CUUTIEEEEE!!! God is good! Such a testimony to His goodness!!

FHL said...

Such a cutie! Happy Forever Family Day Elianna Ray!

Kristi J said...

Oh, I love the pics and especially seeing the girls dressed alike!!! They are such adorable girls!! Old old was your baby #4 when you applied to get a baby so close in age to her?? Loved the post, Kristi

Kristi J said...

So...one more question?? From the pics it looks like you took everyone with you??? They said our kids were too young and would require too many vaccines...how did you deal with that?? I'd love to take my kiddos but no sure if it was a good idea since they were so young...kristi
you can email me if easier,
kristinedjohnson@comcast.net

Brad and Christy Sherrell said...

My gosh! I can't believe it has been a year. I remember reading your blog and thinking how lucky you were and i couldn't wait to be like you. We have had Kidus for 7 months now! My how time flies! She is beautiful as is all of your family! Congratulations!

Unknown said...

Beautiful! What a sweet little girl. I love the picture of her and her daddy, both bald :) that is so sweet.
She has moved from a beautiful sweet baby to a beautiful sweet toddler. Enjoy your one year anniversary with your precious gift!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely lady you are Ray Ray!! You are a perfect and unique piece of the fabulous Hausam fam!! Happy Anniversary!!

Laurie, those referral pics of Ray Ray are gorgeous!! WOWZERS.

Amy said...

Sweet post!