Happy Birthday Joshua!

Happy Birthday Joshua! Today is the big 1 for our little boy in the unnamed land. I wonder if anyone there even recognized his birthday? Do you think he awoke to a smiling face saying "Happy Birthday baby boy"? Did the caretaker give him anything special for breakfast? Or feed him slower to make sure his little belly was full? Do you think he was given a fresh diaper or did they reuse one on him? Do you think they spent extra time dressing him and sneaking in some hugs and kisses? Our little man is spending his first birthday in a country that a year ago when he was born labeled him as not worthy in their society. A little boy with a family waiting for him that is celebrating his birth as the most precious gift we could have been given. What a joy his birth is to us. What a momentous day for us!

So I am conflicted. My heart is filled with joy that our son was born on this day one year ago.. yet my heart is heavy that his special day is spent in a place that is not worthy of his existence. They do not deserve his beauty. They do not deserve his perfect little body. He deserves to be treated better than this. He WILL have better than this. He will not spend another birthday alone but rather with his family who love him unconditionally.

He will wake up one day and see my face saying "good morning sunshine" and "I love you". He will get a fresh diaper and a breakfast that will fill his belly up. He will eat till he is done. I will dress him lovingly and hug and kiss him every chance I get. He will get those things daily.. not just on his birthday. So until then, I wait.. he waits... and I pray and thank God for the day that is coming when I can bring my son home.

Happy Birthday little man.. You do not know this yet but we are coming to bring you home and we have presents waiting :)

I also want to remind everyone to keep the family of Kirill in your prayers as they appeal the courts decision denying them of their son. There is another family that goes before that same judge tomorrow looking to bring their daughter home. Pray for the Hooks as they fight for their daughter.