Meet... Me!

When I met Daniela in 2009, I never imagined the journey God had in store for me. She was being hosted by our friends, and so I had an opportunity to interact with her. I taught a guitar class that she took, and she hung out with my daughter Andee a little bit. Her host family did a really great job at advocating for Dani, and my heart for her started to grow. Interestingly, at the same time God was moving in my husband’s heart, whispering in his soul that Daniela was his daughter. During her visit that summer, Chris and I made the decision to adopt her, and we began the process that brought her home to us a year later.

After she was home for a little while, it became clear that I held some unrealistic expectations that I needed to put aside. I was used to parenting in a particular way, but I needed to make some adjustments so that I could parent Daniela in the way she needed. But mostly, I felt that Dani needed to know that she was loved, and safe, and forever had a home.

It’s been 4 years since Daniela came home. She is so fun and funny, and I love the brightness she brings to my life. Before Monica, Diana and Jeimy came, I was talking with her about advocating for them. I mentioned that I was starting to feel desperate for them to find a family, but I wasn’t quite there yet. She interrupted me declaring, “You need to, Mom. You NEED to be desperate for them!” I love her compassion. I am so proud to call her my daughter.

For this story and more like it, as well as updates on Monica, Diana and Jeimy, please see my blog: Sisters’ Super Summer