Orphan No Longer

What does it mean to be an orphan? To not have a family to call your own? To not know unconditional love? To never have people to fill the roles of Mama and Baba? To not have the assurance that no matter how bad you mess up, or act out that you can always run into loving, protecting, and forgiving arms. And so it was with our son. And so it was with us. We continue to marvel at the gift that God has given us in Brodie. He is a sweet, loving, charismatic, charming, naughty, affectionate and silly little guy. We bought him a new pair of sandals today. Most likely his first pair of shoes that were bought specifically for him and only for him. We watched him experience the zoo through beautiful and excited eyes. We also took an oath at the US consulate today and officially he is Brodie James Blackwell! So tonight friends, there is one less orphan in the world. One little boy who will one day come to understand the unconditional love and belonging of a forever family and an Abba Father. No matter what his life brings, he will always be our son. And so it is with us- we too, adopted, loved and forever changed by the love of a Father who chose to adopt us as his very own children. Thank you Father for our son. Thank you Father for YOUR Son

Baba and Brodie enjoying the Guangzhou Zoo.

Our newest addition just before taking our oath at the US Consulate.

He was so proud of his first pair of new shoes.