a baby blessing

It's still dark outside. And cold. At least here in Kentucky where two people I dearly love are boarding a small plane as this blog goes to post. Destination: Chicago . . . D.C. . . Rome . . . Ethiopia. They have checked four LARGE duffle bags, three of which are filled with donation items like diapers, baby wipes, soy formula, bottles and toys for an orphanage in Addis Ababa.

An orphanage where my darling friends, Mike and Sara, are going to meet their son.

Life happens to all of us . . . the blessings and the tragedies. For some, like this baby boy, these tragedies come all too early. And yet, it is in this unjust beginning where God brings hope, where He turns sorrow into joy, where He shows love.

Love. And that's the whole point. To find love. To know love. To be loved. It is . . . until you experience the one joy greater than being loved . . . and that is the joy of unconditionally loving someone else. Being loved is wonderful. But being able TO love is overwhelming . . . and heartbreaking . . . and selfless . . . and godly . . . and the reason for life.

This little boy, this beautiful little dark-skinned angel with huge round eyes, is about to have his mourning turned to dancing (quite literally, if you know Mike) and begin a lifetime experiencing what it's like to be loved unconditionally by two amazing parents.

Every child should be so blessed.


My Darlings,
I am so proud for you and so proud of you. You have met every step with faith, and I am a better person for having been part of your journey to this point. I love you like you were my own family. Be safe, be well.
~Steph