Today. Three years ago.

This day three years ago I didn't have a clue what was about to hit me.  I was about to become a mommy.  Basically, the thing I had desired for so long was about to put me in my place.

I thought I was patient.  I'm not.

I thought I was compassionate.  I'm not.

I thought I was kind.  I'm not.

I thought I was a morning person.  But nope, turns out I'm not.

I thought I knew a lot about kids.  But I don't.

I thought I was funny....not sure where we stand on that...

Turns out I'm impatient, uncaring, mean, grumpy, selfish and have no idea what I'm doing.  And the older they get, the less my wit is entertaining.  (Charlie often tells me I laugh too much.  Gasp!  Is there such a thing??)

Three years ago we became a family.  And despite our differences, those seen and those unseen, we have molded into the family that God hand-picked for each us at the beginning of time.

God knew I'd one day be the impatient momma to two Ethiopian boys.  God knew when he blessed a woman in Shashemene, Ethiopia with those two boys that they would one day live in Kentucky.  And poor Kenny.  God knew that one day he'd live with a grumpy-not-so-funny-woman in a tiny house in the middle of nowhere with two brown boys.

And God knew that while those two little boys would bring out my faults in the worst way, would drive me crazy and would make me spend more time in prayer than I ever had before, He also knew those were the two that would call me "Mommy".

Three years ago I woke up in a city in Africa, having only seen pictures and heard stories about my 2 year old and 6 year old.  That night, I went to bed with them snugly tucked in beside me after the most exciting bath time I could have ever imagined.  (Maybe I'll have to share that story someday...)

Three years ago we became a perfectly imperfect family of four.

Just the way God had planned.


August 24, 2009 @ Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

HAPPY "GOTCHA" DAY, CHARLIE & SAM!