6 months ago today, we pulled into our driveway after traveling halfway around the world and back. With us was the newest member of our family, Elsa.
I thought today would be the perfect day to share some images of those first moments at home.
Entering our house for the very first time:
There was so much to take in, furniture, toys, clothes, books, dogs, electronics, cars...
[Taking her to see her new bedroom.]
And then a peek at Alexandra's room...and the computer room:
Then the girls bathroom...and back downstairs again:
Next up, a visit to the parlor and a quick xylophone tutorial:
After her brief music lesson, it was off to the kitchen, where gifts, flowers, and a cake awaited her:
[Our family tree has six birds on it now!]
Finally - and perhaps most importantly - off to meet Elisabeth!
Once the house tour was done, the playing began:
Since we began the adoption process, nearly two years ago, I have had the words to the hymn Because I Have Been Given Much continually in my mind.
Because I have been given much
I too must give
Because of thy great bounty, Lord
Each day I live
I shall divide my gifts from thee
With every brother that I see
Who has the need of help from me
Because I have been sheltered, fed
By thy good care
I cannot see another's lack
And I not share
My glowing fire, my loaf of bread
My roof's safe shelter overhead
That he too may be comforted
Because I have been given much
I too must give
Because of thy great bounty, Lord
Each day I live
I shall divide my gifts from thee
With every brother that I see
Who has the need of help from me
Because I have been sheltered, fed
By thy good care
I cannot see another's lack
And I not share
My glowing fire, my loaf of bread
My roof's safe shelter overhead
That he too may be comforted
Because I have been given much
I too must give
Because of thy great bounty Lord
Each day I live
I shall divide gifts from thee
With every brother that see
Who has the need of help from me
Because I have been sheltered, fed
By thy good care
I cannot see another’s lack and I not share
My glowing fire, my loaf of bread,
my roof saved shelter overhead
That he to me be comforted
Because I have been blessed by
thy great love dear Lord
I’ll share thy love again
According to thy word
I shall give love to those in need
I’ll show that love by word and deed
Thus shall my thanks be thanks in deed
Read more at http://www.songlyrics.com/merrill-osmond/because-i-have-been-given-muchour-savior-s-love-lyrics/#FgUpGC3iLJGuCooM.99
I too must give
Because of thy great bounty Lord
Each day I live
I shall divide gifts from thee
With every brother that see
Who has the need of help from me
Because I have been sheltered, fed
By thy good care
I cannot see another’s lack and I not share
My glowing fire, my loaf of bread,
my roof saved shelter overhead
That he to me be comforted
Because I have been blessed by
thy great love dear Lord
I’ll share thy love again
According to thy word
I shall give love to those in need
I’ll show that love by word and deed
Thus shall my thanks be thanks in deed
Read more at http://www.songlyrics.com/merrill-osmond/because-i-have-been-given-muchour-savior-s-love-lyrics/#FgUpGC3iLJGuCooM.99
I am lucky to have a family and a home.
I am fortunate to live in the United States of America..
I am blessed to have food, clothing, healthcare, and an education.
And I am honored to share it all with Elsa.
[Elsa Lelise, first day at home, November 16, 2013.]
