A DIFFERENT GIRL

Two months ago, we first met Shelby YiLin.  She was a terrified, shy, and insecure little orphan girl.  Today, she is still shy, but she is A DIFFERENT GIRL.  She is very confident that she is loved.  She is very proud of her 2 "boys" (brothers) and of her Baba.  She is no longer scared....or insecure.....and she is no longer an orphan.  Praise the Lord!  She is a member of a family who respects, cherishes, and loves her.  She is trying to speak sentences and even sings the words to her favorite song, "He's All I Need".  She is learning that Jesus is all she needs and that He is love.  If I forget to pray before a meal, she quickly reminds me.  She is also learning that when she goes to have surgery, her mommy goes with her and stays by her side the whole time.  She's learning that a real Mommy is quite different from the ones she's had at the orphanage.  She is learning that Jesus wants us to love everyone, not just a select few.  She is learning about friendship and what it means to be a friend.  She is learning that she really likes camouflage and guns and that it is so much fun to play in the snow.  She is also learning that Texas Pete Hot Sauce taste great on almost everything.  I could go on and on about everything Shelby is learning. 

But I really should say that I am learning more than she is.  I am learning that there really are worse things that can happen to me than gaining weight........(funny, ...not really.)  I am still in awe of God and how faithful He is.  I am learning to trust Him more, despite NOT being Shelby's favorite person and not getting my way all the time.  I am learning to be content in many different situations and that God has already given me everything I need to accomplish His will.  I am learning that His grace is sufficient.  I am learning that sometimes I go through painful situations or trials so that I can practice being faithful and trusting Him more.  I am learning that He has a More Excellent Way for me.  I guess the best thing I am learning is to be AMAZINGLY FREE in the love of God.  I can't leave this one out......I am learning how blessed I am to finally have a daughter.

 I know, I said, "no camo!" but at least she has pink accessories...

 The Grimm Gang

Shelby's 1st snow....

Just like my baba!