Breaking through the silence...

Two years ago today, God broke the silence with an unexpected call from our agency saying they had a little girl for our family to consider.

This smile and the light in her eyes captivated me from the first time I saw this sweet face.

Lily's eyes and smile still melt my heart.

She is full of wonder and curiosity.

Beauty and grace.

God has filled our bucket to overflowing and I am humbled daily by His provision and love.

In the midst of the unexpected gift of seeing this beautiful little girl for the first time, if I am honest...fear was also stirring in my heart.

What will life be like for her?

Will she be teased or shunned by others because of her differences?

Will she grow up secure in knowing she is a beautiful child of the King?

Will she be able to communicate clearly?

Will the doctors be able to minimize her scaring?

Do we have what it takes to meet all her needs?

The list went on and on in my mind and yet God gently reminded me not to question but to trust Him.

When my sister saw her picture for the first time she said "You HAVE to have her... I'm already falling in love."

I was too, and over time, God wiped away my fears and He has proven over and over again that HE will supply all my needs.

I stand in awe of His wonder and majesty and ask for His forgiveness for my lack of faith.

Lily has a personality as big as her smile and there is just something about her that people are drawn to.

Maybe it is her sweet and sassy side...

Her need for independence and her determined spirit...

Her big brown eyes that look deep into your soul...

Or her smile that will light up any room.

Lily Grace Yuexin...I love every part of who God created you to be and I am grateful for the way you have changed my life.

Thankful that God designed our referral day fall on the same day as my sister's birthday!
Happy Birthday sweet friend...I love you!


{To read last year's post and see a glimpse of her changes click here.}

Linking up with my friend Lisa's Favorite Photo Friday.  

Lovely light

Just down the street from my parent's condo is a place called Brookgreen Gardens which is a dream setting for photographers.


The gardens were spectacular...the lighting was perfection..and our "subject"...well, let's just say she was hot, hungry and not in the mood for taking any pictures!


She ended up going back to the car with my Dad while Mom and I walked around making note of some great places to take pictures the following night in hopes we had a happy girl :)


After leaving the gardens we headed down to the Wacamaw River to watch the sunset.



Lily's sad, "I don't want to be here" face slowly turned to smiles as the evening light filled the sky.



My mom made this beautiful dress Lily is wearing. I think we have a great system going...I find the fabrics and patterns and then she puts her expertise to work and creates the amazing outcome! Of course, I think Lily and I get the better end of the deal :)



Lily had fun climbing on the bench and peeking through the ironwork.



Wonder what she is thinking about here?





My mom was standing nearby trying to get her to smile making "happy" and "sad" faces moving her hand up and down across her face.



Lily decided to join in...







This picture is a little hazy and blurred but it speaks of the love these two share which makes me smile.



Lily found the plastic bag that I have been using to keep my camera from fogging up with the difference in temperature indoors and outdoors.


If you have never tried using this method I highly recommend it, especially if you live in a place with high humidity!



All in all it was a great night...even if I didn't get the pictures I would have loved to capture in the gardens. 



Be sure and visit my friend Lisa and see more beautiful photos!