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Friday, December 22, 2006

Best Christmas Ever

Posted by Alex at 7:19 PM


On December 20, 2003, Brett and I arrived in Guatemala City to meet our son for the first time. On the morning of December 22, we went to our appointment at the US Embassy to receive Tom's Visa. That night, we had a delicious meal at a restaurant called Kakao. Our friends from Georgia, Rose and Ken, along with their new daughter Julianna, joined us for dinner.

On Christmas Eve 2003, we flew home to Louisville, KY (we were co-pastoring a church in KY at that time). Thomas flirted with all the flight attendants and entered the United States through immigration in Houston, TX. We got into Louisville late, and drove into town as the Christmas Eve service at our church was concluding. Our manse was decorated with balloons, streamers, and a "Welcome Home Thomas" banner.
On Christmas Day 2003, we woke up in our house with our boy for the first time. We were so proud of our new baby that we bundled him up, put him in the stroller, and walked through the snowy Christmas streets to the home of some dear friends.

I can't imagine life without our son. He is the most loving, affectionate, funny little person. Looking at this picture of Thomas and his sister, taken last week, I can't believe how much he has grown and blessed our lives these past three years. Christmas will always be extra-special for being the season when we were joined as a family. Thanks be to God!

 

8 Comments:

  1. Evonne and Gerrit said...
    10:09 PM  
    I love your kids. They both just look so sweet and happy and innocent and full of it, all at the same time. Merry Christmas
    Preacher Mom said...
    10:41 PM  
    "Labor" stories for adoptive parents are just as intense and full of love as those of birth parents!

    I remember my two trips to Guatemala and the excitement and joy of both. How wonderful that your son got to come home in time for Christmas! What a wonderful story.
    Evonne and Gerrit said...
    10:47 PM  
    It's me again. Yup, I loved the story too. So nice to know that part of your life. I was just so taken by the last picture that was all I could think about when I got to the comments. I think it is getting late.
    Liz said...
    7:55 AM  
    I remember the night you got the message you were going to get Tom.You had just picked me up in Louisville.Remember how you couldn't understand the message at first because you were so used to hearing all the screw ups and delays? Then when you understood you were absolutely elated, but we already knew that Tom was sunshine from his pictures and his wonderful giggle from the tapes. The first time I held him at the airport after that long ride, was something I will never forget. As tired as he was that night, he was still trusting enough to be held by yet another stranger. He is a treasure.
    Alex said...
    5:37 PM  
    Thanks for all the nice comments. Merry Christmas!
    St. Casserole said...
    6:14 PM  
    Beautiful children! So happy for you!
    will smama said...
    6:17 PM  
    Awesome!

    Thank you for sharing this.
    Kryna said...
    4:06 AM  
    Wow, what beautiful memories! I really doesn't get any better than that!

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