"On a dim, clattering afternoon in the rainy season, I sat in a crowded living room in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, stupefied by water. The rain drumming the tin roofs of the hillside district was deafening, as if neighbors on rooftops banged with kettles and sticks. The mud yard boiled and popped in the downpour. " - "There Is No Me Without You," Chapter 1, August 2004.
Our little one was born during the rainy season in Ethiopia. As I was reading this book, I couldn't help but imagining what her birthmother endured giving birth during this season.
Today we celebrate our Little Miss Shine's first birthday. A year ago today we had no knowledge of this little one. Little Miss was with her birthmother in east Africa celebrating the day she was given life. My heart goes out to her birthmother today. As we celebrate this little miracle, she grieves the little girl she held in her arms just a short year ago today. I would love to tell her that her little girl is loved, safe, has a warm place to sleep, plenty to eat and drink, and has the cutest laugh I have ever heard. Miss Shine is very inquisitive, determined, and stubborn. She is learning to talk, has started taking her first few steps and can always get across what she wants with or without words. ;)
Little Miss has been such a blessing to us. I thank God everyday for this precious gift who has brought our family so much joy. She is our daily dose of smiles.
We will celebrate today with gifts, balloons, cupcakes, hugs, and kisses, but we also remember the Ethiopian woman who made such a great sacrifice. We are forever connected by this sweet, little, curly haired girl. So not only do we celebrate, but we pray for Little Miss Shine's birthmother that she has enough food to eat, clean water to drink, but also pray for peace and happiness all the days of her life.
Thank you for the most precious gift anyone could ever give. We love Little Miss so much.
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