Hold onto the hope of a better day!

I am about to do something that Kate and I have both longed for years to do, we want to introduce to you our daughter, Ayla Marina Williams.

At around 1:00 p.m. we were asked what we wanted from the Nikopol Court, Kate and I both responded without hesitation yet almost in tears, "To allow Marina to be our daughter." The Judge and Jurors walked out to deliberate, and in about 5 minutes came back into the court room and declared us as the rightful parents of beautiful 9 year old girl. The Judge was extremely kind and was very sensitive to Marina's circumstance. When it was all over you could see the sheer joy in her face as she told the Judge as he was leaving, "My name is Marina Williams." He just smiled and told us congratulations as he walked away and all we could do in that moment was thank him for blessing us with the desire of our heart. 

I will blog more later about how the day unfolded but wanted to show you all the face of our daughter! We still have a 10 day waiting period until the paperwork is official and we can begin the process of bringing her home. Interesting side note, I said her full name and immediately she perked up when I said Ayla. She asked Luba if that was also her name, and she told her yes.  It was at that point that Marina said, "I have been Marina for 9 years, I'm tired of Marina, I love the name Ayla, so from now on I want to be called Ayla!" Wow, how does a child go from being one person for so many years and immediately embrace her new status as a part her new and legal family.

My friends this is the Gospel. When we receive salvation that comes alone from Christ, we are given a new name, new family, new hope, new home, and a new Father. So many of us cling to the life that we once lived but what God desires is for us to no longer embrace that old life and take upon ourselves the name that is above all names. 

Lord, we thank you so much for our precious daughter Ayla Marina Williams, we know the process has been tiring and at times we questioned you, but Lord you are sovereign and you have orchestrated this whole process from start to finish. May we all embrace the hope that comes through your Son Jesus Christ, that you were willing to sacrifice so that we may be Adopted as your sons and daughters. Thank you Father! May all the glory, honor, and praise be unto your name forever.