We have been overwhelmingly blessed by our daughter and find ourselves learning each day how to become a better family to both of our girls. The transition into our home was for the most part smooth and we have seen her grow so much since her homecoming last October. Some of the hurdles that we have had to help Ayla get through has primarily been her understanding of the English language (which she is fluent in now), her natural instinct to manipulate a situation to obtain attention (which is natural to any 9 y/o), her struggle with jealousy, her understanding our unconditional love for her, her gratefulness for what she has and distinguishing between what she wants and what she needs, and her acknowledgment of what is considered to be disrespectful. She is not perfect and there have been many battles that we have fought with her but that wasn't a surprise to us and is just part of becoming a family. She is and has been a trooper through this whole process and is an amazing little girl who has completely taken on her place in our family. Ayla is tremendously funny and quite sarcastic, sometimes getting her in trouble, and it is amazing to see how a little girl born halfway across the world could fit so perfectly into our family. Someone responded to her sarcastic comment the other day with, "Whoa, your a funny girl huh? Where did you learn how to be sarcastic?" Without hesitation she pointed at me and said, "Daddy!" There is no doubt that she is not a Williams girl and has adapted to wholly to Kate's and My personalities. We call back to Ukraine every once and a while to talk with the director and her friends via skype.
She has officially started 4th grade this week and is extremely excited about her new school. She is extremely compassionate and is aware of those who are not as blessed as many and prays that they will be okay, constantly. Ayla has a servants heart and loves to help out in anyway whether it be at the house, at church, at school, or with her baby sister. She has commented several times how thankful she is that she has a big family now, and loves her grandparents, cousins, and friends.
We have been very patient and protective over her personal decision of faith. Ayla for the longest time just wanted to be baptized, I think she just wanted to swim at the church. She is starting to understand more and more about the Christian faith but still understands that she doesn't believe in Jesus fully but hopes to one day. We are walking her through "The Jesus Storybook Bible" and she has truly enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about God. We will ask her questions and she always responds with very pointed answers. We pray constantly for the salvation of both Ayla and Chandler, and that they to will understand that they are adopted into God's family.
All in all this year has flown by and our hearts are overwhelmed by the blessing it has been to be a family. We pray constantly for those who are thinking, processing, or pursuing adoptions and have seen the joy it has brought us and the lives it has changed and wish that upon all those in the trench. If anyone ever says adoption is easy have no idea on the warring it has on your soul. But the joy that comes through it and the Glory that God receives is worth every paper signed, dollar spent, miles traveled, sleepless nights, negative skeptic, hurtful words, condescending comments, malicious attitudes, and the battle for that child's future. One of the reasons I know this to be true is when I hear my daughter sing these words in our living room after church yesterday.
"Oh, my God, He will not delay, My refuge and strength always, I will not fear, His promise is true, My God will come through always, I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord"
A year ago to date she had no idea of many things: who we were, the hope that Christ has for her, the feeling of belonging to a family, a mother and fathers love for her, and what it felt like to have a home. 10 months later, none of those things are questions anymore, Praise God!
For those of you who are in the process, Keep it up! Know that it's not easy but it's worth it!
