Thursday, October 9, 2008

Malia's Journey Home

It was so emotional to be at the airport today with our friends, the Jeffers, as they welcomed their sweet and beautiful daughter, Malia, home from Korea. This has been quite the journey for the Jeffers as they started the adoption process 18 months ago in Vietnam and then Vietnam started closing to US adoptions. And then the miracle happened when Kris stumbled across a website with Malia's profile. They switched gears and applied for her and were the chosen family. Seeing the Jeffers go through this journey with such faith and hope and love for their Korean princess has been an awe inspiring and faith promoting experience for me. And I have seen how Heavenly Father guided them to Malia, who He always knew was their daughter. Welcome home, sweet Malia. You are one VERY LOVED little girl!!!

Waiting for the Korean escort to arrive with Malia.

Mom, Dad, and brother see Malia for the first time. So emotional!!! (The Korean escort's head was blocking Malia's face).

Kris got a hold of her baby girl and I'm betting hasn't let her go ever since!

The cutest, most adorable family. Don't they look cute in their matching shirts? I made them... :)

Already smiling and enjoying her family. She knows she is home!

The whole gang there to welcome Malia home. We were all wearing TEAM MALIA shirts.

Ez hoping to be Malia's new boyfriend. Hey, he digs the older chicks. (Malia is 2 days older than Ez and she arrived home just 3 days shy of her first birthday). AND...is Bella sticking her tongue out at me or Ez? Busted!

Bella knew how special today was. We've been talking about Malia for quite some time now and tonight when she prayed at dinner she told Heavenly Father thank you that Malia is home. SO SWEET, even if she is a tongue-sticker-outer!

Congratulations Rich, Kris, Kaden, Madison, and Malia! You are a beautiful family. Thank you for letting me be a small party of your journey!

8 comments:

Moose and Family said...

I LOVE happy endings!!!

Leslie said...

This totally made me cry. What an amazing experience. And Malia is gorgeous!!

Lisa said...

WOW!! Malia is one lucky kid to have all that support and love. She is adorable and I am so happy for them. Love the shirts!!! Can you picture her someday looking back at those pictures and seeing all the love? Priceless.

Wade & Kati Allen said...

That is amazing! This is the kind of story that pulls at the heartstrings. It is truly a miracle!

LuAnn said...

Another post to make me cry.

KrisJ said...

TY so so much! You have been a huge help throughout these last 18 months with papers and just talking! Your post made me cry I need to stop crying! Shes amazing and getting to share that moment with close friends was amazing! Thank you for everything! And hello the shirts were freaking awesome! We sure stood out in the crowd!

Steve and Kelli Fam said...

This just made me cry!!! Such a sweet story.

The Mohrs said...

Ahhh made me cry. You can just feel the love...