Today was a day that will be etched in my memory forever. This morning we woke up early to travel 3 hours south of the capital to a town called Hosana. Hosana is the location of the orphanage where Joseph was first brought to and where our agency arranged a meeting with Joseph’s birth mother. The drive there was absolutely breathtaking – the scenery was amazing.
We learned that Joseph’s birthmother was from an area south of Hosana, and in order to get to Hosana to meet us she had to walk 3 hours just to get to the road and then take another 1 hour bus ride. Wow! Needless to say, I was very nervous about this much anticipated meeting. I knew that I wanted to reassure her that we would love Joseph with all of our hearts, but I also wanted to get as much information as possible about her and her family to be able to share with him when he is older.
She walked into the room at the orphanage and I was immediately in awe of her beauty. It was amazing how much she and Joseph look alike! We immediately embraced with a long and emotional hug. I then showed her pictures of Jack and I as well as our parents and nieces. She really liked seeing the family. Next I gave her a book of pictures of Joseph that I had put together for her to keep. She opened up to the first page and immediately kissed his picture with tears rolling down her face. It was so obvious how much she loves him. I was able to ask her questions about where he was born, his family, the meaning behind his name, as well as what she wanted Joseph to remember about her. It will be so special to be able to share these memories with Joseph one day.
After asking her questions, she had a few things to ask me and then I read a touching letter that Jack had written her since he couldn’t be there. Last, she told me how important it was for Joseph to be raised in a Christian home. We both cried together as I promised her that Joseph would be raised in a family who loves the Lord. I told her that if we and Joseph weren’t able to see her again on this Earth, that we would certainly be reunited again in heaven. Before leaving I prayed for her and her family and then we embraced again before saying goodbye.
Thank you so, so much for sharing this with us. God bless her for making such a hard decision and for choosing this path for Joseph.-
ReplyDeleteWow Dana. Wow!! That must have been the hardest and most amazing experiences ever. So incredible. Thanks for sharing! You are certainly blessed to have been able to meet her and learn all of the background info on little Joe!
ReplyDeleteThe one day I put on mascara and eye liner at work - I am balling like a baby. I am so glad that you were able to make this trip.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome story. How touching meeting with the birth Mom and sharing stories of the past and what the future will bring. Joseph is such a lucky little boy with what his future holds. And I am sure his Mother is so glad to know that he is going to have a truely wonderful family life ahead.God Bless you all, have a safe trip home, And please Lord be with Baby Joseph's Mom.
ReplyDeleteDana, I love that the meeting went so well! What a touching experience. It's more apparent that ever that God had little Joseph in the palm of His hand from the very beginning. What a beautiful testament to what a strong birth mother Joseph has...and how amazing that Joseph has you as his mom and Jack as his dad. God is good!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy that you were able to meet her. What treasures you will have from this day for Joseph when he's older!
ReplyDeleteWow.... I have the chills. What an amazing story and experience you had. Thank you for sharing. We can not wait to meet Baby Joseph.
ReplyDeleteSafe Travels home Dana, Grandma and Joesph!
Wow! As you now know, that is only possible through the love of a mother. The best part of being a parent is that it gives us a glimpse into the love the Lord has for us. Your story made me cry. It's so beautiful. What a lucky family!
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