One Year Ago Today

This was actually day two when he ran and jumped into my arms the minute we pulled into the orphanage gates!

Oh my goodness. . .what a year it has been! One year ago my life (and the lives of each person in Braner Party of 7) was changed forever! Today is the day that Hays and I met Tiki. . .the day that Tiki met his mother and his brother. What a day! (Click here for that blog post.)

This is the very first day we met Tiki. . .words cannot even describe the moment!

I had no idea what to expect that day and no idea what to expect for the next 365 days. Tiki is a joy. He truly is. He is the happiest and most joyful person I know. He exploded into our family and it has been a whirlwind ever since. He called me momma from the first second I met him and he kissed me right on the lips on that very first day. He was my son in my heart the minute I saw his picture. He was my son legally the minute the court approved it. And he was my son physically the second he jumped into my lap. Tiki is my son and I love him dearly.

Thank You, God, for bringing Tiki Rukarara Braner into our lives and into our home. Thank You for Your big plan that doesn't look like mine, but that is so much better than mine ever could be. Thank You for Tiki. Thank You for his joy and his big smile. Thank You that he loves so deeply.

What a year it has been! I love you, Tiki. . .my son!

Comments

Gretchen said…

We are so thankful you share him with us! We sure love Tiki!!!

November 7, 2010 at 9:10 AM

Rachel Sparks said…

Thank you my friend for being obedient to what the Lord calls you to. You inspire us all!

November 9, 2010 at 3:04 PM

Liz said…

This post is so exciting and inspiring to me. We are getting closer to sending our dossier to Ethiopia, and the fears of the unknown are definately a reality. I need to keep clinging to the fact that HE knows what the future looks like for our family, and I don't have to. Thanks for sharing!

November 10, 2010 at 10:54 PM

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