Wondrous Love

"It was like being on the shores of heaven".  These were the words of our dear friend Clarinda James in describing Friday's joyful celebration in which a huge gathering of family and friends joined together to welcome home our Joseph and Samuel.  Fighting back tears, my father-in-law shared similar sentiments ... drawing comparisons to what it might look like when the body of believers who have gone before us will welcome us home on that glorious day of our salvation.  It was powerful.  It was poignant.  It was overflowing with emotion.   It was an unforgettable display of God's remarkable love and provision celebrated in rich fellowship.  It is impossible to articulate the beauty of it all.  Glimpses of this glory are captured by Clarinda at The James Journal and our dear friend Laura at Seven from Heaven

Joseph is home.  I smile as I write these words ... finally home ... in the loving arms of his family!  His short time home has been very special ... his brothers and sisters have been so sweet ... acting as if he has always been a member of the Parker family.  Sasha and I cannot contain our smiles as we watch our dear Hudson play so naturally with Joseph.  He talks to him lovingly (and quickly) as if Joseph understands every word of his English (... which he does not).  The beauty of these exchanges ... is that this 'language barrier' seems non-existent.  It is a language of brotherly love - perfectly understood - that is spoken between these sweet siblings.    

We awake this Sunday morning, this Lord's Day, with grateful hearts.  We are abounding in thanksgiving as we experience God's grace and mercy with fresh appreciation.  We will worship with renewed vigor this morning as we reflect and rejoice in God's faithfulness.  For now, we say thank you to all of those that have so lovingly walked alongside us on this journey.  For the prayers, phone calls, emails, dinners, cards ... for all of the loving gestures of fellowship .... we humbly give thanks for the ways God has used his body to bless and encourage our family.  

1 Chronicles 16:8-25, "Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!  Sing to him; sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!  Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!  .... Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgements he uttered ... He is the LORD our God ... Sing to the LORD, all the earth!  Tell of his salvation from day to day.  Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!  For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised ..."

Joyfully anticipating the arrival of Joseph & Samuel ... the blessing of the body of believers!

Brotherly love ... Joseph and Gabe embrace for the first time ... beautiful!

Such a special moment.  Joseph in the arms of his grandmother.  A remarkable woman who embraced God's call to adopt many years ago ...  She has taught us much about God's grace, mercy, and faithfulness.  

Reunited at long last with my dear wife!  Nearly 5 years ago, it was Sasha who began responding to God's call to adopt.     I praise God for her faithfulness!  Words cannot capture my love for her.  She selflessly serves her Savior and our family without wavering each & every day.  Her love of the Lord is a daily encouragement to me and our children.  My beautiful blessing from the Lord!

The Parker Family with Grandma and Grandpa Dennis.  Only missing our sweet Hudson who was sick and couldn't make it to the airport.

Home!  (From Left):  Hudson, Joseph, Cara, Gabe, Mia, Jonah, and Ela