a letter to my precious lyla on the morning that we meet

To my beautiful, brave girl,
As your dad and I have traveled half way around the world, I cannot help but praise God for how He has called you into our family. We have loved you since before you were born and we come to you, just as Jesus comes to each of us.
I have so many emotions this morning. After two long years of praying and working hard to get to this day, today, April 30, 2018, is truly a dream fulfilled. Your dad and I, and countless friends and family who have loved you for so long, have been praying for your heart. As you are about to meet us, you are more than happy where you are. You do not understand the need to join our family, because in your eyes, you are with your family. Your Omma and Appa have cared for you since you were a month old and they are all you have ever known. Your contagious smile that we stare at in pictures is complete proof of the love they have poured into you for almost 2 years. We are so thankful for this love you have experienced, but we know this love and connection is also why you will grieve so hard at it's loss. So we continue to pray that God will give you a peace around us, a feeling of belonging and of being truly loved.
We have pictured what this morning will look like for so long and it is about to become reality. We will be leaving to head to Holt's office in about an hour and we pray this day holds beauty and memories that we can share with you for your whole life. That it is day that is dripping with the goodness of our Lord. The feelings that are wrapped up in the day you will meet your child is overwhelming, but completely covered in God's grace.
Lyla Grace, we know that this morning may be scary for your 21 month old self, but we pray we will quickly become your safe place and your comfort. That this next month that you are not in our custody goes by quickly and that you can come home with us forever, so very soon. We pray that you always know that you are loved, chosen, and pursued not only by your family, but by Jesus Christ. We have always loved you, sweet girl.
See you soon!
Your Mama