Nine months.

Nine months, to the day. Nine months ago we took a chunky little three-and-a-half-year-old boy overnight and he has been with us every day and every night since. And today, he became a permanent part of our family.

Praise the Lord, He has given a needy child a home! Praise the Lord, He has equipped these otherwise-incapable people with the strength and wisdom to do the job!

The analogy isn’t seamless, but the significance of this timing isn’t lost on me. For nine months, we have carefully gotten to know each other. Like a baby in my womb, this little one has grown and stretched me and I have felt his kicks. He knows my voice and without him speaking, I know his personality. I have wondered who he will grow to be, and he has slowly awakened to the world outside of himself.

And today, we have another son and he has our last name. On Josh’s birthday nonetheless, what a gift! And what a gift that Kash has a dad who will always remain in his life, who will continue to play with him and teach him and protect him. He has a dad who will continue to point him to his Heavenly Father, the One who can heal his wounds and give him purpose. The Lord has taken Kash out of a life of brokenness, away from dangers and hopelessness. How humbling it is to see that He has placed him into our family.

Today, Kash has two brothers who love him for better or for worse. They have nine months behind them of getting to know each other, learning from each other, understanding new aspects of this life we live together. When asked if all the boys get along, I answered that they act like brothers - truly, they have melded together and while it’s been rocky at times, none of us could imagine Kash being anywhere else but here with us.

Today, Kash has a mom who will stay steady for him. Since we took him in, I have cared for and loved him - though it has seemed like caring for someone else’s child. Today, I can call him mine. I have prayed for God to make this shift for me mentally, and He has done so in the last couple days. He is gracious!

Kash, my sweet boy - you are a gift. God plucked you out of harm’s way and has shielded you from experiencing more of the world’s brokenness. And as you know, our family is broken too; we will fail you at times and you will see our flaws. We are human and faulty. But by the grace of God, you will know stability, joy, and peace. You will see forgiveness, in the big things and the little. You will hear of God’s goodness, as you have many times already, and you will see how He can heal the deepest parts of each of us.

Your previous caregivers and your tummy momma are never far from my thoughts. I don’t know the roads they’ve walked, I don’t know the struggles they’ve had. I hurt for them and I pray for them often. Have they ever known stability, or the comfort or peace of God? Have they ever been nurtured or protected? Only Jesus can heal them from their addictions, only He can give them hope. May He do just that for each of them.

You are home now. Settle in, little one. Your things have their places, your schedule will remain consistent. And while I know you are getting comfortable, and healing has begun, I know the ache isn’t gone. When the memories are too painful and the loss to great, we will still be here to hold you. When you are able to speak, I pray that you will trust your dad and me to tell us the stories your life has held. We will be here to share in your giggles and rejoice as you learn new things. We will be here to encourage you and support you.

You are loved, sweet boy. God has started this good work, and He will see it to completion. Let’s praise Him together.