Thursday, December 23, 2010

I would like to announce

our newest blessing...Alice Faith Frye.


Conceived in our hearts in August and officially adopted into our family December 23, 2010 at 3:15 pm local time.

We had court this afternoon.  Our driver was late.  I tried not to panic.  We got to the courthouse and had to wait.  Guess we weren't late after all.  Our facilitator, M, walked us through the court process.  She said a bunch of stuff, but I was too nervous to hear her actual words.  She told me not to cross my legs while in the courtroom.  I do remember that.  She also told us that they made a special appearance for us.  The court is not hearing any new cases until after Jan 10th, but that they were here special just for us!

When we got into the court room we sat down until the judge arrived, then we stood for her entrance.  There was a lot of legal stuff, state your name, your address, etc.  All being translated by M.  Then Erin had to stand and answer a bunch of questions.  How will you care for a sick child?  Will you view her as you do your biological children?  What do they think of what you are doing?  Then she asked me how would I care for this child with all my other children?  She seemed very concerned about me taking on another child when I "have so many already."  I told her that I love my children and when Alice is adopted she will be just like my bio children. There will be no difference.  My daughters are a big help to me and we have family living close by.  (I personally am grateful for any help we get, but I am Alice's mother and I will take care of her.)  We told the judge about my parents and that they are foster parents for 6 special needs kids and that Erin's sister had a son with special needs.  That helped too.

She looked through our family album.  The orphanage doctor stood up and said that we knew Alice's medical condition.  She said that it appeared that Alice was growing closer to us.  A social worker stood and said that from our reaction at our first meeting with Alice she could tell there was an emotional bond with her.  They all said they agreed with us that we should adopt her.

The judge said that Alice needed a new birth certificate with the name, Alice Faith Frye.  Then we all stood and the judge left.  I looked at M.  She said, "Congratulations, you are parents for the 6th time."  I just stood there.  That was it?  Where was the balloons and ticker tape?  Where was the shouting?  It was plain and simple.

She is ours.

Erin hugged M.  I hugged M.  I told the doctor and social worker, "Thank you" over and over.  M translated it each time.  Then we gathered our coats and headed out.  I was shaking and had tears such that I couldn't see.

We went from there to buy diapers! Then to the orphanage to see the newest small Frye.  She, of course, had no idea that her world had just changed.

I told her that an amazing thing had just happened.  Her old self had passed away.  Valeria was no more.  She was no longer an orphan with no family.  She was Alice Faith Frye.  With 2 parents, 3 sisters, 2 brothers, 2 grandmothers, 2 grandfathers, 6 uncles, 7 aunts, 15 cousins all waiting to love on her.  I'm not counting church family here, too many arms waiting to hold her to count them.


She is very, very much wanted.

20 comments:

  1. Oh, praise the Lord! We're so happy and excited!
    God is so good :)

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  2. Erin and Emily..
    Our hearts are overflowing with JOY for you! God truly did an amazing thing...as we all know how precarious this journey was during different phases of it. We rejoice with you, truly! Tears of joy....
    Cathy for the Lemay Family <3

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  3. REJOICING! Truly overwhelmed at the goodness of our Lord. Thank you, Father, for Alice Faith.

    Chrys

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  4. Congratulations to your family!! Alice is a beautiful name for a beautiful little princess!!

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  5. Congratulations! God bless you and the new addition! I am so proud to know you. You are imitating Jesus Christ.
    Love,
    Chris Duffy, midwife

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  6. AWESOME!! I have been praying and praying that this would go through okay in court, and my prayers have been answered! Congratulations, Frys!!!!

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  7. I am in Jana's bible study and would like you guys to know that our group has been praying for your family for a long time now. Very thankful for God's beautiful miracles! Thank you for your heart!

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  8. Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement. It has been a great privilege to see the hand of God working through so many of His people.

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  9. FANTASTIC NEWS! Praise God! The Robisons are THRILLED for your entire family!

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  10. Praising the Lord for all that He's done. Merry Christmas .... God's given your family another wonderful gift! ~ Grace

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  11. The Beaches are rejoicing with you! "Small Frye"...I love it! Can't wait to meet her.

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  12. Emily, was the 10 day waiting period waived? When will you get to come home?

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  13. So very very very happy for you guys!!! Welcome to the family Alice Faith!!! What a great family it is :) --Billie Lynn

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  14. Praise God! We are so happy for you and for Alice! We know it will difficult to leave your daughter for the waiting period but that is wonderful that you can celebrate with your children at home...and recharge for the trip to bring her home where she belongs. Blessings, the Adamsons

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  15. Praise the LORD! We are praising God with you. Soli Deo Gloria!

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  16. Congratulations and merry CHRISTMAS!!

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  17. Yay! Congratulations and praise the Lord!!! :)

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  18. Hi, fellow RR Mom here. Just trying to swing by and tell all the in country families Merry Christmas! What a gift you have gotten!! She is so cute, and I love the hat you made her!
    -Cara

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