June 8, 2005…June 8, 2006
On June 8, 2005 Allison from America World Adoption Agency called me. It was around 11 am and I was getting ready to go somewhere and as soon as I heard who it was, I knew she was calling to tell me she may have found Ella Grace. In all the world, the child she was calling me to tell me about might be my daughter, Ella Grace, for whom we had been looking and waiting and praying for almost a year. Minutes later, she sent us pictures of this little girl, in an orphanage on an island that we had never heard of (neither had our agency!) in the South China Sea. Frank saw her first and called me. I said, “what does she look like?” to which he replied, “I think she looks like Ella Grace.”
My Daddy ‘s eyes welled up with tears as he looked at her picture later that night at his kitchen table. I explained that, even though it appeared that she was “the ONE,” I was having trouble being sure because I was so prepared in my heart for a younger baby and that I needed to really take some time and pray it through. Daddy said, “are you kidding me? Look at those red shoes! GO GET HER!!”
And, you know what? It WAS Ella Grace! The next day, we called the agency and accepted her referral. Now that scared little girl, who was standing on the staircase in an unairconditioned Social Welfare Institution in a third world country has a mommy and a daddy and two sisters and a whole big family. She has a church where she loves to play with her friends. She has a bed with HER animal friends to snuggle with. She has more clothes than she will ever wear-all for her!
She has a last name.
God, in His infinite wisdom and divine providence, found her and brought her home. May His name be praised!
“Behold, what manner of love the Father has given unto us, that we may be called the children of God!”ÂÂ
- Posted in: About Our Family ♦ Ella Grace Pass ♦ Ella Grace's Adoption ♦ News ♦ Pictures
Cool.
I can’t believe it’s been a year! I remember talking on the phone with you that night while staring at her picture on my computer screen! She’s so beautiful!!
Wow. What an AMAZING year it has been for you. She truly was your Ella Grace. Looking at her now throgh pictures, I can see how she has changed. She isn’t scared to smile anymore!!! You can tell she feels confident, secure, and LOVED!!!!! GOD IS SO AMAZING!!!
I cannot believe the transformation and yet how can we expect any less from our Father. I starting reading the post to Sarah Austin and before I finished the first sentence she said, “Who is that?” I said that’s Ella Grace before she came home. By the end I was bawling of course. How wonderful God is to bless us so beyond anything we can deserve. Although I think she is the exception. I know He has such grand plans for her. I pray all of our children follow His path. Congratulations on an incredible year! We love you! Jodie, T.J., Sarah Austin and Emma Cate
WOW! What a difference in this precious child and in ALL OF US who have been touched by her zest for life!
happy anniversary =) you guys are all blessed to have found each other…yay God!
oh Robin- your story has brought me to tears! How wonderful! I am so glad I checked in on your site. I haven’t gotten to do it in a while so I was thrilled to see your trip to Disneyworld and this beautiful post about Ella Grace. Thanks for sharing!
Precious Robin,
I always knew that God had a special plan for you. You have grown into such a beautiful young woman . You were a mother even as a young girl as you tried to connect your brothers and sisters. God has truly blessed you as he used you to reach out to your siblings.
Now you have stepped out in faith as you brought Ella Grace into your family. She does not even look like the same child. The child who showed no emotion has been replaced by a child who has a LOVE FOR LIFE and all it has to offer.
Please update us on her medical condition and the success of her surgery. I love to see the pics and would love to see you.
Love,
Susie
I am very very happy for your family and for Ella Grace.
Thank you for sharing your family with us. May GOD bless all of you for your compassion and strength. One year, WOW!
Robin – that is an absolutely AWESOME message! Was thinking about doing something similar on “forever family day” but I’m not sure I can write that out as well as you! Very passionate and lovingly written.
We’ll be passing thru Montgomery on Friday, June 30th around lunch time after having spent the night in Greenville, SC – will ya’ll be around?
Can’t wait to see ya’ll either on the way down or back up!
Katie