A Special Birthday

Last night we celebrated our oldest daughter Rachel's birthday. It was a very special evening. Earlier in the week, I had called her previous family who her bio-brothers live with and invited them to the party. We didn't tell her in case they couldn't come, but we knew it was something she deeply desired. She hadn't seen her oldest brother in 2 1/2 years-- so imagine her amazement when they showed up to wish her a happy birthday! The moment was priceless!

And the evening was wonderful.

Rachel has matured so much over the past two and a half years-- and she carries herself with a huge sense of contentment which shines through. John and I were proud beyond words to be the parents of the beautiful birthday girl!

Happy 14th birthday Rachel!

After she blew out the candles we had a minor dilemma--- we couldn't figure out which freezer the ice-cream was hiding in.

After cake and ice-cream, Rachel opened up presents!

Not only did Rachel get many wonderful gifts from friends and family.....

but John and I thought that this birthday was an appropriate age to give Rachel this ring.

It is a purity ring. We wrote her a letter sharing with her our desires for her life, and how much God loves her. We explained how this ring was meant to be worn as a sign of purity and wholesomeness until it was replaced with a wedding ring from her husband. I asked her if she understood its significance and if she wanted to make this vow. She indeed wants to be set apart from the rest of the world and remain pure.

Praise God!