Adopted - For now and Forever!

On October 20th, 2008, Cooper was adopted at last! We praise God for His faithfulness in the journey that has brought us together as a family.

My parents and I traveled to Stephenville for the ceremony. Cooper was dressed in his most fancy clothes and looking like a little gentleman! We ended up having to wait for several hours for our turn before the judge, but Cooper passed the time by playing in the drinking fountain, sliding his pacifier down the hand rails and peeking into the offices of the clerks and court officials! When we finally stood before the judge, he remarked how much Cooper has changed since he was first received into foster care. The judge who performed the adoption hearing was the same man who saw Cooper when he was a 7 month old orphan. The tears in his eyes were priceless as he said, "I wouldn't have believed it was the same child if it wasn't for that red hair! His eyes used to be lifeless, but now they dance!" After having to take the stand to testify under oath and finishing the official proceedings, the judge pronounced us a forever family at 11:42am. Forever!

We were so honored that Cooper's 3 old caseworkers, Cecilia, Spencer, and Eloise drove all the way to Stephenville to be there for the adoption. What a special treat! These three people made such a difference in our lives and they worked very hard on behalf of Cooper. They will never know how much we love and appreciate them!

Our family story begins today and we can't wait to see what God has in store for our lives.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11