A Night of Hope

Generations Adoptions, our adoption agency, held its annual fundraiser called the "Hope Gala" this past Tuesday night. We were invited to give our testimony of how Generations blessed us, as well as Julia...what an honor! Because I'm not a public speaker, Shelby did the talking while I stood by for support. I felt pretty silly, really, just standing up there not saying anything while almost 500 people were watching & listening. Before he spoke, Julia gave her testimony...so poised, so mature, so articulate! I have to keep reminding myself that this precious soul is only 20 years old. She's married now & pregnant with a son who is due to make his appearance in about 4 weeks! Shelby's parents traveled with us & attended the Gala. They had never met Julia, and I KNOW they really enjoyed meeting this beautiful young lady who not only gave Georgia Claire life, but gave US a life with HER. We remain in awe of her selflessness and her courageousness. It was a wonderful night, although a 2+ hour event with two little girls two and under is not the most relaxing!

We didn't make it last year because Ivy Jane was only 3 months old and we didn't want to tackle that drive just yet! Here is a picture of Julia & Georgia at the first Hope Gala we attended in 2009. I cannot believe how our baby girl has changed in just 2 short years!

And here they are in 2011...

This is adorable of Georgia, Stacy & Julia...
Georgia warmed up to Jerry, Julia's dad & her biological grandfather, towards the end of the night. We had not seen Jerry since the day Georgia was born. He was asking Georgia all kinds of questions & all she could say was, "Yes".
This is a great picture, too! Georgia was stroking Julia's hair and face right before I took this picture!
And our family...
Hope is a terrific thing. When we first found out about Generations Adoptions in January of 2009, we had the first glimmer of hope that we were going to be able to start a family. And now, not even 3 years later we have two baby girls who we love more and more each day. Thank you Lord for the hope you gave us, and you continue to give other families through the wonderful work of Generations Adoptions!