Tuesday, November 1, 2011

We Are A Family!!!

I know that it has been a long time since I have written much. I will explain that later, but right now I have something too important to wait on catching up. As of today, we are officially, legally, and forever a family. We were awarded, in writing, legal guardianship by the Ugandan high courts. It is my greatest joy to introduce our new family to you.

Joanita Naomi Johns (age 9)
Her full name is pronounced jo-anita but she prefers to be called Joani which is pronounced jo-ann-E. Joanita is the name that her first mother gave her, a piece of her history that we would never dream of taking away. Naomi is my mother's name. Johns is the name that will identify her as a member of our family. Joanita is a leader and a caretaker. She is serious and experienced at caring for her siblings. I have no doubt that she will turn into a strong young woman much more quickly than we would prefer.

Sylvia Joy Johns (age 7)
Sylvia is the name that her first mother gave her. Again, we would never dream of changing that. Joy is Josh's mother's name. Again, Johns is her family name. Sylvia is soft and gentle. She is a quiet girl who shows herself a little at a time. Each day we get to know a little more about her.

Sarah Fehr Johns (age 6)
Sarah is the name that her first mother gave her. Again, that is an important piece of her history. Fehr is my middle name which is also my mother's maiden name. We are happy that she will share our last name. Sarah is full of energy. She does everything with great enthusiasm. When she smiles you can't help but laugh with her. 

Ryan David Johns (age 4)
Ryan always was and always will be his first name. David is Josh's middle name. Johns is our family name which he will also pass on to his own family someday. Ryan absolutely loves every things about "motorcars". He is a typical little boy. Being the youngest to three older sisters, he can throw elbows with the best of them to defend his space.

Thank you for sharing in our joy of this day. I will start catching you up on our recent past soon.

10 comments:

  1. PRAISE GOD!!! So happy and thankful for your family!! Praying for healing for Sarah and FAST visas and passports so you can get home and begin your new life.

    Paul and I love you guys so much.

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  2. I can't wait to hear more! Congratulations x 4!

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  3. Congrats! I have been praying for you all for a while. I am friends with Erin and our SS class has been praying for you all for months. I am excited to have been linked to your blog. I look forward to ready about your journey!
    Tara

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  4. CONGRATULATIONS!!! Praise God! What a beautiful family!! They are so precious! I cannot wait to read more stories about your time in Uganda. Your kiddos ages are super close to our kids... if you're ever on our side of the mountains you'll have to come over so we can meet them and let them all play!

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  5. What a joyous day! So happy for you and your big, loving family! God bless <3

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  6. Congratulations!!! I am so very happy for your family. I have never forgotten of your dream of four. I've followed your blog this whole time, waiting to see how the Lord would reveal your children to you. HE is so good! Anita

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  7. Congratulatons! Praying for you and your children as you all adjust to the changes. Glad God has brought you all together.
    Love and Prayers
    Tammy

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  8. Congratulations, Tammy has filled me in from time to time but yesterday sent me your blog as we were praying on Skype for passports for the children. Praise the Lord you can all come home together. May God bless you with strength and wisdom as you all adjust to being a family. May He draw each of you nearer to Him. Blessings, Glen & Irela R.

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  9. Saw these sweet children on the LMI website and prayed for a forever family! How lovely that God chose you all! BLESSINGS!!!

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  10. What a beautiful family! Love the kids and pictures. Looking forward to reading your blog.

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