happy happy adoption day

Yesterday we had the joy of traveling down to be in the courtroom to witness the final adoption hearing of my two new nieces and nephew. Miriam, Jessica and Jack became a permanent part of the Griffin family. We hit the road at 6 a.m. and by nine a.m. we had three brand new cousins!

One last stack of papers to be signed… we waited three years, we can wait thirty more minutes!

What an incredible experience! I totally cried through the whole thing! We weren't allow to bring our bags into the building, so I had no tissues and just blubbered into my scarf as I tried to take pictures! I know I wasn't the only one, though!

The judge said he'd never had his courtroom this full for an adoption before. There were people standing all over the place to fit in the room!

As believers, we were aware of how hard Satan had fought to keep these precious ones in his clutches. You would not believe it if I told you everything this family has been through in the last three years. And we saw God move time and time again, watched His praise be faithfully proclaimed over unimaginable past hurts and the ongoing consequences of sin and selfishness.

So many great shots… what a joy to watch the outpouring of love (and gifts!) on this amazing family. They have the biggest hearts I've ever known. I'm so proud to be JP's sister and Tancy's SIL. They truly are Christ's hands and feet to the people of their city.

(photo credit Lori Countryman)

(photo credit: Jay Gibson)

Saluting these three heroes… their caseworkers. Thank you all so much for caring. Social workers are angels in disguise! And this last one says it all… these kids taught us all that our hearts could expand further than we ever dreamed.

(photo credit Nicole Harms Photography)