One Year

One year ago today, we arrived at an orphanage in Iquitos, Peru. One year ago today, we waited nervously to meet our daughter face to face. The little girl whom we'd known only through photographs for nearly a year, and whom we'd been praying and waiting for for two long years.

I'll never forget the feeling in my stomach, when I peeked over the top of a little cinder block wall, and saw this...


I immediately began weeping uncontrollably. This was my daughter, coming to meet her new family.



I cannot deny that there was a very strange tornado of emotions going on inside of me. I wondered what Camila thought of us. I knew she was so confused. But the joy of holding her finally, was indescribable.






There have been a lot of firsts for Camila over the last year. A first car ride. A first bath in a bathtub. The first time to sleep in an air conditioned building. The first time to have her own toys, clothes....room.



First time swimming



First time to have pets



First time to have grandparents and great-grandparents to play with!



First time to be celebrated!






First time to experience a Louisiana crawfish boil!



First time to celebrate the 4th of July!



First time to see fireworks!



First braids!



First Christmas parade



First time decorating a Christmas tree



First time to the beach

What a year we've had!























































































From an orphan...



To our beloved daughter...






And sister...



Through a year of some struggles and loss, and a year of many victories and gains...we see clearly what a great miracle our Camila is. We are so excited to see God's plan unfold in her life. The progress has been so astounding in one year, what will another year hold?

You're our darling Camila cakes. You're our Peruvian princess. You are a miracle. You are our precious daughter. We cannot imagine life without you. You are a treasure to us!


We love you Camila!