Happy Birthday, Anahi: Part Three

Anahi continues to grow and mature into an incredible girl. She is learning to read and write. She actually knows all her letters and reads easy words. She has also been taking violin classes for the past few months. She loves to jump with the music; at church she claps and follows along with the singing with great rhythm. Anahi also makes friends very quickly.

I often find myself staring at her and wondering what God has in mind for my girl. Why has God chosen me, this family, this home, to be her community of love and support? At night when I put her to bed, I thank God for his love and mercy and for bringing Anahi first into my life, and now into Nancy's life.

Anahi is finding her way in our new family. Although she struggles with the normal sibling rivalry, as time passes her connection with Nicole and Mark and Nancy is growing stronger. God is the only one that can truly bond our lives together.

This morning I looked at some pictures and realized how much Anahi has grown. As I am writing this, I have postponed for the third time some of my personal studies and activities because Nicole and Anahi asked me to play with them after dinner this evening. I realize how important it is to bless my kids now with the gift of time and lots of family moments, and to teach them the importance of living close to God. Quality time with my three kids now is one of the greatest gifts I can give to them.

I've been a bit down on myself over the past few weeks, even though I am surrounded by a loving family, a loving God, a church, and many friends around the world. I've wondered, "What does the future hold for us as a new family? Which area of ministry should I be focusing on more? What are some of the priorities I should be pursuing this coming year?" You know those moments. But this weekend I was challenged by the pastor at our congregation to believe that God is walking alongside me. I don’t have to have all the answers; I don’t have to fear the future. He is with me, and I know I will make it.

And everything seemed okay again this morning when Anahi got up and said, "Daddy, I love you. You are the best." I was blessed and ministered to by my little girl. Happy 5th birthday, Anahi.

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