Dearest Jaci B.

The countdown begins in earnest today darling girl! I can't believe it. One month from today is our court date. One month from today I could wake up to the news that I am "officially" your new mom!
There have been moments when this process has felt like it was moving so slow that the realization of my dream would never happen and yet...it now feels so close! While my road has been paved with excitement, preparation and potential, I know the journey for you has been painful, little one. You have lost more in your short life than I can let myself imagine. People often tell me that you are going to be one lucky little girl to be my daughter, but I know that isn't true. You aren't lucky...you are going to lose so much when you have to leave Ethiopia and I promise to try to never lose sight of that.
You go ahead and grieve. I will hold your hand and be there for you as the tears fall. We will walk this path together and I will help you to continue to weave the tapestry of your life that began long ago.
When your scared I will try to understand because I have been frightened too. I don't have all the answers. But our heavenly Father does and He will hold us together as we form a family.
I am so excited to get to know the stunning girl behind the photos that I cherish. (I carry them with me in an album almost everywhere I go!)
I see your bright smile and I can't wait until I can hear you sleeping in the room next to mine. I can't wait to hear you sing, learn what your favorite color is, have you sitting beside me in church, see your face on Christmas morning...the list goes on and on. But you take your time because I make this pledge to you...I promise to be patient with you and to love you unconditionally.