For those that have been along for the ride since before the earthquake, we wanted to let you know that Annie is doing great in Minnesota. (See photo evidence.)
We feel so lucky to have her in our lives still. For those that don't know, Annie is Isaac's little sister that lived with us for two years (while the adoption was in process) in Haiti. She was adopted by Tara's little sister and one of Troy's best friends who happens to be married to Tara's little sister.
Confused? Yes. Us too.
It means that Isaac's sister by birth is his cousin by adoption. It means that a friend Troy grew up with is the adoptive Dad of a child related to our adopted son. Weird and Awesome.
We all miss her but truthfully I think Isaac misses her the most. He has a deep love and connection to Annie. Tonight when we were talking about her he said, "I think I know why our first Mom let Annie go." I said, "Why buddy?" "I think she wanted me not to feel alone without my ancestors in my new family."
First of all, I had no idea he knew the word ancestors. Show off! Second, we know from talking with her at length what her reasons were ... that wasn't one she chose to list verbally - but it is certainly a comforting thing for Isaac and we're glad it helps him feel loved and connected.
Annie will celebrate her third birthday this month. We're so glad her new brothers and Mommy and Daddy won't miss any more birthdays ever again.
Happy Birthday month sweet Annie girl!

11 comments:
What a blessing that Isaac and Annie still have each other in their family. And what a wonderful big brother/cousin he is. We just don't always know what they're thinking about their first families, so it's great that he could express those feelings to you. They are both gorgeous children, as are all of your kids.
Thinking of you, as we continue to hear of all the terrible hardships in Haiti. It's hard to imagine God allowing so many catastrophes in one small country, but He msut have His own reasons we can't yet see. I can understand how fears would crop up, as you plan your return. Praying for God's wisdom for you and Troy.
A man in our church got involved with Haiti after the quake, flying his private plane with some other pilots to deliver and retrieve supplies and people. He got then involved with an orphanage and has since taken a team from our church to help build dorms from shipping containers. One of the men who went is also our local football coach, friend, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes sponsor in our high school. He and his family stepped out in faith to help support one of the girls, also asking FCA students if they would also like to donate. Our freshman and sophomore, once legally declared orphans themselves, each gave some of the summer wages toward supporting this little girl. Kind of amazing to see what has "come around" in their own lives.
Nancy in the Midwest
SO SO SO happy to see this update and photo! I've been thinking about sweet Annie a ton lately and it made my day to see her photo!! :)
I am so glad she is doing well adjusting. I bet you guys do miss her! Will you get to see her more before you go back to Haiti? Really sweet that she and Isaac have each other like Phoebe and Hope.Thanks for sharing.
I have a couple thoughts:
1) I often forget how egocentric kids can be. I don't mean this in a bad way at all. Most of my experience is with little little kids (2 and under) so I forget that older kids (3-12) still perceive the world differently than adults. It's kind of cute that he didn't think about his sister/cousin or his first mom but instead thought of himself in the situation. It's only natural. I mean, it's still hard for adults even to see the big picture and think of others.
2) I'm so so so glad that out of his egocentricity came a good view of his first mom. It paints her to be a lovely woman who cares about him enough to part with her daughter to make him happy. While I have no doubt that she does indeed care for him on some level, I'm glad that he doesn't yet fully realize the whole truth...or at least have his mind wrapped around it fully. I'm sure it will come with time and maturity. One day he'll be more emotionally an mentally able to wrestle through things.
3) It is so wonderful that they are indeed still in each other's lives. It sounds like it is the best case scenario for both of them, especially since they already bonded during the adoption process.
I had just been thinking about Annie this last week as I read your blog, and was going to log on and ask, and here there is already an update waiting! You read my mind!
So glad to see she is doing well. Have you been able to visit her?
Isaac is such a great kid. Every time you post about him it makes me smile!
such a cutie - great to see her again :)
Awww. That's sweet.
Amy(TN)
I started reading your blog because of Annie!! I had almost forgotten about that until I saw this update which made me smile :) I was in Haiti almost three years ago volunteering at Heartline when my friend Jessica was taking care of tiny one month old baby Annie. I remember being given the link to your blog because you were the people who were caring for Annie until her adoption. Now I love reading stories about all your kids and though we have never met I pray for your family often!
thank you for posting this...I have been wondering about Annie. Isaac's comment is one of the most precious things I have ever heard...what an insightful little buddy he is. So glad that Annie is doing well =]
Thank you for posting this. I've been wondering about her and so happy to know she is good, healthy and happy.
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