Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Gotcha Day

Today is our Gotcha day!

We love you little girl. Can't wait to all be together!

Monday, March 3, 2014

Vilija Renae Bradford

With word from Court this afternoon, we would like to introduce you to our daughter and the newest member of the Bradford Family.


Vilija Renae Bradford
 






 Here is a little excerpt from my Journal:

"After all this I asked how she came to choose Vilija's name (the social services worker who handled her case when she was born). Upon hearing the translation her face lit up with the most beautiful smile. This I learned, was why she came to court. She has a method I learned when registering orphan children to use a calendar that shows a tradition from pagan times. Instead of celebrating birthdays back then, Lithuanians would celebrate name days. There were several names attached to August 5th but Vilija (pronounced Vi-leah) stood out that day. With a bleak future ......"Vilija" was special. Vilija is a derivitive of the word "Vilte" which means hope. She prayed that this child would have hope someday. A hopeful future.  So when she came to court that day it was to see this hope finally coming true. Hope had come in the form of a family and she just had to see it. She told this story to the judge. I almost wept right there. Goosebumps.....Her name is literally HOPE (Vilija) REBORN (Renae)"

Jesus really is the most beautiful redeemer isn't he? and he makes the best stories out of tragedies. We are humbled and elated to be privileged to be a small piece in his glorious plans.