Walking In The Truth: "Love my fam!"

We started this kind of corny tradition when our older kids were in grade school. It began on a ski trip to Breckenridge. As we rode the chairlifts, Todd would shout, "Love my family!" to the two or three surrounding chairs containing all of us Lindquist skiers. It then became a contest to see who could repeat the phrase the fastest. So, from other chairs on the lift people could hear the "Love my family" echo in response. Now, whenever there is competition involved, Lindquists will find a way to be first. So over the years the game has been reduced. Now someone will shout "Fam!" and everyone who hears it will echo it loudly. It's a little harder to understand for anyone who may overhear this chatter, but we know what we mean. The other day I just couldn't help but smile right down to my toes when I heard Elsa yell "Fam!" in the car on the way to church. Of course, we all responded loudly and in unison, "FAM!" For that is what we are!

One year ago today, the seven of us became a family. It was a shaky start, as most international, toddler adoptions can be. There were tears, sleepless nights, sad looks, and lots of silent gesturing in order to make ourselves known over the language barrier. By God's grace, the sad little girl in the picture above has blossomed into this:

We are so grateful that we serve a God who is sovereign over all things and working in our lives that which brings us closer to Him and brings Him glory. "For I am God and there is no other; I am God and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'"(Isaiah 46:9b-10)

He has done great things! We are amazed at how far Elsa has come in one year. She is a joyful, fun-loving, chattering 3 year old who captures everyone's hearts. Her English is coming along well and despite a few puzzled looks from those she is trying to communicate with, she presses on. She has ventured off on her own to Sunday School, Wednesday morning Bible study, and Wednesday night connection classes. Many days she asks if today is the day for "Elsa's class." While learning the memory verse can be difficult since she doesn't speak in complete sentences yet, I am amazed at all that she is learning. She informed me the other day that Jesus cares for her and her bedtime routine now includes singing "Holy, Holy, Holy" and "This Little Light of Mine."

As a family, we cannot imagine life without Elsa Mei Yue! We praise God for this gift to us. He has shown us more of Himself and His heart through this process. We continue to learn from Him more about the amazing grace He bestows on His children when He calls them to Himself and adopts them for His own. We have His name. "But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:12-13) Hallelujah!

Last Christmas we celebrated the birth of our Savior in China with a new little girl in tow. This year Elsa will celebrate her first Christmas at home and we will bring to a close her year of firsts. That's not to say there won't be more new discoveries and adventures for our spunky little peanut! Of course there will! I'll end with a few pictures from our fall. Thanks for reading and praising God with us.