And just like that….it’s June 16th and our precious miracle-girl, Ruby, is a teenager! I am in awe of all the Lord has done to bring us to this very monumental day. It is a miracle that she is a teenager! Who would have ever guessed?

Left to die in a garden in the hot African sun, but God. His rescue was underway the moment she was left there to die. From the person who found her, to the police transport, to the orphanage, to the mission trip planned, to the schedule set, to the team visit to the orphanage, to the darkened corner – His plan never fails.

If I shut my eyes I can still picture and feel what it was like flying across the world with her fontanel so very puffy! Praying continually while remembering the words of the neurosurgeon at the missionary hospital Emma and I had taken her to five weeks earlier. After finishing her first brain surgery the surgeon came out of the Operating Room and spoke softly to Emma and I, “It’s too dangerous to try to put a shunt in here, I fenestrated through several of the pockets in an attempt to buy her time to get back to the States.” He knew. And I knew. But God.

There is no question, every single moment of Ruby’s life is a true miracle and we cannot ever thank the Lord enough for allowing us the privilege of being her mom and dad and siblings.

I share with anyone who seems willing to listen the first picture I ever saw of her. I will say, “Have you ever seen a real, live miracle? Would you like to meet one?” Anyone who looks at her first picture has to be confronted with the reality that “God does miracles and you’re meeting one right here!! Meet our beautiful Ruby!”

A couple of weeks ago close friends and family gathered with us to celebrate Ruby’s 13th birthday! We even had some very extra special guests of honor!

Most appropriately Emma, who discovered Ruby in the corner of the orphanage in 2011, was here for Ruby’s party! (Ruby was 13 months old and six pounds in the picture on the left.) Then re-enacted 10 years later. Truly Ruby is a joyous proclamation that Our-God-Heals-And-Does-Unbelievable-Miracles! And we will praise the Lord forever that He placed Emma in the right place in His perfect timing to find her.

So grateful Emma and Josh and their treasures had just landed and were with us for four days so they could celebrate with us. They then headed all over the country to hang out with old friends, be in a wedding, speak in multiple places as well as sneak a bit of vacation in too. (Side note: They are speaking in Houston on Sunday night, June 18th. For details, message me.)

The other guests of honor were Ruby’s neurosurgeon, Dr. Shafron and his wife! We were so tickled they came!! Told ya’ he is down to earth! His wife was a delight to meet and spend time talking with. It was such a blessing to be able to honor Dr. Shafron in front of all who attended. We tell everyone how God used him in miraculous ways during the four brain surgeries he has performed on our sweet Ruby-girl. His expertise is unmatched, however, his kindness to and love for Ruby is even better! Rumor on the streets has been that she is his favorite patient. *Big smile.* Being her mama, all I can say is, “Of course she is! ha!”

Dr. Shafron and his Wife & a very tuckered Ruby!

Please wish her a Happy Birthday, I will read them all to her!

PS – Tuesday, June 20th, I plan to post Ruby’s Unbelievable Miracle – with a video to prove it! Stay tuned!