Dear Jubilee Promise

Dear Jubilee Promise, 
Two years ago, Christmas Eve, Emma  you and I arrived home from Ch*na. {And two days later – December 26th you turned eight years old!}
Waiting was your big ol’ daddy, who kept weeping that you/we were finally{!} here.
Two years ago you, sweet girl you looked like this.

Sad.

Alone.

Empty eyes.

Bone thin.

32 pounds and 8 years old.

We had no idea it would take almost two years to bring you home.  We worked soooo hard to get you home as fast as we could, but our home burning down had cost us so much time: re-filing, and re-filing again! ugh

And the while you waited.  
Finally, Emmy and I were able to go.  We couldn’t get there fast enough.  You walked into the room at the orphanage and you were beaming.  You kept looking at me and saying, “Mama!  Mama!”
Someone had told you we were coming!
This past year brought some remarkable changes for you!  
Finding out you are severely hearing impaired – whooooa!
No one had known.
No one had even suspected in all your eight years!
How was that even possible? 
Then we found in June that you have a very, very, 
very rare chromosomal uniqueness.
And we couldn’t be happier that you are you.  
We wouldn’t change one thing about you.
You smile and laugh all day long.
Life is a party for you.
And we get to be at the party every.single.day with you.
Your name {Jubilee} was picked by the Lord and whispered to mommy’s heart probably about the time you were being born.
And for eight years mommy waited for the Lord to fulfill His promise.  {Hence, your name: Promise.}
And that Jubilee part?
Fits you girly-girl to a tee.
You are jubilant about life.
And the people you meet?
They all love you.
How could they not?
{If someone ever didn’t like you? Clearly it would be their problem!}
***
Jubilee Promise –
You are our girl.
Through and through.
The only regret girly-girl is that we couldn’t get you home sooner.
The deep grief in our hearts is that you had to live eight stinkin’ 
years without us. 
As I looked into your eyes sweet baby girl these last two years I have wondered what exactly you had to endure and what was locked away in your memory.  
I am so thankful that you have begun to talk about Ch*na with me.  I am thankful that you have begun to share your story.  
Little bits.  
Painful pieces.  
Grievous moments.  
I am so sorry girly-girl.  
You didn’t deserve any of it.  
{Nobody does. Not.Ever.}
Oh sweet Jubilee, we are so thankful that you are home. 
Forever protected from yuky stuff.
Forever safe.
Forever loved. 

Thankful girly-girl for the joy and jubilation 
you bring to our family.
Thankful that your unending smile is seen 
around our home all day long.
Thankful for your tender spirit.
Thankful for your helpful heart.
Thankful that you are ours.
Forever.
Happy 10th Birthday Jubilee Promise!
You are our precious treasure and we cannot ever thank the Lord enough for allowing us the privilege of being your family.
We love you to the moon, to Ch*na, to Africa and back!!
Mommy & Daddy and Abigail, Ryan, Finley, Tyler, Sarah, Baby, Autumn, Karl, Emma, Josh, Graham, Savannah, Liberty, Isaiah, Elizabeth, Elijah and Ruby Grace
xo

42 thoughts on “Dear Jubilee Promise

  1. Can it really be 2 years already? It seems like almost yesterday that I was jumping up and down in my chair with excitement as I read that she was on her way home!
    Happy birthday to a beautiful young lady with such an incredible smile that even through a photo she brings joy to my heart!

  2. Such a precious girl with a precious story! By far, I am drawn to her the most in all of your pictures – that smile is so contagious!!! Happy Birthday from Texas Jubilee!

  3. Happy, Happy, Happy birthday, Jubilee Promise!
    We are SO happy to have the privilege of watching you grow. (even if it is only in bloggy land!)
    We love your family, and are SO glad they have you FOREVER!
    Blessings to you, sweet girl, now and always!
    Love,
    Alycia and family

  4. My nine year old son always asks how Jubilee is doing every time I am reading your blog and he happens to notice. He thinks she is absolutely adorable. When he wakes in the morning I'm gonna have to let him see this post. 🙂

    Happy Birthday Jubilee! I hope it was the best one yet!

  5. Happy 10th Birthday Jubilee!!!!!! TEN!!!! Time flies..

    And btw, tell Isaiah if I were anywhere near him I'd be squeezing him until he popped!!!! Watched the video you posted of him and Ruby. What a sweet brother!! Holding her hand so gently and all those kisses!!!! Isaiah you just melted my heart!

    Ruby looks amazing!!!! And tell her we're still praying!!!

    Love and hugs to you my dear Linny and your whole family this Christmas season!

  6. Dear Jubilee, Happy Birthday! We were so happy to meet you! Everything your mom says is so true about you…you are all sweetness and happiness! We hope to see you again soon. love, Rhonda, Anna, Emily, and Delaney

  7. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEAUTIFUL LITTLE ONE!!! MAY THE GLORY OF GODS JOY FOREVER SHINE IN YOUR EYES!!! WHAT A JOY IT IS TO HAVE WATCHed YOU JOIN YOUR FAMILY AND BLOSSOM BEFORE OUR VERY EYES!

  8. Happy, Happy, Happy, Happy, Happy, Happy, Happy, Happy, Happy, Happy 10th BIRTHDAY Jubilee!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Praying you will have a wonderful day!!

    I love seeing the word baby too!!!!

  9. Happy Birthday, Jubilee! I know that I have posted this before but I love when you smile – it is one of the ost beautiful and genuine smiles I have ever seen. Thank you for allowing your mom to share your smile with us, her bloggy friends! It has been our blessing to see you use that beautiful smile more and more!

  10. Oh my goodness… she is just so cool. I miss you Jubilee! I was blessed to have you in my class, get an amazing hug (or five) and laugh and play with you. I'm so glad your Mommy and Daddy bbrought you home to Durango! 🙂 lv, miss jen

  11. Happy Birthday sweet Jubilee…I love your radiant smile…it goes all the way down to the tip of your toes !!! We love you lots and lots……Hope you have a super day!

  12. Happy, Happy Birthday Sweet Jubilee!!! What a treasure you are!! I remember reading about your homecoming and weeping with everyone else. We were so excited for you to finally be in your family's arms. We thank Jesus for your life!!
    Lots of love,
    jenn

  13. Happy Birthday Jubilee! You share a birthday with my brother so I think it's a fantastic day to be born! 🙂 Those two pictures of you now – are so amazing and beautiful! I love to see that sweet smile! Hugs and have an amazing year!

  14. Happy Birthday sweet girl. You are beautiful! What a treasure you are! The love of Jesus just radiates from your eyes. Praying this year you hear His voice like never before!
    with love,
    a cyber "auntie" 😉

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