A very special family photo at the memorial for King Bhumibol Adulyadej
with two of Kate's beloved caregivers - P. Lam & Khun Toy!
For those who aren't familiar with our story, we decided to spend a month together in Thailand for our adoption trip - because we love our daughter's birth country, and we hoped that time together there (in a place where the language, food, and people were familiar) might help her adjust a little bit easier. We made so many beautiful memories together in those first few weeks as a family of three... and we've been waiting a whole year to share this very special video with Kate (and with all of you!)
For years now, I've known that Kate's special song would be "Mine to Love" (by Dave Barnes). I knew it the moment I heard live for the very first time, and burst into tears in a crowded club. As I stood there with my husband, surrounded by strangers, I closed my eyes. As I listened to Dave sing these words I could see the moment I would meet my daughter, and the days to come as we took our first steps as a family. That vision (that I saw every time I heard this song in the years to come) kept me going... and now that vision has become a reality as I watched these precious moments from our life set to that perfect song (and a couple of other special songs too!)
To Thailand for Kate from Rusty Jackson on Vimeo.
To our darling girl... my goodness what a year it has been. The day we met, you were so scared, overwhelmed, and unsure... but you were also the bravest, strongest little girl we had ever seen! This year you have experienced so much. You've learned to love and trust us - even though we started out as strangers. Day by day and moment by moment, God has knit us together as a family. As we've cried together, grieved together, laughed together, celebrated together, and learned together - we have continually been amazed at how brave, strong, smart, kind, and compassionate you are. You, my darling, have the biggest heart of anyone I know. This has been a hard road for us all, but we are so proud of you. And the years of hard and heartbreaking moments were worth it all to call you mine! We thank God for the gift of YOU! You have brought so much beauty, laughter and JOY into our lives. I am so glad you're "mine to love"! We're grateful you're ours FOREVER, and we hope you'll cherish this video as much as we do.
God has given us rainbows as a reminder of His promises
on some very hard days during our adoption journey.
Today however - on a completely clear day - this one was an extraordinary gift!
This perfect rainbow was in the sky directly over our house (like a smile from heaven!)
I guess God is celebrating our "Family Day" in a special way too!
Mine to Love
You might wanna close your eyes
It’ll take some time adjustin’
Welcome to your life
You’re everything you’ll someday be
There’s a weight off my shoulder
There’s laughter in the air
You are the answer to every midnight prayer
You’re mine to love
We have all been waitin’ on you
You’re mine to love
Come into these open arms
It took some time to wait it out
But I see it now, you’re worth all the dreaming of
You’re mine to love
You’re mine to love
You might wanna take your time
Take in all this technicolor, yeah
We’re on your side
Let us be the one you need
There’s a life on my shoulder
Laughter in the air
You are the answer to all those midnight prayers
You’re mine to love
We have all been waitin’ on you
You’re mine to love
Come into these open arms
It took some time to wait it out
But I see it now, you’re worth all the dreaming
You’re mine to love
You’re mine to love
Every time that my heart was broken
Every time that I’ve lost my way
I forget when I look into your face
You’re mine to love
We have all been waitin’ on you
You’re mine to love
Come into these open arms
‘Cause I’m right here
It took some time to wait it out
But I see it now, you’re worth the dreaming of
You’re mine to love
You’re mine to love
You’re mine to love
You’re mine to love
So you might wanna close your eyes... 💜