7 Years Ago.

I really do not know where to begin. It all started 7 years ago.  June 13, 2005, changed my world. For good.
We were riding in a van in China when received a call that she was waiting for us. For a forever family.  We walked in the civil affairs building, and there she was.  Lost.  Confused.  And beautiful! Yes, this, my friends, would be the child I would be able call my best friend, my snuggle buddy, and my sister. She would forever be a Schumpert! (like it or not;)
I love love love sharing the story of what happened to my life on June 13.  It not only impacted mine and my families lives but also many others.  This was the day that I was able to grasp what it meant to be adopted by God the Father.  You see Caroline did absolutely nothing to become a Schumpert.  We took her in, and her complete identity changed.  Did she deserve it? No. Did she earn it? No.
In the same way, we were once in need of a new identity.  We are crucified in Christ and we no longer live, but Christ lives in us! HALLELUJAH! Did we earn it? There is NO possible way. Did we deserve it? HA! Absolutely not! But it was by His grace that He took us in so that we could cry out to Him, "Abba, Father!"
The doctrine of adoption constantly blows me away. We are loved by God the Father.  It is that simple, but yet so hard to comprehend.  We were once lost and confused, but by His grace we are able to be wrapped in His arms!  This is good good news!
The first time my mom ever held Caroline she was crying tears of joy and saying, "She's beautiful."  I cannot think of a better picture of how the Father holds us.  Can you imagine this? You are held by God, Creator of the Universe, and He says, "You are beautiful and perfect my child."

So much is running through my head right now.  It blows me away! I will be eternally grateful for this day.  Not because of Caroline, but because of the Creator who created Caroline! To Him be all the glory, honor and praise! Forever and Ever!


Happy Gotcha Day!

Anna Lauren