399 days.

one year and thirty-four days ago, i looked into this little boy's eyes.
and though the mountains ahead seemed absolutely insurmountable at times,
this is one thing that i have never doubted:
clayton was planned for our family long, long ago.

we will always grieve clay's losses with him: his first family, his friends, his country.
we will try always to reinforce that while we may never understand why,
the biggest why is to bring God glory.
that will continue to be our prayer for clayton's journey,
that all is for his good and His glory.

and yesterday?

was about glory.

[for God, not us.]

the little boy that has completely had our hearts

for one year and thirty-four days

officially took our last name on paper.

it was a beautiful, beautiful day.

many of you have been on this journey with us.

praying. buying let love grow product. helping matt

while i was in africa for a total of 5 weeks. encouraging us.

even last week as i had hard days & it looked like yesterday's

court hearing might be pushed back indefinitely.

many of you prayed with us & suddenly yesterday happened without a hitch.

thank you. all of you. for all of it.

honestly. it has been an honor to have so many of you walk this with us.

clayton elijah.

home.

forever.