Today this precious little girl became our legal grandbaby.
Jesse and Christina were in court today for the finalization of the adoption.
They invited family and a few special friends to attend — and there was quite a representation
Great Grandpa Bontrager
Great Grandma Yoder
Grandpa and Achi Bontrager
Uncle Joel
Uncle Caleb
Auntie Abi
Jeremy, Maegan and Izzy Yoder
Grandpa and Grammy Yutzy
Auntie Beebs
Uncle Lem and Auntie Jess
Auntie Rach
Friend Lynn Lee
Friend John Love
And adding the happy family, we had 21 people there.
I remember the day that we went to court to finalize Christina’s adoption, and this day was an incredibly stirring day.  We had the best judge, who presided over the court with a smile that was effervescent.  He had taken time to read over the case thoroughly and he prepared a homily to give to those of us who congregated there.  Following the proceedings, he gave Charis’s parents a beautiful copy of what he had written to put with her baby book.  He affirmed Jesse and Christina as the “perfect match” as parents for this baby and he was incredibly personable and involved.  How I thank God for His goodness to us to give such an extraordinarily approachable presiding official for this momentous occasion.  It was truly a gift.

Tonight we give grateful praise for the precious gift of a child.