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Praise be and glory to God!!! HE. IS. WALKING!

Today marked a very BIG miracle in our house today…and I am overjoyed with excitement and thanksgiving!!! We have been praying our little guy would walk (he has hypotonia so we were guessing it’d be closer to two–and weekly we do physical therapy)…and HONESTLY–we have seen the MOST gains since getting our dog Rosie as Isaac just can’t get enough of her. Well, today he couldn’t stand it and when I put him down he just started walking to Rosie. I DO BELIEVE we have a therapy dog–and right now Rosie is the ONE thing we have that motivates him most! Seriously…who would have thought?!

MORE SO–Richard and I would have never guessed even yesterday or this morning that Isaac would walk today. He just started balancing a bit–and when we get him to move his legs by holding onto his hands they are so straight and choppy…well, we just thought we had a LONG way to go. Many of you know we have been praying that by some miracle he’d walk by February 15th—one year from the day he entered Hannah’s Hope orphanage and the day the first picture we have of him was taken. Seeing that picture–you really realize what a miracle our boy is. THIS time last year he was 5 months and UNDER 6 pounds…and on February 15th he was 6 months and just hitting 6 pounds. TODAY–he is 17 months and 25 pounds…and HAPPY, HEALTHY, and a CUDDLE BUG! Rejoice with us with all that God hath done!!! We are so proud of you Isaac Temesgen Young! (turn off music up top before watching…) ANOTHER cool thing is Aunt Reid had JUST gotten here…AND my dear friend Christy who has been one of our BIGGEST cheerleaders literally walked to the door while this was happening…I love how God orchestrating them to see this too and celebrate this really cool moment with us!

I love that God heard our prayers–but He knocked our socks off by bringing strength, balance and a new determination an entire month early than the date we had been praying for!!! REALLY?! My precious friend and travel buddy Marcy Smith said it best when I shared this news with her earlier today: “What a gift he is…what a picture of God’s blessings in and through the tough stuff. I feel like all of us adoptive families get a front row seat to his faithfulness! Before adopting a 1 year old…before trusting God with all the unknowns…before saying yes to this part of mommyhood–I. JUST. DIDN’T. KNOW. WHAT. I. WAS. MISSING! And here I thought–the blessings would be on our baby. Sure–I’m sure there are some…but the real blessings…OH MY HEART! And to watch my Parker get excited! And to see my Laney jump up and down and squeal with delight! To see Frank cheer Isaac on!!! They are all being shaped into through God’s glory right before my eyes…and I AM SO THANKFUL…SO THANKFUL—SO THANKFUL we said yes! Isaac Temesgen Young, YOU bring SO MUCH JOY to our lives sweet son!!! We love you to pieces–and we are so proud of every milestone you perservere to! Your stubborness–ALSO known as perserverence to not give up (whether it be to get that box of Cheerios out of the pantry and dump it out AGAIN or to not let anyone touch you while you TRY again)…is also what helped you make it to us…and I’m so thankful for the little man full of JOY and LOVE I’m watching you become!!!

Some things I will never forget on this journey to you, Isaac…

…when I LONGED for you so deeply and wondered if we were in the right place waiting…and the Lord so clearly spoke to me through scripture…oh such a sweet story you can read here

…when I read the story of Abraham and Isaac to your siblings during our Lent tree and my heart sank–and long before we got your referral…I felt the Lord whispering YOUR NAME. I knew you’d be a boy although we were on both lists. And I knew your name would be Isaac.

…when we got your referral call…(you can read about that joyous day here)…we said YES in our hearts LONG before we ever saw your face…I’ll never forget that plane ride with your daddy…or calling Kiersten our caseworker to say “YES! He is OUR son!!!!” I’ll never forget looking over the list of things you could do…and how at 8 months NOTHING was checked BUT ONE THING. ONE. The ONLY thing checked was “he smiles”. And what does Isaac MEAN??? YES…”he smiles”. I’ll never forget smiling sitting there realizing how perfect God is…how we said yes before we even realized that sweet detail…and how even more it made us long for you as we KNEW you were our Isaac…our son!

…when we called the international pediatrician and our little 8 month old couldn’t even hold up his head…over and over and over she would say, “Might he not ever hold his head up? Absolutely. Might he not ever sit? Absolutely. Might he never walk? Absolutely.” OH–the phone call SHOULD HAVE BEEN awful but I just couldn’t WAIT for her to be quiet so I could finally say, “BUT–is he our son?? ABSOLUTELY. So, if you could be so kind to write up everything you told me and email that to our agency asap–I would be forever greatful.” And just like that…our paperwork was on it’s way to the embassy to bring you home!

There are so, so, soooo many things I will never forget. Our journey and life with you, sweet boy, has been MIRACULOUS. AND today–was ANOTHER one of those sweet days! Thank you all for praying for us–celebrating with us…and loving us through the hard stuff and the exciting stuff. Praise be and glory to God in the highest for all that He has done!

I just HAD to watch THIS again today!!! TODAY made me think of all my travel buddies and their babies also! WHAT AN HONOR it is to celebrate this with you all especially. We “labored” together to bring home our children–and I love each of you dearly…Cheri, Meghan, Marcy, Lori…this one is for old times sake…I can’t BELIEVE in just 6 months how far our kids have come!

P.S. AND YES–for those of you who wondered…we are STILL iced in…and they cancelled school for the FIFTH (yes 5th!) day in a row!!!! Oh my. BUT…our little miracle moment today erased ALL our cabin fever and we are just so excited!!!! Obviously we just needed to be at home practicing walking I guess!!! Love to you all…and I have ANOTHER miracle story about the retreat!!! I’ll share that soon…but you all that are coming are going to be SO excited! Something in it for you all that can’t come too! God is THAT big!

P.S.S. It is SO much fun to read your comments to this one!!! Just read some and had to come back and say that:). Some of you have been praying with us and trusting with us in this since the very beginning! Some of you held your breath when we said YES because you knew how it might turn out…BUT you held your breath and cheered us and Isaac on! So many of you have prayed for us…and we are so thankful for YOU! Thank you for celebrating today with us. From the bottom of my heart…we love each of you dearly. Can’t wait to give many of you hugs in just a few weeks at the retreat!

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JonesEthiopia - January 13, 2011 - 8:47 pm

The boy is a miracle… a walking, amazing, precious miracle.

ellen silva - January 13, 2011 - 9:10 pm

Praising God!! Go go go!! God has great things for Isaac!!

Kristy - January 13, 2011 - 9:13 pm

I have tears in my eyes 🙂 Such a beautiful miracle little Isaac is! He just looks so squeezable!!! Blessings~

Chasity - January 13, 2011 - 9:24 pm

And he’s off! Way to go Isaac (and mom)!

Faith Gingerich - January 13, 2011 - 9:26 pm

Oh, what a reason to be home!!! God knew what He was doing snowing you all in!!! 🙂 What a happy and exciting day for you to see the Lord working in your little one…! Just precious!

Dawn - January 13, 2011 - 9:27 pm

PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Natali - January 13, 2011 - 9:30 pm

THAT IS AWESOME!!! PRAISE GOD!!!!

Shelly - January 13, 2011 - 9:32 pm

Crying, crying, crying and rejoicing with you!

Leigh - January 13, 2011 - 9:41 pm

oh my goodness! so many tears for you tonight! What a great great God we have! Go Isaac Go!!!!

rachel - January 13, 2011 - 9:43 pm

tears of joy!!!!! praising an all mighty God tonight for the progress he has made.

Bobi Bobbitt - January 13, 2011 - 9:47 pm

Way to go Issac!!! Your picture hangs on our bulletin board in our kitchen and everyday when I see your face I am reminded of God’s love and mercy! Tonight as Fisher (our three yr old) was sitting at the table, he pointed to your picture and said our baby will have skin like Isaac! (: You have made an impact on our little family and so many others! Cannot wait until our daughter can meet you one day! (:

Kristin - January 13, 2011 - 9:52 pm

Beautifully amazing. His smile lights up the room and the look of joy on his face is priceless! Rejoicing with you!

Kelly Jo - January 13, 2011 - 9:55 pm

yayyyy isaac!!! this just made my day!!!

Predictable Me - January 13, 2011 - 9:55 pm

What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing it.

Gini - January 13, 2011 - 10:00 pm

Wow…what a beautiful, beautiful thing! Love it!

Tiffini - January 13, 2011 - 10:01 pm

Oh, praise God! Truly amazing!

Asher Collie - January 13, 2011 - 10:06 pm

Wow!!!!! That is awesome! And this is about the time both mine started walking and they didn’t even have an excuse for not walking before then. Bless his heart! Precious boy! And I know I’m a dork, but I was really excited to see Ann Reid too! 🙂 Although, we already knew she could walk. Excited for all ya’llsss!!!

Makenzie - January 13, 2011 - 10:14 pm

Thank you, God!!! What a miracle we all get to witness! You know we have all been praying for this day!!!

Bonnie Nieuwstraten - January 13, 2011 - 10:21 pm

Rejoicing with you today!! We serve a God of miracles! This brings HIM so much glory! Thanks for sharing each step of the journey! Really looking forward to meeting you at the retreat in just a few weeks.

Sarah Hurst - January 13, 2011 - 10:22 pm

what a true testament of who God really is! absolutely amazing! i loved hearing everyone squeal as he took each step! and so excited to see that you had a new post up and that it was of Issac walking…a whole MONTH before you were hoping he would walk! GOD IS GOOD!

Ashley - January 13, 2011 - 10:36 pm

You have me in tears…as usual! SO proud of your sweet boy =)

emily v - January 13, 2011 - 10:41 pm

YES YES YES!!! Go ITY!!
He truly is a walking miracle!!

hugs!
EV

Elle J - January 13, 2011 - 10:53 pm

Andrea – no words. That is the work of God right there in front of you; Isaac has been touched by Jesus. So beautiful, what a wonderful and powerful day for all of you. Celebrating the victory and sending you Big Hugs!!

Alison - January 13, 2011 - 10:54 pm

Oh my goodness, that just made me CRY!!! Tears of joy for ya’ll and sweet Isaac! Praise God!!!

Jennifer - January 13, 2011 - 10:56 pm

I can just never tire of reading miracle stories that God is doing through little Mr. Isaac! BTW…the only time I was “holding my breath” for you was when you got a dog…LOL! So happy to read how well that is going and what a blessing he is to your family! 🙂

Vanessa - January 13, 2011 - 11:07 pm

YEAH!!! Rejoicing with you!!!! What a testimony that little guys is going to have!!!

Hugs to you!!!

abby - January 13, 2011 - 11:12 pm

what precious first steps to see! can’t wait to see you running to mama, isaac!!

Dee Dee Aarseth - January 13, 2011 - 11:18 pm

Praise God!!! We are so thankful for little Isaac and all the joy he brings.

Angie Donaldson - January 14, 2011 - 12:07 am

Andrea, he could be RUNNING by the 15th of FEB.!!! Way to go Isaac..Never give up!!!
Giving praises to God,
~Angie D

polly - January 14, 2011 - 12:37 am

Praising God with you for this beautiful miracle. Can’t wait to meet you at the retreat!

Debb - January 14, 2011 - 2:30 am

GO, ISAAC!!! YAY, GOD!!! 😀

Sarah - January 14, 2011 - 7:03 am

Oh! Praise God!!! He is so faithful! 🙂 How wonderful!!!

Kristin - January 14, 2011 - 8:35 am

Oh wow. Tears flooooowing this morning; this is just what I needed to see and read this day. Thank you for showing us what God is doing in the life of your family. God has put together a beautiful creation: the Young family!

Kim - January 14, 2011 - 9:10 am

Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord!!!! The works of God are GREAT 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing

Renea - January 14, 2011 - 9:32 am

God is so good. ALL the time. Isaac is so beautiful, and definitely healthy!!! Love his little rolls. I love that everyone wants to be so close to him and love on him all the time. =) Truly precious. All that ‘waiting’ seems like a distant memory huh? 😉 ♥

Stephanie - January 14, 2011 - 9:49 am

Brings tears to my eyes! God is so good! Rejoicing with your family!

Chrystal - January 14, 2011 - 10:21 am

SO overjoyed with how far that precious little cutie has came. I just had to share that I now have to go in & re-do my makeup now that it’s all running down my face after watching the coming home video again. 🙂 Not that I’m complaining… I love how God is using your family to touch so many lives. YOU ARE A BLESSING TO SO MANY! SO SO happy for you guys!!!

Brittany - January 14, 2011 - 10:37 am

I am speechless and in tears reading this. Isaac is a miracle and our God is so, so good!

Shannon - January 14, 2011 - 10:41 am

Oh what a perfect way to start my day!! Loved watching Isaac do his stuff! Love watching God do His stuff!!! He is so good and perfect! Wishing I could hug ya in person at the retreat…maybe next year!:)Stay warm!

Christi - January 14, 2011 - 11:09 am

wwoohooo! Praise God!

Meredith - January 14, 2011 - 12:16 pm

Tears of joy! Praising God for his goodness! Can’t wait to meet you next month at the retreat.

sara - January 14, 2011 - 1:28 pm

with tears in my eyes, I am rejoicing with you. what a precious gift!

Amanda F. - January 14, 2011 - 1:52 pm

Way to go ITY! Praise the Lord! Oh girl…don’t you know he’s going to be RUNNING before long! Good luck w/that!

Rachel - January 14, 2011 - 2:01 pm

AAGGGHHH!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh the Joy. What a day, God is so good.

Andrea B - January 14, 2011 - 3:02 pm

This is too much!!! I love it!!! I remember seeing him a few weeks after you brought him home at the AGCI picnic. How many questions you still had, but how hopeful you were. Your little ITY has been showered with prayer and God is good and faithful!! YEAH!!! So EXCITED for you all!!!!

Chrsty - January 14, 2011 - 4:23 pm

Oooooooooooooooooh I’m praising God with you!!!!! HOW AMAZING! Am dying to read that first story you linked to and it’s coming up as unavailable!

Rachel L. - January 14, 2011 - 4:50 pm

Amazing, way to go Isaac!!! I am sitting here in tears at work feeling such joy!

Cristie - January 14, 2011 - 5:56 pm

God is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good! I’m thrilled for all of you! What a beautiful picture of God’s Kingdome on earth!

Erin Crenshaw - January 14, 2011 - 10:41 pm

This is so incredible, Andrea!!!!!!

Sandi - January 14, 2011 - 10:48 pm

Yay! This child is such a living testimony of God’s GLORY! We are praying for him to continue to wow everyone with his miraculous healing!!! (Acts 3:16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man (boy) whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.)

Tiffany - January 15, 2011 - 3:52 pm

Way to go ITY! Such wonderful news Andrea. Feeling blessed that you are one of the many amazing families we’ve met on this wonderful adoption journey! Uh oh…now that he’s mobile…let the house destruction begin. 🙂

karen halbert - January 16, 2011 - 1:22 am

YAYAYAYAY! So excited for you, sitting here with tears in my eyes. How beautiful! What an amazing moment and what a sweet boy. So glad to rejoice with you!

And oh, that Frank picture in your header makes me LOL EVERY time it pops up! LOVE it!

missy - January 18, 2011 - 2:06 pm

woo hoo!! tears in my eyes. i’ve been away from blogland for awhile so i’m catching up. this has to be my favorite post!!! what a joyous celebration of god’s faithfulness and of grace he has given to work hard. i loved how the kids (and rosie) were right in there celebrating too. i love getting to celebrate with you from afar.