Letters from your brothers

Hi Rashi,
How are you doing? This is Nathan. I am one of the sons in your new family. I love you. I think you are cute. When you get here, I want to play with you and hug you. You look as cute as a pie in spring, or a baby princess in a castle.
Your room is almost finished being painted. You’ll have a comfortable crib, and you’ll get to sleep with my old stuffed animals. But best of all, you are the cutest baby on earth.
Love,
Nathan
(5 years old)

Dear Anya Rashi,
I am the oldest child. You will be having Nathan for a big brother, but I will be the biggest brother. That means I will hold you, bring you your sippy cup, and every time you go to bed, I will be there when Mom sings to you. I will sometimes not be there because I will be reading or playing with Nathan.
When we saw the video of you, I thought you were so cute. Now that you’re coming, you’ll be even cuter. What language do they speak at the orphanage? How do you feel if no one’s playing with you? I wonder what the answers are to these questions. ’Bye for now.
Love from,
Your biggest brother Aaron
(7 years old)

A few more pictures of Anya Rashi

These photos were taken on August 8, 2007, when Anya Rashi was almost 8 months old.

Anticipation

We're beginning this blog as a record of the journey to our daughter. Anya Rashi Pearl is being cared for at a children's home in Kolkata, India.

Our adoption journey began two years ago, and we are so close now. We are waiting for our final guardianship hearing in the Indian court system, and the waiting is growing more difficult each day.

May 1, 2007 was the first time we saw our daughter's face. We stared at the photo on our computer screen in wonder -- this was the new little person God wanted to add to our family. Our youngest son, Nathan, said, "She's so cute!", while our oldest, Aaron, said, "She looks like she belongs with us." What sweet big brothers they will be.

She was four months old then, and the time since May has been full of adoption paperwork, summer fun with the boys, getting ready for school to begin, being treated to a baby shower by friends and family, and preparing Anya Rashi's room. She is nine months old now, and we are so eager to meet her.

We are both a little teary right now; we just read the blogs of two families who met their daughters today! We are so thrilled for them, and their words give us so much hope.

We also received a wonderful surprise yesterday in the mail -- video footage our our lovely girl, taken by a family who traveled last month to bring their child home. We owe such a huge debt to the many families who have taken the time to send photos and video of Anya Rashi to us. We can't wait to do the same for other waiting families. What a joy to see her stand up holding the crib railing, suck her thumb, smile and laugh. She has such a vivacious personality!

If you're reading this, that likely means that you have supported, loved, or prayed for us along the way. Thank you for caring for us, and for a little girl you haven't even met.