Where She Belongs

She is only two. She can’t fully understand what is happening.

She is only two. She may not remember ever living anywhere else.

She is only two… but she knows where she belongs. She knows who her family is. She knows because she is hanging on the walls.

We traveled over 3,000 miles during our sabbatical. All seven of us explored Nashville, Pittsburgh, Boston, New York and more.

We stayed in an AirBnb, a vacant home, a non-vacant home, and a hotel. We slept in beds, on blowup mattresses, and on floors, too.

We worshiped in 7 different churches.

And we saw family. Our new little girl visited my parent’s home. My sister’s home. Matt’s parent’s home. Matt’s brother’s home. So many new places. So many new faces. So. Many. Cousins.

And do you know what she noticed? What made her squeal with delight over and over? Repeat names over and over?

The portraits.

In every home, she was on the fridge. (We couldn’t send her on our regular Christmas card, so family members received a special version.)

In every home, she saw her mom and dad and brothers and sister hanging. In each home, she saw her grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins. At just two, she recognized images that hung in multiple homes.

She would say the names over and over. Big Mama. Big Papa. Nana. Grandpa. Tasie. Ransom. Hazel. Reuben. Over and over. So many times!

The artwork on the walls told her over and over again “You belong here. These are your people. This is your family.”

Covid-19 may have delayed our court date for the adoption. But it is ok. My baby knows where she belongs. Not just on my walls. But in the homes of all her family.

Hold the ones that belong to you closely today.

With love,

Kat