She Has a Story

This morning, my brother Reed and his wife Lee Ann boarded a plane that would take them to the other side of the world, to the place where their third daughter waits for them.

She's in Ethiopia.  She's almost 11 months old.  She has giant brown eyes and heart-shaped lips, and she has (the orphanage workers have said) a bright and curious personality.  And it makes me smile when I think of how unaware she is, at this very moment, how much she is loved.  She has no idea how many hours her momma has stared at her photograph, hoping the dimply hands means she has enough to eat.  She doesn't know about the countless of hours of research her daddy has done, finding a way to bring her home.  She's never met the two big sisters who have prayed for her every night.  She doesn't know the grandmother who wears her name on a chain, or the rowdy cousins who are already planning affectionate nicknames.  She has no idea her auntie Shannon is prowling around like a crazy woman, anxiously checking for the text message:  We have her.

She doesn't know all of this; she simply sits happily in her crib in Addis Abada, lovingly cared for by orphanage workers who saw, from the start, an undeniable sparkle in her.  When she was abandoned as a newborn, they named her Tarikwa Teka.  It's Amharic for "she has a story that He has replaced".

Needless to say, Reed and Lee Ann are keeping that name.  It's much too beautiful--and true--to change. 

She has a story.  And unbeknownst to little Tarik, chapter two begins in only three days, when her parents come to get her.  May I ask, if the thought crosses your mind, that you'd pray for my brother and his wife, that their travel would be safe, and that Tarik will be able to adapt to her new family easily?  Will you pray for those of us back at home that we will all have the wisdom to help Reed, Lee Ann and Tarik in this transition, and that my two little nieces here at home will feel peaceful while their parents are away?  I'd appreciate it so much, and I know they would too.

By the way, Reed and Lee Ann have a six-year-old Compassion child in Ethiopia, and they'll get to meet her while they're there.  Updates to come!

Thanks for your prayers.

Comments

[Tabitha (From Single to Married)]

What a wonderful story to read to start the day! I'm so touched and happy for them that they are going to add to their family and love this little child. I will keep them in my thoughts and prayers.

[Sherri E.]

Now that is a name! I'm going to be sniffling all through breakfast.

[Angie]

Beautiful. Thank you for sharing this!

Praying for them now and will pray as the Lord brings them to mind (and I've asked Him to bring them to mind often.)

[Gabby]

Wow, that story just made me cry.
God is so awesome in the way he weaves us together.
I will pray right now for their safety and that precious little girl with the gift of a name that is amazing.

[pam @ without fear]

Oh Shannon! I feel privileged to pray for Reed, Lee Ann, and little Tarik. She sounds absolutely precious, and I can't wait to see her if they are willing to post photos at some point.

I am praying right now for all the details to be uncomplicated and for God to just shower them with His presence in every moment of this process. May their time together in Ethiopia with their little sweetie be full of tender memories that they will hold close to their hearts forever.

My heart is full for them and my eyes full of tears as I think of all she will now have as a member of your sweet family. Joy unspeakable. Thanks again for sharing and for allowing me to peek into what God is doing in y'all's lives. It is truly an honor to follow along.

[Tara]

Oh, my. Tears.

[mkw]

“I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

We are a family of adoption. We are also a family of RAD (Reactive Attachment Disorder - emotional challenges stemmed from pre-adoption neglect and trauma.) Yet, with all that we go through, we would do it all again. And, we tear up and have the utmost respect and support for families who add to their world and God's eternal heavenly world by bringing His children into their homes and into His fold of faith. Blessings, eternal and heavenly, to all of you.

[Blessed]

that is a beautiful name - so full of hope.

[Holli T.]

I want to change my name to that. That is the most beautiful thing I've read in a long time.

I will certainly be praying and look forward to the updates.

Holli T.

[Kelly Bryan]

Praying for the safe arrival of your family to get these sweet baby and that all goes well! I am sure you can't wait to get your hands on her and give her lots of loves!
We are praying for you and all your family!
Blessings!
Kelly Bryan

[Tootie]

Of course! Our prayers are with them.

[Kelly]

How wonderful for your brother and his wife!

James 1:27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

[Melanie]

Yep... they've all got my prayers! Can't wait for the updates to come!

[Sheri]

I love, love, love to read adoption stories! And, of course I'll pray for them!

[Lori Anne]

It will be a pleasure to pray for them. Thank you for sharing this. I do hope that one day you will post a picture of this beautiful child with her forever family.

[Kim]

OH how wonderful. This is the second family this week that has gone to a 3rd world country to adopt. I love it and prayers are going out for them
Hugs.
Kim

[mama2tlc]

What an inspirational name, surely the Lord has great plans for her. You can count on my prayers.

[Sarah at themommylogues]

How beautiful! Can't wait to hear more.

[We are THAT family]

Just her name made me cry.

My twin sister is waiting on her referral any day to meet her third child, a girl, also from Ethiopia.

Every time I think of my new niece, I pray. I will pray for yours too.

[Amy]

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing this!!

[Marla Taviano]

Praying for beautiful Tarik!

[Kate]

I started crying after reading the first few sentences of this post. We are waiting for our turn to go pick up our baby boy who is waiting for us in Ethiopia!

And her name...just beautiful!

Praying for them.

[Amanda H]

What a beautiful story! I think I'm going to change my name now. Just perfect.

I'll be praying!

[Leigh]

How exciting and special! I have tears as I read this.

And yes, she most certainly does have a story! :)

[Grateful for Grace]

Waaaaahhh!!!

Praying and now more than just you will be prowling for the update... hope you'll post one when she is in their loving arms.

WAaaaahhh (again)!!

[Wanda]

Oh how exciting! God bless them......
YAY!
I will be praying!

[Jeannette]

My husband and I are adopting a child from Ethiopia too! I get so excited to hear about other people getting to bring home their children. Blessings on the family and what a beautiful name.

[Tasha]

Wow I'm sitting here sobbing!

How wonderful! How precious! How exciting!

Thank you for sharing this. They will most definitely be in my prayers! =)

[Tiffany]

How absolutely wonderful! My husband and I are devoting our lives to adoption (we are in the process now! Oh the paperwork!!!) so hearing stories like this fill my heart with joy. God bless your family and most especially the new addition.

[Jacqueline]

You will be on our minds, in our hearts, and in our prayers in the days to come.

[Jean]

How exciting - they will get to meet their Compassion child AND bring home their new daughter in the asme trip - think it was 'coincidence'? I think not... Will be anxiously awaiting more news - thanks for sharing the great story!

[Heidi]

Now I'm crying in my coffee! That's wonderful! I'll be praying too.

[Larissa]

Awesome! I have some good friends who adopted a little girl from Addis Ababa at a very young age. It is really special to be a part of the process and welcoming that child into a new family. And my friend's little girl had a special name too, which meant "you are mine". They kept that as well. Ethiopians are good at naming, I guess!

Definitely praying with joy!

[Kara @ Me-Moddy]

Oh that name! What power in that name she has been given. Absolutely beautiful. As a two-time adoptive momma - I will be praying today and am always thrilled and excited to hear another adoption story where God takes individual people and forms their lives and weaves them together into a beautiful family in an instant. Congrats to your brother and SIL. How exciting for your whole family!

[Jamie]

What a great story! I'm excited for your family!

I can't wait to hear about the journey home!

[Alice]

This brought tears to my eyes. I'd be honored to pray for your new niece and her Mommy and Daddy.

[Melanie]

Can't wait to hear! Praying for all of them.

[Upstatemomof3]

That is so beautiful! We are also in process to adopt a baby from Ethiopia. We do not even have a referral yet, but I still look forward to when I can ask for prayers for our trip.
My son prays for his new brother or sister every night too. Isn't it awesome to see the excitement in their eyes as they wait? Your brother's family is in my prayers.
Congratulations to all of you on the new addition. She will brighten your lives in ways you never imagined, I am sure.

[Angela]

We too are a family that has 3 children all of ours adopted from Haiti. We have been right where they are with a (then) 3.5yo, 15mo, and 6 mo. No one said it would be easy...and it will make you more aware of race issues in this country that you couldnt see before...but it is well worth it...they will be blessed beyond measure!

[elise]

oh awesome! i grew up in addis (as a dutch girl), my parents live there and so does my (dutch) sister who has the ethiopian name Desta, which means Joy. Always lovely reading about people going there, makes me feel awefully homesick....

[Emily]

Hurray!! Thanks for sharing their story - we are also adopting from Ethiopia (a little 12-month-old boy) and are hoping to travel in about two months. Our court date is one month away. We also have a compassion child in Ethiopia who we're planning to visit while we're there! Glad to hear they have such a supportive family in this journey. I will pray for them!

[Tater Mama]

My good friends returned to Texas in November from Ethiopia with their daughter, Ella Yanit, who was 13 months old. She is precious! They had planned to name her Ella Grace, but then found that Yanit means "The Lord is gracious." Needless to say, they're keeping Yanit as her middle name.

Their story is one that will touch your heart, and if you're interested, David keeps a blog at www.aroundtheworldand2kids.wordpress.com.

I'm going to email your blog to David. I wouldn't be surprised if you hear from him, even if it's just to say, "Congratulations!"

I am happy for everyone involved! What a blessed day!

[VV]

YEA! I'm so happy that they've found their daughter :) More than one person in my family has adopted a child. Odds are that I will someday as well. It's a huge undertaking, challenging, amazing and brings more blessing then one could ever imagine.

Congrats to your family...and without a doubt she'll know how much she is loved soon enough.

[Jenni]

How wonderfully exciting. Prayers for all of them, and yes, please keep us posted!!

[Christi]

What an exciting time for everyone! What a blessed little girl she is!

[Superchikk]

We have friends who adopted from that same city this past summer. They couldn't say enough about the ophanage and care-givers, and how much they loved each child. As much as they were happy to bring their boy home, they were equally as sad to see him leave the women who had cared for him so lovingly.

We have another set of friends who are waiting on their immigration papers to adopt from Ethiopia. It seems to be a popular place right now. God is doing amazing things, bringing those babies home to Christian families.

[Heather aka Jake's Mommy]

What a beautiful story!! I hope they get baby Tarik into their arms so quickly. Will be praying here in S. Texas. God Bless you and your family in this touching and inspiration endeavor

[Runningamuck]

I got full-body goosebumps when I read her name... seriously, they keep refreshing everytime I think about it. What an amazing name. And how true of all of us! But especially sweet and true of her. I will be praying for a smooth pick up for your SIL and brother and safe travel

[Sarah the secret blower]

Blessings, blessings...how beautiful!

[Fishcake_random]

Wow, how beautifull they must be in spirit to realise they can give this child a home. Such an example to us all.
x x x

[Alison]

I too am going to be an auntie to a little one from Ethiopia and I can't wait for the day that I get to see his sweet little face in person. Praying for your family.

[phyllis]

absolutely beautiful. definitely in my prayers.

[Queen B]

I am so excited to follow the story that Tarik will share. They will not be far from my thoughts...

[Jewel]

You story is the light of my day. God bless your family and little Tarik. She is a very lucky little girl. I am excited for her to come into a loving family. It makes me smile to think how much her life is about to change.

[Pam]

How very blessed this little girl is already.It is an honor to pray for her and her new family.

[chickadee]

oh that's wonderful! what a special name.

[Misty]

Your entire post was beautiful, but Tarik's name alone was enough to bring tears to my eyes. Will my name have a meaning like that to God one day?...oh, I can pray it does. And I will certainly pray for your entire family - how exciting! I have always had a burden on my heart for adoption, however my husband has never felt the same way. After years of (secondary) infertility, my burden seems so much heavier. Stories like this make me grateful for the desires that God places in our hearts and I know that if He means for us to adopt, he'll work out all the details. He is a good God and is ever-faithful. 2 Samuel 22:33 "God is my strength and power, He will make my path perfect." Just as He will bless your family with the love of another beautiful child of His. What an awesome God!

[Blue Castle]

Oh, God is so good! I am praying. What a beautiful story, still being told.

[Traci Best]

Praying!

We have three adopted children and I can not imagine the trauma of international adoption! A Domestic triple adoption had enough twists and turns as it was! But,...oh I long for a baby! (Our three were 4,5 and 5 when they came to us.) May God bless their journey and keep everyone safe, sound and secure!!!

Traci

[Aunt Murry]

How terribly exciting! What a beautiful name and such a happy beginning of chapter two that could have turned out do differently! I have goose bumps! I love when things like this work out. May she only know love and grace from this point forward!

[Melissa]

Isn't it amazing that we probably never know half of the people that pray for us!-Melissa

[Kristin]

It's strange how God connects the lives and experiences of complete strangers, as this morning my best friend left with her husband for Ethiopia to pick up their two adopted children! Bethany and Josh, my friends, decided to adopt a sibling group and are bringing home a 6-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl. They have blogged about their adoption at http://taylorfamilyadoption.wordpress.com and are hoping to update while they are there. (And if not, I will be updating for them.) So, while you are thinking and praying for your brother and sister-in-law, please also offer up prayers for my friends, and I will do the same for you. What a special time.

[linda]

What a happy occaision! And a beautiful name! Our family leaves in three weeks for China. Our little daughter is waiting for us there! Can't wait to meet her.

[Stretch Mark Mama]

I love a beautiful name w/ a beautiful meaning. Long before I had any kids, I ran across a Hebrew girl's name that means "the Lord has heard me and answered my prayer." I KNEW that was the name for my someday girl, and yet I had a boy...then another boy... Eventually we decided to adopt a girl who had such a tough start to her life -- and we gave her that name we had saved all along. I'm hoping that as she grows older that her name continues to help heal her heart.

[Ranelle]

I read your story, and tears sprang to my eyes. I remembered staring at a little face with black eyes, waiting for us half- way around the world. The wait seemed absolutely endless. She's playing with her baby brother now on the living room floor. Isn't God amazing?

[Flibberty]

This is simply wonderful, and pray I will.

[Melissa valentine]

i'm tearing up at the beautiful thought! i will be praying hard and can't wait for an update.

[Octamom]

Praying here for a smooth transition for all--what an incredible journey!

Blessings!

[Jenn]

I will keep them in my thoughts! We brought home two of our kids from Ethiopia 18 months ago, and it has been wonderful. My daughter was 14 mos old at homecoming, and is the absolute joy of my life. I wish them a smooth and peaceful transition, and a wonderful journey together.

[Michelle]

What a beautiful story.....with a beautiful name to go with it.

Will be keeping them in my prayers.

Peace
*~Michelle~*

[Kristen]

I am so thankful that He has replaced my story too!

[Kris @ Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers]

I'm not sure if I'm just especially hormonal today or if you people (by "you people" I totally mean "my favorite mom bloggers) are just writing especially touching posts today, but you're killing me. Stop making me cry! ;-)

Praying for your family. I can't wait to hear more of Tarik's story, written by her loving Father.

[edj]

What exciting news! I, too, love that name.

[Vicki Dees]

This made me think about when God will give each of us a new name in eternity. I wonder if it will touch us as much as learning about Tarikwa Teka.

[Marie]

Shannon, Thank you for sharing this wonderful story with us.

[Pendy]

Can't wait to hear that they are all back home, safe and sound! Wonderful.

[Cara Conly]

Your dad has been keeping me posted and I am so excited for your entire family! Just hering her name makes tears come to my eyes. What a blessed little girl to be placed in a family that is going to love her so much and teach her about Jesus and give her every opportunity to be the young lady God would have her to be! Praying for all of you and can't wait to hear that she is home!

[Kristen@nosmallthing]

What a beautiful name. She will have a beautiful story. She already does...

[Roberta Anne]

I am praying for Tarik and her brand new family. May God richly bless and protect them all. Oh wow I am crying.
Roberta Anne

[Linda Sue]

What a beautiful second beginning to a life - you make me crysmile - blessings on the new family and woo hoo about meeting their Compassion Child also,

[Wendy]

I couldn't believe it when I pulled this up today! God's timing is always so incredible!My dear friend Carole Turner (www.thewardrobeandthewhitetree.com)and her husband Dean are leaving TOMORROW to pick up their precious, 6 yr old son Abel from Ethiopia! They have had a long wait but God has been faithful! We all cannot wait to meet him! We'll be praying for all the families with a heart for adoption! It's so amazing!

[Carole Turner]

We leave tomorrow for Ethiopia to pick up our 6yr old son!!

I have read your blog before and followed your compassion trip last year. My friend "twittered" me today and said "you have to go read Rocks in my dryer today!"

God bless the Orphans and ALL the people that reach out to them and care for them from Orphanages, adoption, sponsorship, etc. God is moving for his little ones!

You can check out our story at

http://www.thewardrobeandthewhitetree.com/search/label/Adoption

God bless!!

[Kristi @ RunWatchPlayWait]

Thank you for sharing this story - what a beautiful reminder of God's plans for us and His view that is bigger than ours!

[Real Mom, Real Life]

What a happy day in your family!!! Such wonderful news!!!

[susieshomemade]

A very moving story. Thanks for posting that!

[Shelley]

That gave me chills...thanks so much for sharing and yes, i will pray for them!!

[Dana]

Hello. I am an adoptee and growing up we always had a wonderful poem on our fridge.

Not flesh of my flesh
Nor bone of my bone,
But still miraculously my own.
Never forget for a single minute,
You grew not under my heart,
But in it.

[Laura @ Texas in Africa]

Oh, I just cry like a baby when I read these stories. I'm in the middle of There is No Me Without You right now. All of us should be on a plane to give these children families.

[Serena]

Congratulations! This is such a beautiful story. I'll be praying!

[Barb]

What a wonderful story. I hope all goes smoothly for getting her home.

[Christine]

What a wonderful story! Our God is so gracious! I will certainly be praying for Reed and Lee Ann and all three of their beautiful daughters. Thanks for sharing their story and giving us the opportunity to do so.

Where are my tissues.... ;)

[angie a]

Love, love, love stories like these. Prayers sent up right now!!!!

[Miriam]

So excellently wonderful! What a neat thing to read about, let alone experience. We'll be praying over here. Congratulations over there!

[Amber]

OK, you've made me cry. I hope that everything goes smoothly and little Tarik is home soon!

[Jane Anne]

I just said a prayer for them and I will continue to pray.

[Jena (Organizing Mommy)]

She DOES have a story. What a treasure!!

[Kimberly]

Of course praying as tears run down my cheeks at the blessing she is about to receive.

[Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba)]

I'll pray! :)

[Barb @ A Chelsea Morning]

This just melts my heart, Shannon. I'm so excited for all of them. And I'll keep them in my prayers.

[Jan]

We adopted our daughter from Korea two years ago this Sunday- what a blessing!