Happy birthday, Rachel!

This girl has grown up this year. I realize that’s cliché and literally what happens from birthday to birthday, but I can see it. You know, sometimes you’re so close to a situation to see the changes? Yeah, I’ve seen this girl grow in height, maturity, and faith — and she’s as physically close to me as anyone ever wants to be. She’d sleep in my bed with her lanky limbs wrapped around me, if I’d let her. I don’t let her, just for the record. 

Rachel is 11 today! 

This summer was full of so many questions from Rachel and prayers for Rachel. She’s sorted through what it means to choose Jesus as Savior and Lord. Approaching midnight one night in July, Rachel decided to make her own the faith we’ve raised her in. This decision came in the midst of a family vacation, Bible school, and church camp. 

And she’s being baptized in front of our church family tomorrow — like a double birthday! 

She’s brave in a million ways and also worries about a lot of things. She’s perceptive and curious and joyful and easy to be with. 

This year she and some of her fifth-grade friends started playing volleyball with the middle school girls, and it’s been so good. Watching is fun, but I see her confidence growing too. 

She’s still part fish, and would swim anytime. With all kinds of rhythm and creativity, she knows all the words to so many songs and can make up a dance in no time. She’ll tell you she wants to be an astronaut, but I’m not sure she will stay committed to school beyond its legal requirement. But the adventure component is right for her. 

As a mom, this year has been odd and required much adjusting. The teenagers aren’t home much, so I’ve had so much time with just Rachel that I didn’t see coming, although maybe I should have. Cate moved out and into a rental house in August, and Ben loves to drive, work, and socialize. 

Eleven years old is still a little short of the teenage years my baby girl is longing for, but I’m praying we can bottle up this girl like this for a little longer. She’s good for my soul, and a blessing to our whole family. 

Happy birthday, sweet girl! I’m excited to see how you keep growing up and depending on Jesus. 

*****

Look back on Rachel’s past birthdays:  One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. Ten.

Learn more about her adoption story in “Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family.”

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