Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Happy Beginnings

It is with overwhelming joy that I introduce to you:

Craig and Bree Friedl with their daughters Darya Joy Friedl and Olena Faith Friedl.

Bethany's real name is Darya, and Erin's real name is Olena.
Reece's Rainbow changes names to protect the identity and privacy of the orphans that they serve.
In a little over a week Darya (who goes by Dasha) and Olena (who goes by Leana) will be traveling home with their mom and dad to be with the rest of their forever family.

Over the last month the legal process has been completed successfully, and Craig and Bree have been able to spend much time getting to know their daughters.

It has been such a joy to be able to share in this experience through photos and updates. From having my heart break for these girls, to many nights of prayer and tears, to finally seeing them in the arms of their momma and daddy (which meant many more tears- but the happiest kind), it has been one of the most beautiful things I have ever been a part of.


Meeting Day:

Leana meeting her dad

Dasha meeting her mom

Dasha's reaction to learning that Craig and Bree are there for her and Leana!

Dasha is described by her mom as a leader (although she needs some guidance in channeling those leadership skills in a positive direction).

Leana is described by her mom as being intuitive, quiet, and kind.


Thank you so much to all of you who have followed along on this journey of "Bethany" and "Erin" finding their forever family. Each prayer, share, and dollar have come together to make a difference in the lives of these amazing sisters.

Please keep praying for Dasha and Leana, as well as the entire Friedl family, as they make this huge transition. This story is just beginning. There are so many changes ahead, and surely there will be some bumps in the road, but let's pray that with every bump they grow stronger as individuals and closer as a family. 




5 comments:

Kayla said...

I am so happy that you posted this! I am so happy that these beautiful girls have a forever family. I am so happy to see their sweet smiles. Man, I'm just so happy.

Jill Foley said...

tears of joy! I remember your first post about them. This is a wonderful ending (beginning) to the story.

Turquoise Gates said...

Oh, this is so cool! We are in the beginning process of adopting a child with Down syndrome through Reece's Rainbow! You are the post before me at A Pause on the Path today, so that is how I stumbled upon this post! Thanks so much for sharing the joy and all the photos! My post is a little a more sobering -a "Marriage Letter" to my husband about past lovers:
http://www.turquoisegates.com/2012/08/letter-to-aaron-past-lovers.html

Jennifer said...

Beautiful, beautiful family!! I'm so happy for the girls! And thanks for letting us be a part of this process with you!

Mark Langham said...

AHHHHHH!!!! Tears in my eyes...so much joy!