Happy Birthday, Alia!

April 1, 2012...may seem just like another day but on this day, two years ago, a mom(and possibly dad) in China, brought a little girl into the world. This little girl was likely something they were excited about but shortly after her arrival they realized she wasn't like other children. God had chosen to make her special and in need of several surgeries to help her have the best life possible. Her parents, unable to help her, made the hardest decision of their life and chose to leave her on the doorstep of a school building a few hours before school would begin. As they said their goodbyes they placed a note with April 1, 2012 written on it along with $3.00(several days worth of wages in this particular province) turned and walked away. Because of their courage and great sacrifice, April 1, will never be, for our family, just a day of playing pranks on others (although I'm sure Jonathan will still enjoy that) but rather the day we celebrate The Lord bringing Alia Joy Carl into the world! For those that aren't familiar with how adoptions work...knowing the child's actual birthdate is a huge blessing to the adopting parents, as many have to use medical tests to guesstimate a birthday for their child. We will always cherish the note her parents left and look forward to celebrating her next birthday and many more with her in our arms!