Fish (for your love of swimming) and Turtle (for your snail like pace in some activities) are a few names we've affectionately given you as you've been thrown into a new country, a new language, a new family and a completely new life. You have been a star adjusting to so many things in a foreign land. There are times I forget how much you've had to learn and adjust to, but you or God quickly remind me. Grace. Parenting requires much grace and though sometimes I stumble (OK, a lot of times!) God has used you, your brother and your sister to show me that.
Sweetheart, thank you for being such a trooper as we've learned many things along with you. You have had to have much grace for us. You have embraced us as your family and while we've had moments where you deeply miss Niger, you have never rejected us as your momma and daddy. My heart aches for all that you did leave. While the outside world may think you've gained the world coming to America - an abundant land - we know you have left your own family at the orphanage, cultural traditions and everything you were comfortable and familiar with. I'm thankful you remember many happy things about Niger, and I know one day when you're older, we will get to share both sides - the hard things and happy things - all of which have shaped you into this fun, bright, silly little girl that is eager to learn and experience new things.
We love you, Leila, and we know we are the blessed ones to have you as a daughter.
Momma and Daddy
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