HAPPY 6TH BIRTHDAY BENJAMIN KOSTAS!!!!

Jonah very willing stepped in and blew out the birthday candle 

for his soon-to-be brother Benjamin.

I have never not spent a birthday with one of our children. Probably as they get older and have lives of their own, that will happen more often.  But right now, this is the first time I wasn't there for one of their birthdays.

I so wish we could celebrate in person with our little Ben.  I would love to give him hugs and kisses and birthday cake and presents.  Patience, I guess...

I am so grateful to the Lord for the way he has watched over Benjamin Kostas- protecting him while he was in the womb, through delivery, as his birth parents made very difficult decisions, and while he has been in the orphanage.  I am thankful for the caregivers who have watched over our boy all these years, especially his special "Mama" who has been with him since he arrived at the orphanage at 2 weeks old.  I am so thankful the Lord has blessed him with good health, especially after his shaky first 2 years with heart surgery and respiratory issues.  I am thankful the powers that be have agreed to keep Benjamin in the orphanage as he waits for us rather than transferring him to an institution.  I am thankful for all those who have prayed for and supported Ben before we even knew about him, as well as the many who have stepped forward to support him and us during this adoption journey.  You are all part of God's miracle of bringing Ben home!  I am grateful for Cathy, Silva, Reda, and Deb who have helped us with all the paperwork that is needed for an international adoption- their love for these children is evident in all that they do.  I am so grateful for the beautiful smile you have blessed this child with despite the many hardships he has endured in his 6 years.  So many places God has kept Benjamin Kostas under His wing and in His protection.  Thank you Lord.   We are so excited to see how you provide and care for Ben as he comes home to our family.  

This is in an earlier post, but I think it is worth repeating:

Benjamin means "son of my right hand" and Kostas means "constant".  I think this is a beautiful combination.  The Lord has kept Benjamin Kostas safe by his side as he waited for a family, and His love for our little boy is constant.