a little boy and a family of five

7 years ago, your daddy and I picked up a pen and filled out an application and we said yes to a journey that we had no idea where it would take us.

There were weeks, and then months, and then years and we didn’t know it at the time, but the One who made you was leading us to you.

3 weeks ago, we bordered a plane with hearts full of hope and stomachs full of butterflies and flew across the world to a country that was never part of the original plan.

A few days later, we stood on a curb and hopped into a van that would take us to where we would meet you. We had shaking hands and excitement in our eyes and prayers in our hearts and we all bowed together and asked for grace on our way to you. 

Just 15 minutes later, we walked up steps and rode an elevator, and in a whirlwind you were there in front of us- time that will always be our family's moments to know and remember- but there was fear and there was joy and there was all of us together in that space… a family of five finally.

​And just the next day, we walked back into that small room and into the crowded chaos, and we stamped your hand and signed our names (and thankfully someone other than us thought to take a picture) and we said yes, not to just a happy moment or a joyful feeling, but a lifetime of no matter what. Because that’s what forever family means.

​A week later, we stood in the US Consulate and held up a hand along side other families and we all took an oath and we promised to take care of our children always and we confirmed the steps that made you an American citizen when you stepped foot on US soil.

Then just a few days later, we boarded a plane with hearts full of hopes and stomachs full of butterflies and we flew back across the world again... with you by our side.

​And on Saturday evening, we walked into our home, the first time with you. And in those moments, it was the beginning of a new journey and we have no idea where it will take us. But this time, 7 years later, the journey includes you.

Welcome home, precious boy.  You are now always and irrevocably a part of a family. Our family. An Edfeldt. Son. Brother. Known.
Chosen.
​Loved.