Happy Birthday V!

Today, in an orphanage in Cherermkhovo, Russia, a little boy turns 7-years-old. His name is "V". Today, half a world away, his family will celebrate his birthday. His mother & father, and two little brothers, Aidan & Asher will have a birthday cake and sing happy birthday. Just like the past 3 years, Aidan will blow out the candles for his older brother after making a wish. There's a good chance his wish will be the same as it was last year, and the year before and the year before.

How do I know? I know this because we have walked in this family's shoes. We know this because for 4 years our family celebrated a birthday for a child who was half a world away. We know this because SKIP was the one making the wish - the same wish - each time he blew out the candles. The difference between our family and V's family, is that our wish has come true. V's family still waits.

In case you hadn't already guessed, the wish Aidan will likely make is for his big brother to come home. Skip's wish of course, was for Harry to come home.

Today a family holds fast to it's faith that God will bring their son home, and today a child waits for his family to come for him. The celebration today will be bittersweet. While they celebrate the day God placed their child here on earth, they are weary from the almost 4 year wait to bring him home. This child no doubt, is very special - as is the family that waits for him.

The worst thing about it is there is nothing anyone can do to help bring him home. All we can do is let them know we celebrate along with them, and pray that soon - very soon - Aidan's wish comes true.

At 1:00 p.m. EST they'll be singing happy birthday to V. So will we. If you can, do the same. Who knows? If enough of us are singing, perhaps we'll be SO loud that V will hear us! And, If you have a minute, stop by their blog by clicking on Aidan & Asher and wish V a happy birthday! It may not seem like much, but to a family who has waited almost four years, it'll be huge...I know...we have been that family.