Introducing.....

Alona Reece Farrell!!!

Born on July 30, 1997 and welcomed into her forever family on September 17, 2013.

We have SO longed for this day since deciding to adopt our precious Alona on February 3 of this year. I cannot begin to describe the depth of emotions this day has brought. For me, it has brought relief, joy, happiness, and closure. For Alona, it has brought excitement, anxiety, hope, and even sadness. Leaving the place she called home for the past 8 years was very difficult for her, as it would be for anyone. I grieved leaving my babies at home for a month knowing full well I would be returning. I cannot imagine the feeling of leaving all that you have known and loved in this world behind not knowing when, if ever, you would return. Please pray for her as she starts out in this uncharted territory of family life.

So, why the name? Well, we love the name Alona and couldn't possibly change the name that she has had since birth. All of our girls names start with A, and so it is a perfect fit! My girls all have R middle names and so we knew we needed an R name. When thinking about her middle name, we settled upon Reece because we felt it was a very American name, and it means enthusiastic...how very fitting!! We wanted to spell Reece with a "c" because c is the "s" sound in Russian. 

Before I bombard you with pictures of our precious girl, I would like to ask that you please continue to pray for us as we finish out all of the paperwork, passports, visa, and medical exams in order to get home soon!! We expect to be here at least another week. Thank you for steadfast support and prayers for our family. We will continue to share our story as we travel home and get settled into our new normal:) 

When thinking of a Bible passage to share on this post, I couldn't think of a better one than Lamentations 3:22-24:

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”

Our sweet Alona as a little girl

L and Alona about 3 years ago

The first pics I ever saw of Alona...above with her bff Liza when Liza's family was in the process of adopting her. 

 Working hard on her english lessons

Showing off her graduation present from us...a pretty necklace

 Alona and Sasha the day he agreed to separation

A and her Daddy

Playing Zorok...aka Fool

Me and my sweet girl the day we found out our adoption process was going to be delayed 5 weeks

Modeling her new clothes!

Saying good-bye in July

Reunited...first stop pizza place!!

Court...judge said yes to adoption!!!

A few of the fabulous people present during court

Celebration lunch!!

Seeing Daddy off at the airport :(

Yalta

Heading to Swallow's Nest in Yalta

  

Beautiful girl...beautiful castle

Taking a ride in the XD cinema!

Taking a ride on the carousel

Alona and Sasha in Evpratoria

  Yummy Cotton Candy

Enjoying our afternoon at the Khan Palace

Happy Face Panda Ice Cream!

Sweet friends!

Girls posing with the creepy bearded man head at the park

So wish I had snapped a pic of the dismount...hilarious!

Alona and L dancing the night away :)

Enjoying Sevastopol with Jamie, James, and L!

Girls posing with the statue lady

Alona with her new birth certificate!!!

Leaving the orphanage no longer an orphan. And so begins Alona Reece's new life.....