Mary Joins her 6 siblings at home in New Mexico!
Hi, we are the Gartner family of seven beautiful children. Our first two children were adopted in the United States as newborns and they are now grown. Next, we had a bio/IVF baby who is presently twelve years old. Then we adopted, virtual twins from Ukraine, as very young toddlers. They are both five years old. Following our virtual twins, we adopted yet another toddler, this time from Siberia who recently has turned three years old.
We actually began to want a seventh child last October 2005. At that time, we were considering the adoption, of an older little girl that was a waiting child. She was about seven years old and seemed to be God's plan for us. Unfortunately, someone else had "just" placed her on hold before us. Following this attempt to adopt, we began to seriously, search for our potential child.
I can not say enough good things about, Until All Have Homes (UAHH), and their wonderful ministry of helping waiting children and parents to find one another. As a result of their site, we had found a waiting child, ever so perfect for our family. When she was finally placed into my arms, she slipped right into my heart.
In March of 2006 we brought home our baby, Mary Elizabeth, from Russia. Her adoption, flowed without difficulty, as gracefully as a butterfly in flight. Our experience with UAHH, regarding Mary, has changed our life in such a positive way. Best of all, we know she is, the child God truly intended for us to be blessed with adopting.
Mary was described by UAHH as...a blond hair, blue eyed, babe. Which she most definitely is. Not only is she beautiful, but, she has what many people refer to as "personality plus". Our little Mary, although very petite for her age, is so big in spirit. We just know she will be mighty in the Lord as she grows. Mary brings a smile to the face of all she meets. This is how we respond every time we look at her. When she enters the room, it's with confidence, and she is ready to have fun.
Additionally, Mary and our previously adopted young child have grown to be such close sisters. Our older son and the virtual twins watch out for her so carefully with love and adoration. The two grown children feel a pride in Mary that can only be described as precious. She really wrapped her Daddy around her tiny "pinkie" finger. Mary confidently knows, she is a joy to us all, and that her place within our family is secure.
As for me, Mary's mama, she is so very dear to my heart that I can not imagine my life without her. I would like to share a poem, that describes what I do, after her active day ends and she sleeps. It is written by Joan Didion.
In the evening,
after she has
fallen asleep,
I kneel beside
the crib
and touch her face,
where it is pressed against the slats,
with mine.
This has become my secret place to pray each night. I thank God for all of my family, for each child one by one, that He is so good and faithful, and for UAHH to continue their wonderful ministry. Then I pray for all other things in His glory. As my face gently touches with her's, I can feel how deeply we love her, and I am full of gratitude for my children. It is our hope and prayer, that all who search will find, and also be blessed with their forever child. We wish you God's many blessings!
The Gartner Family
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