March 18, 2013

On March 18, 2013 we heard the story of a little girl named Susanna. For six years her crib had been her home. After much prayer we knew that we wanted to bring her home and show her life outside of her crib. 

We also heard the story of her special friend in the crib next to her. She loved him and cared for him through the bars of her crib. We knew that learning to live outside the walls of her crib would be very hard for her but that maybe if he came with her it would make things easier. We didn't want their special connection to be broken. That is how we were introduced to this special little boy.

On May 29, 2013 our hearts were broken when we learned that Susanna had passed away. We wouldn't be able to introduce her to the world outside the walls of her crib. We continued to work to get our son home. We visited him for the first time in November and fell in love with his sweet smile. He was clearly heartbroken and his poor body needs much repair as well. We have spent the last 4 months preparing for this day. The day that Elijah Joseph Williams becomes ours in more than name! Today we get to walk out of the orphanage with him in our arms. 

Without Susanna this day would not have been possible. Without her love for him and families who advocated for her, who shared her story (thank you Lesa and Linny!),  we would never have found our boy and he would likely not have found a family. So today we also remember the story, and the little girl, that we have promised never to forget. We wish more than anything that today she was in our arms. May more cribs be emptied by the telling of her story! This is Susanna's story!