My friends, Renee and JJ along with their two sons, recently adopted a sweet baby girl from Africa. Last weekend, their church gave Aster a Welcome home party! Renee extended the invitation to those she serves with at Proverbs 31 Ministries. Well, I should say she invited those who live in town. However, the email went out to the entire staff and team at Proverbs. Although Renee lives in North Carolina and I live in Tennessee, I wanted to attend the celebration!
You have to understand. I’ve prayed for this sweet baby for many, many years. I’ve seen pictures of her chubby checks which caused the “mom” in me to want to reach into the photo and hold her. So, when the invitation came out and even though I live 7 1/2 hours away, I couldn’t resist not going. I had to see and hold God’s sweet answer to our prayers.
I called my husband at worked and asked, “Are you feeling spontaneous today?”
“Why?” he replied with hesitance in his voice. “What have you got in mind?”
With as much enthusiasm as I could muster up I answered, “How would you like to spend the weekend in North Carolina?” From there I explained the party, my desire to celebrate with Renee, and my longing to hold baby Aster. He was in! He’s such a great hubby!
We decided to make our visit a surprise. I called LeAnn, my friend and our executive director at Proverbs to help me secure a nearby hotel. Once that was done, we were on our way!
The closer we got to Charlotte, the more excited I got! I couldn’t wait to see LeAnn, who was meeting us at the hotel and accompanying us to the party. I also couldn’t wait to see Aster. But mainly, I tried to imagine Renee’s response when saw me. I wanted her to feel my love and support. Boy, did she!
We didn’t knock once we arrived at Renee’s house. We simply walked in through the front door. The house was buzzing with people. We decided that LeAnn should walk in front of me and Pat would follow behind in order to make the most out of the surprise. It worked!
Renee saw LeAnn and instantly reached out with a welcome hug. That’s when she spotted me. With her arms still extended, she passed up LeAnn and embraced me. It was quite funny—not to LeAnn of course. Anyway, Renee hugged and kissed me and while exclaiming, “What are you doing here?!”
She took me over to Aster where I got to finish feeding her a bottle. She is SO precious that words are not sufficient! I was surprised at how alert she was from reading Renee’s emails from Africa. But love is a powerful antidote. There was no doubt that Aster was home, loved, and knew her family. Whenever Renee spoke, Aster would turn her head to find her mommy.
I not only got to feed Aster but play with her and changer her too. I was trying to soak in as much as I could. I knew it would be months before I got to see Aster again. But how could she forget me. I am her number 1 aunt because I drove the furthest to see her! Right?
Later that evening, Renee and her son Josh joined LeAnn, Pat and me for dinner. It was a perfect ending to a wonderful day of celebration.
Welcome home, Aster!
LeAnn says
Renee just brought the precious bundle of pink to the office to show her off! She is wearing one of the sweet outfits that you bought her! I took a couple of pictures to send you. I'll email them sometime today.
It was sooooo great to see you! I think you need to tell Pat that he should request a transfer to Charlotte. Seeing you once or twice a year just isn't enough!
Love you!
LeAnn
Renee Swope says
It made me cry to read the story of your visit. I really was absolutely blown away, blessed and felt overwhelming love by your surprise visit. I love that you love my girl! I'll send you a photo of you with her so you can post it!
Love you!
Renee
PS> I am all about that transfer LeAnn is recommending!
Julie Gillies says
Hi Micca,
What a FUN surprise! Your hubby is such a good sport.
Thanks for sharing the pics of you and Aster. I loved hearing how she already follows Renee's voice. Too sweet! It's such an exciting time for Renee and I'm thrilled for the Swope family.
Susan says
Now that's a true friend, wanting to be there to celebrate the joy! Loved reading this
Jill says
Micca,
I loved reading your words about Renee and the welcome home party for Aster. What a blessing and how amazing to see God work in it all in, even your presence at the party!
I'm looking forward to hearing more about Renee's journey as she is our keynote speaker on the 31st at a Rise and Shine Retreat I've been helping organize. I'm so thankful God planned the early arrival of our little Jed, so I can be in attendance. Thanks for sharing and blessings to you, Jill
Chef Diane says
This is a true life story of "love knows no bounds." How wonderful it is has been to be a part of the praying process for this precious bundle of joy. Then to watch God deliver her to so many hearts prepared to love her. To a family who can and will raise her to know the Lord. Maybe one day she will return to Africa to minister for the Lord. Can you imagine what that would look like? The world is open for her now. What a special group to be able to pray with.
Thank you for allowing me this honor.
Blessings and much love,
Diane
Oh Dear says
Investing prayer is heart work! I recall holding a friends baby after weeks of crying and praying for the Lord to allow that tiny baby to live. When I finally held her, I lost it! So powerful to hold your answered prayers in such BEAUTIFUL packaging! Okay, tearing up just thinking about it.
Danielle says
Ooh! I love your hair cut Micca. You look amazing!
How special a time that must of been for you all. You are truly a beloved friend and sister!
Digging for Pearls says
How sweet and wonderful that you could surprise Renee! What a blessing that you were able to go to the festivities.
Blessings,
Pearls
Wendy Blight says
Micca,
Thank you for including the pictures with your story. I LOVE seeing your sweet face. What a precious friend you are to drive so far to celebrate God's amazing gift to the Swope family….
You are like the wise men who came to visit Jesus…bearing great love and gifts. Sounds funny, but it really is true because the wise men came to celebrate the gift of Jesus' new life. And you, sweet friend, came to celebrate the gift of Aster's new life!!!
Love,
Wendy