Happy Birthday Timithi!

Thirteen years ago God blessed us with our second child! Timithi came to us in a miraculous way, just as Jonothon did! When Jonothon turned one year, we decided to open our adoption file once again, knowing that most families wait several months, even years, to adopt a baby in the United States. As Jono turned one, Timithi was actually born that month. His birthmother was a child herself and soon decided that the best, most loving thing she could do for her baby was to place him into a family that could love and care for him as he needed. At her age, Marissa was courageous and loving to make such a huge sacrifice for her baby. And our lives have been changed in marvelous ways, since Timithi arrived! We opened our adoption file during the end of February, 1995 and Timithi came to join our family at the end of March.

I had been in Seattle with Jonothon, caring for my cancer-stricken mother, when the phone in her hospital room rang. It was for me. Our adoption attorney was calling with the news that "a baby boy" was available for adoption, but it needed to take place immediately. Chris was home in CA, so I called him, talked with my mom and step-father and it was decided that we would do it! Jonothon and I flew from Seattle to Ventura, CA while Chris got in the car for the four-hour drive. Chris picked us up at the airport, we went to our attorney's home office, and the three of us went to the home of "the baby' - this was a Saturday.

When the paperwork was complete, we left our attorney's office and drove home with our precious new baby, now named Timithi Owen. The next day was Sunday and we showed up at church with a new baby! It was quite exciting and so joyful as our church body rejoiced with us. Next day, we took Timithi to the doctor for a well-baby visit. The following day, Tuesday, all FOUR of us boarded a plane to return to be with my mother in Seattle. Chris had to return to work, so I stayed in Seattle - my mother home from the hospital, a 13-month old and a 1-month old who was definitely feeling the transition.

God is gracious and has blessed us with such a wonderful son in Timithi! He is creative, inventive, reliable and has a great wit! Today we are celebrating Timithi! He brings joy to our home and we are truly blessed by him!

Happy Birthday, Timi!