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Follow Chris, Project 1.27's Executive Director, and his wife Sarah as they adopt a child from foster care, too!
July 5, 2007
Dear Friends of Project 1.27:
I couldn’t believe my ears. Did she really say that?
“Mommy, what’s that?” Jalaya pointed her little finger up at the heavenlies as the first red and green sparkles filled the darkening sky.
“Those are fireworks, Jalaya.” She stared in awe. “JJ, have you ever seen those before?” She slowly shook her head “no”. Jalaya was frozen, unable to speak, suddenly forgetting about the long line we were standing in to use the port-a-potty.
I scooped her up in my arms and ran down the hill to where our family and friends were snuggled down under blankets. She stared, then giggled, then squealed in delight as the purple and green and red and “diamondy” show lit up the night. JJ clapped and we all oooooohed and ahhhhhhhhhed. “Do it again!” she cried out, unable to sit still in the presence of such wonder.
First fireworks at 7-years-old. What an amazing moment to get to share with her. I thought about how many “firsts” there had been in the last 6 months, and especially the “big one” – Jalaya legally becoming our daughter.
Jalaya’s adoption finalization last month was an incredible event. We had about 30 people in the court room to celebrate with us, including some of Jalaya’s biological family. The judge smiled from ear to ear as he told Chris and me and Jalaya and Jalaya’s stuffed bear to raise our right hands. After Jalaya’s caseworker and attorney both told the judge that they approved of this adoption, the judge pronounced it official: Jalaya was a Padbury! The courtroom erupted in applause. There were pictures and hugs and kisses all around. We asked everyone there to sign as witnesses on the Forever Family Covenant given to us by Project 1.27. Here is a part of the beautifully framed document:
To exalt the sacred nature and permanence of the act of adoption ordained by the LORD the following vows were taken:
Husband and Wife: We reaffirm our marriage vows to remain faithful partners, lovers and friends for as long as we both shall live. To our children we commit to love and protect you, to trust you and provide for you, to laugh and cry with you, and to cherish and uphold this bond as your parents for as long as we shall live.
Children: To our parents we commit to love, honor and respect you for as long as we shall live. To each other we promise to defend our bond as brothers and sisters and to support one another in word and deed for as long as we shall live.
The next night, some friends from church put on a fun-filled adoption party. As I looked around the room that night at friends old and new, and our extended family, I thanked God for such wonderful support. We truly have not traveled this road alone. Through the lows and the highs, these people have served Jalaya with us as we seek to reach her heart and give her hope. Since our Adoption Day – June 28th – she has been talking more and more about the future. I think she “gets it” and is finding peace.
Chris surprised me at the court hearing. The judge was all finished with the proceeding and Chris asked, “Sir, may I say something?” “Of course,” he replied. This is what Chris said:
Your Honor,
I want to give thanks to all of the friends and family here joining us and to the countless team members helping from ____________ County, the state of Colorado, the __________ family, and the wonderful Christian support from Project 1.27. We are now a family. In fact I just figured out last night that we now have 3, 10-year-olds and 2, 7-year-olds. A Full House!
More than all I want to thank the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob for bringing this all together for a special little girl that He loves very much, my new daughter Jalaya Joy Padbury.
Jalaya, God loves you so much that He spent years slowly bringing to you 2 unsuspecting parents, 4 new playful brothers and sisters, and a curly haired dog. He loved you so much that He came, lived, died and rose again for you, so that someday if you want you can have Him as your forever Father, too.
Your honor, we believe that the days are coming where you, this court and others like it will be overwhelmed with huge amounts of adoptions of families like this, giving a hope and a future for the hundreds of waiting children in Colorado’s foster care. We at Project 1.27 have seen 26 new adoptions in the past 18 months alone.
Jalaya, as your father, unlike your wedding day where I give you away (which hopefully is still far away), today I take you up. On behalf of your new family, we promise to give you the same places and faces, to honor and cherish you, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as we have breath. So, help us God.
When he finished, JJ leaned over and gave her teary dad a long hug. Her expression was one of understanding way beyond her years. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for this precious little girl.
To His Glory,
Sarah Padbury
P.S. Some of the information from Chris’ statement was removed for our family’s privacy.
Read other parts of the Padbury's adoption story |
