Isaac Warren Henderson

Genesis 21: 6 “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.”

There are never more fervent prayers than when you pray for your children. This I know for sure. Whether you're praying for their health, their future, or their redemption; a prayer for one's child has something at its very core that is  deeply piercing and defined within the soul.

We are excited, and overwhelmingly blessed to announce the arrival and adoption of our son, Isaac. He was born on Sunday, November 3rd at 8:39 AM. He came into this world weighing 6.5 lbs and with a length of 17.5 inches. He is perfect in every way.

We have chosen not to share too many details of Isaac's adoption story, as that will be his own story to tell one day. We will  say, however, that we didn't have a lot of notice, and it has been a bit of a mad dash to prepare for the arrival or our treasured son. Looking back on the last few weeks, I can say that I wouldn't have it any other way. We have seen friends and family come together to love and support us in ways that amaze and encourage my spirit. An awesome shower was thrown for us at work, and an incredible virtual shower was put on by our sisters, and attended by many over the internets. To everyone who participated in any capacity whatsoever, please know that we are eternally grateful!

Unfortunately, we aren't home yet.

Shortly after Isaac was born, it was discovered that he had a blockage in his small intestine. Isaac had surgery on Wednesday, and is currently recovering in the NICU in a wonderful hospital in Plano. We have every confidence in the doctors here, and we have been so impressed! The recovery after this kind of surgery can be slow, so we may be here for awhile. We're praying that Isaac's insides heal quickly and start functioning properly soon, but we don't want to rush anything either.

Adam and I were thrust into the often worrisome aspect of parenting very quickly. I hadn't even held Isaac once before I was speaking to paramedics about his hospital transfer. Adam has been amazing. His strength in adversity is an incredible testament to his faith and character. He is an awesome daddy, and I know that he will lead our family well just as he always has.

We can't help but step into this chapter of parenting without thinking about our sweet Alex. I reflect so often on how much that experience taught me. I was tested and strengthened in so many ways while I lived in Jamaica. I grew so much as an individual and learned so much about myself. We will never forget our first born son, and Isaac will know about him and eventually join us as we pray for him and his life each day.

As I sit in this hospital waiting room thinking of my questions to ask the neonatologist when he makes his rounds, I can't help but smile. You see, in places like this I am finding that you sometimes have to advocate for your child, challenge decisions of doctors and nurses, ask questions, and be the squeaky wheel. Well, Isaac's big brother, Alex, taught me a thing or two about fighting like hell for someone. A lesson that has undeniably prepared me for the last few hard days.

I may never understand God's plan, but I do know that he makes beauty from ashes. And he has done just that for our family. God is good and redeeming in all things. We are so grateful.

In the same year that we experienced grief so thick it could span the Sahara, we have also felt an amount of joy so expansive that it could fill the oceans.

Isaac's name means laughter, and in scripture Isaac is the promised son of Abraham and Sarah. When they thought all was lost, God gave them their treasured son.

We held fast to God's promises. He never left us, just like he says.

Please join us in celebrating and praying for Isaac in his healing.

We'll share pictures soon, I promise.