How’s Riley liking America?

The most popular question posed to us these days is, “How is Riley?”

Little did his parents realize when they adopted this cute loving fellow, that they were adopting a celebrity! I get inquires from around the world wanting to know how Riley is adjusting to America. So many of our lives have been blessed by watching how his adoption journey unfolded, so it brings me great joy to report during this Christmas season that, much like God blessed us with his son this month, Riley has been a blessing to his parents and them to him.

We are glad to report that his transition to America and attachment to his parents is going very well. As all parents have experienced, children bring with them a certain number of struggles. With so many unknowns and always wanting to do the best for your child, parenting can leave a parent exhausted! Add on top of that being adopted at 4 years of age and you no doubt have a situation for stress! However, Riley’s parents have said they have been so pleased by the transition and although they have ups and downs, the transition is going very well.

He’s had the pleasure of meeting Santa, baking with Mommy, riding his first scooter, and playing with his dogs Benny and Joon. He has also enjoyed meeting his grandparents, relatives, and neighborhood friends. Without further ado, I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves!

How are we doing you ask? Our family is adjusting very well! As Jolie so adequately put it, “There is some sadness, but it is soon replaced by a river of joy for Riley and we hardly notice the sadness because the river drowns it out.”

Isaac, being the one who shared his room, clothes, toys, and play time with Riley, has shed tears on several occasions and asked about Riley’s wellbeing; he has been reassured, however, and he now just looks forward to nurturing his friendship with Riley over the internet.

There’s nothing like seeing our part in God’s plan fulfilled! We couldn’t have done it without so many of you praying for us–for Riley to be adopted, for our many ups and downs during fostering, etc. And we especially thank our supervisor’s family for all their hard work in fostering Riley for 4 months when we returned to the States to have Lily, and for coming alongside of us to help with the fostering after we returned.

We are thrilled to have been able to be a part of Riley’s adoption journey.