Gwen's Dedication

Yesterday was a special day for our family. It was Gwen's dedication day, which is a time when we publically dedicate her to God and ask for His blessing on her life. She was prayed for in our church service, both at the microphone by the senior pastor, and by our friend Josh, who held her during the dedication and is also a pastor at our church. Josh prayed for Scott and I as Gwen's parents, that God would cause us to be the kind of mother and father that she needs. He thanked Him for her life and for bringing us together. The senior pastor prayed that when questions come later, that God would give us the words to answer them. Gwen was given a little pink Bible with her name in it along with a rose and a dedication certificate. She wore a dress that my mom made for all the granddaughters to wear for their dedications... Madelyn wore it when she was 3 months old~ amazingly Gwen was able to fit into it! She looked so beautiful in it!

Later in the day we had some friends over to celebrate with us. We used the placemat and chopstick sets we had bought in China for the meal, and served wine Scott bought in Yibin, the city where the orphanage Gwen lived in is. Gwen and Madelyn wore their matching Chinese dresses. It was a really fun evening, topped off with a special cake for Gwen and then a group picture. Several families joined us in praying for her again at the end of the evening. We all sat around on the floor in the family room. Gwen was just kind of playing around us. When we closed our eyes to pray, I peeked and watched her walk around and look at everyone, peering into their faces. She kissed me several times and also several of our friends! It was so sweet! I think she felt comfortable kissing them because their eyes were closed! It was a neat time of prayer... such a blessing to have friends join us in that.
Look at this... I wonder what it tastes like!
Pretty yummy!

You try some, Daddy!
Whole group!