Dearest sweetest Rachel Rose,
For many years we prayed for you. Would it be possible that some day the Lord would bring us a child to adopt into our forever family? Several times we almost started the adoption process, but sensed God asking us to wait. And then during the actual adoption process there were tears over the numerous paperwork delays. Your big brothers and sister felt like they were waiting “forever” for a baby sister!
And now as we hold you in our arms, we are so thankful for each and every single delay that happened. Because of those delays - we were the family who got to be assigned to receive YOU. YOU were the exact child God had picked out for our family. Since before time began, it was in His plan that YOU, Rachel Rose, would be born in Ethiopia and then adopted into our Halseth family. How did we get to be so blessed? The word “thankful” hardly begins to describe the depth of our gratitude to have YOU as our daughter.
The Hebrew meaning of RACHEL is “God’s Gentle Little Lamb, Innocent before God.” Here is one verse associated the name Rachel:
“He tends his flock like a shepherd, He gathers the lambs in his arms, and carries them close to his heart; He gently leads those that have young.” Isaiah 40:11
The last two letters of Rachel also have meaning. "EL" is another name used for God in the Bible, meaning "mighty, strong, prominent." A ROSE is seen as a symbol of love and beauty. Rose is also the past tense of 'rise'. When we met you, you were living in the city of Addis Ababa which means, “New Flower.” The Bible talks of the Rose of Sharon, and so you are also a namesake to your Grandma Sharon.
Rachel, you are our sweet, gentle little lamb. You are innocent before God. You are definitely lovely and beautiful. When we met you Rachel, you were in a critical medical condition. God rescued you and breathed new life into you. He has a plan and a purpose for your life. We know this full well. May your heart stay soft and tender before the God who loves us all, more than we can know or imagine. May He be mighty and prominent in your life as you arise in His strength.
Love, Mommy and Daddy
