Jules’ first day at Joliet Central
Today was Jules’ first day at a brand new school. Joliet Central, no less, which is a huge castle looking building with over two thousand students. The school itself is four stories tall; two city blocks long, and includes four separate buildings.
Coincidentally this is the first time I have sent a sister off to my old high school. It’s also the first august I have ever had a sister.
It’s been a big year for both of us.
The day I found out we would be adopting Jules was my twenty-sixth birthday. I was at the zoo with Phill and Andy when my Mom called to tell me “I think we are going to adopt a Haitian girl.” It remains one of the most unexpected phone calls I have ever gotten, and now also one of the fondest as well.
Fast forward 3 months, a lot of conversation with Erin and my friends on how to be a good sister, a few shopping dates, a road trip, and Haitian food lessons and I woke up today with an excitement. Not for any other reason than that I was proud of Jules, and that I was hoping she would like her first day at such an enormous school.
It’s days like this where I slowly learn to be a sister, when for twenty six years I was an only child. Its day like this that make me so thankful I have such amazing parents who open their hearts to not only me, but to anyone who needs a little love. It’s days like today especially, when I am so thankful for that Haitian sister of mine, who I cannot imagine my life without now.
She is a blessed young lady… I’m thankful for the way God orchestrated this entire union! Jules is near and dear to our hearts as you know, and my heart sighs every time I see her genuine smile and happiness. I am blessed beyond measure to know your mom and dad and equally blessed to have gotten to know you! The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree Miss Alicia!
What wonderful photos and a truly beautiful story. Thank you for sharing!!
Very Beautiful Daughter. Thank you so much for having a open heart and mind about adoption. I think it was you who inspired Mom and I to ever think about adoption. You are a wonderful sister and an awesome daughter…
[...] gained a sister this year from Haiti who has changed my life in so many wonderful ways. We photographed her the first few weeks spent together so that we could [...]