I still remember it vividly, the moment I met you.

Bundled up to your chubby cheeks in layers of flannel and insulated winter wear, your whole face was flushed pink. Your shiny black hair was cut short with tiny multi-color barrettes clipped in to hold back your bangs. Your big brown eyes were wide with curiosity and fear;taking in every moment, nothing missed your vigilant gaze. And then there were your tiny lips, pursued tightly into a pout that signified the presence of an attitude too big for your tiny, three-year old frame.

For those first few moments you were silent as your caretaker placed you into Mom’s arms. Then you started to cry. Your tears were soon replaced by soft giggles and faint smile as we attempted an array of silly antics to try and keep you entertained. And I honestly believe that those first quiet instances may have been your only silent moments.

Those next two weeks were crazy. There were really tough days, but there were also some truly beautiful moments. I remember sitting on the hotel bed as you sat beside me stacking rainbow headbands on your head and pushing my huge, white plastic sunglass frames up onto your tiny face. You tried bossing me around, babbling your instructions in your toddler interpretation of Mandarin.

It’s hard to believe that our journey to you began even before you were born. Years before your eyes would open to this world, God was working to bring our family together. From the moment Mom and Dad saw your picture for the first time and knew that was their daughter--to getting to embrace you, inside the walls of the adoption agency, after months of anticipation. I was so excited to bring you home!

Weeks turned to months, and overtime those months grew into years. And as time passed you’ve grown into a smart, strong, fiercely independent and joyous girl, whose determination to do absolutely everything is inspiring. With your wit and sass, it's undeniable that you're my sister.

And like all good siblings, you have an attitude that can quickly shift from sweet to frustrating in a matter of seconds. We know how to get on each other’s nerves, but we also understand how much we love one another. That's what family is the people in your life who see your best and your worst, but they love you regardless because they know you're meant to take on this world together. I can’t imagine my life, or our family, without you. I love you little sister.