I’m somewhat of a masochist when it comes to studying the Bible. I LOVE finding original Greek and Hebrew words and definitions and seeing how the original words change the context of scripture.
My all time favorite Greek word has to be NIKAO. It is mentioned 24 times in the King James Version of the Bible and it means….
to conquer
to carry off the victory, come off victorious
of Christ, victorious over all His foes
of Christians, that hold fast their faith even unto death against the power of their foes, and temptations and persecutions when one is arraigned or goes to law, to win the case, maintain one’s cause
See why it’s my favorite?!
Adopting and parenting Sofija has not been the easiest journey. But you know what? Nobody was ever promised an easy journey. What the journey has been is worthy. My child has immeasurable worth. She is a masterpiece! 
Ephesians 2:10 For SOFIJA is God’s MASTERPIECE. He has created her anew in Christ Jesus, so she can do the good things he planned for her long ago.
On April 3rd 2005, my daughter came into this world. She was half a world away from me at the time and it took us five years to find each other. In those five years she experienced neglect and abuse that have left her with many issues to overcome. On April 3rd, 2010, I cried all day. I knew that it was her birthday and I craved to celebrate it with her. This year, on April 3rd, 2011, I cried for a brief moment. I cried because I mourn the birthdays I’ve missed with her. I also cried because this year, I got to hold her and love her and celebrate her life. She is a vision of nikao. She is a conqueror. An over-comer. A victor. And…she knows it. 🙂
She spent the entire weekend announcing, “It’s Sofija’s birfday!” Every time someone wished her a happy day, she demanded that someone sing to her. Every time someone sang to her, she sang along. When she snuck an extra cupcake before lunch and we asked her why she had done it, she threw up her hands and said, “Because it’s cake!” Of course. Why else would you sneak an extra cupcake?!
Happy 6th Birthday, Sofija! Thank you for painting us a picture of what nikao looks like. Philippians 1:3 I thank my God every time I think of you.
Lux, Libertas 
Happy birthday sweet, sweet girl!
What a beauty! Many happy birthdays ahead!!
Happy Birthday to an amazing little girl. One who carries knowledge beyond her years in her eyes, and the spirit of Christ in her heart.
I am so blessed to have found your blog. Several years ago while browsing the Reece’s Rainbow website I saw your daughter’s picture and she grabbed my heart. For many months I prayed for her and petitioned God to give her a family that could care for her needs. I returned to the website last night and discovered that my prayer had been answered. What an incredible blessing! Thank you for sharing your journey.
I was also a silent fan of your daughter and I remember reading a couple days after you brought her home but then lost track of your blog. So glad to have found you all again 🙂 She is beautiful, as always, and looks like she is blossoming!