For years, I had recurrent dreams about a spirited little girl who called me Mama. She would cry when I was out of sight, giggling as she ran ahead and looked back, waiting for me to chase her. Every time I reached for her, my alarm would interrupt, pulling me away from a moment I never wanted to end. Waking up, I felt an aching emptiness—a longing for a child I had never met but deeply loved.
On February 10, 2012, that love overflowed. Though she only existed in my dreams, she felt real to me. Just thinking about her filled me with joy, as if she were already part of my life. That day, I opened my phone and wrote down my thoughts. I gave her a name—Emma Joy.
Thirteen years ago, I was living in Philadelphia, PA. I was a nanny for a wonderful family and an early education teacher. I attended church, built friendships, and served my community. Strong examples of family life surrounded me, and deep in my heart, I longed to build my own.
I held onto Kingsley Okonkwo's words: "The family you create is more important than the family you come from." As an immigrant far from home, those words resonated deeply. I believed that, in time, God would lead me to a husband. But more than that, I longed for a child. I trusted that when the time was right, nothing would stand in the way of me holding my baby in my arms.
Looking back at that note from February 10, 2012, I feel immense gratitude. I didn't realize it then, but I was creating a vision for my future. Journaling allowed me to capture my younger self's prayers, hopes, and dreams—the one who never stopped believing in God's timing.
It took eleven more years of waiting, trusting, and hoping, but I see the power of words and faith today. My Sunday came! The family I once dreamed of is now my reality—and so much more. I am a bonus mom and first-time mother to two precious children—twins—a boy and a girl.
I prayed for one, and God gave me two in His abundance. The daughter from my dreams? She came, but not as Emma. She arrived with a name of her own—Arabella, which means Answered Prayer or Yielding to Prayer. And she didn't come alone—she brought a brother with her.
If there's one thing I've learned, it's this: speak life over yourself. Declare your dreams. Pursue them with faith. Create your vision, trust in God's plan, and be open to how He answers—because it may be more beautiful than you ever imagined.
Be strong, patient with yourself, and love yourself. Your strength will sustain you and remind you of the powerful woman you are.
You are amazing. Never give up!
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