The loss...

I have been guilty of being a blog stalker, I have a google reader list that is embarrassingly long. I have laughed and cried when children are united with their forever family, grieved with these families, and hoped for our turn one day. The closer we come to a referral I find myself getting more excited and also more apprehensive. What if I did not prepare myself and my family well enough for this momentous occasion? What happens if I fail in reading all the signs of grief and attachment this precious child gives us? Do we have the patience, love, and compassion this child will need? While I have wasted plenty of time on the Internet, I have learned valuable lessons from those who have gone ahead of us. Moms who love their children with a fierce and determined love, educated in how to best work their child through these tremendous losses. I hope that I too will have the strength and knowledge to teach my daughter about love, faithfulness, and security.

Why we are doing this....

Every once in awhile someone will stop John or I and ask, why are you adopting? Why China? Aren't there easier, quicker, cheaper ways to add to your family? This video cuts to the heart of why J & I feel called to adopt. While we can't help all the orphan children in the world, we can bring home one to love. Our greatest hope is that if we bring home the "one" we were called to bring home, that others will be called to bring home the "one" they were called to bring home, and so on. Do we think we are solving the orphan problem? No, just doing as God has called us.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJmRPdogf7U&feature=player_embedded