Road Trip

We took a road trip last week. That is something new for our family. Usually we fly but this time it was a 9 hour road trip. Then again our flights are longer than that road trip.

I did some careful thinking and planning as we packed. I put a basket of snacks in the back where J would reach it and he was in charge of handing out snacks. I used the cups that the kids love to bring home from restaurants as containers for snacks. We had some Goldfish, Cheez-its, and a few other things. I had also packed the cooler with lunchmeat, cheese, and things for lunch. That was nice as our hotel did not have breakfast included so we ate things we had -- hard boiled eggs and fruit.

We made a stop on the way at Niagara Falls. It was the first time I had been there. We managed to arrive in time to go on the Maid of the Mist.

Miss K wasn't sure she wanted the wanted the blue rain coat. I finally did get a cute picture of her.

In the past few weeks her language has taken off again. Speaking more complete sentences and noticing things and talking about them. She has also begun to share her emotions "I so angry" which she says with a smile or "I scared." Depending what it is I will talk to her about it or just tell her she doesn't have to be scared.

It was fun to do. The weather was perfect.

We then crossed the border and spent the night on the Canada side. The next morning we walked along the Canadian side and got wet. It was very misty which made it difficult to take pictures.



We then continued our trip to Toronto.

Three Years Ago

After spending the night traveling on the travel and then going to get some documents signed, late on a Friday afternoon we were given permission to go to the orphanage and meet J. At that time his name was not J. I remember a quiet, shy boy coming into a room filled with about 5 adults, plus our family. He didn't really know what to say.

I have to say he was cute and still is but you don't say that to a 10 year old boy.

It is hard to believe that it has been three years. It many ways it seems longer. I think in these past three years I have learned a few things -- actually more than a few but a few that I will share.

1. Adoption is hard work both before gathering all the documents and after as you adjust and bond.

2. Adoption is a wonderful thing.

3. We live in a fallen world. The effects of one person's sin can impact those around.

4. Things don't always go as you planned but according to God's plan.

5. God is sovereign. At times that is all I could rest in, knowing that he is still on the throne.

I am thankful that God has lead and guided us through the process and I continue to look to God for his wisdom and strength. I am excited to see what he will do in J's life in the coming years. God is working and preparing him for wonderful things. For the past few years he has talked about being a pilot then it changed to a missionary pilot. Today he said "well, if I am not a pilot, then I will be a pastor."

I am proud of him for his mature handling of adoption issues. In co-op they are studying health and he needed some pictures from birth, 1, 2, etc and birth stats. I asked him how he wanted to handle it and we got pictures that we had and I told the teacher. He was also willing to tell her himself.

Happy Anniversary

It was eight years ago that we were married. Happy anniversary to my wonderful husband. Eight years together filled with adventure, blessings, laughter, and a few tears but most of all happiness.
I really should think of something romantic to stay but after a weekend trip, and not just the two of us (that comes soon), I think all I can say is home is a wonderful place.

Remembering

It is a bit slow. Actually, slow might not be the word -- rather life is moving and I just have not had any photos or fun things to share. I need a new camera. We are busy doing school. I am spending my spare time reading and writing papers for a course I am taking. So since I have nothing current to share I will share a bit from our September 2004 newsletter. Miss K was a baby just 2 months old. Here is a bit that we wrote at that time.
On August 7 Miss K was finally discharged. The nurses and staff there were all sad to see her leave. We were looking forward to finally having her home!
We saw a number of demonstrations of God's faithfulness during this difficult time:
We met a Christian nurse in the NICU. We visiter her Christian cell group there at the hospital, since they were praying for Miss K.
We had opportunities to share God's love. One of the nurses told me, "Miss K is lucky to have you as parents as most of them are given up during pregnancy." That is very true here. Most of the babies with Down Syndrome are aborted.
AFter the heart surgery, we learned that for children of Miss K's size, the mortality rate is 50 percent. Her survival was really an answer to prayer!
Through a friend at church our hospital bill was reduced more than 90 percent.
We are so thankful for the notes and prayers of so many people. God has been faithful in meeting our needs.

The verse that we shared was "For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100:5

My hero - a journal topic

J was given an assignment for a journal entry. "Do you have a hero? What do you admire about him or her? What qualities or traits make a person a hero? He balked about it a bit but then wrote the following."

"My hero is Jesus! I know that he can do anything axcept sin. He is my hero because he saved me by dying on the cross."

He read it to me and I was amazed and rejoicing to hear what he has to say.