Fourteen years ago, Jad and I were celebrating our first Christmas with Jaci. But it wasn't in our home, it was at Jad's Dad and Step mom's house. We live along the Colorado River, and it caught record flood waters. Our house was submerged in two feet of water. We stayed with Jad's family for over four months while our house was pretty much remodeled from one side to the other. On the upside, I got all new appliances. The downside is those stinkers have a fourteen year timer and all tend to go out at the same time!
My dishwasher went out a few months ago. I have to say that it was a pain being without this appliance. But worse yet was my washing machine going out two weeks ago. The dryer was threatening to join the break down fun. Jad encouraged me to bite the bullet and get a new washer/dryer pair. I did a bit of research on the internet, then sent Jad to select them on his day off. My only criteria was a top loading washer with a big tub (hey, those two little girls can generate a load of dirty clothes each and every day!). Well, my sweet husband bought an upgraded pair. The washer has a huge tub, a glass lid, and a light! Each load goes through all kinds of cycles, spinning and turning the tub back and forth, and spraying water "through" the clothes to clean them. Even the girls like to watch the new entertainment appliance. I'm thinking of calling the neighbors and charging admission! Hey, it will help pay for that new fandangled appliance! I've been talking really nice to my refrigerator, encouraging "Ol' Bessie" to hang in there and not fall into the peer pressure being extended by her appliance friends. I think she has a few more good years in her! What can I say...little things amuse me. :)
Back on the home front, the word "adoption" comes up multiple times a day. We have friends that are going through the adoption process and had their home study last week. We prayed during their home study meeting and can't wait to see their family grow! Today, I heard from a family that traveled with us when we adopted Kailee (11 years ago). They live in Florida, and now have a younger sister in tow, also adopted from China. A friend sent some Chinese phrase cards to us this week. I had forgotten all about these, as they were loaned to her years ago. I am an admitted adoption blog stalker. One of my favorites is "Lexi and Ivy Joy", which you can find on the left hand side of our blog. Little Ivy fought for her life this week, and against all odds seems to be yet again surprising surgeons with her strength and will to live. She looks so much like Jaci did when she was young. I woke up several times during the night this week, and prayed for this little sprite. It's hard to put into words how this affected me. I have never met this child in my life, yet the impact and connection is so strong. Perhaps because as adoptive parents, you love your child in your heart before you even have a picture of them, know their age, or even know their name. They are real little lives, and so very precious. God moved heaven and earth to bring them into our homes, and they are to be cherished. I am a part of several Facebook and Yahoo groups for Chinese adoption. This week, there were several postings about children finding their birth parents. I always thought this would be impossible for our girls, but it seems there is a slight opportunity should our girls want to one day pursue. During Sunday School, we studied in Habakkuk, which includes the verse God gave us, confirming Kinnley's adoption. For those that are church goers out there, this book of the Bible is rarely studied. So why did all these things come up this week? Somehow, I feel the pull of adoption yet again. Before anyone freaks out, no, we are not adopting again. But adoption continues to be a growing part of our lives. God has some plan. Now I just need to listen and see if I can hear what that is....time will tell. Or perhaps it isn't about me. Perhaps someone reading this is considering adoption, but plagued with all those "reasons" that it doesn't make sense. I'll let you in on a secret. It will NEVER make sense. There will always be doubts and "what ifs". Adoption is a leap of faith. All I can say is if you trust God's lead, He will pave the way.
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