It's not funny. I'm not laughing.

We have been in this process for more than two years now. Now all we get to do is our endless piles of paperwork again. And pay more money. And deal with other unforeseen complications. Wouldn't it be great if we were waiting because we were not needed? This is sick! I know there are millions of children who can not heal because they are living with open emotional wounds in limbo land. Enough of this beauricratic horror. I think of all the families who have quit because "God must be shutting the doors." NO, people! God is not shutting the doors. God does not want these children left as orphans. It is ugly. It is not funny. I am not laughing, but I am not quitting either.

Nissan NV3500 HD

Hello Fellow Reader (you know who you are) On a recent road trip I saw one of these! It is a new sweet ride for 12 passengers.

I can see clearly now that that burden is gone!

    We had to make some mighty big decisions in our family recently.  How God has rewarded!!  Peace and joy have bathed our fears and healed our wounds.  It is so much fun to trust GOD!  My children have experienced their father as a true hero and advocate for all children.  What more could you want as a child than to have a father like that?  It is incredible how much less is lost when you are not afraid to lose.  That is not to say that we have not all suffered with sadness, but an abundance of gifts has already been given.  Prune away, GOD!  Over the last few years I have felt this pruning going on:  letting the big house go, leaving my three best friends, shedding ourselves of material belongings.  Once again I feel so strongly that this latest pruning has been a very special way to prepare all of us to embrace our new children with UNCONDITIONAL compassion. My children had to leave their school last week.  They had mostly wonderful teachers at their school.  They have fantastic friends.  To tell you the truth, I was the saddest about them missing out on the two minutes here and three minutes there of their daily antics with their friends.  They love, love, love their friends!  I do, too.  We had been dealing with something unsettling for four months.  Unfortunately, the welfare of children was being put below the welfare of "the institution".  Unfortunately, despite great efforts on the part of the hero, our children suffered broken hearts.  The gift in this?  How much more compassion do you think they will have when their new siblings come home after having lost their parents, their culture, the familiarity of their surroundings and their new friends at the orphanage that they have made while waiting for us?  Losing a school is so much less than all of this.  Prune away!  We are ready to serve YOU GOD!

Rick Santorum

If I had readers, I would tell them to look up the Rick Santorum family on youtube ...

Vote for Mom

Today at the end of mass, the priest gave a reminder that elections are this week. He said, "Be responsible Christians and get out and vote for the people you want to spend eternity with." Little Girl turned to me and whispered,"Vote for Mom!" Now, don't you think my little girl is PRECIOUS!

Two inspiring orphans...

I am currently reading Maria by Maria von Trapp and the new book about Steve Jobs. Both of these people made a personal decision not to live as victims. They have a very inspiring outlook on overcoming abandonment . If I was had readers I would recommend these two books.

Nine Mile Hike

The kids and I (along with 100 of their closest friends) went on a long, strenuous hike yesterday. There was elevation, giant boulders and great views! There was exhaustion, perseverance and great reward. I love how a great hike can be a metaphor for nearly everything: childbirth, adoption, school work. You bet I have already put that to use. Lessons aside, as I lifted my legs from the car when we got home last night, Farm Boy said, "Mom, are we still running in the morning?"... If you could have seen how I was walking up the steps at that moment...cracked me up.