When is Enough Enough?

That's our question this week. Seems like a lot of people in the adoption blogging world have been talking it, too.

When is your family full? How many children can you help? Should you help?

For us, for many reasons, the answer for the question has been tabled for the past year. We simply couldn't care for another child.

But can we now? Should we now?

This week, a child's information came into our laps. We weren't looking. It just sort of appeared. A little girl with the same blood disease that Miss M has.

And NO ONE has inquired about adopting her. NO ONE is viewing her file. NO ONE is going to bring her home. Yet.

So...should we?

There are lots of reasons why it would be challenging. Life is always busier and more intense with children. It requires sacrifice of time, money, and emotions. It can take all that you have to give. But it's also richer and more fulfilling when you know that each day you are making a difference in the life of someone else.

R and I have purposed in our hearts to live a life of extravagant love. To leave the world different than when we came. To give rather than take.

But we can do that in lots of different ways. We can adopt. We can build an orphanage. We can go on service trips abroad. We can volunteer in our community.

So how can we best serve God NOW? Precisely as we are currently? Or is God nudging us to serve differently?

We know people will think we're crazy to even think about adoption again. But you see, we've seen a little girls' eyes go from vacant to shining. We know what love can do.

We might not be going back to China. Or maybe we might. But we pray that our hearts stay open to whatever God might ask. And that our ears are open to whatever He might whisper.

The Meaning of Mother's Day

M's been with us for more than a year and half now. Every day we see baby steps in trust and healing for her. One thing she struggles with is sharing things. Since M came home, she has been careful to save everything she can. I remember on the day we met, I threw away the wrapper of a lollipop she was eating and she SOBBED.

She saves so many "odd" things (straws, wrappers, tickets, toys) that we have a special box in her room hand-painted by her grandmother in which to hide all of her treasures. Or at least make this momma happy that she doesn't have to see them. Every day.

Now, some people are pack-rats (ahem, her dad), but perhaps it has to do with not having had anything that was truly hers for almost 3 years. When she left the orphanage, she was wearing shoes that weren't even solely hers.

Either way, being protective of her things means she doesn't like to share. Ask G. Or ask her friend Devin.

That's why Mother's Day made me cry this year.

While I was away on Saturday, R talked to the kids about going to pick up the supplies they needed for Mother's Day, including a gift. M disappeared.

She was upstairs for nearly an hour. R kept calling up, asking if she was ok.

"I fine!"

Eventually, she came downstairs and took R by the hand.

"Need help, Baba. Come see."

The little sweetheart had been wrapping something for nearly an HOUR. Using every piece of tape in our house.



Yesterday, she presented me with the very special package. She had searched her treasure box and selected three little figurines that she painted at the Children's Hospital last year. They were nestled in tissue paper along with a card. The card was one she has saved since her birthday. The front said "Have a Happy Birthday, Niece." She had written her own little name inside over and over for me to see. She was beaming as I thanked her.

She GOT it. She gave what mattered MOST to her. To me.

OK. Now I'm crying again.

Happy Mother's Day!

Mother's Day

This year was a very special Mother's Day. The kids were extra sweet, all working hard to cook and serve a beautiful dinner. The table was set with china and white roses and R made lemon trifle with fresh berries for dessert. Delicious!

The younger boys wrote poems at school. My favorite lines from J included:

My mom takes good care of me by taking me to church.
and
My mom shows she loves me by making me homemade food.

That boy and his stomach!

G was proud to give me a homemade necklace of varnished paper beads which I will proudly wear to church next week. Interestingly, he too wrote a thank you in his poem for giving him great food!

What a special treat. Thanks, kids! (And R for making sure the house didn't burn down while they grilled the steak!) I just wish we hadn't forgotten to take a picture!

Mother's Day Tea

Every year for the past 10 years, our kids' preschools have held a Mother's Day Tea. It is absolutely my FAVORITE event of the school year. Special one on one time with each child. They are each so sweet and excited to offer their arm, sing songs and share treats. Last week, M and I enjoyed the morning tea together. What will I do when these precious events are over?!