That Place

The more you lose yourself in something bigger than yourself, the more energy you will have.
Norman Vincent Peale
Here is my place, the place where I can string encouragement, photos, and wordsmithing together.  It's where I can share celebrations and joys with family, friends, and those who've stopped in unexpectedly.  Here is where our journey to Sarah began, and where we'll continue celebrating her homecoming.  This peaceful place is where I find more energy.

Addy and I had our first Parent Book Club at school last night.  Cam Jansen and the Mystery of Flight 54 was the book suggested and over 34 second graders were in attendance.  Book-lovin', friendship, and fun...

Austin was so excited to bring home the Tiger Flag from cub scouts.  He marched it up to his room and proudly displayed it for me.  The "boys" have been working ferociously on a Pinewood Derby car that will be raced soon. 

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Another snowstorm arrived.  While it was too late to delay school, the kids had early dismissal.  Andy put them to work using their Christmas presents from Grandma and Grandpa.  Thanks!!!!!

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On the adoption front, we've had to redo some paperwork for the country.  Signatures and copies from others were not done to specification for Sarah's country.  It's not a hurdle, nor a huge leap.  Only a blip:)
We're still waiting on our fingerprinting appointment and USCIS approval.  Once we get those, the whole paperwork enchilada will be sent over ASAP!!

So many answers to prayer, encouragement, and love has surrounded this journey we've embraced.  I've learn to notice, to see more of everyday moments that matter.  To smile and make a difference, to celebrate with those who are celebrating, to read other family stories and be uplifted, and know I'm on this journey for a reason, a purpose.

Our children are anxiously awaiting, asking questions if they'll get to go to the airport to meet her, speaking with their friends as if she has always been a part of our family, and friending those who need a friend.  We are changed for the better.
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I shared with you earlier about Nella's ONEdr Fund.  Currently, the fund is almost to $80,000 and Nella's birthday is this weekend.  What was thought as a huge $15,000 goal, a movement was started.
The video below is a celebration of life, family, and mostly love.  Trust me, you'll need tissues!!

Make a difference, be a friend, and embrace your journey!!!

A Peaceful Drive and Hope

       I took the day off Thursday because of dentist appointments for the kids, and I needed to drive an hour each way for a piece of necessary paperwork.  I enjoy solitary drives to think, process, and plan.  The drive Thursday was exactly what I needed.  Random thoughts have been going through my head, especially with the upcoming vote in Eastern Europe, our own dossier holding pattern, and questions about when she comes home.  My head and my heart battle amongst themselves, and doubt creeps in ever so slowly.  I know Sarah will be a part of our family.  It's the WHEN that wigs me out. So, this drive was a time for me to process all my thoughts. 

I went to a town I've never been, enjoyed the quaintness, and admired the architecture of the courthouse.  When I walked in the massive gold doors, magnificent grand staircases were a sight to behold, all decked out in green garland and wreaths.    I felt like Scarlett O'Hara walking up to the second floor.    A fifteen minute appointment and my deed was completed.

Walking into the dentist office that afternoon, I began thinking of when I'll be bringing Sarah in for her first check-up.  After checking in, I sat down and across from me was a middle/high-schooler with Ds.  They were there to discuss orthodontia.  Earlier, I had read where an adoptive family struggled to find a doctor who would take new patients, especially special needs.  I knew I would not have any difficulty with my pediatrician, but had questions about our dentist.  What an answer!  For me, it was another confirmation that we are meant to be her forever family.  It may not have meaning for some.  For me, it was a sign that brought peace to my anxious heart.  

Each one has to find his peace from within. And peace to be real must be unaffected by outside circumstances.  Ghandi

It Begins With One...

It only takes one, stepping out of  complacency, to take an extra step, an extra act of kindness, to assist us closer in our journey.

It only takes one to make a difference...

Today, one kind soul walked from her workplace, to meet us so we could achieve a paper with one visit. (She made the suggestion.)


Today, our lives were enriched because of one lady, who will never know the gratitude we feel.

Today, we were the recipients of an act of goodwill.

Today, I was able to see the extraordinary moment amidst many ordinary ones.

Today, I saw hope as we're one step closer...

Today, I have new eyes for the good in the world...

Today, an ordinary day was made BEAUTIFUL...

It only takes one...

Birthday Wishes for Sarah

                         Happy Birthday, sweet girl.

                        When you woke up today looking out
                        of your crib,

                         you are no longer 2, but 3.

                        Three years ago, you were given breath, life.

                        You were born in a country,

                        across the ocean and miles away from us.

                        You were placed on this earth

                        to make the world more beautiful.

                        You are a promise.

                        Two months ago, you were born in our hearts.

                        Our love for you is everlasting.

                        We have only seen a picture of you,

                        But you are beautiful, you are precious,

                        and most of all,

                        You are loved.

                        One day we will meet you face to face.

                        Oh, Sarah, what a day to behold.

                        From the autumn time,

                        to the snow on the ground,

                        our celebration day is getting closer.

                       Your big sister is talking constantly of

                        making a difference in your life.

                        Your big brother is drawing pictures for you

                        and making cards to celebrate your
                        homecoming.

                        Your mother and father are leaving

                        no stone unturned on their journey

                        to bring you home. 

                        The days are getting shorter on our
                        part of the world

                        For our family, it's a time to anticipate
                        your arrival.

                        Soon, baby girl, you'll be in your forever home

                        wrapped in the loving arms of a family

                        who loves you.

                        Soon, oh so very, Soon.

                        Happy Birthday, sweet girl.

                        You are loved, Sarah.

Kathy Ireland's Editorial on Down Syndrome Research

Op Ed piece by Kathy Ireland: 
The Tragic Shortfall in Down syndrome Research

From her sister's eyes

Sweet  (because she is sweet)

Angel   (she's an Angel from above)

Rainbow (we found her on Reece's Rainbow and hope to see a rainbow when she comes home:)

Amazing (it's who she is)

Hope      (she is hoping to see her forever family soon)

*written by Addy, 7

HOPE

I found this book from my fellow teacher bloggers called Hope is an Open Heart by Lauren Thompson.  The author was inspired from the aftermath of 9/11 and was trying to help her family find new Hope in their shattered world.  The book is filled with breathtaking pictures, along with an inspiration on every page.
  
    *Hope sometimes feels far away, but Hope is always there.

    *Hope is the warmth of strong arms around you.

    *Hope is knowing you are loved.

    *Hope is finding happiness in the simple things.

    *Hope is daring to do something you've never done before.

    *Hope is a candle flame in the darkness.

    *Hope is knowing that things change and that we can help things to change for the better.

  At the beginning of the year, I had my students and parents write their Hopes and Dreams for the year as inspiration and reflection.  Some may change, while others may stay the same.  What's important is that they are written down, concrete.

    I pulled this book off my shelf today, and began thinking of our little girl in Eastern Europe.  What are my Hopes and Dreams for Sarah?  I've been pondering this question all afternoon and will be writing my Hopes and Dreams for her as part of her memory book.  Hope is an Open Heart will be displayed in her room as part of the book collection we'll be creating for her and as a testament to the Hope she will have in our home.

For now, Sarah's Hopes and Dreams are:

     *HOPE is holding tight to your Mother's hand.

    *HOPE is your Father's good-night kiss.

What are your Hopes and Dreams for you child?