Inspiration

in·spi·ra·tion   noun 

a thing or person that inspires.

a divine influence directly and immediately exerted upon the mind or soul.

Many of you so kindly take the time to check in with us and ask how things are going-how the girls are-what we know about the timeline.  Very often, we lack answers to these seemingly basic questions.  

We certainly find ourselves questioning-wondering-puzzling over the challenges that arise during this journey.  It's these moments that lead us to seek inspiration.  Inspiration from words, from songs, from others in the pursuit of a brighter world.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think on these things.  Philippians 4:8

The verse above and the story linked below are a few recent sources of inspiration.

Correspondence

cor·re·spond·ence   

noun

Communication by exchange of letters

People often ask us how things are going...what we've heard recently.  As crazy as it seems, there are weeks that go by where we don't hear anything.

Our correspondence is really one-sided.  We have sent an e-mail, not knowing if it has been shared with the girls, and we included cards for each of the girls when we sent down their clothes, shoes, and backpacks.  We are hopeful that we'll receive an update when our social worker returns from Haiti. She may not get to see the girls, but hopefully we'll hear how they are doing.

Selecting cards proved a bit challenging, not knowing each of their favorite colors, animals, etc.  However, I've always liked the quality of cards made by Papyrus. When I was ready to write our messages, I noticed the insert that Papyrus includes with all their cards - amazingly apropos.

Remembrance

Today's date marks the third anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti.  We may never know the memories that are locked inside our girls' hearts.

We continue to be amazed by the resilience of the Haitian people and we feel truly blessed to have the honor of supporting the girls in their healing. 

If you'd like to read more, here are a few interesting stories I came across today.
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/us-family-builds-haiti-orphanage-daughter-18145086

http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/view-post-quake-haiti-run-18179489

Diffident

dif-fi-dent   adjective

1.  lacking confidence in one's own ability

We've shopped for countless baby gifts, books and toys, crafts and candy.  Shopping for clothes and shoes for pre-adolescent girls and a teenager?  Not so much.

After a great deal of wandering, picking jeans up, putting jeans back, holding up jeans in the air and looking silly, we settled on what we hope will work for the girls.  

We are grateful for your ongoing support and generosity.  Thank you for continuing along the journey with us.

A New Year

Approach the New Year with resolve to find the opportunities hidden in each new day.  ~Michael Josephson

Opportunities hidden in each new day:

• Practice patience and perseverance
• Express gratitude
• Study a new language

Limitless opportunities exist for us each day. The challenge is consistently making the most of every moment.

2013 potentially holds for us the greatest opportunity we will ever experience.  The joy of joining a family - the privilege of parenting three amazing girls.

Thank you for your continued support of our journey.

Immeasurable Gifts Continued

We are truly overwhelmed by the generosity of others.  Your actions continue to take our breath away.  Whether you've shared kind words, said prayers, or donated to the girls' fund, we are grateful for every gift that has been given.

A Few Examples
Nativity
A wonderful advocate and friend of the girls recently gave us a beautiful Haitian painting of the Nativity from one of her recent trips to Haiti.  We especially love the Wise Men and the tiny angel above.



Creativity
Some amazing colleagues at work pooled resources to provide the girls with an amazing donation of "dough".

Immeasurable Gifts

Gift - noun
something given voluntarily without payment in return, as to show favor toward someone, honor an occasion, or make a gesture of assistance; present

It's early Christmas morning.  Many of us take in the warm-lit vision of stuffed stockings and beautifully wrapped boxes with bows.

This year, we are struck with the immeasurable gifts we've already received:

• the honor and privilege of moving forward in the adoption journey
• the blessing of meeting three amazing young ladies
• the incredible support of family and friends
• the unfathomable generosity of others
• the opportunity to share a bit of our journey, and gratitude, through ABC news (check out the link below)

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8931006