Last night I asked myself that question when I was putting Emma, my 5 year old daughter, to bed. She snuggled up to me and put her ring finger and pinkie on top of my hand...just enough to know I was close. She tossed her head, brown curly cues flopped onto the pillow pet that my head was laying on. I literally asked myself, "who is this precious little girl? When did she become mine (ha!) and when did she become so big?"
While scratching her back, I was overwhelmed with sorrow as I thought, yet again even that very hour, about the moms from Newton who had their loves ripped away. I was overwhelmed with gratitude that my little love was next to me. And I was overwhelmed with the fact that she is OUR responsibility. No one else cares for her needs like we do, and no one else hurts when she hurts, like we do.
Sun set last night. Sun rose today.
We all still got to wake up and live another day together in the Snow household. Blessed.
Griffin and I cuddled on the couch with his favorite truck book this morning (I never realized I would one day memorize all the different kinds of trucks that exist out there! Welcomed relief, however, from the names of all the My Little Ponies.)
My brain hit repeat and once again I was overwhelmed with my love for one of my little loves. I told him about his brother in Africa and how, if he is born already, he is not cuddling and learning about trucks.
Who is that child? Not sure yet.
But the point of all this is that no matter who he is or when he joins this family, he will fit right in. I am sure I will be overwhelmed with sorrow for his buddies we can't bring home with us. I am sure I will be overwhelmed with gratitude that he got to leave, and come with us. And I am positive that I will be overwhelmed with the fact that he is another peanut we are responsible to raise and point to Jesus.
Thank you God for trusting us with these little loves. What an honor.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Julius
Julius is our Kenyan friend. He's 36-ish and lives in America for 6 months out of the year, and goes back to Kenya for the other 6. He's been doing this for about 4 years.
Julius loves our kids and smiles the biggest smile when he sees them, even when our 2 year old Griffin gets startled, jumps, and runs out of the room when he hasn't seen his dark Kenyan buddy in awhile. ;) Julius calls Griffin "sir." He politely stands by his chair & won't sit at my kitchen table until I'm seated. He always wants to know how I am, and he doesn't judge our family because we live abundantly different than he can in his hometown. He is the most grateful and simple person I may ever know.
Tonight at our family's kitchen table Julius told my girls he has never had electricity in his home, and has to go outside to go to the bathroom. He told them the PRIVILEGED kids in Kenya get to eat only breakfast and dinner everyday, consisting of Ugali, a type of bread. They couldn't believe it. He is the firstborn son in his family and the caretaker of everyone, as his father passed away when he was 14. Julius works hard. He doesn't complain. He has learned to be a competitive runner to win money for his entire family, & sister Caro, who has 5 kids and nothing to offer them.
By the end of the night Griff wanted to hug his buddy and the girls wanted to know when he'd be back. :)
Tonight we were blessed by our friend and learned more about Africa, the family structure, and the insane number of kids who need help and homes. We are ready for the day we will bring our little son home.
Julius loves our kids and smiles the biggest smile when he sees them, even when our 2 year old Griffin gets startled, jumps, and runs out of the room when he hasn't seen his dark Kenyan buddy in awhile. ;) Julius calls Griffin "sir." He politely stands by his chair & won't sit at my kitchen table until I'm seated. He always wants to know how I am, and he doesn't judge our family because we live abundantly different than he can in his hometown. He is the most grateful and simple person I may ever know.
Tonight at our family's kitchen table Julius told my girls he has never had electricity in his home, and has to go outside to go to the bathroom. He told them the PRIVILEGED kids in Kenya get to eat only breakfast and dinner everyday, consisting of Ugali, a type of bread. They couldn't believe it. He is the firstborn son in his family and the caretaker of everyone, as his father passed away when he was 14. Julius works hard. He doesn't complain. He has learned to be a competitive runner to win money for his entire family, & sister Caro, who has 5 kids and nothing to offer them.
By the end of the night Griff wanted to hug his buddy and the girls wanted to know when he'd be back. :)
Tonight we were blessed by our friend and learned more about Africa, the family structure, and the insane number of kids who need help and homes. We are ready for the day we will bring our little son home.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Dried Up
Everything is just kind of drying up right now. My beautiful mums are wilted and dry (maybe that's because I neglected to water them this fall, ha!). The soft dirt in our flower beds is cold and hard. My girls' fish tank has almost no water and needs a WHOLE lot more, (once again, probably because I neglect that poor lil' fish). And all 3 of my kids' skin has eczema patches dispersed throughout their lil' appendages. The dry season has arrived.
Holidays are such a fun time-- and such an important time to cherish people, valuing the minutes, hours, days we have with them. It's not always easy to do that. This year, for the first time in my life, I'm now realizing what it means when people say that holidays can be the hardest time of year. It's a reminder. It's a reminder for many people that life goes fast. It's also a reminder that there's a LOT to do; type A people are in their prime (and still stressed), and the type B people are effectively putting off the to-do list (also still stressed). This time of year is also a reminder that we have lost people, and maybe even feel dried up a bit/numb because of that.
Tonight I was at the YMCA for my kids' swim lessons. As Emma was showering, she tinkered with the water temperature: first too hot, then too cold, then "ahhhh, perfect mommy." I couldn't help but think about the kiddos in Ethiopia who, in their own homes, clean themselves infrequently with a bucket of cold water. My sweet pea tonight got her shower for today "just perfect." What a drastic discrepancy. Thought about what it means to be dried up again, as I was watching my kids swim and shower and put on their layers of clean clothes to stay warm.
My family is experiencing a new taste of dryness this season. We are, we can't deny that. Losing someone close to you is hard and comes with a whole new level of "DRY." But we are blessed, there's also no denying that. Emma and I talked about her "just right" shower tonight and she said she is just so happy that she will get to bring a little person home to share her food so they don't have yucky food. (In many third world countries parents have to feed their kids something called "cookies" as a source of nourishment. This is made of water, salt, dirt, and vegetable shortening). She said she also wants to give those kids things because she wants them to have warm showers.:)
We got great news from our agency today that we have moved up 8 spots on the waiting list! We are thrilled...because we are moving. That brings refreshment and life to dryness. And it breathes life into us as we dive into the season ahead. We are thankful.
Holidays are such a fun time-- and such an important time to cherish people, valuing the minutes, hours, days we have with them. It's not always easy to do that. This year, for the first time in my life, I'm now realizing what it means when people say that holidays can be the hardest time of year. It's a reminder. It's a reminder for many people that life goes fast. It's also a reminder that there's a LOT to do; type A people are in their prime (and still stressed), and the type B people are effectively putting off the to-do list (also still stressed). This time of year is also a reminder that we have lost people, and maybe even feel dried up a bit/numb because of that.
Tonight I was at the YMCA for my kids' swim lessons. As Emma was showering, she tinkered with the water temperature: first too hot, then too cold, then "ahhhh, perfect mommy." I couldn't help but think about the kiddos in Ethiopia who, in their own homes, clean themselves infrequently with a bucket of cold water. My sweet pea tonight got her shower for today "just perfect." What a drastic discrepancy. Thought about what it means to be dried up again, as I was watching my kids swim and shower and put on their layers of clean clothes to stay warm.
My family is experiencing a new taste of dryness this season. We are, we can't deny that. Losing someone close to you is hard and comes with a whole new level of "DRY." But we are blessed, there's also no denying that. Emma and I talked about her "just right" shower tonight and she said she is just so happy that she will get to bring a little person home to share her food so they don't have yucky food. (In many third world countries parents have to feed their kids something called "cookies" as a source of nourishment. This is made of water, salt, dirt, and vegetable shortening). She said she also wants to give those kids things because she wants them to have warm showers.:)
We got great news from our agency today that we have moved up 8 spots on the waiting list! We are thrilled...because we are moving. That brings refreshment and life to dryness. And it breathes life into us as we dive into the season ahead. We are thankful.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Dreams that DO come true??
Disney World. That's where we are. So very thankful my parents had this idea to all come here as a family together. So grateful to them for this opportunity. Fully aware at the cliche line that this is, but..."it's been magical." Our kids have never been more excited for the next turn to go around, the next line to stand in, the next princess they might bump into...or, the next bed to sleep in!
Everything just seems easy at Disney. People are smiling (maybe it's the funnel cake in their hands?), folks are happy, and everyone seems to enjoy spending time together as a family. I would beg to differ that Disney = "vacation" for the parents though!! As fun as it is, my bedtime has been earlier this week than when I was in elementary school!
While walking Main Street USA in good ol' Magic Kingdom (in addition to other parks), we have indeed seen many trans racial families with adopted children. It has made me smile every time we walk by. Yesterday, a little Caucasian 4 year old girl had her arm around her Ethiopian brother for a picture, about the same age as her. They looked so happy in front of Nemo and Dory and I got the chills thinking about my kids with their arms wrapped around their brother.
Honestly, it looked normal, to me...
It was fitting.
Other passersby smiled at the scene as well.
But is that scene really Main Street USA?
I had a dream last night while I was sleeping. In it, I was telling friends about the numerous trans racial families we saw in Disney. As I was excitedly sharing my story with them, one of my buddies said to me, "Libby, please stop talking about this," as one of her acquaintances had joined the group. I asked why and she said I was making people feel uncomfortable because I was talking about adoption and different looking families. My response, "Well, it sure will get REALLY uncomfortable for people when I have my son standing next to me then." And I kept talking.
I woke up with tears in my eyes because the reality is that my dream last night may indeed come true. I will have conversations like that with people. They will be hard and they might make my blood boil a bit. Main St USA won't look the same for our family as it does for others.
But we will always have an awesome opportunity to show the world that we adopt because we only have one life to live. We adopt because God has adopted us into his family, and it has changed us. So, even if that dream last night DOES come true, I'm okay with it.
Everything just seems easy at Disney. People are smiling (maybe it's the funnel cake in their hands?), folks are happy, and everyone seems to enjoy spending time together as a family. I would beg to differ that Disney = "vacation" for the parents though!! As fun as it is, my bedtime has been earlier this week than when I was in elementary school!
While walking Main Street USA in good ol' Magic Kingdom (in addition to other parks), we have indeed seen many trans racial families with adopted children. It has made me smile every time we walk by. Yesterday, a little Caucasian 4 year old girl had her arm around her Ethiopian brother for a picture, about the same age as her. They looked so happy in front of Nemo and Dory and I got the chills thinking about my kids with their arms wrapped around their brother.
Honestly, it looked normal, to me...
It was fitting.
Other passersby smiled at the scene as well.
But is that scene really Main Street USA?
I had a dream last night while I was sleeping. In it, I was telling friends about the numerous trans racial families we saw in Disney. As I was excitedly sharing my story with them, one of my buddies said to me, "Libby, please stop talking about this," as one of her acquaintances had joined the group. I asked why and she said I was making people feel uncomfortable because I was talking about adoption and different looking families. My response, "Well, it sure will get REALLY uncomfortable for people when I have my son standing next to me then." And I kept talking.
I woke up with tears in my eyes because the reality is that my dream last night may indeed come true. I will have conversations like that with people. They will be hard and they might make my blood boil a bit. Main St USA won't look the same for our family as it does for others.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
The Tortoise and The Hare
Everyone knows the premise of this fable. I read it as a kid in my English classes. I taught the difference between fables, folktales, myths, etc. to my 7th grade Language Arts students. I discussed the moral of this particular fable with my enthusiastic students who always liked derailing me and getting me off the class lesson for that day! What is the moral of this oh-so-famous fable?
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
The Hare did everything in HIS OWN power to get to the finish line first. He was rude, impatient and egotistical. And, as we all know, the poor rabbit didn't win.
Oh but the Tortoise...!! The Tortoise...he kept on plugging away despite the exhaustion, desire for a nap, and his slow moving legs. He never got distracted and he didn't stop on the long path. The good ol' Tortoise won the race, and he felt proud when he did!
So, I'm sure you can see the comparison in my mind. Of course our family is in a "race," or better yet, we're hiking a super long trail. We may think we have control over the twists and turns of this trail, but we would be joining the Hare in his foolishness if we did. We received our monthly update from our adoption agency today and it was indeed much more fruitful than last month (see post from Sept. 28). We moved up 6 spots on our waiting list, and additionally, saw that 5 special needs children were placed with families! Encouraged. :)
So, indeed, we keep on plugging away with the Tortoise. We have to be patient and know that the trail ends with our son's face someday. There's always a need for our hearts to be checked so as not to become like the Hare: distracted, impatient, arrogant, entitled.
So please continue to pray for our family as we press on-- and hike. Thanks for rejoicing with us and checking out what's new in our world.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
The Hare did everything in HIS OWN power to get to the finish line first. He was rude, impatient and egotistical. And, as we all know, the poor rabbit didn't win.
Oh but the Tortoise...!! The Tortoise...he kept on plugging away despite the exhaustion, desire for a nap, and his slow moving legs. He never got distracted and he didn't stop on the long path. The good ol' Tortoise won the race, and he felt proud when he did!
So, I'm sure you can see the comparison in my mind. Of course our family is in a "race," or better yet, we're hiking a super long trail. We may think we have control over the twists and turns of this trail, but we would be joining the Hare in his foolishness if we did. We received our monthly update from our adoption agency today and it was indeed much more fruitful than last month (see post from Sept. 28). We moved up 6 spots on our waiting list, and additionally, saw that 5 special needs children were placed with families! Encouraged. :)
So, indeed, we keep on plugging away with the Tortoise. We have to be patient and know that the trail ends with our son's face someday. There's always a need for our hearts to be checked so as not to become like the Hare: distracted, impatient, arrogant, entitled.
So please continue to pray for our family as we press on-- and hike. Thanks for rejoicing with us and checking out what's new in our world.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
From lifelinechild.org
Our adoption agency has a great adoption blog. This entry jumped at me. Says so perfectly what Ryan and I have talked about many times...the process of incorporating ALL of our kids into the SNOW family. Makes me excited to someday know who this little dude will be...
"People often say that Nathan is “lucky” that we adopted him. Frankly, as his momma I find this mildly irritating, but I appreciate the compliment and spirit behind it. But I’m floored. WE are so blessed to have this amazing boy as our son. Blessed by the painful sacrifice of his birthmom. Blessed that God worked in so many incredible ways to make this adoption happen. I hope that it goes both ways. I want to bless my boy. I think a beautiful picture of family is each member giving to the rest, everyone blessed and thankful to be a part.
I guess the sticky part for me is that I seldom hear people telling biological kids that they’re lucky to be in their family. I don’t want my son to grow up with a sense of unworthiness or debt hanging over his head. (“You’re so lucky…you’d better be _____.”) Family shouldn’t come with strings attached. And the gift goes both ways.
At the same time, I don’t want to overindulge him, and treat him in ways that would hinder him later in life."
"People often say that Nathan is “lucky” that we adopted him. Frankly, as his momma I find this mildly irritating, but I appreciate the compliment and spirit behind it. But I’m floored. WE are so blessed to have this amazing boy as our son. Blessed by the painful sacrifice of his birthmom. Blessed that God worked in so many incredible ways to make this adoption happen. I hope that it goes both ways. I want to bless my boy. I think a beautiful picture of family is each member giving to the rest, everyone blessed and thankful to be a part.
I guess the sticky part for me is that I seldom hear people telling biological kids that they’re lucky to be in their family. I don’t want my son to grow up with a sense of unworthiness or debt hanging over his head. (“You’re so lucky…you’d better be _____.”) Family shouldn’t come with strings attached. And the gift goes both ways.
At the same time, I don’t want to overindulge him, and treat him in ways that would hinder him later in life."
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
What IS a legacy?
Ellie asked me the other day if someday she could adopt a kid, too. That hit home for me because that is the point! That is one little/big thing we would love to see re-created. :) As a friend of mine said in a precious note today, adoption shouldn't just be something "the crazy people" take under their wings. Nope. Ryan and I want a legacy of adoption to be planted into our kids. Why? Because we believe we are adopted into a family much bigger and sweeter and worthwhile than just being a human on this earth who undergoes a VERY fast life cycle.
Good ol' Webster says a legacy is:
**a gift of property, especially personal property, by will; a bequest.
**anything handed down from the past
My brother in law said this past weekend, while speaking at my mother-in-law's memorial service, that a legacy is left IN people. The pastor went on to say that we leave pieces of ourselves in the lives we touch.
I'm sure a lot of people have a lot of different opinions on how to live life well and make impact. Some people incorporate faith and religion, some people just live life, cross their fingers, and hope for the best.
I have no clue if people ever really know the legacy they are creating, or will leave behind when they're gone. I think it's certainly IN the life I/we are leading, though. And I know that Ryan and I have 3 pairs of eyes staring at us every.single.day that are following our lead. And someday, another pair of eyes will travel 26 hours on an airplane to follow our lead, too.
A good friend of mine recently was asked why he was adopting. His immediate response was, "life is too short not to." That response captures part of our answer. The legacy we do want to leave is one in which we model for our kids the brevity of this life, and yet the amazing opportunities it gives us!!
So, I guess what I'm thinkin' about tonight is that I want to leave a legacy in my kids. Period. That's what I want. And that's not just in regards to building a family through adoption, although that is one way for us. It's also modeling laughter, vulnerability, a need for Jesus, and saying "I'm sorry."
I'm a lucky gal that I GET to have days to live with these small people in my home. They make me happy. I am excited for our little African dude to jump in.
Good ol' Webster says a legacy is:
**a gift of property, especially personal property, by will; a bequest.
**anything handed down from the past
My brother in law said this past weekend, while speaking at my mother-in-law's memorial service, that a legacy is left IN people. The pastor went on to say that we leave pieces of ourselves in the lives we touch.
I'm sure a lot of people have a lot of different opinions on how to live life well and make impact. Some people incorporate faith and religion, some people just live life, cross their fingers, and hope for the best.
I have no clue if people ever really know the legacy they are creating, or will leave behind when they're gone. I think it's certainly IN the life I/we are leading, though. And I know that Ryan and I have 3 pairs of eyes staring at us every.single.day that are following our lead. And someday, another pair of eyes will travel 26 hours on an airplane to follow our lead, too.
A good friend of mine recently was asked why he was adopting. His immediate response was, "life is too short not to." That response captures part of our answer. The legacy we do want to leave is one in which we model for our kids the brevity of this life, and yet the amazing opportunities it gives us!!
So, I guess what I'm thinkin' about tonight is that I want to leave a legacy in my kids. Period. That's what I want. And that's not just in regards to building a family through adoption, although that is one way for us. It's also modeling laughter, vulnerability, a need for Jesus, and saying "I'm sorry."
I'm a lucky gal that I GET to have days to live with these small people in my home. They make me happy. I am excited for our little African dude to jump in.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
WORDS
I just got home from working out. I always see the same women at this 5:30 AM class I go to, as we've been exercising together for quite awhile now. AND, I think they all know our family is expanding in the form of adoption. Maybe it's just because I heard a message/sermon on WORDS last night, and how much power our words have on other people, but I couldn't help but hear these words as some women were chit chatting...
"I think she has several real kids, and then also adopted a few."
It's just the beginning, I know.
I jokingly say that the rude/awkward comments and stares our family received when Griffin had to wear a molding helmet, to shape his head, would prepare me for the floundering comments and questions that await me in the adoption process. :)
I don't think I'm quite ready for all of that. I am a defensive person. In fact, talking with Ryan last night about marriage, life, death...the whole 9 yards...reminded me again that I'm a defensive person. Sooooo, I am realizing this morning that I have to pray for a softened heart to many of the strangers who will say/ask things about the adoption process that might come off, incognito to them, rather curt.
I read a story the other day of an adoptive mother whose son was taken by security while they were walking through a museum. The guards responded to their inquiries with a comment that "they didn't know he "belonged" to anyone because he was dark skinned, they were not, and no one in the room looked like him." Gulp...
So, I guess, herein begins a new journey with words.
Praying for grace in our hearts, and for God to prepare us for the differences in parenting (and questions we will receive) that await us! YES! Excited to know and love this child someday, up close! Excited to, with a large smile, introduce museum guards or fellow exercise buddies, to OUR SON.
"I think she has several real kids, and then also adopted a few."
It's just the beginning, I know.
I jokingly say that the rude/awkward comments and stares our family received when Griffin had to wear a molding helmet, to shape his head, would prepare me for the floundering comments and questions that await me in the adoption process. :)
I don't think I'm quite ready for all of that. I am a defensive person. In fact, talking with Ryan last night about marriage, life, death...the whole 9 yards...reminded me again that I'm a defensive person. Sooooo, I am realizing this morning that I have to pray for a softened heart to many of the strangers who will say/ask things about the adoption process that might come off, incognito to them, rather curt.
I read a story the other day of an adoptive mother whose son was taken by security while they were walking through a museum. The guards responded to their inquiries with a comment that "they didn't know he "belonged" to anyone because he was dark skinned, they were not, and no one in the room looked like him." Gulp...
So, I guess, herein begins a new journey with words.
Praying for grace in our hearts, and for God to prepare us for the differences in parenting (and questions we will receive) that await us! YES! Excited to know and love this child someday, up close! Excited to, with a large smile, introduce museum guards or fellow exercise buddies, to OUR SON.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Sorrow and Joy
Today...
We lost our mom/mother-in-law and Mimi.
We cried a lot.
We tried hard to imagine what it might be like for her NOW, now that she's not on this earth anymore. That made us smile, and also made us dig deep.
We felt so loved by the too-many-to-count messages we've received.
We felt exhaustion like we've never known before.
We looked at our kids differently.
Today...
We received an email and a phone call from our adoption agency.
Our number on the wait list in Ethiopia stayed the same for the month of September. To quote our contact person, "We hope October is a more fruitful month..."
Ahh yes, after today, we longingly look forward to more "fruitful" months as well. But, we know that September was fruitful in ways we just don't quite understand yet.
Because today, we are reminded of why we are adopting...it's not about the wait...it's about expanding our family and bringing a life into our home that needs us as much as we need him.
Today, we are reminded of how short life is.
We get one chance at it.
So yes, today we tasted sorrow, and we can taste joy. We GET to live today. We get to press on to a more fruitful day tomorrow. And we continue to long for our "little Ethiopian dude," as Ellie said tonight, to sleep in the room down the hall.
7 year olds think in SQUINKY language. Today, Ellie chose joy as she laid these little people out on her floor and imagined a more fruitful month. From left to right: "Ethiopian cuteness, G-boy, Rosie, Me, Mom and Dad"
Pretty sweet.
:)
We lost our mom/mother-in-law and Mimi.
We cried a lot.
We felt so loved by the too-many-to-count messages we've received.
We felt exhaustion like we've never known before.
We looked at our kids differently.
Today...
We received an email and a phone call from our adoption agency.
Our number on the wait list in Ethiopia stayed the same for the month of September. To quote our contact person, "We hope October is a more fruitful month..."
Ahh yes, after today, we longingly look forward to more "fruitful" months as well. But, we know that September was fruitful in ways we just don't quite understand yet.
Because today, we are reminded of why we are adopting...it's not about the wait...it's about expanding our family and bringing a life into our home that needs us as much as we need him.
Today, we are reminded of how short life is.
We get one chance at it.
So yes, today we tasted sorrow, and we can taste joy. We GET to live today. We get to press on to a more fruitful day tomorrow. And we continue to long for our "little Ethiopian dude," as Ellie said tonight, to sleep in the room down the hall.
7 year olds think in SQUINKY language. Today, Ellie chose joy as she laid these little people out on her floor and imagined a more fruitful month. From left to right: "Ethiopian cuteness, G-boy, Rosie, Me, Mom and Dad"
Pretty sweet.
:)
Monday, September 24, 2012
Not Every Day...
Ryan is on his way to Columbus, OH as I write this. He's going to visit, most likely for the last time, his mom. Very soon, she will be with Jesus. Ryan and I just talked on the phone as he drives, and he told me to remind him that someday he wants to write a book called Not Every Day that Your Mom Dies. Gulp.
After I hung up the phone, I looked at Emma and Griffin dancing to The Fresh Beat Band, chomping on string cheese, faces smothered with peanut butter. I imagine Ellie on the monkey bars at her school's recess right now. And...I excitedly think about the fact that our family is about to grow bigger...
There is so much to celebrate.
Our Great God gives...and He takes away.
Just reminded on this lunch hour on this September day that there's a lot to rejoice in. Ryan and I are trying to choose to rejoice in these little lives that fill our home (or will soon fill our home), as we are also both fully aware that this life is intense and quick.
Savor your people today!
And continue to pray with/for us as we are in-between the strange world of RECEIVING (through the adoption) and LOSING, all in the same season.
After I hung up the phone, I looked at Emma and Griffin dancing to The Fresh Beat Band, chomping on string cheese, faces smothered with peanut butter. I imagine Ellie on the monkey bars at her school's recess right now. And...I excitedly think about the fact that our family is about to grow bigger...
There is so much to celebrate.
Our Great God gives...and He takes away.
Just reminded on this lunch hour on this September day that there's a lot to rejoice in. Ryan and I are trying to choose to rejoice in these little lives that fill our home (or will soon fill our home), as we are also both fully aware that this life is intense and quick.
Savor your people today!
And continue to pray with/for us as we are in-between the strange world of RECEIVING (through the adoption) and LOSING, all in the same season.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Why Africa? Why Ethiopia?
The main question we are asked is this: "Why adopt from Africa?"
Ryan and I have never been to Africa, so nope, it's not simply because we think the country is beautiful and like the idea of seeing wild zebras and elephants. Although that will be cool, it's probably not a good enough reason. :) And nope, we aren't heading that direction in hopes of a superstar runner, although Ryan would certainly love a running companion!!
In all honesty, we do love Africa. There are approximately 48 million orphans in Africa; 5 million orphans in Ethiopia alone. That is devastating news whether those kids live on the streets, with a decent stranger, or in an orphanage. Orphans are everywhere in this world, this we are burdened by and well aware of. We have a few sweet African friends who reside in Toledo for 8 months of the year and Kenya the other 4. These friends have brought such joy to our family! One of my lifelong friends brought her daughter home from Ethiopia in 2009. Meeting her, loving her and knowing her has been life changing for Ryan and I. Several other dear friends have brought home sons/daughters from Africa...a blessing to know all these kiddos. What it boils down to is that we've just known Africa was the place God put on our hearts... we said yes...and we are thrilled for the life change it will not only bring to Ryan and I, but our three children now. The little guy out there that will someday be a Snow is in for a crazy ride, and because of that special kiddo, adoption is already part of our family story.
As of August 6, 2012, our "file" is in the hands of the Ethiopian government. The waiting game begins.
Ryan and I have never been to Africa, so nope, it's not simply because we think the country is beautiful and like the idea of seeing wild zebras and elephants. Although that will be cool, it's probably not a good enough reason. :) And nope, we aren't heading that direction in hopes of a superstar runner, although Ryan would certainly love a running companion!!
In all honesty, we do love Africa. There are approximately 48 million orphans in Africa; 5 million orphans in Ethiopia alone. That is devastating news whether those kids live on the streets, with a decent stranger, or in an orphanage. Orphans are everywhere in this world, this we are burdened by and well aware of. We have a few sweet African friends who reside in Toledo for 8 months of the year and Kenya the other 4. These friends have brought such joy to our family! One of my lifelong friends brought her daughter home from Ethiopia in 2009. Meeting her, loving her and knowing her has been life changing for Ryan and I. Several other dear friends have brought home sons/daughters from Africa...a blessing to know all these kiddos. What it boils down to is that we've just known Africa was the place God put on our hearts... we said yes...and we are thrilled for the life change it will not only bring to Ryan and I, but our three children now. The little guy out there that will someday be a Snow is in for a crazy ride, and because of that special kiddo, adoption is already part of our family story.
As of August 6, 2012, our "file" is in the hands of the Ethiopian government. The waiting game begins.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
4 Seasons Make a Year
This excerpt below is from one of my favorite authors, Ann Voskamp. I found it on her blog, www.aholyexperience.com
It's such a good, strong reminder as we begin the waiting process (possibly 4 seasons of waiting) to finding out what our son's face will look like. And, we still do life in the meantime...
"No matter where you — it’s never all easy.
A crop is made by all the seasons and the only way to have it all — is not at the same time… but letting one season bring its yield into the next.
This is how to have no fear —
each season makes a full year."
It's such a good, strong reminder as we begin the waiting process (possibly 4 seasons of waiting) to finding out what our son's face will look like. And, we still do life in the meantime...
"No matter where you — it’s never all easy.
A crop is made by all the seasons and the only way to have it all — is not at the same time… but letting one season bring its yield into the next.
This is how to have no fear —
each season makes a full year."
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