Picture Tells So Much

Last week we were so excited to get an updated well baby check on Andrew along with updated photos and video. We had not received anything since July so it was awesome. I had so many emotions as I was about to open the package delivered not to mention I was seriously stalking the mail lady because I knew it was arriving on Monday. I called Steve before I opened it and texted some close friends because I can't even put to words all the feelings that were brewing inside me. Once I opened it and looked at the photos on the computer I just cried.....

our baby boy still so far from us.

Who would have thought we would still be waiting??

However, I also know it is all in God's perfect timing but wow, it is hard.

We truly have decided the song by John Waller

While I'm Waiting

is our adoption journey story.

So, sorry for getting so far off from what I started about a picture telling so much!!

I posted Andrew's new picture on the adoption forum I belong to along with new information the foster mom gave about Andrew. Here is what we know about him from her:

-He sleeps through the night from 11pm to 7am, sleeping in a bed with another baby in the room.

- He sleeps better in a quiet room.

-He is sensitive to noise.

-His foster mom describes him as sensitive.

-He would rather play with others and doesn’t like to be alone.

-He is very active.

-He doesn’t follow directions, yet, but understands “please give me this…”

-He is curious and cautious of his surroundings.

-He can use a spoon and tries to feed himself.

-He likes to mimic.

-He is walking with good balance and beginning to talk.

-He can say dad, mom and why.

Something SO amazing happened I never dreamed about.....

I received a private message from another adoptive mom.

Her message said something like this....I think our babies share the same foster family!

WHAT???

So I instantly sent her my cell number and within 30 minutes she called me!

I asked her if she could email a photo of her little girl and foster mom.

I stood at the computer anxiously waiting for it to come through.

YES! YES! YES!

Our sweet babies have the same foster family!

I was in tears.

So, how did she make that connection?

Remember my title that a picture tells so much?

Well, she saw that Andrew is wearing the same sweater...did you get that?

The same sweater as what her little girl was wearing in her last photo with foster mom.

Also, our foster mom wears the same jacket usually and she could see just a small piece of the jacket and little bit of foster mom's face...

BUT

with just that we have made a connection that we can continue for life!

This other family doesn't live across the country from us but only a few hours.

We will forever be able to keep Andrew in contact with his sweet sister

that he has shared so much with for the last 2 years.

If you would like to follow her blog too it is..

http://ourpromisedson.blogspot.com/

So incredible.

I have chatted with the other family

and whoever travels first will take a care package for the other child.

This was just a great gift to begin the Christmas season.

Why International Adoption?

It seems we get the question...."Why international adoption?"

My response is,"Why not international adoption?

143 million orphans in the world

Each one needs and deserves parents to love them, no matter where they are located.

As I think about this question many things come to my mind.

I think of areas of ministry in which people choose to serve.

My heart is not in high school or jr high ministry. That is not my passion and desire.

I love infants and toddlers so that is where I serve with passion.

God places that in each of us and it is awesome that he does or we would not have people serving where they are so excited about.

Your question may be how does that involve or relate to adoption?

I think a lot.

Our hearts are in Korea and that is where God has called us.

Just as others have a desire and heart for domestic adoption.

We each need to go where we feel led.

There are an abundance of orphans.

I feel so blessed that our son is waiting for us in Korea....

just as God has always had in His perfect plan.

Curtain Call

It has been a hectic month here but now is the time!

The musical in Beauty and the Beast Jr.

Two of the girls are in it this weekend

and we are busy busy with makeup, hair, makeup, hair....and so on.

Lydia is getting pretty good at sitting in front of a show while I spend the

next hour curling her hair and putting on her makeup.

Lydia's teacher came to the performance which was super sweet!

Had to get a picture of the 2 of them.

She is such a great teacher and how Lydia loved her being at the musical.

Last night was opening night and it was a packed house!

Can't wait to have more family and friends come see how amazing all these kids do!

The director is awesome and the students are so blessed to get this experience already.

So, as they say, "Break a Leg"