One Month Update

Alex and I landed in America one month ago today.  I've talked a lot about witnessing God's power through this adoption process.  Over the last two years, He has delivered us through a lot of dangerous, dramatic, and heartbreaking situations.  Right now, though, when peace reigns in our family and we don't see the desperate, immediate need for His intervention, is when I am seeing Him move the most.

Alex still has a very long road ahead of him, but we are watching him take steps towards healing, both physically and emotionally.  Alex looks great. He feels great.  His nerves are settling. He is bonding with all of us and trusting us to see who he really is.  He is working hard, and now that he is seeing the results that his hard work yields, his motivation is growing.

It would be easy to say "Look at what we are doing!" but we know it is not us. I don't have the power to handle all of the emotional stress involved here. I don't have the patience and energy that is required to deal with all of these special needs children day in and day out. Nope.  No way.  But when we follow God's plan for our lives, he supplies us with what we need.  "I can do all things through Christ" could not be more true.

I still have very painful moments when I wish I could instantly fix everything for Alex. And for Eli and Isaac for that matter, although they are in a much different place than their older brother.   But again it's not up to me. All I can do is follow God's lead and pray that all of my children will do the same.

Chazown

Hi. I don't really have much to report. I'm just checking in. Things are going well. Really well.  I LOVE this boy. I'm not going to have nearly enough time with him.

I tell you what--I don't know if I have ever felt this good.  I am living my Chazown.  I mean, this is hard, of course, but I am filled with such peace and joy it doesn't feel like work. Look at what I GET to do and be a part of.  Look at these amazing young people I get to love and call my own.   We are doing what God has called us to do, and he is rewarding us richly.

Settling In

Two weeks ago Alex and I were on our way home from Ukraine. It already feels like a lifetime ago. Isn't this how it's always been?  We are settling into a nice groove.  Of course there are and will continue to be struggles, but we are all committed to making this work.  As Alex learns more English and gains more confidence, the family dynamic will continue to change. We will have our ups and downs I'm sure but we will weather it together.

I haven't updated much on Eli or Isaac lately but we have some big news: they are both going to be baptized this weekend!  They have been asking about it for months, and Curt and I finally feel they have a fairly good grasp on what it means. We are very excited for them and the decision that both boys have made.

In other good news, Eli gets his braces off today. He's been a careful steward and has been waiting for this day for a long, long time.

Isaac's good news is that he has taken to swimming like, well, a fish takes to water. He has qualified for the state championship swim meet in March. School is going very well for both boys. They have made SO MUCH progress and really do enjoy school.

From my perspective, having five kids isn't really all that different from four. It's a lot of food, a lot of homework, a lot of laundry, and a lot of running around.  I periodically take mental inventory, reminding myself where all of my children are so that I don't forget to feed someone or pick someone up.  This craziness will not last long...before I can blink my house will be quiet again. I am enjoying this house full of amazing, unique, special young people while I can.

Day 10

It's been ten days since Alex and I got home. Ten wonderful days. There have been a few minor bumps here and there; issues you would expect in such a complicated situation. These issues have all been resolved quickly and peacefully. Alex seems to be in good spirits overall and is starting to feel comfortable expressing his wants and concerns to Curt and me.

Alex sure is enjoying this time with Eli and Isaac. Alex is a loving, encouraging big brother, and I love watching the three of them together.  Or Alex and Isaac cuddling on the couch. Or Alex and Eli working with Legos together, for hours. Or Alex chasing Isaac around the room.  Or Eli sitting on Alex's lap while Alex guides his little brother through an online puzzle.  This is a beautiful thing to witness, really.  I am so glad that God asked us to bring these boys into our family, and that we said Yes. I can't imagine our lives without them. You know what Isaac told me today?  While I was supervising him cleaning his bathroom, no less?  "I always wanted a Mommy like you."  Dang.

We are all eager for Alex's English to come along quickly. It will be easier for us to communicate as a family of seven when we are all fluent in the same language. Translating is hard for Eli and Isaac, and with an experienced 16 year old, there are a lot of things to talk about!  We will get there. In the meantime, I am giddy about finally having everyone at home. When I am out and about, people tell me I look great. I must be glowing.