sweet times

When I started blogging about two years ago it was really just a way of keeping my family overseas up to date with our adoption of Haven. I knew absolutely nothing about blogging. It just sounded like a good idea at the time--an easy way to let my family follow us to China for Haven.

Then I discovered the joy of sharing my life here. Blogging has stretched and challenged me in so many ways. Writing has never been my thing. In the past, if anything had to be written for our ministry, I just gave it to my hubby to do. He's the one with the degree in journalism, and a far better writer than I could ever be. But through his little blog of mine the Lord is teaching me to persevere and keep on keeping on--even in the midst of my writing insecurities. It's all good.

Anyway.

One of the most incredible joys of blogging has been the people I have met here. Each and every comment, every e-mail, and every person I have had the privilege of meeting in real life have enriched my life so deeply.

This weekend we got to hang out with a family who have become dear friends in real life. Kristin and I met last winter. She and her hubby just adopted their beautiful Nadia from the Ukraine. It has been so wonderful to journey with them, and watch Nadia's story unfold.

Sweet Nadia just arrived home this week--her new life has begun. Such an amazing thing.

How absolutely precious is she?



Such a little angel girl.



Her big sister is amazing.  How she adores this little one. It warmed my heart to see the love Josi has for her baby sister. The extra chromosome makes them both just absolutely and completely adorable in every way.



Dads and their beautiful girls.



Three babies SAVED!

(For everyone who asked, no, Hailee has not graduated from the hat yet.  We are trying to wean her off it. She still scratches behind her ear, but it is getting better and better.)



The beautiful gift of friendship.  How blessed I am.



Look who has discovered that legs are actually there to be stood on--and feet are for balancing NOT putting in your mouth.

She's so proud of herself.



Little Miss Harper (or "Harpy" as she is known around here) is loving her new found standing adventure.  She is pulling herself up on everything.  Harper has such low muscle tone (very typical for children with Down syndrome), so this is a wonderful achievement for her. I know it won't be long before she'll be running around here and keeping everyone on their toes.  Oh my goodness, she is just such a little treasure.

Life is finally starting to feel a bit more normal in our home.  Most of the boxes are unpacked.  I have painted the main living areas. I love having a bit of color on the walls. Next room--the kitchen.  We have a traditional English basement kitchen which has no windows.  I call it the dungeon.  I cannot wait put some color in there.  Maybe this week...you know, in all my spare time.

We have been so warmly welcomed into our new community.  We're excited, and wait with hearts of expectation to see what God has in store for us here.