Have you ever read something that you probably have seen many times before, but for some reason, this time it really strikes you? I read one this morning: Hab 3:17-18 "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pens and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior."

J is making a patient list for rounding.




-- Post From My iPhone

We had a whirlwind trip to UAB today for K's follow-up. No answers right now, more testing ahead.

The drive back is always very long, but it does give me time to process. There are times when I think that I am not up to another adoption. In my heart, though, I still feel God is leading us back to China someday. Not any time soon, but I know the road is not done yet.


-- Post From My iPhone

Here are the two darlings with the things they love--Miss Kitty and Batman.

Beyond that, I'm at a loss for what to say.

On second thought, I do have something to say. This blog update made me cry. This young man was severely burned in an accident that killed his father. To be loved by a new family is fantastic. More amazing is that he was able to spend the last few years among people who accepted him despite his special needs, who opened their arms, sought to meet his physical and spiritual needs and showed him the love of God through their actions and not mere words. If only every child in the world had such an opportunity...

A lot has happened since I last updated the blog. Keith had his follow-up appointment with the ophthalmologist. His corrected vision (with glasses) is somewhere between 20/100 and 20/200. For perspective, the big E at the top of a vision chart is 20/200. With glasses, he can see that line. The next line is 20/100. He cannot see that line. Without glasses, he walks into walls. Legally blind is best corrected vision of 20/200, so he is close but not quite legally blind. He is going to have an exam under anesthesia of his eyes on August 7. I have spent a good deal of time over the last month on the phone with the public school system trying to get him evaluated and into the regional blind school. It has thus far been a very frustrating and irksome process.

He is doing quite well with learning English. He has trouble with concepts and words that sound similar, like Sunday and Someday. Overall, though, he communicates with us very well.

He is better bonded to daddy than mommy still, but at least doesn't cry when daddy leaves anymore.

J is now four, which is hard to believe. She continues to have sleep issues. She remains our little princess.

These are from the beach this weekend. K looks like he is surfing on his own in the top, but in the bottom, you can see Paw Paw holding the back. They both had a great time. J liked being in the water more than K.
A lot of other stuff has happened that I'm still processing, some of which still makes me very mad. I think some things are beyond repair, but time will tell.

I'm listening to a sermon where the speaker says we should use all that happens to us as a witness. I've spent a lot of time mulling this sermon. I've been uncertain about the direction of the blog for months and maybe it's time to turn the focus a little.

Overall, I believe that our adoptions have been the road God wants us on and overall I believe all that has happened has been His sovereign plan. The struggle, though, is seeing that sovereignty in the daily battles and seeing His plan in the hurtful times. It's the point where faith becomes reality.

This morning the kids were driving me a little crazy and I passed through the kitchen and saw the above. It was quite endearing, somehow, and reminded me how much fun they add to my life, even during the battles.