Day 4 ... and then some

Here's a quick ol' blog update. Tonight was a pretty typical night. I came home from work, we ate dinner, got the kitchen clean, got the children bathed, and me and the boys played a little Heroscape (with only minimal tears) ... and then the bed time stories, prayers, drinks of water .... etc.

Leo is right here in the thick of things. So far, so good. We're just starting to develop a routine around his special feeding needs. We have had friends who have brought us dinners these past few nights. THANK YOU, friends. That kindness has made a huge difference in our home this week.

I wish I could say that I have made some significant contribution to Leo's care. But really, for me it has been a diaper here and a bottle there.... and really it is Kim (a.k.a. Super-Mom) who has born the brunt of this. Still, she remains up-beat. I tell you, though, Leo is a pleasant little guy to have around, and it is neat to see his siblings make a fuss over him.

So, we're up to day 4 here.

And then there's some other news. I got a call from Ron Wint tonight. Ron, you will recall, is a missionary stationed in Zambia who was in need of a laptop.

This past weekend I purchased the laptop he needed, got it set up, and passed it off to the care of Pastor Carlos at Calvary. Ron (who is on a short furlough here in the USA) had called me to say thank you, and that "the impact of this gift will only be known in heaven" and also that "because we have this, we'll be able to broadcast Gospel radio programs in Zambia."

Neat! I told him that I didn't do it alone and that I would be sure to pass his comments on to those who had contributed to that effort. So, friends, you know who you are ... and God does too. THANK YOU.

I am thankful to have the acquaintance of so many generous people. :-)

As always,

Jeremy

Day 1

It is 9:00 PM and 4 boys are in bed, Amanda is in her room and Leo and I are bonding. Jeremy is on his way home from work. It has been a day!

Our day began with meeting Leo and his birth mom at Bethany around 10:45. The meeting was extremely emotional. I have never experienced anything like that. It has led to great conversations with the other kids especially Amanda. What 12 year old has the opportunity to experience the heart wrenching decision of a mom entrusting her only son to another family. We are not taking what we experienced today lightly. I can not begin to imagine the grief that a very special women is experiencing this night. She choose to give Leo life and she loves him enough to want him to have the best possible life possible. There is no doubt in our minds that this was an act of love.

We know the days and nights ahead will be long, but God will give us strength. We have definitely felt the peace of God and every one's prayers. Just when I feel like life is hard, I read a blog post like this one and realize I have no reason to complain. God has blessed my family so much. May we never take for granted what we have been given.

Overwhelmed

This post will be short and real. This has been a hard week. I have come to the realization that although going to China for two weeks was a lot of work, in some ways it was easier then trying to daily visit Leo, keep things going on the home front and for Jeremy work. We have had wonderful family and friends helping us by watching the other kids while we visit with Leo, but we have still come home to baseball games, church commitments and well life.

Today was a special day in that Leo came to our house for the first time. I picked him up this morning and Jeremy left to take him home after dinner. We had a good visit and Leo did great, but I am exhausted. Jordan was probably the most enamored with Leo and paid him the most attention.

We will continue visits through the weekend and then on Monday we will all go to Bethany's office where Leo will come home with us permanently.

I wouldn't be being real if I didn't admit that both Jeremy and I are scared, overwhelmed and questioning ourselves. All of this is only drawing us closer together as a couple and forcing us to lean on God. The future is uncertain, but we believe God is in control.

We would covet your prayers as we continue to transition Leo into our family.