A new day

Well, in case you didn't notice, I took at little bloggy vacation. Blogging is something I REALLY enjoy, but I wanted to break free from technology over the holiday break and so, I did. It was nice.

Lots of fun things happened and I will write about some of those here this week.

The one I've chosen to post today was chosen because it was the most emotion-filled for me. The kids and I made a trip to Houston last week to see L's birth-half-sister. I know, it sounds complicated, but it's not. It's beautiful. And it was even more so this time. L's sister is going to be 12 later this month and she's in love with L. She has been since the day L was born. But, this time for the first time, L fell in love with Rachel. And it was glorious to see, but if I'm honest, also a little difficult. Why? Because these girls want to be together. And in a perfect world, they would be. Unfortunately, because of decisions made by their birthmom and her family, they aren't. None of us adoptive parents would change this now, because we each have beautiful girls that we love. But, we would love for them to be together. Their love is pure. Now, I know that if they did live together, they would probably fight and their age difference is large (just over 8 years), but shouldn't sisters be together? Adoption is like the rest of life. It's messy, it's hard, there are struggles, and things aren't perfect. Adoption doesn't end when you hold your precious child in your arms or when the court case is finalized. Adoption is forever. In fact, we are living adoption more in our family right now than we have since the days we were actually waiting or under supervision.




We are so fortunate to have formed a family bond with Rachel and her family. We are so fortunate they live in Houston and not across the country. We are thankful that in the years to come they will be able to help each other thru some difficult days and some joyous ones as well. I'm thankful for a sister for my daughter...I always wanted a sister!

As L cried out to stay longer and Rachel begged us to stay longer, I had tears in my eyes. L has continued to talk about Rachel each day since we've been home and I know we will need to make another trip soon. Maybe just L and I this time.

And now, some of L's favorites of the day:

Playing with the puppy!

a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhtZkY93bejLFjMMqSQ-khBr5gUDUPrWI4SQrIFNgTxg5kiCdDbcKpxISiXEwTewIkOaOynh8olojpkNTxoWET3AmY2hTgymFxkn2XfIFnJ-HJs6XFqN9KZAvzybtdyw1TcA-hjXNPuwb/s1600-h/leah+and+dog.jpg">

Being treated to a ride to the park!

Rachel's coming to visit!

Rachel is coming tomorrow to stay with us for a few hours while her parents go visit an elderly relative. For those who don't know, Rachel is a precious 11 yr. girl, who just happens to be L's birthsister. These beautiful girls share a birthmom, but have different birthfathers. For many reasons, Rachel's family was unable to adopt L when she was born. It has proved to be a difficult decision for them (especially Rachel). Rachel has craved L from the beginning. We have the most precious picture of Rachel holding L when she was 6 wks old. We haven't seen her and her parents as often as we would like (they live 2 hrs away) but we are doing better!

The girls are 8 years apart which is HUGE right now, but on our last visit in January, L followed Rachel around and they read books together, and painted fingernails together. My hope is that in the years ahead, they will only grow closer. I'm thrilled for L to have a sister (it's a wish I always had for myself growing up - no offense, Paul!!!) and even though they don't live in the same house or family, I do believe they will be a lifelong support for one another. Rachel has had to deal with some very grown-up issues in her short life and even though L is largely sheltered from those due to her age, I know it will be helpful having Rachel in her life.

We love Rachel. We love her parents. We are so thankful to God that he has intertwined our families. God has a perfect plan for us - sometimes it just takes time and patience for us to see it. He's not done yet - there will be more to come! Can't wait for the adventure!