With the end of the year upon us, the holidays in full swing, and getting ready to travel back home to see my family, I've been swamped! I'm sure you all can understand exactly what I'm talking about. (:
However, I wanted to share Christian the Lion with you all. If you haven't seen this video before, take a look. You'll probably cry- the first time I saw it, I honestly sobbed like a baby. It is so, so sweet.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Full of Thanks.
Today, and everyday, I am thankful of my many blessings. I have so much GOOD in my life.
- First and foremost, I am thankful for the relationship I am building with the Lord. I have always believed in God, but only recently have I begun to deepen the relationship I have with Him. I am so grateful to be raised in a country where I have the freedom to worship my Lord, and to do so publicly and without retaliation.
- I am thankful for my parents, who have raised me into the person I am and have supported every decision I have made. I am thankful to be confident that, when I decide to begin the adoption process, they will support me however they can. I have the best parents in the world. I could not imagine my life without them in it.
- I am thankful for my sisters. They are truly my best friends, and as we grow older, we only grow closer.
- I am thankful for my job, for a steady income, for the educational opportunities I have been given, and for having the option to go back to school at some point, if that is what I choose to do.
- I am thankful for having my basic needs met everyday, which is more than too, too many people can say.
- I am thankful for love, and the many types of love I have been blessed to know.
- I am thankful for Reece's Rainbow, and the fact that there are people in the world, good, WONDERFUL people in the world like Andrea Roberts who work so, so hard to find these little treasures loving homes.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
I have a feeling...
this little cutie is gonna go fast! :)
Put your eyes on this little bundle of absolute cuteness!
His name is Wilson, and he recently turned two years old. SINGLE MOMS ARE WELCOME! Oh, if only...
Put your eyes on this little bundle of absolute cuteness!
His name is Wilson, and he recently turned two years old. SINGLE MOMS ARE WELCOME! Oh, if only...
Sunday, November 21, 2010
I have no words.
Except I really have a LOT of words for the idiocy of what I'm about to post.
I recently learned of a couple who is allowing the Internet to decide whether or not they should abort a will-be 20 week old baby or go ahead with the pregnancy. I learned about it at Gawker, which links to the site where they are posting updates on the pregnancy and mom's health. And right next to those ultrasound pictures, some of them 3D, is a poll asking whether or not they should continue with the pregnancy or have the child aborted.
I am absolutely appalled, to say the least. I feel helpless for this child, and so, so sad. But I'm also so, SO angry! How DARE they exploit their child like this, for a bit of Internet fame? I just don't see a happy ending. Either the child is aborted at 20 weeks- 20 WEEKS- or they grow up as the child that only had the Internet fighting for his/her life, and the Internet being the only reason they are alive. And of course adoption isn't even presented as an option, though there are families that would love that baby like there's no tomorrow.
I am disgusted by the things that humanity has become capable of. And I'm so heartbroken for the people who are hurt by these actions- especially the littlest, helpless people. The vote is currently 49.8% voting to give birth, 51.1% have an abortion.
I really, really hope this proves to be an elaborate scheme. But even if it does, I'm still saddened by how many people find it appropriate to abort a child, let alone one who has reached 20 weeks gestation. That, in my eyes, is simply murder. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.
Are you aware that about 90% of parents who are given a Down syndrome diagnosis for their unborn child choose to abort? That is madness. I pray that eyes are opened to what a gift these little ones are, these special children who were given an extra copy of chromosome 21.
I'm out of words. I'm just astonished... and sad.
I recently learned of a couple who is allowing the Internet to decide whether or not they should abort a will-be 20 week old baby or go ahead with the pregnancy. I learned about it at Gawker, which links to the site where they are posting updates on the pregnancy and mom's health. And right next to those ultrasound pictures, some of them 3D, is a poll asking whether or not they should continue with the pregnancy or have the child aborted.
I am absolutely appalled, to say the least. I feel helpless for this child, and so, so sad. But I'm also so, SO angry! How DARE they exploit their child like this, for a bit of Internet fame? I just don't see a happy ending. Either the child is aborted at 20 weeks- 20 WEEKS- or they grow up as the child that only had the Internet fighting for his/her life, and the Internet being the only reason they are alive. And of course adoption isn't even presented as an option, though there are families that would love that baby like there's no tomorrow.
I am disgusted by the things that humanity has become capable of. And I'm so heartbroken for the people who are hurt by these actions- especially the littlest, helpless people. The vote is currently 49.8% voting to give birth, 51.1% have an abortion.
I really, really hope this proves to be an elaborate scheme. But even if it does, I'm still saddened by how many people find it appropriate to abort a child, let alone one who has reached 20 weeks gestation. That, in my eyes, is simply murder. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.
Are you aware that about 90% of parents who are given a Down syndrome diagnosis for their unborn child choose to abort? That is madness. I pray that eyes are opened to what a gift these little ones are, these special children who were given an extra copy of chromosome 21.
I'm out of words. I'm just astonished... and sad.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Ramblings, II.
When I picture my future, I see children. That's a no-brainer. I think I've always wanted lots and lots of kids. When I was younger, I was absolutely fascinated with the McCaughey septuplets. I would make my mom buy me every Ladies' Home Journal that they were featured on, and scoured the Internet for articles and pictures about them. I thought it was so amazing that people could have so many babies at once. I've had baby fever since I was about 8 years old, and it seemed like a dream come true to have a house filled with the blissful sounds of infants.
Now, being older and a little wiser, I know better that to romanticize the risks of multiple births, though they are still fascinating to me. I would never want to put my childrens' lives in danger by having so many at once (though I also don't begrudge those who have multiples, and commend them for not choosing to reduce), but the thought of having lots of little children at once is still something I would love. Crazy? Heck yes. But seriously, the time I spend with my niece and nephew, especially in their infant days, are some of my happiest memories. I just love everything about babies.
When I picture my future, it's easy to see children. It's easy to see a house full of toys and a backyard swingset and piles of laundry and cribs and blankets. It's the husband that's difficult to see. I always wanted to be a young mom, and I feel like that dream is slipping quickly away from me. I'm nowhere near marriage. I'm hardly even casually dating! I guess, because I'm still pretty young, it's hard to find someone who is ready to settle down and start having children. Not that I look at a husband just as a means to an end, a way to have kids. I want the right man. But in this day and age, it is so hard to even know where to look. I'm so busy, and so shy- how am I even going to find someone who wants the same things as me? Who would be willing to adopt? Willing to adopt a special-needs child? Someone who shares my love for the Lord, who understands my commitments as a teacher, and who loves me just how I am? I've tried the online thing- I hate it. And I certainly don't want to go looking for the future Mr. Teacher Girl in a bar!
I guess I should also say how thankful I am that there are agencies out there who allow single mom adoption. I can't lie, I've thought about it. I'm still too young to adopt, and that's probably a very good thing, because I can't guarantee I wouldn't be working towards committing to a Reece's Rainbow child, and I know that is something I'm not ready for. I feel like God is working in my heart, getting me ready for whatever He has planned for me. But I also know that I am not ready yet. Well, in a lot of ways I am. But in some very important others, I know I need to wait, as hard as that is.
Thanks for getting this far, if you made it through my jumbled thoughts!
Now, being older and a little wiser, I know better that to romanticize the risks of multiple births, though they are still fascinating to me. I would never want to put my childrens' lives in danger by having so many at once (though I also don't begrudge those who have multiples, and commend them for not choosing to reduce), but the thought of having lots of little children at once is still something I would love. Crazy? Heck yes. But seriously, the time I spend with my niece and nephew, especially in their infant days, are some of my happiest memories. I just love everything about babies.
When I picture my future, it's easy to see children. It's easy to see a house full of toys and a backyard swingset and piles of laundry and cribs and blankets. It's the husband that's difficult to see. I always wanted to be a young mom, and I feel like that dream is slipping quickly away from me. I'm nowhere near marriage. I'm hardly even casually dating! I guess, because I'm still pretty young, it's hard to find someone who is ready to settle down and start having children. Not that I look at a husband just as a means to an end, a way to have kids. I want the right man. But in this day and age, it is so hard to even know where to look. I'm so busy, and so shy- how am I even going to find someone who wants the same things as me? Who would be willing to adopt? Willing to adopt a special-needs child? Someone who shares my love for the Lord, who understands my commitments as a teacher, and who loves me just how I am? I've tried the online thing- I hate it. And I certainly don't want to go looking for the future Mr. Teacher Girl in a bar!
I guess I should also say how thankful I am that there are agencies out there who allow single mom adoption. I can't lie, I've thought about it. I'm still too young to adopt, and that's probably a very good thing, because I can't guarantee I wouldn't be working towards committing to a Reece's Rainbow child, and I know that is something I'm not ready for. I feel like God is working in my heart, getting me ready for whatever He has planned for me. But I also know that I am not ready yet. Well, in a lot of ways I am. But in some very important others, I know I need to wait, as hard as that is.
Thanks for getting this far, if you made it through my jumbled thoughts!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Ramblings.
Sometimes I think that if I let myself get bogged down by all of the horrible things in the world, I would literally go insane. There are huge problems out there- poverty, homelessness, child abuse, animal abuse, murder, gangs- and then there are the problems sitting right on my kitchen counter, in my bedroom, in my heart. Things that, if I let myself think about too much, I start to break down.
Parts of me are broken.
The small things are small, but when they add up, they seem overwhelming. I've gone through a lot of loss and a lot of heartache. Who hasn't? It seems selfish to let myself feel sad because of the things I've gone through. I almost feel guilty about it. Yesterday I got some surprising news, and it just stopped me cold. It isn't a tragedy and it isn't even horrible, but to me it's like another little crack in my already shaky foundation.
There are times when I have to stop myself before I slip away. Away into my self-pity and guilt and general unhappiness. Because I AM a happy person. But there are things that have been done to me and things I've done to myself, little secrets I keep deep down, that sometimes try and creep up and surprise me. And sometimes they catch me off guard, and momentarily, I let them win.
But the thing is, God never leaves me. Sometimes I just have to allow myself to ask Him to take it all away, and allow myself to feel the peace that was always there, but that I didn't let myself see.
In the grand scheme of things, I feel almost whiny to even be posting this. There are things in the world, huge things, TRAGEDIES that I feel like I should spend my energy thinking about. How to get every orphan into a loving home. How to make sure the people in my sponsor child's family aren't starving. How to make sure my students aren't leaving school hungry and coming to school hungrier.
Sometimes it seems like too, too much. But I know that God never gives out more than we can handle, and that He has gone before us and knows the road we will take. Sometimes that just has to be enough.
-------------------------------------------------------------
On a much lighter and HAPPIER note, Carson has a family!!!! I am so, so happy and thankful and cried tears of absolute joy when I read the news. I can't wait to share more! Congratulations, Carson! <3
Parts of me are broken.
The small things are small, but when they add up, they seem overwhelming. I've gone through a lot of loss and a lot of heartache. Who hasn't? It seems selfish to let myself feel sad because of the things I've gone through. I almost feel guilty about it. Yesterday I got some surprising news, and it just stopped me cold. It isn't a tragedy and it isn't even horrible, but to me it's like another little crack in my already shaky foundation.
There are times when I have to stop myself before I slip away. Away into my self-pity and guilt and general unhappiness. Because I AM a happy person. But there are things that have been done to me and things I've done to myself, little secrets I keep deep down, that sometimes try and creep up and surprise me. And sometimes they catch me off guard, and momentarily, I let them win.
But the thing is, God never leaves me. Sometimes I just have to allow myself to ask Him to take it all away, and allow myself to feel the peace that was always there, but that I didn't let myself see.
In the grand scheme of things, I feel almost whiny to even be posting this. There are things in the world, huge things, TRAGEDIES that I feel like I should spend my energy thinking about. How to get every orphan into a loving home. How to make sure the people in my sponsor child's family aren't starving. How to make sure my students aren't leaving school hungry and coming to school hungrier.
Sometimes it seems like too, too much. But I know that God never gives out more than we can handle, and that He has gone before us and knows the road we will take. Sometimes that just has to be enough.
-------------------------------------------------------------
On a much lighter and HAPPIER note, Carson has a family!!!! I am so, so happy and thankful and cried tears of absolute joy when I read the news. I can't wait to share more! Congratulations, Carson! <3
Saturday, November 13, 2010
You can help!
Because I have to rush off this morning, this is basically copy/pasted from Crystal's blog. She found it another blog, which is linked in her post.
You CAN do something!! Please help, spread the word, post this to your blog, write letters, and help the government see how important this is!!!
Even if you don't feel the call to adopt, you can get involved in orphan care. And here's a simple way to get involved today...
By now, most of you have probably heard about the decision in Ukraine to go forward with a vote to halt international adoption until an inter-country agreement is in place. Please take a moment to write to your senators & congressmen, then encourage your friends and family to contact do the same!
Below you'll find a letter that you can use, or write your own.
To send a letter to your congressman:
To send a letter to your senator just click on the state and follow the link:
Please help us get the word out!!
________________________________________________________
Dear (name),
I am writing to you today regarding a VERY urgent situation. Many families in the US are currently in the process of adopting children from orphanages in Ukraine. Most of these children are older or disabled. American families adopting these children offer them what may be their only opportunity at a normal and productive life free of crime, prostitution, or institutionalization due to illnesses that are treatable in the United States. I personally know one of these families.
On November 3, 2010, the Ukrainian parliament voted to proceed with voting on legislation that would halt all international adoptions until inter-country adoption agreements are in place (see the State Dept. announcement at http://adoption.state.gov/news/ukraine.html) . At this point, all that is needed for this to become law is one more vote in Ukrainian parliament and a signature by the Ukrainian president. This could happen any day. If it does, many families and innocent children will be greatly affected. I personally know one of these families.
I am writing to you to urge you to act quickly on this matter by 1. Contacting your Ukrainian cohorts and requesting a consideration of revision of the law to allow adoptions to proceed while the agreement is being drafted (as was done in Russia) and 2. Work with your colleagues in congress to begin drafting this agreement so that it is ready to go in the event the law passes.
Thank you for your timely consideration of this urgent matter!
Please take the time to write these letters. Please forward this to all your friends and families. Post on facebook or twitter or wherever else people may read it and help out.
You CAN do something!! Please help, spread the word, post this to your blog, write letters, and help the government see how important this is!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
