There are a lot of things I've learned about myself along this adoption journey,
and a lot that I have learned to see in other people, as well.


We often doubt ourselves and what we are capable of because it does not fit the image of what we witness around us. When we do meet someone who is doing powerful things, we think we can't possibility make that kind of impact . . . why not?

What holds us back?
Fear of failure? Lack of support from those around us?

Stepping beyond the "norm" and doing bigger, better things to impact the "least of these" is not impossible,
and while it sometimes brings unwanted attention or notoriety, it also serves as an example to others -- little people can bring about big change.

It may not be your calling to travel and do mission work or adopt children into your family, but each person has a unique gift that allows them to give back.

I have a lovely friend whose family volunteers at Harvesters, a community food bank in the Kansas City area, and she has consistently recruited others to work alongside herself, her husband and her children, gathering and sorting food items for those in need. Will it get her face on the evening news? Not likely, and that's just fine, but their efforts make a difference to those who might otherwise go hungry in the area of that outreach.

Sometimes the work we are called to, doesn't offer immediate rewards . . . to anyone involved.


But it is amazing, at the end of the journey, looking back and realizing the hurdles that were cleared and the obstacles that narrowly avoided our path.

Those who have traveled our adoption road with us know how tenuous things were for a time . . .

We lost the ability to adopt one child due to 1974 abandonment laws in Haiti, and feared losing the ability to adopt Dimitry for a time.
Our confidence in our attorney was frighteningly low, and the lack of communication and action on his part exacerbated the situation.
When laws began to change and independent adoptions were no longer to be allowed, I panicked and contacted a group that I hoped would lead us to the finish line in time.
Looking back, we are so blessed that our attorney kept his word and submitted our son's documents, rather than turning anything over to these other people.
Unfortunately, for many, many families, unscrupulous and unethical acts have caused children to suffer.

My faith was thin, but God knew His plan for us, all along.

I don't have the answers, and certainly wouldn't want my face as a poster child for good deeds, but I am blessed to know good people with huge hearts who have walked with us the past 3 and 1/2 years. I'm so appreciative of the prayers, the financial support and the encouragement we have received from so many.

Sometimes, we don't know what we are capable of until we step out in faith.

Sometimes, we just need another's hand to lead us or hold onto along the way.

And sometimes, we just need to muster up the courage to follow our heart and go against what we hear is possible.