Opposites - What are we going to do?

Sometimes Often I really struggle with coming to terms with the 2 polar opposites in my head/in this world. On one hand, we have this amazing (albeit challenging at times) life here in the US.  Man are we lucky.  Four healthy kids, 2 cats, 2 dogs, fenced in yard, pools to swim in, lots of family time, etc... the list goes on and on of how blessed we are.  A big part of me wants my kids to have "the American dream" type of childhood.  Not necessarily a modern childhood, filled with video games and electronics, but the type of childhood that I had.  Especially in the summer. We're playing outside, riding bikes, hiking, swimming, celebrating the 4th of July, picking blueberries, catching fireflies, doing experiments, etc.  Such the norm where we live that we often don't give it a second thought.

And yet, it's never far from my mind the fact that most children do not get to have this type of childhood. Many of them are hungry, starving even.  Literally dying from not having clean water to drink. Growing up on the streets. Not knowing what it's like to have a warm, soft bed to be tucked into by a mom or dad at the end of a long, fun day.

It breaks me.

These kids are real people.  As real as my kids. As real as yours. And every bit just as important.

And so I struggle to see all that we have and come to terms with all that others do not have. I'm not okay with it.  It leaves me unsettled.  Wanting to do more but not knowing what.

All children are made for family.  God does not want any children to be alone.

We need an "epidemic of adoption" to arise. We need adoption to be common-place instead of just a few families who do it.  We need to move and be bold and open our homes and our hearts.

People tell me all the time that they wish they could adopt, but they can't afford it.  Let me be clear. We (my husband and I) cannot afford adoption. My husband is a mechanic and I stay home. Money is tight.  And yet, we've done it twice. We didn't do this alone; we did it along with our God, who is faithful and moves mountains. We did it with our friends and families.  We did it by making sacrifices.  And you can do it too.

People also tell me, "We're good with 2 kids."  Yeah, I get that. We were good with 2 kids, too. But you know what? We're so much better with 4 kids! It's a gift to give your children siblings, something you'll never regret.

I believe God has blessed us so fully so that we can then be His hands and feet to bless others. So I ask, what are we going to do?

Please take a moment to watch this video and read this article; they can say it better than I can.

http://adoption.com/creating-epidemic-adoption

http://www.gracedsimplicity.com/2014/07/adoption-we-really-cant-afford-it.html#.U76ckfldWVK

While adoption for us began as a response to God's call, man oh man have we been fully blessed in return.

Summer Fun!

We're having a fun summer. Juggling 4 kids at home full time is a lot!  June was very busy with school going later than expected, baseball, VBS, swim lessons, both boys to an overnight camp, etc.  We're enjoying a more laid back July, trying to schedule less and just enjoy being at home with them all.  

We continue to go to weekly counseling with Allie, working through our Parent-Child Interaction Therapy with her, hoping to help ease her anxiety and help her make better behavior choices.  Overall she's doing a little better, although some days are still very trying.

Maggie is doing great.  She still has days where she fusses a LOT, and I'm not sure why. But she is really coming into her own and starting to assert herself despite not having any words.  She's eating and drinking great, and her scar looks amazing.  She'll be evaluated speech therapy next month.

I'm totally enjoying having the boys home from school. The teacher in me loves to do fun experiments and activities with them.

Although Maggie's adoption was finalized in China, in order to get her an Ohio birth certificate, we had to re-finalize her adoption here. It was a  neat moment to be able to go as a family and testify to the judge that we adore her.  She questioned us and Ben quite a bit, and I was SO proud of him for answering proudly how much he loves her and how she fits in our family.  

Sam had his turn to spend the night at an overnight Christian camp. He was adamant that he wanted to do this despite not being able to eat the food due to his egg allergy and not knowing a soul there! He willingly took food from home and absolutely loved his time there.  Such a brave guy.

And of course we celebrated Allie turning 4!

Here's some pics and videos:

An older video from May demonstrating massive cuteness.

Maggie Fei LOVES being with her siblings. And they adore her.

This is hilarious. Watch for Maggie at the end. She had been spinning in circles....

Watching a bar of soap expand in the microwave!

Exploring a tub of beans.

Magnets

VBS!!

Fishing

Caught a turtle!

overwhelmed

Court day!

Getting her hair done by big brother.

Ready for camp!

Waiting to get Sam...feeling silly!

Got him back! He did GREAT!

Campfire Worship at Church

Birthday Girl!!!

Party prep