I love to read. Much more than watching TV, reading takes me outside of my own story and drops me into someone else’s. The best part is that in the span of several hours, I can see the story through from beginning to end without being overwhelmed by the middle. But real life isn’t like […]
When the time is right
How many times have you said, “we’ll do it later, when the time is right”? Or, perhaps, “we’ll do it someday, when we’re ready”? Many couples say that about having children, as if there will be a sign flown behind a plane to let us know when the day to start a family has finally […]
Caring: What Really Matters
I know, I know. Most of you are really tired of hearing about this transition home. I see it in the barely discernible cringe when I mention Nicaragua one more time. I feel it when everyone around me is sharing “small talk” I can’t seem to identify with. And I get it when yet another […]
Encouragement for the road ahead
Today, I’m continuing to write about the gift of encouragement. I often say we were more afraid of raising money then of moving to a developing country. I’m completely serious. The thought of going from church to church, friend to friend, and asking for money left me feeling desperate and afraid. What if they got […]
The beginning of the end
It absolutely surprised me. I said good-bye to the last adopting family to live with us and suddenly was overcome with emotion. What is going on? I haven’t cried like this since the very first family left us two years ago! On that morning, I sat in the hammock holding the infant boy who had […]
Suffering the blessing
I love/hate it when you go to church and the sermon hits just a little too close to home… and when you can’t help but let the tears fall onto your lap silently. One such Sunday, the speaker talked about something that — for his family — was one of those defining moments we all have. You […]