priceless

In a time of economic uncertainty, I thought that since I also listened to all of Nic's MBA classes on economics I might enlighten the readers on the time-value of money in an eternal sense in this post.  I figured that if Nic can try to define the word "economy" to our bilingual 2 and 4 year olds and our Spanish-only-speaking 6, 8, and 10 year olds during an otherwise peaceful supper time, I could try my hand at this economics thing a bit, too.  Here I go...

The month and a half since we returned home has gone by so fast and yet at times we have felt as though we are trying to sprint through quick sand, just stuck in the mud not making much progress at all.  Making our house a home for our growing family has brought about a most pleasant exhaustion, and most days it has brought a deep emotional aching, too, as we comprehend more fully all that our children have endured, and all that God has protected their hearts from.

I know that for every family who travels the road of older child adoption the transition period looks different and there are hills and valleys.  We have expected both the heights and depths of this experience and God surprised us with both heights and depths beyond what we imagined, teaching us to trust Him even more, rejoice in Him even more, and hope in Him even more.  For as good, and as hard, and as crazy as this experience has been, I can emphatically say I would do it again in a heartbeat.  I would choose to bring these three precious children home again regardless of the financial, emotional, or physical cost to us.  In the midst of all of this, the Lord has given me great joy in working through the trials that necessarily come with growing ones family by five children in just three and a half years.  Some days it is a bit of an exhausted joy, but it is His joy nonetheless, and it is growing exponentially as we settle in more and more and the children become more comfortable at home.  I am reminded of Matthew 6:20-21, "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  The treasures come each day in the opportunities to share eternal truths from God's Word with our precious children.  The treasures come each day when we are able to reassure the children we will love them forever, that we will be their parents forever, and that someday we will be grandparents to their children.  The treasures come as we watch all five children grow to love one another and care for one another.  And this is where my heart gets lost each day, as I enjoy each of these priceless treasures.

We have failed to find time to mention our deep gratitude for many other priceless treasures that God has blessed us with along this journey, but which I need to make time for tonight.  Several weeks ago in my attempt to keep up with thank you cards, I found my very creative and crafty daughters using my thank you cards - some already written, some not - as part of their craft project.  I nearly cried since I had no record of which cards has been sent and which had been cut up as craft fodder, but then I rejoiced since they were all crafting together so nicely and for such a long time!  Most likely if you haven't received the thank you card I intended to send it was used for a very lovely craft project.  Our heartfelt thanks to the many who have been priceless treasures to us:

• First Baptist Church of Anoka - you are truly the hands and feet of Christ and we are so thankful to be a part of this family of believers.
• Sara at Bethany Christian Services - we are so thankful for your friendship, encouragement, prayers and advocacy for our family.
• Our parents who love our children unconditionally and support us in all our endeavors.
• Our big brothers and their wives and families who welcome our new growing family eagerly.  
  
• Our friends (you all know who you are) who have walked this road before us or are walking it right now, too.  We are so thankful for your prayers, your advice, your understanding, and your experience.
• The many friends who have brought meals or helped with so many details of large family living.
• Grace Evangelical Free Church of Elbow Lake - your prayers and generosity are incredible!  It is always good to come home.
• The Boyd Family - our missionary friends in Colombia who always make us feel like we're at "home" in Colombia when we're adding to the fam.
• Nic's employers/coworkers at Tennant who made it possible for him to be in Colombia during the entire adoption process.
• Dr. Warren - the best pediatrician ever, and his nurse who is so patient with our Colombian Brewed Brood.
  
• Shaohannah's Hope: Steven Curtis & Mary Beth Chapman
• The Lydia Fund