Settling in.....

The kids have been home now for just over 6 weeks and as usual, God has exceeded my expectations!  They are amazingly well adjusted, super sweet and CONTENT!  Unlike their born and raised American teenage siblings, they don't need super size, neon flashing anything to make them happy.  Its precious to see their eyes light up with pure awe over the simplest of things like microwave popcorn, escalators and free/open access to a stocked fridge.  Why just yesterday I gave them each a dollar to put in their piggy banks and you would have thought I handed them a bar of gold.  So very thankful and purely genuine! It so obvious that the holy spirit dwells comfortably in their souls.  They never anger, their tongues never sharp and they always want to help when they see anyone in need.  Whether it be a little sister struggling to lug her scooter up the driveway or a tired mama cleaning the kitchen for the fifth time that day.  They eagerly and willing want to help others.  OLDER CHILD ADOPTION IS UNDER RATED!  I was leery that the kids would need a lot of help getting adjusted and had braced my self for the text book struggles thwarted by countless other testimonies.  But to date, I have to say they have been pure blessings and I wouldn't change a thing, no regrets!

As I write this however, I'm reminded of a post I did regarding the first 6 weeks after the adoption of Ellie Grace.  I recall toting the praise of this perfect child and how Dennis and I were both so amazed how easy she was.  A six month old who barely cried, never spit up but just cooed and smiled incessantly.  We both wondered why God had blessed us with a perfect child and that we felt so undeserving of little Ellie Grace.  Then tragically God showed ME the plan he had drawn for our family.  that He had filled my arms with this perfect little love because He was calling Dennis home and new that my broken heart wouldn't survive without the healing love of precious Ellie Grace.  His gift to me, a band aid for the wound that was to come just three short months after her arrival.  The single most beautiful gift I have ever known.  A gift that kept my legs moving and my lungs grasping for air so I could continue this walk in the valley for my children.  A twisted gift of the most precious kind.

And now, with the addition of two more amazing children into our family, I cant help but wonder what Gods up to this time.  Prayerfully Hes gentle.  He knows my heart and that I cant weather more fatal sanctification.  But for now I savor the blessings he gave me with every smile and hug from ALL my precious kiddos!

God is good, ALL THE TIME!