Priceless

Thanks to another adopting mom who visited Haiti last week, we just received the photos below of Pierre and Ange-Laurette. It came at the best time! Have you ever had one of the days/weeks where you were just in a funk? Then, there is this phonecall from an old friend or a fun letter in the mail? That is how we felt. We knew so many families had visited this summer. We also knew that our two kids would be watching these reunions and seeing their friends return from days at a motel....without OUR visit within sight. Without new photos or contact, the whole process starts to seem less real, yet the hole in our hearts remains. So, when I opened email to find 3 photos of them out of the blue, my spirit soared!We are sure that Pierre grew a couple inches! We are more certain than ever that his birth certificate (stating that he is soon turning 9) is a ways off. We will take care of that when they finally arrive home, through a dentist and doctor professional estimate of their ages. The next photo taken in the front yard area of the orphanage as the other family arrived shows Pierre and Ange-Laurette watching, with his hand on her shoulder. We were touched by his gesture and the bonding that is obviously taking place between them. We do have to emphasize that so many wonderful, fun things are going on at home here in South Dakota. This blog is not our family blog with day to day happenings. It's purpose is to share details of the adoption that might help others...and that will keep our friends and family up to date on our progress. Even in our conversations with others here, Pierre and Ange-Laurette come up as often as our other kids do. They are equally a part of the family...not more of a focus but also not less loved. Our kids understand that and feel the same way. That being said, we have to share that our oldest son and his fiance will be married in two short weeks! After nearly 5 years together, they will start their lives as husband and wife in the Twin Cities area. We can hardly wait for that fun weekend!! Bailey finished her summer softball season on a new team with a ton of pitching success and several new friends, for her and us! We had a fun Bible study on teenage topics Tuesdays this summer with her 9 friends. We've been blessed with her receptiveness and her determination to follow Christ. Nate has his last swimming lesson today and has become a fish this summer. He has grown nearly as much as Pierre appears to have! We have noticed how much he needs a live-in buddy like Pierre, as he always is asking to have a friend over to play. Nate is talking more about the kids in Haiti and saying how well he thinks they will get along. THAT we will continue to pray about! :) I should laugh at my complaints of crazy days, juggling just two children's activities this summer. We have no idea what the future holds!