The Family LIfe

We spent last evening at a potluck with many of the west Michigan families that adopted from Haiti. Everyone was interested to see how the children would react. A funny thing happened. Nothing. The kids had no reaction. It was as if they didn't know each other. It was as if a group of random kids and their parents met. The parents were social, but the kids took their time assessing the situation. The shyness slowly lifted from many of the children and they would begin to play, but others stayed within an arms reach of their parents. I am not sure what we expected, but there was some anticipation that memories would be triggered. An idea crossed my mind. Is it possible that their lives just began? Not so distant memories have been replaced by a new home, a new family, and a new way of living. Do they only remember what they have been searching for their entire lives? A family.

Trust has been built with Josie and parenting is starting to take shape. We still

try to balance on that tight-rope of parenting and friendship building, but we are starting to lean more towards parenting. Yet we still under

stand her circumstances are different, so different that Wood TV stopped by this week to tape a segment for Miranda. Next, the Advance Newspaper is coming by next week for an interview. Soon we will move into our normal lives and interest

will fade. Yet I hope everyone continues to realize that there are so many children that need families, and there are so many in this world are suffering and need our help.

So we move on. Isaac started drum lessons and absolutely loves it. He wants to be like his uncle who used to be a professional drummer. The drums are loud, but his smile is louder.

So we move on. Kade continues to dream about animals. He continues to want to add to his collection. I wonder if John Ball Zoo has a ro

om we can rent?

So we move on. Moving forward as a family. Appreciating things a little more. Looking forward to our next steps wherever they may fall.

As tiring as life can be, we cherish those moments that so often make us so tired.