9 months old and 4 1/2 months home

I've been reflecting on our adoption journey as Nathanael turned 9 months old yesterday. We were in Taiwan celebrating his 4 month birthday, just 5 months ago. It seems like much longer and just yesterday at the same time. Today, I am feeling thankful for the faithful people who took such good care of our precious baby boy. I am especially thankful to the Lord for this most precious, perfect gift...our son, Nathanael.

free photos

Ok, since being home from Taiwan, I have gotten behind on getting my MANY pictures developed. And for some reason, (ha ha), I have been taking more pictures. It might be because of this sweet little guy who came home with me. So, how do I solve this dilemma?

I have signed up for 1200 free photos. You can too. We all have a backlog of children's photos or travel photos or family photos we have been meaning to get developed. If you will follow this link, you will qualify for free photos every month for a year. Just thought I'd share! ;)

www.artscow.com/?Ref=985770

The merging of God stories

I began this blog as a chronicle of our journey to adopt a baby from Taiwan. Today, I find myself thinking about what the purpose of this blog is now...

Adoption doesn't end when you are matched with a child or when you bring him home. Adoption is a life journey! We brought him home to our FOREVER family on April 20th. Everyday since then has been part of the life-adventure that God dreamed for our family. Brian and I are adjusting to being parents after almost 10 years of marriage (August 12). Nathanael is adjusting so well to being in our family. He LOVES his dog Jack and often laughs outloud at him. He knows who mom and dad are and recognizes if someone else is holding him. He smiles and giggles and lights up our lives. People often say, "That is the cutest baby EVER" as he gives them one of his charming smiles.

I was in a youth revival service tonight in which the speaker discussed our "God stories." My God story began when God broke through my pretending and asked me to get real with Him. I became a Christian that day. Life has never been the same for me since that day. My God story continued when he led me to attend Kentucky Mountain Bible College, where I met my husband, Brian. My life will forever be changed because God called Ted and Bev Skiles to Taiwan to be missionaries and through them, gave us this wonderful gift--Nathanael. What a blessing to be adopted into God's family. What a blessing to adopt this sweet baby boy into our family. What a blessing to be able to share our lives together, just as God and I share our lives together. As I see it our family is really about lots of God stories merging into one beautiful tapestry of God's love and grace. As we are obedient to God, he works to make something beautiful out of our lives. Feeling thankful today. How about you?