heading to bed in tears tonight over a child who is healing.
from an outsider, unknowing, it would look so detrimental to our other children. However, God has planned this. He is in this with us. Created it this way, even. It's a beautiful picture of the Gospel.
Loving the unloveable. When we have devos with the older children ( not adopted) we are very much aware that the hard is good, making us aware of our sin, needing Jesus! Hearing them ask for help to love one that is difficult.
So hard, but good
wanting an eternal perspective.
some in school and some home for us too this year. only been 2 weeks but it feels so right.
AHHH, time to connect with the homeschoolers who otherwise move to the background when the littles are around and demanding much attention.
your words ALWAYS hit home.
we've begun to go out with all the big kids (original 4) on Sunday nights.
it's very special.
this is not our eternal home. we await a home in heaven. stay faithful to the call, Lisa!
Press on my sister in Christ.

Yes! Good job mom. You are amazing and did great as His advocate, teacher, healing agent and mom. Keep up the good work. Press on! God has great plans to prosper this very special boy. Praying for him now as I sign off. God bless you, sister.
Laura

Well, I'm actually replying just to share my great story. My husband and I adopted a little girl (8 months) from china. she is now 6. our bio children are 14,12,10 and 8. 3 months ago we adopted again, 2 older girls (6.5 and 7) oh my, yes, out of birth order!!! :) Our experience with the 2 new girls has been deep, satisfying, humbling joy. They are attached, they look us in the eye, we are hugging and connecting. I will say that the Empowered to Connect Conference, videos and the connected child by Dr. Karen Purvis have helped us in a huge way. it's the only resource I would recommend. I AM having difficulties with the infant we adopted (who is now 6). She is very difficult to love. Something about her personality rubs us all the wrong way. However, God is gracious and helps me parent her and love her. Adoption has blessed my family. Easier? no. Better? yes. Joy.

welcome home. i will be anxious to read your thoughts. My husband and i attended the first empowered conference when it was in nashville. i cried my self to sleep the first night. this was because we were in the process of adopting 2 older SN chinese girls. Wow. I was so scared and overwhelmed. I wanted OUT of the adoption. I thought I had enough on my plate with 5 other homeschooled children already. I am here to say, "yippee!" our transition has been oh so much more peaceful becuase God lead us to karen purvis and her videos and conference and book! I'm so thankful! We have been home 3 months now and we use (or try to use) the principles each day...CONNECTING!! I blogged a little about it today. I love to spend "free" time reading your blog. Purposeful, glorifying, real and yet encouraging. Thank you, I know it takes time and thought. God's rich blessings as you re-enter life! laura

This is a good post. we are doing karynism over here at our place as well! We attended her conference in nashville 6 months before traveling back to china to adopt 2 older girls (7). I would say to new-adoptive parents or soon to be parents: this is the only book you need! We started many of her principles in the hotel in China (day 1)! Our new girls are a blessing the transition has been smooth. The struggle we face is with our daughter that we adopted when she was 8 months! God has surprised and blessed us with these girls who seemed so risky to adopt. Our who family, really, has been blessed by Karyn's books and videos. Thank you for purposeful blog entries I gladly spend a few minutes of "free time" to read and feel connected to others walking this narrow road. Laura

thank you so much for your honesty!

Lisa- your words always resonate with my heart! I have been to the empowered conferences, read all the books, purchased all the dvds, started a support group with my girl friend, and... the one thing that really helps and brings hope for me is that WE ARE NOT HOME YET! THIS IS NOT OUR HOME! Praise God! Have you read Larry Crabb's book called Shattered Dreams? It's excellent ,a must read in my opinion! Blessings as you press on! Eyes up on Jesus!
Laura