Thursday, May 21, 2009

And God Keeps Surprising Us

There has been a flurry of internet activity at our house the past 24 hours as God has been at work again. I am never, ever fully able to grasp how BIG God can be and sometimes I think the joke is on me as I tend to bottle God up in a small 8 ounce container when indeed an Olympic sized swimming pool is too small!

There is a delegation of Kyrgyz officials coming to Washington, DC...members of Parliament. A group of waiting families has been selected to meet with these officials to present their case for allowing international adoptions to resume and release their children to come home. I am honored that Kenny and I were asked to attend as well, and Kenny will be speaking for all the children who have no voice. Funny, isn't it, that the little boy with the speech issues will be the one to speak for Kyrgyz adopted children?

Our participation in this would NEVER have been possible without the help of others, both waiting families and post-adoptive Kyrgyz families. The Marquis family at www.bringinghomeanara.blogspot.com whose child is already home but whose compassion knows no bounds, generously donated frequent flier miles and hotel points so that this could happen. Suzanne, a waiting mommy, donated additional miles and I am grateful and humbled to be able to advocate for these families. I only hope that our help and presence is of some value and that hearts are changed.

Kenny and I are both pretty scared. Kenny said "I want to help those babies come home, Mommy...but what if I say the wrong thing?". I reassured him there was nothing he could say that would be wrong, that he simply needed to share his story.

Just when I think life will settle down for a bit, along comes some other adventure!

Today was the last day of school for our boys, and it was a little sad for everyone I think. This has been a year filled with the amazing presence of teachers who were each a perfect fit for each of our sons...teachers with passion, skill, and huge hearts. The usual end of the year excitement was noticeably absent as everyone was quietly pondering things in the car on the way home. I admit I too will miss the wonderful people involved in our kids lives. I don't know why, but it seems I have often become friends with my children's teachers...and this year there was a depth to the relationships that will be sorely missed and I hope can continue outside the classroom. It's weird, I know, but why let a good relationship pass you by simply because it is unusual? I don't see myself as having all that much in common with teachers or their profession, and I am not sure why I have been blessed to find friendship in this setting, but I have...and those whom I have become closest with are phenomenal people and a real gift in my life, as well as my children's lives.

Each of the boys wrote a thank you letter to their teacher, which is something we did for the first time this year but I think we will continue with next year. Teachers seldom get thanked, aren't often told the ways in which they have made a difference a child's life. When I suggested the idea, I thought the boys would think it was a little lame, but they picked up the project with great gusto and it was quickly apparent that each one found it important to say what they felt for their teachers...and I hope it meant something to their teachers to receive the letters.

So Summer begins tomorrow!!! Sleeping in, staying up late, relaxing and reading and playing. We have plans to go camping this weekend and thought we would go up tomorrow but might find ourselves hanging out at home one extra day as I was bushed today and need another few hours to get things ready. I am so glad to have the boys home, we have some mini-adventures ahead of us as well as bigger ones! Nothing overly exciting...but we are having a family book challenge to see who can read the most, we are planning a road trip to Wichita to see our friends, and will surely have a houseful of friends hanging out as well...at least I hope so! And now for Kenny and I, an unexpected and nerve wracking trip to Washington, DC.

Helping other waiting parents has one benefit...it takes my mind off our own interminable waiting.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

WOW! Cindy, you have impacted so many lives for the positive, and now you have been given the opportunity to do even more! God truly has His hand upon the shoulder of your soul. Another example of the giving people being given to by our Lord. You inspire me! Luck, love and hugs (and of ourse prayers) on your journey and in your everyday life. Blessings

Lindsay said...

As a teacher I'll tell you I have a fridge door covered in hand made cards and notes from kids telling me thanks for something. And it means a lot more - and is kept a lot longer - than the box of chocolates or bath oils etc. I think it is a lovely gesture and I'm sure your sons teachers' will appreciate it as much as I always do.

And wow! for you and Kenny. When do you go?

Unknown said...

How wonderful! I know you and Kenny will be a big help. Your story is an amazing one, as is your family. Best of luck on the trip. I am praying all works out for the waiting families and children!

p.s.
when i read you were coming here to wichita i thought "oh, how cool"!

Christina said...

2 summers ago, we used www.bookadventure.com as part of our summer. After reading, you can sign up for a free password for each child, they can take a "quiz" on the books, and then they get prizes in the mail for their hard work. The kids loved it!

God is wonderful to have you and your son do such wonderful work for Him. We'll be praying for you.

Paige said...

Go Kenny! His presence and participation will be a blessing to all of us. I'm so excited that you are both going along with the other families. We couldn't ask for a better group to represent us. Good luck and we will be praying for you!!!!

smctiver said...

Hi Cindi,

I'm so glad to hear that you will be meeting this delegation and that Kenny will speak to them. I'm sure that he will do very well. He sounds like an AMAZING young man.

Best wishes to both of you!

Anonymous said...

Thank you Christine! I am going to try Book Adventure for my kids this summer.

Peggy in Virginia