Virginia or Bust

Brock & Marissa

My only sibling's only daughter and my only niece, Marissa, is getting married on the 5th of October in Cape Charles, Virginia, which is near Virginia Beach and Norfolk. We are really thrilled that our entire family (all four children) will be able to be with us - one for only a few days, one for a week, and two for the entire 11 days. We will dearly miss Rusty and Rob because they are now an integral part of our family, but it's not very often that you have the opportunity to take a family vacation "just like the old days" once your children have grown and left home.

It didn't start out that way. Originally we thought only I would be able to attend. Then Angie was going, then Jaime thought she would like to go. When I was making reservations for three of us, Duane decided he wanted to be included. Lisa didn't want to be left out and she needed a break, besides weddings are her specialty so why wouldn't she want to be there? Finally Brandon called and asked if there was any chance he could come despite the fact that he would have to miss a few days of school. We assumed he wouldn't be able to go, so I'm glad he spoke up.

So on October 2 we will all fly to Virginia. I'm sure our haphazard plans caused much consternation for the bride with seating arrangements, but we are thrilled to be able to support her and her family in this all-important once in a lifetime event.

Virginia, here we come!

International Adoption by the McCrackens

For the past year I have been privileged to watch an international adoption unfold. I can't tell you how emotional a trip it has been for me. First of all, because I dearly love the sweet couple who made the courageous decision to do it. Secondly, it has opened my eyes to a whole new world that I hardly knew existed. I have been educated about some of the stupid ideas I had and the insensitive things I may have said throughout the years.

This adoption has been a series of miracles. As I look back, I marvel that the Lord is aware of every one of his children, no matter where they live or what their skin color. It is not chance that these four children (siblings - 8, 7, 6 & 5) were plucked from an orphanage in Bogota, Columbia and placed in Las Vegas, Nevada with parents who will love and appreciate them and teach them right from wrong and about their Savior, Jesus Christ.

I am overwhelmed at the courage and determination it took for Rachel and Adam to follow through despite all the road blocks that were placed in their way from government red tape to financial obligations to discouragement and many others. And they didn't even meet the children until they went to Colombia to pick them up!

Through all of this, I have also learned to appreciate my own blessings, little things I take for granted every day. These children have little or no memory of their biological parents. They had never experienced a hot shower, had never seen a bathtub or a swimming pool. They had never been to an airport or played with bubbles or pinwheels or jacks. The few clothes they had and the toys they played with at the orphanage were communal. And they were happy because they knew nothing else.

Rachel and Adam have been so generous to share their journey in international adoption on their blog. It was fun to follow along each day while they were in Colombia and get to know the children. I can't wait to meet them in person next week.

My hat off to Rachel and Adam McCracken. There are very few people in this world who would have the faith and fortitude to pull off something as wonderful as saving four children from a life of uncertainty -- and to do it under public scrutiny and with such grace. They are my heroes.