Full of Surprises

After nearly seven months with Gabi and over 6 months being home, I know two things for certain:
-Adopted kids are just like every other kid
-Adopted kids are nothing like other kids

Confused, that goes for me too.  Had you asked me to generalize what an adopted kids acted like, felt, etc, I would have described the exact opposite of Gabi.  This little girl has more energy than anyone in the house, controls situations, and always makes her presence felt.  While it is wonderful to have all of this rolled into the beautiful package that is Gabi, it also makes for our most challenging child.  We had some of this with our other three, but now we get it all at once.  Did I forget to mention that we get the best traits of a newborn, one year old, and two year old all at once?!  Verbal skills of an 8-12 month old, gross motor skills of a two years old, fine motor skills of someone older than three, and a confidence and attitude of a teenage girl.  It is this range of emotion, varying traits that make adopted kids so unique and special.

She has also shown me how one moment, one trip to a foreign land, can have such a profound affect on a life.  Seeing her thrive under our room has been amazing.  To see pictures of this girl from February 2013 and compare that to the girl that breaks into our bedroom every night, you would never believe they were the same girl.  How could she grow 6" in 6 months?  How could the girl that struggled to not fall down when walking in the Chinese hotels be like the energizer bunny now?  How could the girl who ate some rice and formula each day argue for hours on end for a second (or third) smoothie.

2.5 years without her family was too long!  I just think about our boy that has gone nearly 10 years without that love.  I can't wait to hold him ion my arms.  I can't wait to give him all of the opportunities that every child should have.

It is easier to ignore these children without knowing their names and faces.  They are all kings and queens in God's eyes.  I pray that everyone reading this blog can find a way to help this holiday season.  Whether it is buying a puzzle piece from us, sponsoring a child through Compassion International, or donating until it hurts to the Salvation Army, you CAN make a difference in a child's life.

Please take a moment to get to know our son.  Below are links to video's that we have been lucky enough to have while we wait.  I guarantee that his smile will melt your heart.

What Is Adoption?- Elijah is the child in the middle in scenes with three boys!

Defend Andy- This is the video that sealed the deal for us.  There was no waiting!  We were going to become one of those (enter adjective of choice) families that were going through this journey not only for a second time, but with travel dates likely less than 2 months apart.

I pray that everyone is blessed this Christmas season.

Love Andy

For those interested in helping us bring Elijah home, please see the fundraising tab at the top of the page and/or contact Christine or I directly through Facebook, email, etc.

You can also catch up on pictures of Gabi and eventually Elijah on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/GabisJourneyHome

Giving Tuesday

When God was asked what the most important commandments were he said love your God with all your heart AND love your neighbor as yourself. Tyrus Morgan (Christian musician) asked us Sunday night who is your neighbor? Is it the person sitting next to you? Is it the people that live next door to you? Is it the people in your community? Your church? Is it a child half way around the world?? The answer is YES!! They are all your neighbor.

 

We need our neighbors to stand with us to save this little boy from the life of an orphan. Your $10 can help change a life. What would you do to help your neighbor? Would you drive them to the grocery store? Would you buy them a cup of coffee? Would you give them a cup of sugar?  Would you give them $10 if they needed it? If we were pregnant would you buy us a gift?  Elijah does not need a physical gift, he needs you to help pay his ransom so he can know unconditional love, so he can have a family, and so he can have a relationship with our almighty God. We need you to help change Elijah's life. We cannot do this without you.

 

We currently have a Puzzle Fundraiser with a twist going one.  For a $10 donation we will write your name on the back of a puzzle piece (you can buy as many pieces as you would like.  This puzzle will be displayed in Elijah's room and he will have a visual of everyone who prayed for him, loved him, and helped bring him home.  In addition to your donation changing a life for every puzzle piece donated (there is no limit) your name will be placed in a drawing for Kindle Fire HD.

 

 

Ways to donate:

Paypal: aclaw99@comcast.net

Adopt Together (tax deductible donations): www.adopttogether.com/thelaws

Mail: please email for our address

 

We have sold about 60 pieces to date.  Can you help us get to 100 pieces this week?