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