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When I said yes to adoption, I saw in the end that it is not always clear who is the one who gets adopted...

I spent this weekend with 1,400 adoptive and foster parents at the Refresh Conference. It was fun to be with of those crazy and happy people in one place. No kids allowed… One of my takeaways was: foster parenting and adopting are amazing ways to profoundly change a life. And in the middle of it all, we are all blessed. It’s a lesson I’ve learned in my own life, as well.

There is a great need for fostering and adoption, with kids all over the world in need of loving homes. But let me tell you that the one who fosters or adopts will never be the same.

It seems that the gifts that we receive will far outweigh the cost…

Adoption is living beyond the high-maintenance nature of our daily lives. It is seeing the world on a different playing field. This comes through welcoming a child and inviting their life to flourish through our nourishing love and restorative favor. Adopting is choosing to live for a greater good. It is so scary to take that step and seek to bless a child in need of adoption. I know - I have been there. I have waffled and fretted. My husband and I have walked away and jumped in head first.

When I said yes to adoption, I saw in the end that it is not always clear who is the one who gets adopted.

I would like to propose to you that we all do. When we adopt we think that we are doing something great for someone else. We believe that we are bettering the world and changing a life. And it’s true: that happens. But in addition to the one being adopted, everyone reaps so much benefit, too. 

We find the gritty, organic nature of ourselves as we reach out; we find out what we’re really made of. We sacrifice. We get our comfort zones pushed and stretched: We learn, we grow, we find to what extent can we share what we have. To what measure can we better a life and the world? You tell me...

When we give we also receive.

The joy of parenting a little one is almost unquenchable. Entering into foster parenting or adoption we may feel like we are doing such a great favor to the child, yet I have seen and experienced that the gifts we give come back multiplied time and again. I can say that I have great fulfillment because of it.

So, I ask others to ponder this: Is this mutually life-giving lifestyle possible for you? It is through sacrifice, faith, love, and hope unleashed – both given and received – that we truly live.

Me and two of my adoption heroes that I met at Refresh: MaryBeth Chapman and Emily Richards!!!

When I said yes to adoption, I saw in the end that it is not always clear who is the one who gets adopted...

The Trouble with Parking

The other day I thought I was going skiing with the family but the Steven’s Pass parking lot was full - now what? Not knowing what to do, I dropped the family off and drove down to the Nordic center for my own adventure – the parking necessitated a “divide and conquer” kind of day, and my man is the ski instructor and best ski-parent around. 

I had no idea what to expect when I got to the Nordic Center. My snowshoes and snow crampons were tucked away on the shelf happily at home to boot. Fortunately, I had my hearty Keen winter boots on my feet. They seemed fine enough to me, after all. 

I took a moment to talk to the Nordic Park Ranger about the terrain, then I took off up the trail. It was really steep but fortunately it was well used and packed out. The park ranger told me not to pass the river so I felt knowledgeable. I asked him to look for me at the end of the day if I didn't return and check in with him. 

My boots tracked better than I could have hoped for. It was a challenging workout going up a mountain. I hiked about three hours round trip and saw some really spectacular views and enjoyed the quiet. The constant noise of my life was nowhere to be found out there. Clearly, just me and the snow-covered hill made for a great day. 

After checking back-in with the park ranger, I went to pick up the family at our arranged meeting time, they looked at me sheepishly knowing that I had given up my day of skiing because of parking. They had a great day with fun stories to tell. They assumed that I didn’t. However, I was so thankful for my solo snow-hiking day in the woods. I loved sharing my adventure with them. 

It was delightful, beautiful, and not too eventful. 

Though it all, I learned that when life gives me lemons, to make lemonade (or go climb a mountain).

My Valentines Day Plans

Valentine's day is the best opportunity to celebrate LOVE!

Celebrating love is just plain fun and “simply irresistible.” I have listed a few of my Valentine's Day ideas for this year. I hope to get to all of them. :) But if not, any of these things would be great to do with my man. (Hint, hint...)

Pike Place Market: I just love going to a good farmers market. The flowers, the food, and all that emerge from the raw earth. This particular market also has some great Seattle culture (flying fish!) and the original Starbucks. Love ya a latte!

The beach, the lake, or the river: Water is a great place for some couples' conversational time! It is so calming and just bubbles with love. On a nice day I thoroughly enjoy hanging around at the water’s edge with my man.

The Space Needle: I have wanted to go here for a while and Valentine's day would be perfect. 

The Ballet: Most ballet companies have romantically themed ballets this time of the year - including on Valentine's Day. A modern Romeo and Juliet is a great choice and happens to be in Seattle this Valentine's Day.

Scenic Drive and Country Café: Moo! Yes, stepping out into the country is a great place to slow the pace, smell the flowers, (and the cows) and just plain be happy. The country often boasts the cutest little diners, too.

Skiing: Chasing my man down the slopes is a lot of fun. Although, I rarely can catch Lightning McQueen! The mountains, exercise and the speed are great!

Let Groupon make the pick: They have a Valentine's button for their web browser. So my man and I can hop on Groupon and let the good deals make the plans. Good deals are fun! I like the idea of doing a couple’s painting trip, followed up by a movie, and a pizza.

Hiking with a Picnic: Getting out for a mountain walk is conducive for great talks and exercise! A carefully packed picnic is a great reward for a hike well done at mountain’s edge. 

Stay at Home: Yes, there is no place like home on Valentine's Day! I would love to stay home with my man in my clean home and enjoy quality and meaningful time - not cleaning and working.

I look forward to Valentine's Day with my husband! I know it will start with church because it is on a Sunday and he is the preacher-man (or is that, "he is the preacher, man"?). But other than that, only the sky is the limit! Maybe we will celebrate all week long!