I went through some post-adoption depression during the first couple of months home. It was hard for all of us. I read this article found here: http://www.melissafaygreene.com/pages/adoptanthology.html which was written by Melissa Fay Greene - author of the book about Ethiopia called There is No Me Without You. This article spoke so much to me and encouraged me that I was not alone in the way I was feeling. I won't go into the details of my struggles during these months, but I will say that God has delivered me! While the days can be hard, my heart is filled with hope and rejoicing in all that God has done and will do.
The boys are doing amazingly well. We have had some grieving, and some rough spots, but overall, they are adjusting beautifully. Within the past week or so, I think we have really crossed some hurdles. The boys seem very comfortable right now and we are really finding our groove as a family.
So, some pics and some news:
Lukas just took off riding his bike all on his own without a helping hand from me at all! We started him just gliding on a bike without pedals which he did for several months - and then one day, he said, "Mom. Put them back on. I can do it!" So, the pedals went on - and away he went - full speed, down hills, around corners and never looking back. He is very athletic and runs super fast!
Lukas also discovered that he likes painting and that he's pretty good at it. I love to hear him tell the story of his painting. They are proudly displayed on our mantle. He is enjoying books more and is understanding the stories now! He is expressing his love for us more all the time and it brings joy to our hearts!
Best of all, we are really communicating so much better! It is a relief and a blessing to be able to have a give and take and be able to understand more of what is going on in his sweet little head.
YJ has discovered that he really likes wearing big shoes. He finds them all over the house and wears them around. But he especially likes Mama's high heels.
He is talking so much more and it is wonderful to hear new words added to his vocabulary. He is hilarious! We laugh at him (I mean with him) all day long. He is very dramatic and loves to show off. He is also an escape artist. I found him one night at 2:30 a.m. hanging out in the recliner in our living room - wide awake with the foot rest up! I have to keep my eye on him at all times.
Today, he got his second haircut - and Daddy did this one! He was so cute during it and seemed to actually enjoy it.
In family news, the girls and I participated in a project to bless the girls and women of Ethiopia last night. It was designed to provide women with sanitary products. Did you know that such a simple thing to us in American is life-changing to women in third world countries?? We are looking and praying for ways to continue to serve and be involved in helping "the least of these". We pray that our hearts would be broken by those things that break God's heart and that we would be willing to be His hands and feet in whatever way He calls us to. I love that my girls could participate in this project. And a huge thank-you to the 21 women and girls who helped make this happen! God will use the work of your hands, ladies! I have a template with instructions available if any of you would like to do something similar on your own or with a group. There is always a need for these products and I can help you get them to Ethiopia. Please let me know and I will e-mail it to you. (Template courtesy of my good friend, Cindy!)
God continues to amaze us by His goodness and His sufficiency. HE IS what we need in every situation and circumstance. We continue to appreciate your prayers so very much.
"Now they may say to me, 'What is His name? What shall I say to them?'
God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM.'"
Exodus 3:13-14
