Ni Hao Ma?

It is great to be alive. Did you know God is compassionate, good, powerful, trusting, and forgiving. The last 48 hrs have been bittersweet. If you have ever adopted a child you may of had this feeling during your first 48 hours after Gotcha day. Being able to adopt a child is amazing but can also demanding physically, mentally, and spiritually. You will be tested like no other. And if things aren't going smoothly, the bottom could unfold right before your eyes. I think we have had it easier than some families here on the 9th floor of our hotel. I know the first night for one particular family was very difficult. All the adoptive families are located on the only nonsmoking floor for obvious reasons. Last night was a quiet night on the floor. Except for bedtime in our room. Caleb went down easy after lunch for his nap, but for some reason he likes to fight us before bedtime. I remember Abby and Keanan being just like this when they were his age. Thank God this is not my first rodeo. I will never forget Gotcha day. These kids are so terrified the first time they meet you. They want to be loved so badly. They want to feel secure. They want a home. Just about the time when they have developed a routine with their nanny and care giver, they are suddenly thrust into unfamiliar arms with people that can't speak their language and for the most part, don't even look like them. In fact, if you say ba ba the wrong way, you may tell someone you want to go poo instead of saying daddy. I am happy to have gone through the first 48 hours and am glad they are behind us. God has had this perfect plan laid out for us for years. Being an adopted parent is amazing and rewarding. We are going to get Caleb the medical attention that his birth parents could not afford and provide him with unconditional and everlasting love. Proving unconditional and everlasting love is familiar to each of us. In fact, that is what God did for us when he sent his one and only son to save the world. Caleb is full of life. He loves to be held, he loves to run, and he loves to seek and explore. His care giver and nanny have done an excellent job caring for him. You can tell that they will miss him and that they cared deeply for him. They even want us to send them pictures as grows older. This is a life changing and humbling experience. Life is so much more than pleasing oneself. It is about making a difference in the world. Leaving your mark or legacy. I am grateful for this opportunity. This experience has been especially difficult for harder Terri than myself because Caleb has become quite attached to me. I know Caleb loves his new mommy more than anything in the world, I just hope she realizes it through his defiance. God is great and I know that he will provide her to help her get through. God has blessed my life with an amazing family. A wife that helped me become the person I am today and two beautiful amazing kids waiting and wanting to be a big brother and big sister? We miss you Abby and Keanan. I love you both. We can't wait til the day we land in Sioux Falls with Caleb. Only 1 week to go. I am going to wrap my arms around you and never let go. Slumber party in daddy's room when I get home. I see God's work in each of your lives. He has big plans for each of you, and Caleb too. Say some special prayers for mommy and me. And remember, never let others define who you are or what you are made of. Dare to be different. Dare to follow your dreams. I love you you two.

Inspired by the Spirit

Brett