Where it all began...

God's story through us begins with us 

adopting Jailyn.

Our little princess!

But, really,

we didn't go into her adoption thinking we 

were saving her,

nor did we have a huge spiritual conviction!

I mean,

I always wanted to adopt -

so that is good,

but really no 

huge God sign!

Plain and simple...

we wanted a sister for Kenzie!

And God blessed us beyond measure with our 

sweet, compassionate, smart, beautiful,

larger then life 

princess!

Along with God blessing us with Jailyn,

He blessed us more then we knew.

We traveled with some families who's children 

were far more malnourished and uncared for then 

our princess Jailyn.

It was shocking,

spending time with these families who grieved the

lack of care their children needed
was heartbreaking.

We went to the orphanage that Jailyn spent her first 

16 months.

I was sooo disappointed,

other traveling families were able to be there when the kids

were up playing.
But, we had to go at nap time.

The reality of these children HIT me

big time!

I guess I'm a bit slow -

and I like the little bubble that I live in.

but God had other lessons to teach me.

At nap time the

kids were wrapped in their blankets.

I couldn't love on them,

and play with them 

and show them someone cared.

This was one of the hardest days of my life. 

I walked out of the orphanage doors that day

a changed person. 

I had to walk away from those precious babies -

30 cribs in one room and
 not a sound or

tears from any of them.

None of them even asked to be taken out of their crib.

None of them shed a tear in response

to being put down for a nap.

It was so very sobering.

God opened our eyes that day,

in a very real way!

He changed our lives

and we are sooo 

thankful He did!

"We learned that orphans are easier to ignore before you 

know their names.

They are easier to ignore before you see their faces.

It is easier to pretend they're not real

before you hold them in your arms.

But once you do,

everything changes."

~David Platt