"Ms. Kim, You Have Some Strong Legs!"

In full speed prep mode for travel, we are finishing up some projects around the house. Today while splitting and stacking a pile of hickory wood, the neighborhood boys showed up to help. They work cheap; chocolate, Gim's blueberry muffins and Gatorade.  Jalen, the oldest of the boys says, "Ms. Kim, you have some strong legs.".  Bryan and I got a giggle out of that as we all just kept working side by side to complete the task.  The result of our hard work is a beautiful row of wood (yep, orderly stacked wood looks pretty to me) that will serve us well in the smoker and at our campsite this coming winter.  Strength, teamwork and perseverance pays off again!

This afternoon I am reflecting on the strength required for this journey.  John and I celebrate 20 years of marriage this week. Our oldest boy entered eternity with Jesus over 2 years again, our middle boy is about to be 15 and we are traveling to China in a few days to meet our 6 year old son.  This journey of marriage and parenting is not for wimps!  We need a strong resolve to put first only that which will bring God glory, and yes, strong legs to stand firm when the forces of opposition push hard against our goals. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength ~ Philippians 4:13.  We must care for our bodies so we are ready and able to be about God's work.  Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified ~ 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.   If we don't know God's word, we are in ignorant and we won't understand His strength.  Consider Jesus' own words, "You are in error because you don't know the scriptures or the power of God."~ Matthew 22:29.

Once again our family would like to thank all those who prayed, donated and encouraged us in our adoption journey.  I am overwhelmed with gratitude when I think of the eager manner in which our immediate family quickly jumped on board to make Paul a much loved member of the family even before our application was delivered to the agency office.  We appreciate those that bought gifts for Paul, loaned us a suitcase, have agreed to feed our dogs or drive us to the airport.  I know the next few weeks are going to be hectic and we may not always be sociable or even cheerful if we meet you in the grocery store.  Please be patient with us as we all make adjustments to our new family dynamics.  Looking at this picture I am surprised at how Paul has grown since we first watched a video of him in April of 2012.  Last Wednesday he spent his last birthday in an institution.  Birthday # 7 is going to rock!