Escape to the beach

I am 30 weeks along

We had been sick all week, and finally one morning at breakfast, Keith announced, 'We're heading out to the beach!'...our favorite place to escape to.  The kids ran around excitedly as we gathered coats, blankets, & sandwiches and headed out the door....

Kapena (6) and Koa (8)

I love what I see developing between these boys (...and our girls.)  Yes, they bicker and argue over toys and such...and it sometimes feels like only a glimmer...or a flicker.....but it is there.

Our adopted children have each come out of completely different situations.

All our children (both bio and adopted) are made in the image of the living God.  All were placed by Him into our family...our home...our hearts.  They are brothers...and they are sisters.  

Kawika (2)

Kaleo (16) and boys

It is easy to think ‘well, when they are grown, and we see how they turn out, hopefully it will have been a worthwhile thing....’

No, not ‘when the grow up’....Right now....

And its not just a worthwhile thing....wow, no.....it is an amazing thing....a true.....deep.......and  amazing miracle.  

Kili (4)

We get a front row seat to watch this miracle unfold....ever so slowly.....sometimes so painfully.

But ultimately...... so beautiful.  The love of God...his mercy and grace....reflected in the lives of these precious children...

These children that often drive us crazy....that often take us to the end of ourselves....these little lives that have helped to shape us...to expose us.....to break us....to hone us....to push us....beyond ourselves...to our knees....to our strength, our rock, our Father.

For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing....
Isaiah 55:12