Sunday, October 7, 2012

Our Summer in Retrospect

(originally posted by Matt Sept 2012)

So those of you who check in more frequently than we post are likely wondering how this summer went. Well we've finally made some time for an update, but be careful what you ask for. The long and short of it is that this summer was an amazing, grace-filled time that will be cherished in our family for a very long time. 


 To start, I must express our deep sense of gratitude and blessing at the great kindness and fierce love that was showered on our entire household. We are supremely blessed to have friends and family who mirror God's character so well. What wonderful image bearers surround us!

 Now that even I'm thinking I should get on with it, we had the best time with Z*, S*, & V* this summer. Please don't misunderstand, there were plenty of challenges and growth opportunities for all concerned. But the overwhelming sense of things was that it just worked, and worked well. Those precious girls didn't take long to steal our hearts, and it's even possible that we stole a bit of theirs too (at least our babies did).


When processing this time, Natalie and I came back to two things over and over; how quickly and completely our hearts were captured, and how great is the grace of our God that everything worked as well as it did. So, not only were we able to watch movies, play games, and go hiking, but substantial conversations were had along the way. Because of the quick connection, we believe love and grace were spoken into the deep places within the girls. These truths have just been seeded, but that in itself is progress. 


All this to say that life with five "kids" quickly became normal, and being a small family again seems strange. We didn't expect the quiet of the house to often be more haunting that peaceful. As it turns out this summer may have changed our hearts as much as it did the girls'. So, Natalie and I couldn't be more convinced that these girls are meant to be a part of our family. We are excited to invite you to join us on this beautiful mess of a journey to bring them back home forever. Look for more along these lines in the near future.

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