Thankful.....

I've done an inadequate job of thanking people for the financial and spiritual gifts they've given in our adoption process, and although this post is only a start, it is important to share how much Sylvain was cherished from the start, through the love and support so freely given......

Miraculously, my family supported our crazy idea of adopting a 5 year old boy from the very beginning.  Although I expected my mom and dad to eventually warm up to the idea of us adopting a child from Africa, I didn't expect that their acceptance of a child with a difficult background, with special needs, would be immediate and unconditional.  Right way they loved our boy, and saw him as their own. If they had fears or misgivings, they kept these to themselves. I believe that God opened their hearts to His will right from the start.

My sister, Karen, and her family, who seek to know God's heart, were excited for us-- they shared our family news with friends immediately, even though I didn't "come out" with our news publicly for a while.  I see now that this bold proclamation is how God would want it, and it was something that God gave to my sister to do.....it is like a bugle calling to the cavalry to start praying,talking, and loving this boy a world away.

Within a few weeks, Karen and her friends flew into action-- adoption advocates and believers in God's plan for the orphan, they made plans to host a fundraiser at their ranch.

When April came, we were overwhelmed at the generosity, love, and hard work that these families gave to our "Pizza Day at the Ranch".  Although in our hearts we've committed to anything that they should ever need or ask of us in the future, we know we can never hope to repay the kindness they showed, and that their children gave so freely as well-- These kids, a dozen in all, gave their day with servants' hearts-- waiting tables and making pizzas.

In April, we had more than 200 people join us for a day of homemade pizza, go-carting, music, a silent auction, and a gorgeous day in the sunshine!  Friends, family, colleagues, and total strangers donated their money and spent their day with us-- all to bring our sweet boy home.  In all, nearly 1/3 of the total money needed for our adoption was raised in this one day.

We are so very grateful to all, and we can't wait to introduce you to our sweet boy-- whom you already know and have loved.