Parenthood

Parenthood is when you consider someone else far more than yourself. When you love with a fierce protection. When you can't fall asleep because you're smiling too much, from the inside out. When only a picture or a simple word can make your whole day. When you pray for someone with all your heart, all your faith. When you know your love is never based on their love for you.

Parenthood is a commitment. A decision to love another life with all you are. A life-changing promise to give your best, even on the hard days. A reminder that we need someone to model God's love to us.

We are living proof that parenthood is not based on a physical closeness. Nor is it determined by a physical birth. Instead, parenthood is from the heart. And it is from the heart that Barak and I are absolutely in love, happier than ever before.... Committed to parenting these two beautiful children God chose just for us.

We are parents.

The Transition

Several weeks ago, Ruth and Emmanuel were moved from their foster family to a group home on the other side of San Jose. It was a really hard transition at first, especially the day the kids found out they were leaving. That night Ruth asked to speak to her parents, and only a few minutes into the conversation with us, she broke into tears. She cried and she cried. Gosh, that breaks a parent's heart. But it turned into a special time to be together as a family and to love her. She assured us that she is really happy about coming with us soon and how much she loves us, and we assured her that we completely understand why she is sad and hurting. God gave her such an incredible family to love her and Emmanuel for two years, and they'll always be a part of her life.

They've been in their new place for a few weeks and are doing really well. Their foster tia and tio (they reserve Mom and Dad for us) are wonderful people and truly care about them. Their tia is American, as are the directors of the entire program, so they are not only practicing English but also learning about new American traditions--such as a Fourth of July celebration this week. Most importantly, they're happy. They're surrounded by people who love the Lord and truly love them. And in the last week, we've noticed a great change with them since when they first left the only stable world they've known to begin this transition. They're extra playful and seem to really enjoy being together. We laugh, play games, and entertain each other as if we've been together forever.

In some ways, we have. God has known all along. And that is forever.