Updated With Pictures! Today's A Good Day...

Not only because it's Sunday and we love worshipping at our church, but because I received some wonderful information. Another mom who recently visited Asa's orphanage sent me this message:

He is a very strong and connective boy. He is always walking all around and exploring the room after he eats in the main room. He seems very confident and I had the pleasure of cuddling him in my arms as he woke up from a nap. You are so fortunate!

First, strong: this is important with our crew. Asa has a daddy & big brother who can't wait to do guy stuff with him. Connective: very good to hear since there's always a concern about attachment issues. Walking: he came to the orphanage at 17 months and couldn't even stand due to severe malnutrition so his progress amazes us. And she got to cuddle him! I'm so thankful that other parents take the time to love on everyone's kiddos while visiting the orphanage. She also said she got some pictures of him, so I'll attach them to this post when they're sent to me.

And here they are:

I was going to save these and post one a day but I couldn't resist! I had to share all of them at once. His soft curls are gone (mama's a little sad) but now he'll be extra cute in one of daddy's "onebaldgeek.com" shirts. You can see our family members sporting the stylish geek gear on our family blog (in our vacation photos). I can't wait to kiss those sweet cheeks!!

Another view...

Of our life, outside of the adoption of our sweet Asa, can be seen here. We couldn't help but think about the little guy that was missing as we enjoyed our vacation. He'll have a lot of fun with our four nephews in Harper's Ferry... so many boys! And my mom's farm was made for a bunch of grandkids.

So today, as I spent time in prayer, my plea was that Asa would be home before next summer. We can't envision another family vacation without him. Also on my heart: all the families currently adopting from Haiti - - especially the ones who have recently returned from visiting their children. I can't even imagine the emotions associated with that (although I'll soon know firsthand) but I stand with them in prayer for their precious children.

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,

And in His Word I put my hope.

Psalm 130:5

A Hurricane...

Is the last thing that Haiti needs. And even though it may not make a direct hit, heavy rain and winds can cause flash flooding and landslides because of the mountainous terrain. I hope that no one is impacted by this storm. But the reality is, places like the US can recover relatively quickly. We have rescue workers, storm shelters, bottled water, clean up crews...

Pray for Haiti.

The Trip Is Scheduled...

And in a little over two months, I'll be meeting Asa. Jim will stay home with the kids. I've never been away from our two little ones (other than an occasional dinner and a movie) so this is very foreign to me. And I can't think of any reason - other than spending time with our youngest son - that I'd even want be apart from them. This attachment philosophy I've always valued (even back when I had Allyson at a very young age) makes it all the more difficult to know that our 19 month old isn't falling asleep cuddled up next to me every night like the other three did at that age. I'm sure once I meet him, it'll be even more heartrending.

But for now, I'm just grateful that I'll have the opportunity to spend a few days with Asa. And I'm hoping that, even if he won't have vivid memories of my visit, some imprint of the time we share will be the beginnings of a bond he'll feel to us.