Growing Up & Stories

Things are bustling around here! God is walking with us on another journey and because He is so faithful, we trust Him to take care of us.

The kids are doing great including Jeremy in his first semester of college. Not only am I very proud of him, I am very proud of Dawn who has homeshooled the kids for the past nine years. There are many people that do not understand homeschooling parents just as there are people that do not understand adoption. Many just assumed Jeremy would just "graduate" and then nothing. When he started college, I think some were shocked that a homeschool kid would go to college. In September, he turned 19 and it was a big event to Dawn and I. Our baby boy was becoming an adult - officially. I am very proud of him and wish I were half the person he has become when I was 19.

A couple of nights recently, two of my three youngest have just started talking about their old life. I sat there and listened and deep inside I am hurting for them. I hugged my youngest son and reminded him that I am his papa now and he does not have worry about those things ever again. Later, his sister recalled some events and again I hurt for them. In both cases, I could only hug them, tell them I love them and that I'm sorry those things happened. I know they hurt and will carry that hurt with them probably for the rest of their life. I have to watch myself, because the hurt I feel for them sometimes turns to anger against their parents. I don't say anything, but deep inside I get mad and that is not good. Because Polina is older and understands a little more, about once per week at bedtime, we pray for her "starry mom" and that she will come to know Jesus and let Him heal her and I sincerely mean that. One night several months ago she asked me why we prayed for her. I explained that I would love to have the opportunity to see her in Heaven and thank her for giving birth to our children.

It's late, but I wanted to update everyone. I will try and post pictures from our month of birthdays in September (four birthdays). God Bless -