Giving back
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
As 2007 turned to 2008 my girls and I were turning over ideas about ways we could help other orphans. After searching the internet and speaking with other adoptive parents we finally decided to adopt the Shoes For Souls project led by Buckner International Adoptions in Texas. Their Website explained the process clearly and with open hearts we agreed to make that our project this year. I was so touched when each girl asked to go to the local shoe store to purchase their first pair of new shoes. My oldest after much deliberation chose a very small pair of white DCs. She not only took them into her church youth group the next day to promote the idea but also continues to keep them attached to her bookbag. With brown eyes sparkling she tells everyone that this is only the first pair that she will buy to help an orphan somewhere.
My youngest chose a pink pair of shoes. As we put them in the cart that day my mind wandered back to that time long ago when I took a pair of pink shoes to the orphanage in Russia. Jenny, then only 2, put them on and walked with joy all around the wooden floor of the meeting room. I could see that she loved her shoes. But I had no idea then how important they were to her. About an hour later when I and the other adoptive parents had to return without the children to our hotel, Jenny didn't want to take off her shoes. Although she knew no English, it became very obvious that she didn't want to do that. Only the help of an orphanage worker finally got them off her only to be given back to her the next day when she left the orphanage for home.
Little pink shoes. I have them today and often reflect on their story. Precious memories. And now this sweet child of eight has purchased her own pair of pink shoes to give to another orphan somewhere.
Yes, the gift keeps giving doesn't it? I have an idea that this family project will bless our lives as much or more than the lives of all those little ones who will get the shoes. Does your family have an outreach? Are there ways that you have begun to teach your children to give back to others? Please share your stories and let me know. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Posted in Adoption : 1 Comment
Increasing the Energy by Thankfulness
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
It is so easy these days before Christmas to become frazzled and stressed. Anyone who has children knows the impact of excitement and high energy on a parent. But I believe it is important for us to continue to create a home of peace and contentment even during these special days.
But how you might ask?
Children love and need routines.In the midst of rehearsals for Christmas plays, concerts, etc keeping some routines is important. Bedtimes, dinner hours, even picking up toys are important pegs which help to anchor our kids in the midst of so much change and even hype. When we combine the routine with opportunities to speak a word of thankfulness it becomes a source of renewing energy.
For example, as my youngest was picking up her room this morning before she went off to school I called in, "Thanks, honey. Lookin' good." Just four words but her face had the biggest smile. I noticed that the rest of the morning seemed to flow smoothly.
So look for ways to grace your family with thank you power today. Their lives will be energized and so will yours!
Try it today.
Posted in Adoption : 8 Comments
Increasing the Energy, Stopping the Drains
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Well it's only a two weeks until Christmas. My girls have been busy with secret whispering back and forth. Even this morning at the table one of them said, "Remember ..."
I felt the other one give a kick under the table. "Remember what I asked," pretending to be oblivious to what was going on. They giggled and gave each other a glare.
What fun to see them working together. It wasn't always this way. No, there were Christmases which were more about just maintaining family equilibrium than about planning surprises for others. That was a time when we needed to focus on what was most important and leave the rest for future years.
Maybe you have recently adopted a child. Your child is still getting used to you and you are still getting comfortable with them. This is not a year to try to do all those little extras. Remembering a few tips will help this holiday season to be one which is filled with peaceful memories.
List and prioritize what activities you and your family will do this year. Give your self permission to trim and cut back on gift giving, parties, plays, etc.
Focus. Focus. Focus. It is wiser to do and be grateful for what you can do than place more pressure on yourself and others to do more. Less is always best. Simpler is always wiser. Although it means going against the norm of our society you will be blessed in having peace of mind and serenity in your family.
Laugh, sing and make time to play with you children. Last night my seven year old and I played checkers. My list of things I needed to do was pushed aside to spend time with her. Those things will somehow get done but I will never again have that evening with her. Thank you, Jenny, for asking me to play.
Yes, planning, focusing and playing help to increase our energy. Next time I will share some thoughts about stopping those drains to our energy reserves. May your day be filled with His Peace as you prepare.
Posted in Adoption , Uncategorized : No Comments
Welcome to Heartprints!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
For a long time I have mused about having a blog where I could not only share my thoughts and insights about adoption but where I could also read your comments. Finally that day has come.
Heartprints Adoption is a blog where you will learn and also be inspired. It is your blog so feel free to participate. Your thoughts do matter!
Years ago I read a simple poem. Although I can't remember much of it I can still see those two line...' Oh please where ever I go today..help me to leave heartprints'. I pictured people going around leaving beautiful heartprints of compassion and understanding and love on each others lives.
My experience of adoption which began more than fourteen years ago has given me countless opportunities to leave heartprints on the lives of two precious girls who are now fourteen and seven years old. I will be writing more about them in the days to come. They are the joys of my life. My jewels.
They were both adopted from Russia at different times. Although their stories are unique there are also many common threads. From the moment I gazed at their pictures my heart was deeply moved. In both cases I knew my child.
I longed for the day I would hold them in my arms. I found myself pulling out the tiny picture again and again to memorize their features. Even as I gazed deeply into the photo their life was making heartprints on mine. They are forever heartprints which have changed my life.
How has adoption changed your life? Your child is leaving heartprints all over you. Precious touches which I know you cherish too.
Pay attention today to the heartprints which you are leaving. Sense the heartprints that are being made on the life of your child. Those heartprints will last much longer than you and I. They will live on in your child forever. Sometimes all it takes is a fresh perspective to change an ordinary day.
May today be your day of leaving heartprints wherever you go.
Posted in Uncategorized : No Comments