It has been interesting how the Lord has added to our family. Until just recently, we've almost always had at least two children the same age. We never planned it that way, but we've really enjoyed having them so close. They can't ever complain that they are lonely or that they have nothing to do. I really don't think I've ever heard any of our kids say, "I'm bored." There's just so much to do when you're part of a big family. For most of our children, I don't think they will recognize what a blessing this is until they are mature adults and can look back at the memories they have of their childhood in our family.
Miriam Grace was our third adopted child to add to our family. She was adopted from Calcutta, India at the age of 7 1/2 months old and weighed less than ten pounds. She was a little peanut! When she was three years old, Rachel joined our family from Tianjin, China. For years, Miriam Grace and Rachel were inseparable. They've always been very close and the best of friends. It has been really a unique relationship too because Miriam Grace has always encouraged Rachel to overcome the challenges associated with her handicap, but she's done so with compassion. She's helped Rachel when she needed help, yet never let her feel sorry for herself. Rachel in turn has pushed herself to do far more than doctors ever thought possible. I really believe that God gave them each other for this purpose. In December of 2008, the Lord blessed us with another daughter, Olivia, who is also the same age as Miriam Grace and Rachel. Olivia is from Taraz, Kazakhstan, but she joined our family through a disrupted adoption. I wasn't sure how Olivia would fit in, but she has been loved and welcomed by Miriam Grace and Rachel as if she was always here. Olivia is handicapped also, and she hasn't had near the determination that Rachel has had, but I've already seen her do far more than she thought she could when she came to us. I think part of this is because she's had to keep up with Miriam Grace and Rachel. It's been interesting having three nine year olds, but I've really enjoyed it. I really hope that the close friendship I've seen between these three sisters will last a lifetime.
Miriam Grace was our third adopted child to add to our family. She was adopted from Calcutta, India at the age of 7 1/2 months old and weighed less than ten pounds. She was a little peanut! When she was three years old, Rachel joined our family from Tianjin, China. For years, Miriam Grace and Rachel were inseparable. They've always been very close and the best of friends. It has been really a unique relationship too because Miriam Grace has always encouraged Rachel to overcome the challenges associated with her handicap, but she's done so with compassion. She's helped Rachel when she needed help, yet never let her feel sorry for herself. Rachel in turn has pushed herself to do far more than doctors ever thought possible. I really believe that God gave them each other for this purpose. In December of 2008, the Lord blessed us with another daughter, Olivia, who is also the same age as Miriam Grace and Rachel. Olivia is from Taraz, Kazakhstan, but she joined our family through a disrupted adoption. I wasn't sure how Olivia would fit in, but she has been loved and welcomed by Miriam Grace and Rachel as if she was always here. Olivia is handicapped also, and she hasn't had near the determination that Rachel has had, but I've already seen her do far more than she thought she could when she came to us. I think part of this is because she's had to keep up with Miriam Grace and Rachel. It's been interesting having three nine year olds, but I've really enjoyed it. I really hope that the close friendship I've seen between these three sisters will last a lifetime.
Suzanne, Those girls are precious. Precious!
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How did Miriam get so big? I still have a picture of here eating a strawberry at one of the Forever Family outings. She was so tiny she had to hold it with both hands.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the blog, I check it daily. Its nice to be able to keep up with the family we hold so dear to our hearts.