So, Here We Are . . . !

The blog has been silent for such a long time . . . however, my love for international adoption is still very much alive! I am now at a point where my spirit has encouraged me to again share my joyful journey with my cyber friends.

Much has happened over the last 20 + months (yes, it has been that long since I really posted!) So much in fact that I don’t really know where to begin, so forgive me if it just starts to pour out like a flood!

My son, Nicholas, as always, is my shining light . . . AND, over the last 2 years, the work to bring my precious daughter, our Sweet Pea . . . Marina Grace, home has never wavered.

So, where are we today???

Nicholas Ivan (Nicky) – is 8.5 years old & in the 3rd grade. He has transferred to a new school this year & these days he is in the major activities of school. He is a busy, busy little boy with his love of all sports, cars, construction & all that is “boy” (yes, dirt & gravel are high on the list!). He also “kinda” has a love of music & when he plays the piano . . . Wow! . . . To hear him play with such joy, just makes my heart sing (he isn’t quite sure yet if he loves it, but mama knows!). He is our resident meteorologist (loves the weather channel. Has his very own weather station, checks it every day) & his hand-eye coordination with a baseball & with his Nintendo DS is amazing (needless to say, he has used both a lot this summer!) His blue eyes just twinkle & he has the sweetest, kindest spirit. He is & always will be . . . pure joy . . . the love of my life!

Marina Grace (Gracy) – Our Sweet Pea! She turned 2 in June 2011. She is absolutely a precious, precious baby girl! Finally chubby in all the right places with beautiful smiles that just light up the day. Her big brown eyes just pull you into her “all-that-is-2” world. She is just so sweet; you want to “eat her up”. She loves to sing & dance! I just love to watch her all day long & never take my eyes off her because . . .

1) she is absolutely precious (have I said that already?!)

2) she is growing FAST!

3) she is non-stop action waiting to happen in the blink of an eye! She is a “happening” little tyke, doesn’t miss a beat & you have to be ready to “hit the ground running” from morning to night. And . . . I just absolutely LOVE her! She is & always will be . . . pure joy . . . the love of my life!!

Mama – trying my best to parent 2 children . . . in 2 different countries . . . on 2 different continents! I have now been living in Islamabad, Pakistan with Sweet Pea since Jan 2011, going on 10 months. Yes, Gracy’s adoption story is very long, complex & detailed. Over the course of future posts, I will share with you just how it has all come about . . . But, for right now, know that we are all doing our best, given our current situation. We have our daily "global" commute with each other through skype!

Uppa D – As always . . . there is our wonderful Uppa D . . . the constant co-parent to our family (my cousin, Dalend). He has shown his true loving heart over the last few months. First traveling with Mama to Pakistan for a 2 month stay . . . then returning home to live with Nicky in the US as a full-time caregiver. Yes, he is being "Mr. Mommy", but he truly is a “Daddy” in our family. When he was finally able to hold Sweet Pea once again, the tears in his eyes told me everything I needed to know. There are no words to describe what this loving man has selflessly given over the last 7+ years to this journey of international adoption. And even more so NOW, during this difficult family separation time. He has never once wavered in his commitment to our precious family & has graciously helped in trying to make the best of our current situation. An amazing man . . .

The “rest” of the family (US side) – G’ma, aunts, uncles, cousins . . . many old friends & new friends . . . all have been a constant support & encouragement over the last year. The wonderful technology of skype has kept us all connected . . . we are possibly closer now than ever before . . . who would have thought it possible . . . amazing . . . ?!!?

Our “new” Pakistani family – Papa Karim, Samir, Shelina . . . the g.house staff . . . St Thomas Church . . . our Pakistan barristers & “all” in Faisalabad have been right here with us in Pakistan. The perfect people, in the perfect place, in the perfect time! I’m so thankful & blessed.

God’s Love & Goodness have been a constant source of strength. My Faith keeps me steady & sincere Grace has been my beacon. The Truth will make itself known! I read recently “God doesn’t waste our sorrows, disappointments or strife”. I’m hanging on to this, knowing that the future holds great promise & opportunities for God’s glory to shine brightly.

So, here we are . . . a loving family taking on life’s challenges . . . step-by-step.

Mama :)