ONCE UPON A TIME

In a country far away

In a city I never knew existed until now

(Vladivostok-by China)

And then up the eastern coast about 4 hrs. to a remote village that doesn't even exist on a map

And then up this small road

A beautiful little life was waiting.

Waiting for a mama. Waiting for a papa. Waiting for a family to call his own, and to love him unconditionally, for the rest of his life.

I will never be able to put in words how I feel and all I want to convey to you about this place and the things I've seen and experienced while here. I want to so badly, but I just don't think I would do it justice. I'm not very talented in writing (as you know!) and poetic words don't flow from my mouth very good. If you could gather my tears and form a story from them, well, then you might have a pretty good view of things. And I don't mean because everything has been sad or bad. There is beauty amid the harsh realities.

There is humor in spite of the serious circumstanes.

i swear these beds were sooooo hard!

getting married in a parking lot

gig broke our window....now shes trying to repair it!

made her tote our water too!

We have felt it ALL these past weeks. I'm not sure how long I've been here at this moment, but it feels like a LONG time! Chirssy just told me that we only have 1 more week until we're home. Honestly, right now that feels like it means 1 month!! Yes, I'm home sick and ready to board that plane and fly baby fly! But I would not take anything for these things I've experienced while here. I knew these certain things existed because for months now, I have read others stories. But it is taken to a whole new level when you see it with your own eyes. When you touch them, with your own hands. And then when you see but aren't allowed to touch them. When you see and you hear......and there is nothing you can do to make it better for them. That's the worst.

I will never forget this place. I never WANT to forget this place. How could I?? This is where God led me. This is where my son is from. Of all the places in the world......THIS PLACE is where I was suppose to go. This is somewhat like holy ground to me. God led me here and He has certainly been here with me the whole time. We have had lots of talks. I have questioned much. He has shown me beauty along with pain and suffering and sorrow. I still don't understand it all. But He has assured me, one day I will. When I leave here, I will definitly leave a large part of my heart. But I will also be taking a new little heart with me.

Please continue to pray for Gabe. Tomorrow we will pick him up and he will NEVER be alone again.

THANK YOU LORD, THANK YOU LORD.