As a parent, I’m always concerned about my children’s self-esteem. Careful not to praise too often, too shallow, or too little, be too critical, and I want to be positive…
Foster & Adopt
A Conversation at Walmart: Naming a Birth Mother
by Julia DesCarpentrie When I envision having a profound conversation with one of my children, I picture us snuggled in my big comfy chair in the living room, a compassionate facial expression,…
Doing the Next Thing
In November, guest author Kristen Swick Wong wrote a post titled “Adoption: Do the next thing.” Working for an orphans’ ministry and daily hearing about children needing care can be…
Adjustment Issues
A tattered envelope fell out of my son’s baby book while I was tidying up. As I turned it over, memories of a hectic day with a toddler and preschoolers came…
Well-Laid Plans
I cherished the solitude of the late-night drive home. No one hollering or bickering from the back seat, radio off, just me with my thoughts. My mind was trying to…
Jesus Loves the Little Children
Today I was reading an article that I want to pass on to you. I can’t reprint the entire article here as it is too long, but I want to…
Dear Birth Mom
Dear Birth Mom, As I wake this morning and spend a few minutes alone, I know we are thinking about each other today. The day our son turns five years…
Legos, Adoption, and Jesus
It’s Monday morning and I am sorting through 162 emails deposited in my inbox over the past three months. Liquid black eyes topped by spiky black hair peek over my laptop. …
My Best Thanksgiving: Finding an Orphan in China
There is a girl who is an artist. An athletic boy. And a girl who just lost both of her parents. They are all 13 years old and they live…
The Weak Leading the Strong
by Kristin Wong We sang “Your Grace Is Enough” (by Matt Maher) in church. The second verse sings to God that “You use the weak to lead the strong.” The…