Dammit

When we started the international adoption process we were told the road would be bumpy. But daaaang was I naive. I guess I just assumed we'd be one of the couples whose adoption happened quickly, easily and flawlessly. Or at least happened at all. That's how it felt - so incredibly right.

Nearly two years - and thousands of dollars later - I just have to say: DAMMIT! It hasn't been quick, easy and certainly anything but flawless. Why did it feel so right?

So as we start the process again, it's totally different. I'm a little more hardened. I'm a lot more scared. I'm not on adoption boards. I'm hesitating to build community around this yet. I'm not letting thoughts of a child creep into my head or my heart (to the best of my ability). I'm not celebrating.

Almost 3 months after Nepal shut down, I'm still in shock. I'm still angry. But mostly, I'm just sad.

Namaste.

It's a very small, big world.

I just got back from a great trip to Germany for work. It reminded me (as if I'd forgotten!) how much I/we love to travel. The next time I go - I have promised myself I will take an extra weekend or so and see a country I haven't yet seen, even if it means staying in a hostile to save money. (Wait a minute, that's crazy talk! I'll just find a quiet, reasonably-priced hotel :). ) I only wish we had offices in Thailand, Vietnam and Kathmandu!

This is likely one of the reasons we feel so passionate about International adoption. We love to see the different ways people live, celebrate, pray, eat, and spend their time. And we love to bring different customs, rituals and cultures into our lives. It's a big world - but a lot smaller than we sometimes think and act.

I was reminded of this quote, which I shamelessly stole from my friend Bridget:
If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion, and avoid the people, you might better stay home. -James Michener

Mothers. It's just what they do.

I love, love, love this video! (click here) Turn the sound up. Grab a kleenex. And then tell me - isn't it just mamas and daddys taking care of babies, rather than dog/cat/fawn/horse/goat or black/white/brown? Seems like there's plenty of love to go around. What great examples there creatures are.                                     

PS - plenty more where this came from...

Mama cat + baby rabbit.

Daddy dog + baby kittens.

Mama cat + baby squirrels.

Mama cat + baby panda.

Chihauha + baby squirrels.         

Something to think about.