Today I was weeding out my house, taking all the winter things down, and adding some Easter bunnies along with some flowery items and it felt so GOOD! After a long Michigan winter, it is definitely time to shed some layers. I really miss seeing all the people in my quiet neighborhood walking their dogs, teens playing basketball, and little kids pedaling furiously on their just newly learned skill of riding a bike. We had so much snow and school days off that we really had the time to connect together in the house...laying around, using way too much technology, and appreciating being together.


Along with this change has been the addition of Tiago, our second exchange student from Brazil. H, our other exchange student (nobody, and I mean nobody can correctly say his name) is from Korea. It was a smart idea to get another exchange student because they have that being an exchange student in another country together in common. Tiago has been such a joy because he is such a gracious and polite young man who really understands my special needs son as he has a brother who is paralyzed and has learning disabilities. He is so patient with my son! I told his mom on Facebook that she had raised a kind and considerate son!

H has been very interesting to have around. I can distinctly remember walking around my neighborhood and saying hello to a new neighbor and welcoming them to our neighborhood. I had to laugh as he said in Korea they don't make small talk or talk to people they really don't know. I laughed as I told him that I must be very, very rude. H is a very private person but it has been a joy to see him loosen him up. The other day my son told me that H had poked his head out the truck window and had been making silly comments to some students walking outside, not mean just funny. For me, that was a huge development for H letting loose. He often reminds me of Long Duck Dong in Sixteen Candles.

The other day we had a very serious discussion about being gay. He had mentioned that in Korea there isn't gays. He asked me them if I respect them. I told him how many of my students have brought up the fact to me that they are gay. Then I told him how hard it must be for them to be a certain way all their life and not be accepted for who they are. I distinctly remember a boy telling me that he had known as early as Kindergarten that he was attracted to males. After how cruel and hateful people are to be gay, I asked him do you think they would choose to be that way if they could? Yes, maybe some would, but the simple fact I do not think it is easy for a person to be gay. I told him that I feel it is God's job to judge not mine. He seemed to think about that so hopefully, I am teaching him to consider all sides.I grew up very religious and I understand everyone's beliefs. But, in my eyes we are all God's Children.!

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Like I said, I have been talking adoption forever but now am finally doing something about it. But for the last six months, I have been checking the MARE adoption website because I noticed this 14 year old girl who reminded me of a mini me...dirty brown hair, green eyes, and dorky glasses. The thing that really got to me about this girl was what she said when they asked her what she was looking for her in a family. She lowered her pained look to the ground as she whispered, "Just someone to accept me as I am." It nabbed me in the gut how this teenage girl was not asking for things like most teens, but instead mere acceptance someone to love her for who she is. So, basically, when I checked the website today my heart dropped when I saw she had been matched. Amanda who absolutely loves books and Harry Potter. In the back of my mind I think I was hoping she would still be available when our home study was completed. I am happy for her to have found someone but there was just something about her that I felt a connection to.


Tuesday is my orientation meeting and we have our last class coming up March 22. I am so excited and nervous about all the big decisions...foster to adopt, young or older, out of state in state, and again, nervous about all the horror stories online. I want to be smart and make the best situation for my children, husband, and the child. Pray for me as I make these decisions.

And, Amanda, I pray that your new family gives you that acceptance you deserve!