Burden

Orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they're not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes.
~David Platt, Radical
MMMM...so good...love that quote.  Could not be more true.  Everytime I see a picture of a child who is orphaned, or hear a story, I see Ava's face.  I cannot ignore the orphans of the world any longer because I have been forever changed by my daughter.  These are real children.  These children are as real as _________ (insert your sweet child's name here) 

Today I carry an extra burden for those left behind.  More than I do most days.  But let me say, I think of them every day.  I cry for them. I pray for them. 

This month is very special to our family for a few reasons.  In March 2009, we left for Kaz and met Ava for the first time.  In March, a full year later, we were finally given a positive desicion in court and became the official parents of Ava Darina Letterneau.  So, our adoption has been on my mind a lot lately because of these important dates.   

Sometimes I think of all the most important people in my life.  My family is at the top of that list without question.  I was so blessed a fortunate to be born to paretns who wanted me and could care for me.  That was not because of anything I did.  I think of those children who had no choice who they were born to or what situation their birth parents were in.  They didn't ask to be abandoned.  I wonder if those orphans who grow into adults ever wonder if there was someone out there who had room in their heart and home for a child, but never took that step.  I know I would wonder.  What is more important than having parents to love you and raise you?   How different would life be for these idividuals if they had that. 

I never ever ever want my words to come of as "patting myself on the back" for being such a good person who adopted a child.  That's not what I think and this is NOT about me...it's about them.  Really, with the purest heart and deepest love for God's children I say these things. 

I just had one of those great days with my family today was very much focused on my life and how blessed we are.  We got home and Ava went to her book shelf and pulled out the scrapbook of our time in Kaz.

Then I see those faces...Then I remember...and my heart sinks just a little.