So, this morning I've had most of you on my mind. Unless you're some stranger who happened upon my blog, you have been someone I have been thankful for. This experience over the last year and a half has been completely unexpected and because of that, Russ and I have seen our friends and families and even friends of friends and family rise up and give us support. Support we could never have imagined. I can't even begin to make a complete list of all the people who have given to us financially. There is NO WAY that we would have been able to make this commitment to Eliot w/o everyone chipping in. From the beginning we keep getting checks, usually right when we need them. We have never accepted your gifts lightly, as we know that with each check written or anonymous envelope in our doorway or left at the church, you have made a sacrifice. Whether it's been $20 or $1000, it has paid for some part of this unforgettable experience. Not to mention, each visitor that comes brings along gift after gift after gift for myself or Eliot or even the other moms here. There's also a group that has been supportive w/ your time. Everything from taking Russ to a Card's game or out to lunch (you martyrs, you!), to watching our dogs so Russ can come visit, to giving up your few personal days of the year to hop on a plane and come visit this woman so that she doesn't lose her mind. Lastly, there's the support of your words. I can NOT express how timely each email or card has been. I stated that none of this experience would've been possible w/o your financial support, well, I'm pretty sure I would've strapped Eliot to my back and jumped ship had it not been for everyone's kind and supportive words. I'm amazed at people. Our friends and family have taken it upon themselves to educate themselves on this whole messy process. I would venture to say that our support network may know more about the Guatemalan adoption process than many who are apart of it. Poor Eliot will have so many "aunts" and "uncles" by the time he gets home, he won't be able to figure out who our family really is, and I'm pretty humbled by that. There's been a few times before all this that I would watch the news and think "why would anyone choose to bring a child into a world like this? It's such a mess" but in all that mess, there's you guys. So, here I am in Guatemala with my husband and sweet baby, overwhelmed by the love and support of people thousands of miles away.
Don't sell yourself short. You and Russ (and Eliot too!) are bright spots on days that seem dreary at least to me... I'm sure others as well. Reading your blog or emailing back and forth or even silly little myspace comments are never far away and always right on time. I have to remind myself almost daily to always count my blessings - and 3 of them are you.
ReplyDeleteYou made me teary-eyed. You, Russ, and Eliot are SO strong...and I don't think any of us could do the same thing you are if we were put in that position. We are so proud of the Mohr family and we are blessed to be in your life! We miss you. Love, all of the Laughlins
ReplyDeleteOverwhelmed is the best response I can muster for my thoughts of you three, too. Everytime I think about the gift you're giving to your son, I can't imagine the sacrifice you're making. And yet, I can't imagine Eliot's growing-up years without you having done this. You overwhelm me! I love you guys and can't wait for a long-overdue reunion.
ReplyDeleteKatie,
ReplyDeleteI think that every person in your life is there for a reason, and right now that reason is to be a support to you and your family. In a world as crazy as ours, it is so great to see that God is still there and working in our lives, you are living proof of that. You are as much an encouragement to those around you as they are to you. Reading your blogs has reminded me over and again how blessed I am. Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey.
Katie, I have to COMPLETELY AGREE with what Joy said. Even in the hard times that you and Russ have gone through God has used you guys to speak into our lives!!! Most of the time it is through a little one or two line email that you send me while I am at work...or the comments...and the one thing that brightens my day more than anything is when I get an email and there pops up my beautiful nephew's face. Those eyes and little face make me smile (or sometimes cry) with more joy than I could ever have thought. I love the three of you so much!!!
ReplyDeleteWow. What a great God we serve. He is working in so many ways...we can see His face and hear His voice at every turn. You guys amaze me and I am so proud of you. I'm so glad you're all together at this time. I love you...Mom
ReplyDeleteThe donations of time, words and money cannot compare to the level of sacrifice you have already given for the love of your child. You are making the world a better place for Eliot and are an inspiration to us all! You are constantly on our thoughts and I hope you know you are obviously loved and missed by many people!
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