"The Orphan Game"

The girls were playing nicely together for quite a long time yesterday.  (I know *GASP*)  It isn't very often that happens.  It seems they are always ALWAYS finding something to argue about.  So at dinner we were discussing the game they had been playing for most of the afternoon.  They called it "The orphan game," and Grace was the orphan.  With Down syndrome.  Be still my beating heart.  :-)  Ava, always the motherly one, was the "teacher" who stayed at the orphanage and took care of the kids, particularly Grace, who didn't like staying in her room alone, apparently.  They talked about how Ava would listen to music with the orphans and spend time with them and dance with them.  My heart was beaming as they described this game of theirs.  We have talked about Holly a few times, and looked over all the pictures of the waiting orphans on this year's Angel Tree.  I'm glad that some of that info actually sunk in, and they have a basic understanding of what we are doing participating in the Angel Tree this year.  If only those real orphans had it so good, if only they had a "teacher" to love them and rock them and play music for them.  But the reality for most of these waiting children is much more grim, and I'm glad that my own kids are still sheltered from that reality.  I hope that one day my girls can change the world, that they will grow up learning to love and serve others as they love and serve God.  I hope that our participation in the Angel Tree will be a stepping stone for bigger things to come for the two of them.  And I know that if we didn't have Landon, we never would have known the joy of helping and praying for these orphans with Down syndrome across the world.  Landon is our key to changing the world for Holly, and Hopefully for others throughout the years.  For my three wonderful blessings, Grace, Ava, and Landon, I am most thankful.

If you haven't already, please consider a small donation to Holly's adoption fund, in honor of my wonderful and loving kids.