vibrant life

back to reality...

We returned last night (Sunday) from Meghan's Make-A-Wish Trip to DisneyWorld.  It was truly a magical, exciting, overwhelming, over-the-top, exhausting, sensory overloading, incredible, once-in-a-lifetime, amazing event for our family.  We were unbelievably spoiled and are so incredibly grateful for the extreme generosity of Make-A-Wish and Give Kids the World (and all their donors) and for the blessing that this time together as a family was!

Michael has just left to bring the children to school this morning and as I sit here I can't believe how very QUIET (and COLD) it is.  I'm pretty sure I could sleep for three days continuously (you know that whole "needing a vacation from your vacation" thing).  Alas, the unpacking, laundry, grocery shopping, bill-paying, etc.. are beckoning me.  The brief respite of sun-soaked, fun-filled days  are but a memory now... (yes, I realize I'm getting a bit dramatic - that's what Disney does to you, lol!)  I also just realized that I have to make dinner for the first time in 6 days tonight (that whole no cooking or cleaning up the kitchen aspect of vacation is truly delightful, is it not?). 

I am very excited to show you photos and tell you all about it but right at this moment I am a little overwhelmed at the idea of trying to put into words the experience that we had.  I think I will let my thoughts and feelings about it marinate for a bit.  I will, however, leave you with a little "teaser" photo and a promise to share more very SOON....

i saw what i saw...

I have been a big fan of Sara Groves for many years.  Her lovely voice and compositions are paired with lyrics that are always so insightful.  Her music has ministered to me on many occasions through many joys and trials.  Recently at work I was listening to her CD, "Tell Me What You Know" and the song, "I Saw What I Saw" came on.  Sara wrote this moving song as a response to a trip she took to Rwanda (youtube clip below).  But on this particular evening I heard that song in a whole different light.  I literally wept as I went through a mental slideshow of all the children we have met (and those we have said goodbye to) throughout this journey.  So to Ethan, Sophia, Zac, Rachel, Hannah, Anthony, Shoshanna, Ted, Jon, Shelley, Max, Ashley, Alissa, Devon, Jose, Paige, Ashlyn, Rosie, Braeden, Luci, Alanna, R.J, Iva, Matthew, Asa, Alexis, and many more faces seared into my memory... and of course to Meghan, precious Meghan...

I Saw What I Saw 

I saw what I saw and I can't forget it
I heard what I heard and I can't go back
I know what I know and I can't deny it

Something on the road, cut me to the soul

Your pain has changed me
your dream inspires
your face a memory
your hope a fire
your courage asks me what I am afraid of
and what I know of love

we've done what we've done and we can't erase it
we are what we are and it's more than enough
we have what we have but it's no substitution
 
Something on the road, cut me to the soul
 
Your pain has changed me
your dream inspires
your face a memory
your hope a fire
your courage asks me what I am made of
and what I know of love.
 
I say what I say with no hesitation
I have what I have but I'm giving it up
I do what I do with deep conviction

Something on the road, cut me to the soul
 
Your pain has changed me
your dreams inspire
your face a memory
your hope a fire
your pain has changed me
your dream inspires
your face a memory
your hope a fire

your courage asks me
what I am afraid of
your courage asks me
what I am made of
your courage asks me
what I am afraid of
and what I know of love

and what I know of God.

tears...

This little beauty named Sophia passed away this morning. 
I have never met her or her parents, just followed their
carepage as Sophia battled a malignant brain tumor. 
My heart aches for them tonight as they have said
goodbye to their sweet little girl. 

Please keep this family in your prayers!

"Weeping may remain for a night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning."
Psalm 30:5b