Smorgasbord of Recentness

Photo Credit: Dave Einsel; Periwinkle Foundation

On Camp: Welp. It's been awhile since I  last posted. We've been awfully busy here in the Henderson House. We went to Camp Periwinkle and had an amazing time. Our campers were phenomenal, inspiring, and so incredibly strong. I tear up just thinking about it. My menial struggles in this life feel so petty when compared to a seven year old facing the terrible disease of cancer. The smiles on these kids faces are enough to last me  all year. They are the true definition of what it means to be a hero. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to spend one week of my year with the most committed, energetic, and caring people on the planet. Periwinkle has blessed us in so many ways, we hope to be a part of this organization as long we we're here on this earth.

Adoption Books and Teacher Books: This is where you can find my nose.

On Work: Summer flew by before my very eyes. What an amazing break! I am grateful for sleeping in,  lunches that I don't have to scarf in twelve minutes, and most importantly, daytime TV. (specifically Ellen and Live With Kelly!) I have had an awesome break, but I am ready to get back to work. I spent several days this week preparing for the year in my classroom. I couldn't help but smile at the thought of my new group of kiddos pouring in to greet me in a few weeks. I know, maybe that sounds crazy, but I do love my job! I love that I have a career that makes me crack up laughing every single day.

 I am grateful to work in an atmosphere where, if you were a fly on the wall, you may catch me on any given day replying to a student with one of these little gems, "No, sweetie, symmetry is not a place where dead people are buried, but I see how you could confuse the two."

As well as, "I know you lost your lucky pencil and you lack the ability to do well on your quiz without it. I will take that into consideration when I am grading this afternoon. Thank you very much for your tact and diplomacy."

The truth is, I would rather spend my days supporting, encouraging, and guiding ten year olds than in an office building full of grown ups. Long story short, I'm ready to go back to work.

On Adoption: I have a few updates. We are still moving forward in the home study process. Our agency is still collecting a few more references, and then we will move on to interviews. We've began taking some classes through an organization through our church called Tapestry. We have learned so much, and have been so encouraged by connecting with other couples that are on their adoption journey as well. We can't wait to see how God uses this time in our lives.  The class will require quite a time commitment for us, especially within the next two weeks. (Which coincidentally, with the start of school, are the most stressful two weeks of my year.) So, we could definitely use your prayers for stress and time management.

 Taking these courses gives me comfort that I am doing something useful and proactive for my child. Sometimes I feel so helpless and out of control in this process. I can scan, fax, copy, e-mail, and call, but at some point the ball is not in my court anymore. So we wait. I will make a point to use that holding cell to be researching, praying, preparing, and learning. Needless to say, we are hopeful, encouraged, and excited!

On running: We're still doing it, and it's painful. Worth it, but painful. If you are interested in joining the misery please check out our team, baby steps!

On Fundraising: First of all, thank you, Samantha, for sending us a box of scrumptious, and fantastical cookies for our delectable dining pleasures! I am currently in the works of creating an online silent auction through this website. We will be featuring a gourmet cookie of the month, homemade hair bows, salon hair services, and more! If you or someone you know have a skill, item, or service that could be donated to our auction, please contact me! Also, t-shirts are being designed to sell. They are going to be super cool, and super stylish! Get excited!

The cost of adoption is certainly not cheap, but we know that God will provide where He has called, and we're certainly willing to put in the time and work. Baby H will be more than worth it.

It will be five years in December! Gosh, I love this guy!

On Us: We are so happy where we are, and have such a peace about this journey. This process, although challenging, has brought us both closer to the Lord, and to each other. Again, and I know I've said this before, we covet your prayers, encouragement, and excitement. We love you all!

Kate & Adam