Inspirational story!

On our trip I had the pleasure of meeting another adoptive mom. She is the mother of 5 adopted teenagers. All single adoptions, some domestic, some international, most newborns, but one older(I "think" that is right...but I could be wrong on the ages and such).

As she shared her story with me I thought to myself "I sure wish I had a tape recorder! What an incredible story!!" A couple of years ago a man and his wife went to Russia to adopt their new baby....while there, the man, an amputee, asked to go to the orphanage with amputees. He was so moved that upon returning home he began raising money to bring these children to the US for families and medical help. This lady, Kim, was a host family for one of these children. The child was a 15 year old boy who was a double amputee, both legs. Immediately they fell in love with him and he became a permanent member of her family. This young man has adapted exceedingly well, he played football(I believe she said a lineman) and brought TV coverage to South Carolina (I think perhaps CNN and a good morning show?) due to his exceptional attitude! This young man speaks to groups of people about his life. He saves all the money he makes speaking and when he has $2000 he is able to bring another child to the States. He personally knows who is coming! He chooses from those he knows and left behind. What a blessing!!! What a story!!

I have thought so much about how people sometimes go on and on about our family. I do have some great kids! I know I do! For me though, we are nothing extraordinary. We are "normal". A good thing, and yet it speaks of being "lukewarm". I think about what that young man can do with his blessings, blessings my boys might see as hardship, and it makes me pray for my guys(and girls) to find that kind of passion! Passion for God, passion for others, this is truly the blessing! A passion filled life!

In the midst of paradise I had a small slice of heaven delivered by a single mom who is profoundly making the difference for her son, and the world!