An Anniversary

Four years ago today Greg, Craig, and Russell Smith came to live with us, however, they are better known as Mark, Scott, and Russell Spencer. It has by no means been an easy river to raft and some days it felt like we might drown in the white water, but by God's grace we have paddled through the toughest rapids. In my young mind at the time, I thought adopting would just be like adding some sweet little children to the family and I would finally have the younger siblings I had always wanted. Oh how mistaken I was. These kids were not some sweet angels raised in a a godly family, come to live with us. It has been more than a challenge and quite a process to etch away the layers of filth, hurt, and worldliness the boys had been exposed to in foster care and public school (though we are blessed that these boys had wonderful foster parents). It is still a challenge to love them even when they don't deserve it, or when I don't feel like being loving. But in reality, how often to any of us deserve to be loved and forgiven? And yet God unfailingly bestows His grace and love on us. It really isn't about how deserving they are of my affection, it's about showing Christ' love for us to them. I am daily learning to extend that grace just as I expect to receive it.

Looking back it is amazing to see how God has so faithfully brought us through the rough times, the times when I/we felt like giving up or giving in. We have all grown and changed tremendously through this experience, not just the boys, and I am so thankful that we have grown together and not apart. Even through the tears, the frustration, the challenges, and lack of faith, God has been gracious to us. The boys have grown and changed so much since they first came! I look forward to seeing what all God has in store for us the next four years. =)

Shortly after they came. We had the hardest time getting them give us a real smile. They hardly knew how to.

 Handsome cowboys at the State Fair

 Looking sharp for a concert

No longer the weak, unhappy boys we knew 4 years ago! These boys are fast on their way to becoming wonderful gentlemen.