Is there such a thing as a perfect day?

Well maybe not while we're in the flesh, but today....well today was pretty good.

Since we started Rhino, we've missed 8 years of Murray State homecomings. Now this may not mean much to most folks, but every fall this was a major outing for our kids...the parade, the band, the game, Dunker the mascot and Racer 1 circling the track when our team scored. Not to forget M&M peanut wars and roasted in the shell peanuts.

Today was to be different. Today we were home and we got up early and dressed for hopefully crisp fall weather and headed into town for the parade. Not passing up a chance to buy some Krispy Kreme donuts at an intersection, we munched on donuts, chased candy, clapped and cheered the floats and had a completely wonderful time, even though Caleb and Christi weren't able to join us. Oh yes and let's not forget the ever-so-graceful-sl0-mo-deposit-of-me on the sidewalk when Rags (our miniature aussie) decided she needed to protect and defend me from the other 4-legged parade participants.

We came home to an email from Donna at Acres of Hope. I didn't think we would get an orphan's report because we're so early in our process. But there it was along with pictures. I haven't felt much emotion in this journey, but this time it was different. Perhaps it was a combination of things.... One of which a friend posted regarding some lost referrals,

"...it is such a privilege to be a witness to the lives of these children, even if we never meet them. These are orphans, alone, uncared for, forgotten, and yet He has allowed us to be a witness to their lives even if only for a short time. We have given them a sense of belonging, a reason for existing, validated their lives here on earth. And we, in turn, are touched and changed even if only by looking at their pictures and praying for them."

But what brought me to tears was hearing their responses to being told they were being adopted (we didn't even know they had been told yet)

"Learning that he had an adoptive family encouraged Freeman that his dream of having a new family will come true." "She used to ask if adoptive parents had been found for she and her brother. Of course she was thrilled when she found out a family was "sending" for them!"

There was something about realizing that we had been used in bringing a bit of hope to these two children that broke my heart. There are two children who have been given a sense of belonging, a reason for existing, (who feel) validated (in) their lives here on earth. And we're the ones that have been allowed to participate. I say this in the most humble way I can.

After adequate oohhing and aahhing we went back into town for tent city and the game. It was a gorgeous day and we actually got to see a few people that we haven't seen in years. Caleb and Christi joined us for the game and it was simply joyous. We laughed and cheered and clapped Racer 1 on around the track. The band was entertaining as always. We hoped to see "Air Dunker" actually tump over and Hannah won 9 rounds of M&M peanut wars with a red M&M. Even though MSU lost, the game was well fought and decently played, the weather teasingly fall and a spectacular sunset followed us home where we grilled yummy steaks for everybody.

The day was delightful and as we prayed with Abby at bedtime, we thanked God for being allowed this moment in time with our family. Rich, deep, full and fun. I cherish each and every one we are given. They go so fast.

And to end the evening....more pictures of Joyce and Freeman. I'll post those later.