Translucency

LOL, I don't know if I spelled that correctly or inadvertently made a new word!  The past week was a good one as they all have seemed to be.  The kids are doing well and it feels like we continue to make steps forward in building closer relationships with Kayleigh and Michael.  Kayleigh continues to enjoy dance class very much and the girls there.  Michael loves karate class and has his own group of boys he runs with during and after class.  Saturday our other 3 had something to go to so Jodi did a date day with Kayleigh, going to a movie with one of her friends.  I continued Michaels' "Texification" as we hit the gun range and then some BBQ.  Kayleigh has said that she misses her friends back in Ukraine at times (we do too as we got to know them and it was sad to leave them behind, knowing what lies ahead for most of them....) so we try to be intentional in helping her develop new friendships here in America.  Michael still seems to have left nothing behind and seems to love being here.  We know both kids have made amazing strides for being here only five months so sometimes have to remind ourselves to be patient as we are way, way ahead of the curve.  We love both of these kids very much so being their parents now is truly a blessing.

Sometimes we are asked about our adoption experience as it has seemed to have gone so incredibly well.  I will tell you that with the kids that has totally been the case.  They have bonded seamlessly into our family and it really does feel totally normal for them to be in our family.  I will also tell you that life does throw its curveballs at families that take on adoption as Satan will try to steal the joy of rescuing these orphans.  Our family has been no exception to that, and that prayers for our family to continue to move forward in confidence in spite of lifes challenges are always welcome.  The social media world we live in here in the 21st century can be a double-edged sword at times, so we have intentially chosen to be "translucent" when it comes to online stuff such as Facebook and blogs, as sometimes there is just too much that can get misinterpreted or read into on things!  Rest assured our family is doing very well.  Rest assured that Satan will try to mess with that.  Rest assured your prayers are always appreciated :)

This coming Saturday will be an exceptionally cool day with the annual running of the Chosen Marathon for Adoption in New Braunfels.  Last year we had some awesome support for Team Tansey as we ran to raise support for our adoption of Kayleigh and Michael.  This year they will be here in person to see so many people take the time to make big things happen to bring orphans to their new homes.  Dylan and I are running for Team Sims, some good friends of ours who had adopted one of our daughter Kayleigh's friends from the same orphanage, and are now continuing their pursuit of an adoption of an orphan in Ethiopia.  The support we received through this race was crucial in being able to financially bring our kids home.  We pray that there will be many more to come!