We've been on vacation! We went to the beach and had a blast. Our hotel gave us a pail and shovel for Kieran, which he made good use of. We made a sand castle and played in the waves, and that's about it. We're learning that vacationing with a child means everything happens at a slower pace. That's good though because it forced us to really relax and not be in a hurry. I even finished an entire novel while we were there!
After our time at the beach, we traveled to our home town. On Sunday, we had Kieran dedicated at an outdoor church service. When the pastor announced that Kieran was adopted from Rwanda, everyone clapped. Kieran clapped too! It was so precious. It was really awesome to have so many people that we know and love there supporting us in prayer that day. (A baby dedication is simply an opportunity to pray with a church congregation specifically seeking God for His help and wisdom in raising a child.)
While we were home, there were many people to visit. Kieran got to meet his Grandma Helen for the first time, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and even second cousins! This picture shows just a few of the family members that he met. Everybody welcomed him with open arms, and he was happy to just soak in all the love and attention they showered on him. Mike and I were both so blessed and thankful to see how God has given our son an extended family that loves him so much. We saw a vivid illustration of God's promise in Psalm 68:6 that says, "God places the lonely in families". It's a beautiful thing to watch God work.
We've been on vacation! We went to the beach and had a blast. Our hotel gave us a pail and shovel for Kieran, which he made good use of. We made a sand castle and played in the waves, and that's about it. We're learning that vacationing with a child means everything happens at a slower pace. That's good though because it forced us to really relax and not be in a hurry. I even finished an entire novel while we were there! 
After our time at the beach, we traveled to our home town. On Sunday, we had Kieran dedicated at an outdoor church service. When the pastor announced that Kieran was adopted from Rwanda, everyone clapped. Kieran clapped too! It was so precious. It was really awesome to have so many people that we know and love there supporting us in prayer that day. (A baby dedication is simply an opportunity to pray with a church congregation specifically seeking God for His help and wisdom in raising a child.) 
While we were home, there were many people to visit. Kieran got to meet his Grandma Helen for the first time, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and even second cousins! This picture shows just a few of the family members that he met. Everybody welcomed him with open arms, and he was happy to just soak in all the love and attention they showered on him. Mike and I were both so blessed and thankful to see how God has given our son an extended family that loves him so much. We saw a vivid illustration of God's promise in Psalm 68:6 that says, "God places the lonely in families". It's a beautiful thing to watch God work.
