Since Kindergarten

I thought that it was only appropriate to title our blog "since kindergarten" since God has allowed me to know the love of my life....since kindergarten. Not sure how many people can say that. I often think about the days of dodgeball and spelling bees wondering how often our paths crossed, glances given and words exchanged. Yet only One knew that we would be lifetime everythings. If I were Marty Mcfly, I would definately take the Laborian (or whatever their time machine was called) to Waucousta Lutheran Grade School in the early 90's. God couldn't have picked a better match for this heart. As we get to look at and live life together almost hourly, I seem to daily love even more than before how his hair lays, how his hands can palm a tire, how he rhymes for Gabe, nicknames all the neighbors, always takes me at my word, observes things I miss, has my weaknesses covered, and most importantly is faithful to His Savior. Many of my weaknesses are his strengths and my strengths, his not so strengths. His wit makes my tummy giggle. His dependability inspires me. His love makes me love more.

On Jan 5th of 07, he asked me to marry him on a mountain in China. I felt even closer to him when I could call him my husband, and even closer than that when I saw him become a father to this beautiful little boy named Gabriel. When my selfishness or his selfishness gets in the way of the purpose of our Union, God continues to bring us back and shape us to fit together even better than before. Life with Rosey cheeks (since we are the Roses) has offered so much undeserved joy that we couldn't have faked or imagined. And if I have learned anything about God's grace...it can only get better.

Korean Foster Moms

I was following a friend's incredibly inspiring and encouraging adoption story via her blog the other day. Normally I don't take the time to follow any blogs too closely. I am not sure why I don't, because I know I could learn a lot from the thoughts and stories of many. I guess my fear is lack of moderation. But back to the point. :) (You may become quickly annoyed by the ease that I use a smiley face...:) My fingers can't stop smiling.) Tears started forming in these miracle eyes (Eric teaches me more about these miracle machines weekly with his recently new Lenscrafters position) of mine as I saw my friends meet their son for the very first time. I rejoiced for the hearts of my friend. For the life of that little boy. As I studied the pictures through my happy tears, my heart quickly shifted to an ache. I ached for this tiny, beautiful lady in the backdrop of it all. In the caption below the picture, my friend pointed out that this lady who could hardly muster up the heart to be there, was the lady that had been taking care of little Josiah until my friends could come and pick him up. I cannot pretend to know the emotions and heart of this wonderful woman. Since November 5th of 08, when God blessed us (understatement) with our little son, Gabriel Rose, our hearts now know a bit more about what love truly is, and what love was created to be. And I can understand a bit more about why that Korean foster mom's heart hurt so.
This lady inspired me to write a blog for all the blessings and lessons and stories we go through just about hourly. If there wasn't a God (a gracious and loving and understanding God), this lady would be giving away love almost in vain. According to human reason, I mean. She spent months taking care of a little soul, and now this little soul wouldn't be there to hold or kiss. And maybe he wouldn't even remember her. And imagine how hard it may be for her to unfold such love again. But thanks be to God, who sees what is done in secret, in our hearts. He reaches out His hands to heal, to bless her for her love. He can mend her wounds. Josiah's life has been so blessed by her. So I dedicate this blog to Korean Foster moms. Take some time to think and pray about this lady.