Wow, I can't believe Christmas will be in just 4 days! Where did this year go? A year ago at this time, I was anxiously waiting to travel to china to meet our new son and bring him home. Now here we are one year later and he has been home almost 10 months and getting ready to celebrate his first Christmas at age six! I almost feel guilty at times telling him the Santa story. And as Sebastian is the boy of a million questions a day, he has been asking every question you could think of...and some I have never thought about...quick thinking is our new mode of operation around here! LOL

Seroiusly Sebastian doesn's even look like the same little boy we brought home the end of February. He has made so many adjustments in his new life. After we brought Annabelle home, I told people she humbled me. She was the bravest person I ever met. I feel the same with Sebastian. These children have been through so much. They have lost so much, and yet they bounce back and are willing to trust, hope and love again.
At six years old Sebastian is learning what a family is. What it means to have a family and how to live as part of a family. Too often, I forget that, and don't have the patience I should. He humbles me everyday, just like Annabelle.

He started school in September, and it had to be so hard for him. But he went everyday with a big smile on his face. He goes to church every Sunday. He has no clue what we are doing there and yet he was excited to go. He struggles with his siblings, not sure how to really interact and where he fits into the whole and yet he embraces them daily....well maybe not Annie everyday...but most days. Would I do as well if put into his situation? NOT A CHANCE! He loves it here and now freely gives me huge hugs and says "I love you mommy" Who is the lucky one? We are.

I have found the reason I was put on this earth. I am here for the orphans. I believe with every fiber of my being this is my purpose and I struggle daily with guilt that I haven't done enough. I will never do enough. Every child deserves a home and a family to love them and care for them. Oh I wish I could go back one more time and bring one more child home. Who knows. China has a way of getting in to your soul. I don't necessarily love it when I'm there, but the gift you take home with you is worth it all.
I don't mean to sound preachy, but everyone reading this blog has known the love of a family, or at least one person. Can you help an orphan? Maybe it is the holiday season, but I ache inside for all the kids that won't have a family to be with this week. There are so many wonderful organizations that support orphans around the world: Love Without Boundaries, Half the Sky Foundation, Brittany's Hope, and a ton more. Maybe you could check them out. Make a difference in the lofe on just one child.

Oh well, enough of that. Take a look at all the new photos. Sebastian and Annie meeting Santa. At Halloween. Sebastian was really into his Spiderman pose and thought he had to do that at every house. LOL Annie was a fairy.

I also have to show off Annie with her "diva" girlfriends from Preschool. Maddie, Eva and Jenna are the best and cutest, hippest girls in town! Annie loves them all!

Sebastian had his first visit to the Brauhaus. My dad would have enjoyed it. I actually think Sebastian thought we were all nuts singing German songs...but he had a great time.

Enjoy the photos.
Thanks again for sharing the journey to Sebastian.
Hugs,
Michele