Friends

I watched the boys meet a new friend yesterday. His name is Josh. Josh returned to Kenya last year. He came while we were away - so the boys have never met. At least not that they can remember.

Michael, Paul, Alex and Josh are 4 handsome 10 year old boys - who just happened to be at New Life Homes as babies. Alex went home to his family, the Gradins (from Oregon) on the very same day that Paul came home to us. They feel that they share a special bond and are "like brothers". Alex and his family live across the street from us and Alex is often here early in the morning to play.

Josh has a brother Katy that Grace is anxious to meet.

While being adopted is not a part of our daily conversation around here. It is in fact a part of our children's identity. It is one of the pieces of the fabric that makes up their lives and who they are. Michael, Paul and Grace are not exactly Kenyans, and they are not exactly African American. Others are not exactly sure who they are either. They are often the object of a lot of attention - and it is not always positive.

My heart felt delight to see them exchanging brief life stories (as brief as only 10 year old boys can) and realize that they share strong common bonds that in fact makes their uniqueness - completely normal.

At our house when odd situations occur and M.P.G. are feeling a little lost or confused we talk about the Apostle Paul being all things to all people. My children have the unique opportunity to share common bonds with many people. While at times it is confusing, they are each very special people. At our house uniqueness is normal!