Eclectic Blessings

Last night, Cody & I had the privilege of having our dear friends over. Dawn & Clive adopted a little boy from Ethiopia last year. Dawn has this funny saying on her blog, "A Brit and Jamaican, living in Japan and adopting from Ethiopia". She has been one of the greatest friends I've had on this island, or anywhere else for that matter. I've been able to reflect on their adoption process, and the outcome is just more than I think Cody or I ever imagined.

After tuckering myself out last night playing with Yohannes (aka JoJo), laughing with Dawn, and Cody tiring himself out playing Rock Band with Clive, Cody and I talked about the little boy JoJo is becoming. He's opening up so much. He's laughing all the time. He is very much in love with his parents. He's quite smart...and knows when he's being funny. It's almost hard to think about a time when JoJo wasn't here. It's just so natural for them. I always knew Dawn was going to be the greatest mum, and getting to see it makes me a little teary.

JoJo is a blessing; there's no doubt about that. He's also helped us be thankful. It's been a hard ride for our dear friends, but seeing their determination and faith in God puts a lot of things into perspective, especially given the outcome.

Dawn, Clive & JoJo, we love you very much. I'm so glad we got to be a part of your lives. Here's to a great 2009 and rest of your lives.