Lou Hoo

Ever have one of those school projects assigned to your kid that you whine and groan about,

then they end up learning a ton and loving every history soaked second?  No, just me? 

 

For the last few weeks, we've learned all kinds of facts about Lou.   Lou who? 

Lou Hoover. 

We know she and her husband spoke Mandarin, travelled the world and studied geology.  She threw great White House parties and after her death, Henry discovered that she'd paid for schooling for many under privileged kids.  In short, she was amazing. 

 

 

On history fair night, our girl proudly paraded in with all her knowledge, her very 1920s headband and her sprayed gray hair. ( I snapped pictures and reminded myself to get my whining in check.)

Travel Buddy

  

Dear Travel Buddy,

 

We squeezed hands on the airplane flying over the ocean toward China and promised each other we'd do this crazy trip together.   And what an adventure we've had.  7 Chinese cities, 5 hotels, planes, trains, boats, vans, taxis and buses.  What a gift it has been to have you with us. 

 

Not going to lie, we waffled big time about bringing you. You have a strong little will and we just weren't sure.  Something in my gut though told me that you would step up.  That you needed this. 

So glad we said yes. 

 

Most importantly, you have been a bridge with your little brother and sister at a time when they were so frightened and so unsure of what was happening.  You've made them laugh, held their hands, pushed a stroller, played with them, taught them to take baths, held them, carried things for them, shared with them and sacrificed for them.  There have been lots of waiting in meetings and airports and you've been so patient. You might have even been there to give a hug to your momma just when she needed one. 

You've seen art, learned history, soaked in culture and been a celebrity everywhere you've gone.  We have hardly done the schoolwork we brought, but we are quite certain the learning has been immense. 



You've really seen China.  We like to be travelers rather than tourists and you've done just that.  You've eaten noodles for breakfast and acquired an appreciation for dumplings. Squatty potties are just part of the fun, right?! (OK, that might be a stretch.) Walking the backstreets of China, seeing real life, has widened you.  Your heart has gone global. 



Your little 6 year old self has walked on the Great Wall and shopped in backstreet markets. 

 We just know that you are forever changed.  Walking the halls of an orphanage and holding fragile little ones at Heartbridge will do just that.  Our late night conversations about birth parents, abandonment and all things China have been evidence of your heart change. 

It seems as though you might have grown up a couple years during these four weeks.  We've had our tears and our grumpy and tired moments, but I think they are part of it, don't you?  We are so far from perfect, my girl.  Remember that our hearts fail, but God never ever does...no matter where He takes you.  This wild ride together falls among our favorite memories with you. 

 

So proud and love you more,

Mommy and Daddy

Little Bro

6

Dear Peanut, Sophs, Button Belly,

 

Happy 6. 

 I love big girl you. 

Oh, I miss tiny baby you, chubby toddler cheeks you and preschool sweetness you,

 but 6 year old you is something special.  You need a little extra attention, and you refine mommy and daddy every stinkin' day, but YOU, are something else.

You ask deep questions, wonder endlessly about heaven, talk with your hands, and light the room up with your missing a bunch of teeth smile. Like daddy, you are crazy responsible and extra cautious.  You play outside all day, and value nature like a six year old should.  Episodes of Sofia the 1st are watched and re-watched.  You beg for "chapter books", chocolate, and extra time before bed.  Late sleeping, no breakfast, walks, hours of playing with tiny dolls, and endless late evening snacking are always on your agenda. 

Gotta admit that you are a daddy's girl.  Root beers with him are your best kind of special.  You've got a mommy's heart as well though, coming to me for snuggles, answers, help and with all kinds of dreams dreamed up in that little head of yours. 

 

Here's to six, girl. 

 

Love,

Mommy and Daddio