Cathartic journaling of an adoptive mom.
Latest Posts
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Self-doubt
There are seasons in our live when we get knocked of our feet. When we’ve listened to lies for too long. When we held the fort for too long. We are tired and the strength drains out of us. My dearest Halie, you have not lost your light, and your kindness shines through even in…
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About faith as teens in love
You are prickly when you feel that others expect or demand more of you than you are willing to give. It’s a defense mechanism – a gut reaction. And surprise-surprise: it’s healthy. If you would tone it down before you figure out why you feel this way, you may miss out on an important lesson…
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Trust
Ivy didn’t know what color group to join on the first day of Vbs. Because I didn’t have access to whatsapp where that information was shared. It ls such an experiment- flying dark. On one hand I felt that this is a kind of test. Can I take a break from the hubbub? Can I…
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Meta Identity
It’s easy to talk about identity from a safe place. At the age where I felt that who I am is settled and clear. Small adjustments can be made and are welcomed, but for the most part I stand on solid ground and I can see forever with clarity. Well, this year I have been…
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not in vain
I second guess myself sometimes, and I wonder if kids hear or listen to what I say. This week Jackie was telling mom & I about her conversation with someone she cares deeply about, and how she was encouraging them to reframe their identity on a lasting foundation, not temporary objects, or what other people…
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Midsummer
Today mom & dad arrive for their summer visit. The house is prepared. Food shopping done. My favorite part this year was that the girls participated actively in thoroughly cleaning the bathrooms, we used the big vacuum, dusted the bookshelves, prepared the bed. Our hearts and minds are ready. There is going to be rain.…
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The in-between
Ivy: we have the coolest parents. Because they do all these cool projects.Jackie: yes. But mom is a bit too enthusiastic & friendly. I spoke every day, either making some introductions, facilitating a game, the small group conversations, mc, the movie night. And the meals were excelent meeting places. I attended an art workshop where…
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An incursion into the philosophy of the other
We had a youthful middle aged person, Mihai Lupu, who has abundant energy and vision, to spread himself thin between many projects, with high stakes. He has incredible influence as he is the currently Director of Cabinet to the Secretary of State of the Head of the Department for Emergency Situations of Romania. He researched…
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Implicit bias
Noemi M challenged us to think of someone we met recently, maybe our first day at ROM. Before they spoke, what did we notice first? What assumptions did we make about this person before they even spoke? Did this person immediately feel like “someone like me” or “someone different from me”? Why? What are the…
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The meeting place
Love and faithfulness meet together Righteousness and peace kiss each other. Ps. 85:10 Alan facilitated this exercise, personifying Mercy. Truth. Justice. Peace. It is a brilliant exercise – though as I was talking with Nicole, the youth has a harder time extrapolating and understanding the reason for these four, if they never experienced war. Nicole believe…
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Izidor at ROM
After the morning session I had 5 minutes to set expectations regarding the movie night and discussion afterwards. It was actually perfect. I often worry about the wrong expectations as it can sabotage even a great event. So I said that the film is inspired by the true story of Izidor Ruckel. Abandoned as a…
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How frameworks change the perspective
Rachel is so smart, I worry that few can catch all the nuances & intricacies of her presentations. There is so much depth in the content she shares always. She started the conference talking about the identity under attack When a group feels under attack they go into defensive mode. When a group is not…
