handsful

I’ve had my laptop computer for probably 6 months now. When we were setting it up, one thing eluded us. We couldn’t find the volume control. We read the manual inside and out and checked every button and knob we could find…nothing would increase the volume. So, for the last 6 months, I’ve been straining to hear songs, videos, etc.

Tonight, Marley was using my laptop to play Neopets.com. She calls me over and says “Hey, Mom, I found the volume on your computer.” Huh?? No way. She then shows me a little dial right on the front edge. My husband (who, by the way, knows his way around a computer) and I just stare at each other. My daughter grins. We also have several switches in our kitchen that we have no idea what they do. Marley promised to get right on that in the morning.

Tonight Randy and I attended our second Waiting Families meeting with our local FCC chapter. (Okay, my second but Randy’s first!) There are FCC chapters all over the country and, from what I understand, our chapter is very active! There are lots of activities for families that have already adopted, and we’re excited to be able to be a part of this community once our waiting is done. For now, we will gather as much support and information that we can from our facilitator, Donna (she adopted her daughter 10 years ago!) and the other great people in the group.

Another cool thing about tonight was finally meeting Kelly! We “met” in an online adoption group and realized we’re from the same city! She’s just as nice in person as she is through email :) Kelly’s blog is listed in my links “Journey to Mia Jade”. Check it out…and be sure to order one of the cookbooks that her family is selling to help fund their adoption….”Some Daughters Come By Plane”. I just got one and there are lots of yummy recipes to try!

Third Day has always been my very favorite Christian rock band. We have almost all of their CDs and Randy and I saw them in concert a few years ago. It was fantastic! (By the way, it’s a Third Day song that you’re listening to right now…unless, your not set up to hear blog music!)

I heard a month or so ago that they were putting out their first Christmas CD. I made a mental note to buy that. Then, I hear that there is a song on the album about a family missing their daughter…who is in an orphanage in China…who they plan to adopt. Hello?? I immediately placed my order on amazon.com.

The CD is wonderful, all the classic Christmas hymns. “Merry Christmas” is the last song on the CD and was written by Brad Avery, a member of the band. It’s his family that is in the waiting phase of their adoption from China. I’ve listened to this song probably 12 times, and have yet to make it through without at least choking up. Here are the words of the chorus:

“It’s Christmas time again but you’re not home…Your family is here and yet you’re somewhere else alone…So tonight I pray that God will come and hold you in His arms…and tell you from my heart…I wish you Merry Christmas.”

If that doesn’t get you, then here is the last chorus:

“It’s Christmas time again and now you’re home…Your family is here so you will never be alone…So tonight before you go to sleep I’ll hold you in my arms…and tell you from my heart I wish you Merry Christmas.”

Oh my.