Saved By And Saving For Orlando

I do not have the words to express what Orlando has done for me. I told our Mountain Top Foster Adoption Support Group on Wednesday night that is it was a life changing trip. I do mean that. Women from all over the country coming together, blindly with faith and hope seeking understanding and compassion. We found it. We are not alone. There are scads of Moms who parent kids from the hard places and walk the walk of trauma daily. I am blessed to have been surrounded by their love and wisdom. I am quiet and inside myself with all that I have learned and experienced.

Tuesday morning I spent unpacking, settling in and scouring the house and car and extras from my State Quarter collection for any and all change. Why??? Because I am starting a bank account  for Orlando. Money will not be a barrier to attend for me or other moms...several moms attended on scholar-ship and I hope to contribute to that again. Money is just a tool and I can't think of a better way to spend it than holding up Moms parenting other peoples kids. Ok- and supporting orphanages...and maybe a hot tub. And a new Sienna mini-van...but really, the Orlando Retreat money feels more concrete and something I can easily accomplish.... 

I think I have $78.63 here as seed money for Orlando 2012.

It has been a strange returning to our atmosphere. Our boys have been very sweet and welcoming and there has been no fall out.

Yet.

I am embarassed to admit that the only inkling of unhappiness we have experienced so far is James left his souvenier T-Shirt and water bottle in the middle of the kitchen table as a passive/aggressive way of saying he was not happy with us going away. However, last night after dinner he brought it to his room where it will sit on the floor next to the christmas presents he still has not taken out of the bag....*sigh*

Anyhow, it is nice to know he cares about us and missed us in his own special way.