FIVE and Fantastic

Jonathon just celebrated his 5th birthday!

(3rd birthday here. 4th birthday here.)

Every birthday is an occasion to remember Jonathon's story.

The first part is unknown -- but he must have been a beautiful baby, born to his mother.

He got sick.

So sick they had no hope.

He was placed in hospice care to pass away.

Thousands of people -- financial donors, prayer partners, board members, advisors, nurses, staff, Chinese government partners, surgeons -- had a part in Jonathon's rescue.

His life was saved.

He came home with us.

Very soon he will go home to the family that is his forever.

   

These three years Jonathon has filled a special place in our family.

He really loves us.

We really love him.

That is amazing, because he doesn't look like us and he didn't come out of my body.

All along we knew he would only be with us for a couple years.

But it has not mattered. He's been ours and we've been his.

I thank Jonathon for teaching me many things that only he could have taught me.

Jonathon, you are special and you have a unique purpose in this world that only you can fulfill.

No specific date set yet for Jonathon's home-going, but we'll receive at least a week's notice.

That's fine. We are ready. Jonathon is ready. 

Please remember Jonathon in the transition -- everyone and everything familiar is going away.

Let's ask that he will have a strong sense of being loved, safe and secure through the change.

Please remember all of us this week!

Next weekend we host Jonathon's "Jubiliant Send-off Party"

It's the biggest party we've ever tried to pull off -- tons of preparations to make, but it is going to be deeply meaningful for everyone.

We've been sick, I'm still sick, Drew's working 13 full-days in a row, guest are coming to stay.

Need extra strength not just to get everything done, but to be joyful and enjoy this week.

counting the graces

thank you Father for

cold bean porridge for a swollen sore throat

sweet caring kisses from boys

emails from sisters and friends

nudges, "it's ok to slow down these days"

perfect hall for our party, at an incredibly low cost

new book on the kindle that is encouraging me with truth in all the places I most needed it

abiding peace