Hey kid.  Quit looking at me like that.  You know it works…

You were only 7 months old.
So small. So tiny. So perfect.
It was cloudy outside and the roar of Korean diesel trucks was louder than our failed attempt of thanks happening inside that fluorescent lit room.
There were a few things hanging on the wall and a tv in the corner of the room.
The intensity of what was happening in the room made the room warmer than it actually was.
My mind was spinning and my heart was racing.
“What if I screw this kid up?”
“Can we back out now?”
“OMG. He just cried when I held him. He hates me.”
“I cuss sometimes and I’m a pastor. I didn’t tell them that. Shit. I wonder if they would take him away if they could read my mind?”
“I’m Mexican. My wife is white. He’s Korean. He’s doomed.”
The thoughts kept flying.
I gripped Heathers hand a bit harder than normal and she looked at me with that look I have grown accustomed to…
RELAX.
So I did.

The moment that your Oma placed you in Heather’s arms and released you from hers I saw so much.
Your brother and sister were standing 4 feet behind Oma. They were as respectful and serene as the old lady I sat next to on the bus the night before.
Almost reverent.

When he came to shake my hand he gripped it strong enough to show strength and peace at the same time.
Within the serenity and peace they provided there was a flicker of hope.
A flickr of hope that I am in no way going to mess you up.
That I’m actually only getting to borrow you for a lifetime to watch the amazing thing that God is going to do with you.
It was the glimpse of peace I needed in order to not crawl in the corner and suck my thumb.
When we walked to the lobby doors we saw the cab.
It was the first time I saw any emotion from Oma.

She placed her hands on her head for a moment.
A single moment of “This is too much. I love him so. Please don’t go.”
Then when we got in the van I noticed something.

You never took your eyes off her.
Not until she was out of sight.
And as we pulled away I saw one more thing.
A single tear.
Gathering.
Waiting.
Gliding.
Falling onto the hand she had covering her mouth as to not let us see the intensity of her cry.

She had cared for you alone all day and night for 6 months and she was strong.
Strong enough to let you come with us.
And it is the strength of that moment…
The strength of her sacrifice…
That will press me towards reminding you that you have been loved with a ferocious intensity by those in front of you, those behind you, and Him inside you.

And I thank your Oma, for allowing me to be… beside you…
Dad.

It took me a second but then realized that at 5 years old, he was being intentional in letting me know that he thanks me for choosing him but also understands he was chosen by someone else too.

I walked into the bedroom and shut the door, sat on the floor and started crying.
A good cry.
A “How the hell did we get so lucky and get this kid cry”

30 seconds later…knock knock knock.
Kid walks in.
“Daddy. Are you crying cause you love me?”
“Yes son. I am. You are perfect.”

“No I’m not. Remember you almost spanked me yesterday?”
“Oh yea. You’re right. You are a sinner in need of repentance.”

Just living my story.
Los

The task is huge, but Craig’s vision and passion to fix it are HUGER. (a lot like my biceps.)

Straight from the dashboard of my car today:  here is STEP 2.

Become a member.

It’s simple.

It’s tangible.

It’s something you can do today.

So, will you?

This is not a “sponsor an orphan” hustle.
This is not a “let’s get one more family to adopt” push.
This is not a let’s raise money for baby X to come home.
This is about fixing the whole thing.
A HUGE…GIGANTIC…LOFTY GOAL.
We want to take our petition to congress and beyond to show them that there are people who care about the global orphan crisis.
Not just about bringing one orphan home.
Please sign the petition here…
That is a start, but the issues are much bigger.
Would you PLEASE share about this movement in all your spaces.
Online and off. Facebook, twitter, and blogs.
Thanks friends. It means the world.
And that is not a stretch to say.

Do you want to or have you ever adopted?
Los
Can you please tweet and share this on your facebook and twitter worlds? Thanks!

I just watched them all over again…
Keep clicking that arrow to the right. 13 Vids.
I’m SO glad I took the time and made these…
How many of you were reading way back then?
Los

Go ahead. Wish the cutest kid on the planet a happy birthday!!!
And how about that hat?
Los

Did your eyebrows magically move up and down with ours at the end?
Submit your questions you would like Little Los to answer here…
Los

I felt her thinking of you tonight.
I don’t know why. I just did.
I felt her heart start racing.
I felt her dry eyes moisten.
I felt her shame lessen for a moment.
I felt her take a deep breath.
I felt her wonder.
I felt her smile.

She is thinking about you son.
She thinks about you all the time.
And one day, if you want, I am going to send you to meet her.
And you will know the power of knowing there was someone on the other side of the world who loved you enough to let us take care of you.
And on nights like tonight when I feel her…
I know, for some reason, you must feel her too.
Daddy.

Thought you guys would enjoy attending the conference I’m at…

All 6 general sessions with these heads are streaming live for you…
ENJOY!!!
Los