A Special Kind of Post

Okay. I admit. It's been awhile. Again.
And I have absolutely no good reasons for this. Except for that I just really haven't felt like writing.
So I decided that since this is my blog I don't really have to write if I don't want to. So I didn't.
But today I am.
Because I have something very special to write about.

Adoption. 

The especially overwhelming and scary kind of adoption.
The kind of adoption that doesn't involve just one child, but a family of three.
The kind that will affect an already family of six.
The kind that will come with language barriers, cultural differences, and a complete change of life.
The kind that means some really special and important kids will have opportunities to far surpass the life of crime, prostitution, drugs and homelessness that currently awaits them.
The kind of adoption that involves orphans.
From the Ukraine.

This is not about me. 

This is about one of my dearest friends whose family recently hosted two of three Ukranian siblings and fell so in love that they have decided to grow their family in ways they never expected.

I was recently able to make a short trip to Utah and spend some time hearing her stories in person. Each time she spoke of these kids and her family's experiences with them I was moved to tears. And it was evident that these two families belong together.

But the process is daunting. And expensive. And since the oldest of the siblings is 16, and soon to be turned out onto the streets, they are operating under a very short time frame to get things in order.

So my blog today is to direct you to their blog.

Now... I realize that not everyone has time to read everything on someone's blog.
Believe me. I totally get this.
So I've made it easy by posting direct links to some really important and inspiring pages.
And some of my favorites. : )

Just click on the links and away you go!

First, the homepage. If you have time, read everything.
http://truaxadoptionadventure.blogspot.com/

If you don't, then follow this user friendly guide to My Top Ten 'Truax Adoption Adventure' Posts.

1.  Life Altered - how these kids ended up at my friend's house in the first place:
http://truaxadoptionadventure.blogspot.com/2012/08/life-altered.html

2.  I've Seen That Smile Somewhere Before - the first time they all meet!
http://truaxadoptionadventure.blogspot.com/2012/08/ive-seen-that-smile-somewhere-before.html

3.  Meet Albina, Alina and Maksym - your chance at meeting these cute Ukranian kids:
http://truaxadoptionadventure.blogspot.com/p/meet-albina-alina-maksym.html

4.  Forever? - a touching story expressing one of the girls' desires to stay: 
http://truaxadoptionadventure.blogspot.com/2012/08/forever.html

5.  How Would You Define SUCCESS? - a poignant and realistic look at some of the challenges that lie ahead and how my friend would define success:
http://truaxadoptionadventure.blogspot.com/2012/08/how-would-you-define-success.html

6.  Photo Shoot - lots of pictures of the family all together (Wish I had been there to shoot for them!)
http://truaxadoptionadventure.blogspot.com/2012/08/photo-shoot.html

7.  Roller Coaster - written the night before the girls went back to the Ukraine, and a glimpse into some concerns of the oldest adoptee:
http://truaxadoptionadventure.blogspot.com/2012/08/roller-coaster.html

8.  Hello! - the first contact from miles far, far away, and a little more about Ukranian orphans:
http://truaxadoptionadventure.blogspot.com/2012/08/hello.html

9.  Unique or Crazy - what sets these hopeful adoptives apart:
 http://truaxadoptionadventure.blogspot.com/2012/08/unique-or-crazy.html

10.  Different or Same? - an interesting online fundraising comparison:
http://truaxadoptionadventure.blogspot.com/2012/08/different-or-same.html

So there you have it.
My Top Ten 'Truax Adoption Adventure Posts'.
Please take the time to check out what you can.
And then follow their blog, because they update almost daily.

But here are the most important parts...

1.  First check out "Facts About Ukranian Orphanages" to see why it is so important that my friends get these kids to their home.
http://truaxadoptionadventure.blogspot.com/p/facts-about-ukrainian-orphanages.html

2. Then check out "How You Can Help" (on the left side of the homepage).
There will be fundraising projects ranging from cookie dough sales, to benefit concerts, to silent auctions.
Is there something you can do to help? That will make a difference.
Need to purchase from Amazon? Do it through their blog. That will make a difference.
Got $1 to donate? That will make a difference.
Know someone that can help? That will make a difference.
So...

3. ...Spread the word!!
Please forward a link to my blog and/or forward a link to their blog.
Forward to anyone you know.
Forward to everyone you know.
Email it.
FaceBook it.
Tweet it.
Whatever it.
Just do it.
The more people share, the more people care.

And now you should know that this friend is the same friend I Spring Break in California with. 

Here is a picture from our trip to Torrey Pines Beach.

(Not my feet.)

I'm pretty sure that because of adoption these trips will be temporarily suspended for a few years. 

I'm also pretty sure she'd say it will be worth it. 

And because she is my friend I will say the same.

I am 100% behind her on this adventure.

And it feels great to be involved in something so much bigger and better than myself.

So get involved. You'll feel great, too.

: )

Thank you for taking the time to read.  And thank you for passing it on.