I have been more than blessed through the years with a rewarding and fulfilling professional life that has led me to some of the most remote corners of our world - especially in Asia.  After returning from Asia, I was led to the medical world - more specifically the world of cancer.  There are perhaps no words to describe the impact my LLS colleagues, patients and their family members have had on my life.  Not to mention the incredible support from health care professionals from all over the state of Indiana.  All of these folks are real blessings who have truly impacted my life both personally and professionally!

Certainly my faith community of over 25 years - Downey Avenue Christian Church -  provided me with the spiritual fortitude to move through uncertain waters.  And now, my faith community at Central Christian Church is going to be a place where Malia and I will hopefully grow together in the spirit of wonder and learn together what it means to be faithful.

I have been wonderfully companioned through the journey of the last year.  Many have participated in the 100 (plus) "Blessings Quilt" that Lynn has been birthing over the course of the last year for Malia. There is fabric from all over the world that symbolizes and celebrates many  wonderful memories and relationships which have deeply touched my life.  What a wonderful gift- not to mention labor of love - Lynn is sharing with Malia. (Lynn is secretly celebrating the fact that my biological clock will only allow for one child!)

Every child needs a sibling and Colleen has graciously and joyfully stepped up to fill that Big Sister role.

Then, every child needs God Parents in the event that something should happen to Mom.  Brooke and Jeff have greatly blessed Malia by making that commitment to her . . . accompanied by God brothers Drew and PJ!

Day in and day out - how would I have survived without Kyla?  Our relationship was born as colleagues in the Intensive Care Unit of St. Francis Hospital.  Through the years we have formed our own “order” which could best be described as “Our Sisters/Ladies of Catastrophe."  There is nothing like a good meal or a good glass of wine . . . and a lot of laugher (maybe a few tears)  shared with Kyla to heal the aching spirit!  Malia will no doubt learn the art of Survival while having a good time with Aunt Kyla!

About 23 years ago, I was commissioned to Asia, and Linda was commissioned to Mexico, later to Guatemala.  Perhaps it was Linda’s nudge that moved me on my 45^th Birthday in 2004 to realize  what my “waiting” heart might be waiting on/for . . . ?  Her friendship and the love of the McCrae family has always inspired me to move with great passion and conviction as I dare to believe in a world that is grounded in Peace With Justice.  Malia’s English name means Peaceful.  It has been my hope and prayer that she will grow with an inner peace that will allow her to work for peace in our world!

Every month for at least the last 15 years I go to see BEV who not only cuts my hair, but whatever else might  be hurting in my heart with  her care and insight.  And, on one of my darkest days ever, she pulled a plague off her wall and placed  it in my lap - “Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see.” Amen Bev!  That was the day that I said OK - I’m going to go on faith here . . . nothing but faith!

Perhaps the bravest of companions is my good friend and Life sister Dee.  Dee has not only painted and prepared Malia’s room but she will be traveling with me to China.  I figure anyone who will drive you and your sick Golden Retriever to the Emergency VET Clinic in a snow blizzard is no less than a saint AND more than worthy as a traveling companion!  We have weathered many storms together . . . and now she will share with me the greatest adventure ever.

 My family is spread far and wide - and I give thanks for their endearing support even as they question and wonder . . . about the next path!   I pray they never doubt my love for them - as I am grounded in their love for me . . . wherever I go and whatever I do!

There are far too many to name who have held both Malia, as well as her Mother, close in thought, prayer and loving actions!  Wonderful blankets, books, clothes, poems, and letters have filled Malia’s room and my heart.

So, as the journey to and  the blessing of Malia draws closer - I am overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude for so many, named and unnamed, who God has seemingly put on my path to comfort the cocoon during the many months of waiting.  I am especially grateful for Betty B. whose care, love, support, and prayers came at a time when the way was not really clear.  It is a strange truth that comes out of Death

Finding LIFE  through Living with LOVE.

So, Chad, Betty & Dale McClintic, Pat, Donna, Gabe and Mary Kay . . . May Malia embrace your special spirits as she grows and as she learns how to fly in this world With Love . . . lots of Love!
 

 Dear Friends, let us love one another for whoever loves, is a child of God . . .
And knows God. (I John 4:7 ) 

Faith, Hope and Love . . . and still the greatest of these IS
The Blessing of  LOVE!