Hitting Home

Cradle Catholics.... there are lots of them!

Dynamic Catholics...there are few of them!

As we grow closer to Easter, I am reflecting on my past year as a Catholic and again, rejoicing at our path leading us to St. Joan of Arc.  This year I have had the honor and pleasure to sponsor a fellow adoptive mother on her journey to Catholicism.  I have learn so much as an already Catholic...and yet as this year of RCIA comes to an end, I understand there still is so much for me to learn about our faith and tradition... I no longer want to be a cradle Catholic, I want to be a dynamic Catholic.

This past Thursday night we were priviledged to listen to Fr. Guy's thoughts and wisdom on the sacrament of reconciliation.  I will reflect on many lessons from RCIA in the following weeks, but this morning I want to reflect on one statement he made that 'HIT HOME' for me.
(As probably all of you know, we have been on a very long journey to our meet our Ethiopian child.  And on most days, the only thing I recall from the journey thus far is the WAIT... although so much goodness has happened during this wait period...)

The statement Fr. Guy made was simple, honest, and true.  He said, "A thousand years is like one day for Jesus."

This statement immediately reminded me of the patience and understanding of Jesus.  He fully understood the goodness that God grants to each and everyone of us.  He never dwelled on any waiting period...

As we continue to wait a short wait, I will carry this statement in my heart.  On days when I become impatient, frustrated and sad because selfishly I believe our family is ready...I will remember the calmness of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanks be to God!

Prayers for 'Opia

WOW!!!

I was reminded once again....GOD is in control.

He layed the path for Ryan and I to follow.  He brought us to a place with such love and compassion.  How blessed are we to have found the people of the St. Joan of Arc community!  I will say it over and over and over, probably to nauseam...this is where we are meant to be!

Here is just one more example of the love that overflows at SJA!

A few weeks ago, our family had a surprise waiting for us on our doorstep... it was from The Prayers for 'Opia committee.  I was so taken back by this out pouring of love and support for us during this LONG journey to Ethiopia... I wrote this to our agency and wanted to post it here too:

Because we are loved...

January 31, 2013 at 5:22 PM ~ Ryan and Natalie Sanford

To all who read this,
I am overwhelmed with love at this moment and thought I should share why...today, I received a basket full of thoughtful, loving gifts. Attached was a card from "The prayers for 'Opia Committee." Apparently two of my friends took it upon themselves to create a committee called "Prayers for 'Opia." Every 2 weeks from now until Baby 'Opia (a name my children gave to our EthiOPIAn child) arrives, I should expect a gift. My friends and family know how long we have waited for baby 'opia, they know the life changes we have made, and in return are trying to make the rest of our wait a little easier.

I do not write this to 'plead' our case...I am writing this to let you know that our family is surrounded by love. So, when the time is right, when we receive our 'call,' no doubt should EVER be shed. This child will be loved more than words can express!

So, consider this a 'just to get to know me/our family/what's going on in our life' message. I know that Cindy knows my family well, but I feel like the ET team does not, so this is my effort to share a story to let you know a little more about our family. My friends have made great efforts to ease our wait and it is only fair you know!

Blessings,
Natalie Sanford

Words can not express how grateful we ALL are to have the love and support from The Prayers for 'Opia committee.  I can not wait to share this story one day with baby 'opia!  It will only make their story so much better!!
I love you ALL!!!

Maybe one day I will share......

maybe one day i will share....




this adoption journey has strengthen me beyond my imagination.
my faith....my GOD....thank you for carrying me when i am at my low.

Our God is in Control.....this song is perfect!

7 years ago today

7 years ago today...

it was the beginning of a new life~ Garyn Matthew Sanford was born!!!
it is very difficult to believe 7 years has past...

he is no longer a baby, a toddler...

he is a BOY~ like a growing boy with muscles...What???




he is tough,
tender,
loving,
smart.

he is witty,
prayerful,
serious.

he loves to be indoors,
yet loves the adventures of the wild.

he wants to become a priest and a zoologist, so he says...

i am so proud to call him MINE!

i look back at the seven years and think of how i have grown as a Mom...there are some things i can recall over these seven years that i wish i could re-do....but if i did, would he still be the same??  i can not wait to see what happens during this 7th year!

i can't wait to see him with a new brother or sister...
i can't wait to watch his relationship with his Gigi continue to grow...
i wait patiently to watch him play football, swim, and enjoy the outdoors this summer...
he is going to move on to the 2nd grade...

thank you Mamoosh for loving me so tenderly!

love ~ Mom

beginning to prepare for Lent...

The Beatitudes:

Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are the meek,
for they shall possess the earth. 
Blessed are they who mourn, 
for they shall be comforted. 
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice, 
for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, 
for they shall obtain mercy. 
Blessed are the clean of heart, 
for they shall see God. 
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice' sake,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when men reproach you,
and persecute you,
and speaking falsely, say all manner of evil against you, for My sake.

peace of mind

when your children asks you to explain the Lord's Prayer...

your husband loves you...

great school...

great parish...

incredible friends...

warm home...

a pantry full of food...

hugs from kids (not just your own)...

loving parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles...

and....so much more!


and When people ask me, " How are you today?..."  I will say, "Better than I deserve, my friend!!"

Catholic Schools Week

Our family is blessed in so many ways...but this week I reflect on my children's Catholic education.  I was asked a few weeks ago if I would talk during the All School Mass about Catholic education, St. Joan of Arc, and why we are so happy.

Here is how I feel about SJA!!!  Our family hit the jackpot when it comes to finding the best school for our family!!!!

Here are my words about SJA:

Proverb 16:9 says “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

Two years ago, the Lord listened to my heart and directed our family to St. Joan of Arc.

       A radical decision to move less than a month before our son was to start kindergarten left us looking for a new Catholic school for both of our children.  We began the school search again and St. Joan of Arc topped our list primarily because of the school’s diversity.  In less than 3 days we found St. Joan of Arc, met and toured the school with Mrs. Sharpe, and received a response from a vacationing Peggy Kline informing us that there was an opening in the preschool for our daughter.  It was the quick responses, the excitement and pride when discussing the school and it’s students, along with their willingness to accept our family on such a short notice instantly made us understand St. Joan of Arc would become part of our family.

       A Catholic education not only educates our children’s minds, but educates their hearts too.  Over the past two years, St. Joan of Arc, has proven a Catholic mission.  Beginning at the preschool level, they lay the foundation for children to learn to live an authentic life.  Matthew Kelly, author of Rediscovering Catholicism, says that “God doesn’t call you to live an authentic life so he can stifle or control you.  He calls you to live an authentic life so that from an infinite number of possibilities, you can become the best version of yourself.”  St. Joan of Arc, the teachers, parents and surrounding community introduce these possibilities and teach our children to be all they can be everyday.   

       When I think of St. Joan of Arc, I recall something Garyn said to me this year while walking into school on the first day.  He looked up at me and said, “Mom, I feel like I am back home.”  The feeling of family, the security the teachers, parents, and staff provide to our children is inmeasurable.  These teachers love our children everyday, not because it’s their job, but because it’s their vocation.  They were called to do what they do everyday.  Their devotion to our children and their Catholic education seeps through every doorway.  The people of St. Joan of Arc truly love what they do…. and it shows!

       St. Joan of Arc herself once wrote, “Get up tomorrow early in the morning, and earlier than you did today, and do the best that you can.”

       Thank you St. Joan of Arc for educating the entire person and striving to be the best you can be!      

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