Ms. Anju is the director of the orphanage where Dawson is from. She has worked with 500 children, placing them in their forever homes. Wow. Talking with her I was teary-eyed in how God is using her with special needs children who will never be adopted. She is amazing. I was severely disappointed when I didn't get to meet her last May when Paul picked up Dawson, but last minute we found out she was in town this weekend and the Davidsons had us and the Hansons over for a reunion. They have beautiful children from the same orphanage as well. Bria pictured on the right was Dawson's crib mate! It was such an amazing time for me! I LOVE hanging out with the families, and Ms. Anju brought me in to her time with Dawson. A time that is pretty mysterious to me. He said Dawson didn't smile or play with the other kids. He cried a lot. That surprised me because he is our most outgoing, fun loving child. He has the best belly laugh I know. He teaches Elli how to be brave. Then she said something that made my day, my week, my year..."I can tell he is well loved as his personality has completely changed." As Dawson's mom, I did so many things wrong when we adopted him: moved 3 times, had a baby, hormones out of control, etc. and I have come to God crying many times asking for help in Dawson's transition. When those words came out of Ms. Anju's mouth (an amazing woman who has know Dawson a lot longer than I have), I almost cried in thankfulness and humility. I have been basking in those words ever since. Not that we did anything special, but God has answered my prayers with opening Dawson's heart despite the chaos around him. He is an incredible little guy who has so much adventure up his sleeve but yet wants to cuddle the better part of the day. His contagious laugh and HUGE smile catches eyes every where we go. Today I appreciated those smiles and hugs more than ever.
