Today was my first day back helping with Sunday School; I work with the 3-5 year olds. I sat watching as Kitty taught the lesson and thought about the sweet children seated before her. This is the age range that I was sure I would adopt from. But seven days later, my mind returns to an eleven year old girl somewhere in Ukraine. People have asked me, "Why her?" And I must admit that I don't know why. Why her rather than the other hundreds of children who crossed my path? I did not choose her. I only know that God knitted my heart to hers in that short period of time. On Mother's Day I refect on the the mysterious nature of the bond between mother and child. I always thought it was the result of nine months of intimate contact. Most mothers feel an immediate connection because there are nine months of getting attached to the soul that is linked to you and dependant on you every moment of every day. But now that I have met Kristina, I understand what I think most adoptive parents know: a child does not have to grow under your heart in order to grow in your heart. I have lost track of the number of people that have said to me, "You have to adopt her!" Don't think I haven't tried to work through that in my mind. I am just trying to find a way to get her here this summer. Thank you for your encouaging words and your unfailing belief that she will come. Your faith gives me hope.