National Adoption Day

“Adopting children, regarding and treating them as one’s own children, means recognizing that the relationship between parents and children is not measured only by genetic standards. Procreative love is first and foremost a gift of self. There is a form of ‘procreation’ which occurs through acceptance, concern and devotion. The resulting relationship is so intimate and enduring that it is in no way inferior to one based on a biological connection. When this is also juridically protected, as it is in adoption, in a family united by the stable bond of marriage, it assures the child that peaceful atmosphere and that paternal and maternal love which he needs for his full human development.”

Pope John Paul II

How did we spend National Adoption Day?

Well, with some friends from Guatemala, of course. A very generous couple and their three children from Guatemala host a picnic at their camp every year. It's a beautiful spot out in the country. Usually the picnic is in August and everyone enjoys fishing . This year the picnic had to be re-scheduled because of Hurricane Ike, so the crowd was much thinner. It was also cold and windy yesterday, so the fish weren't biting, but we all had lots of fun. Enjoy the pictures of our precious Guatemalan children. You just might see someone you recognize in a blue knit hat :)