Zack and Sophie's "Big Cousin"

This is the Joshter! He is my little angel although he really does belong to his momma Gina. Yes, she's Italian! :) He continually blesses my heart! He spent a week in Texas visiting his best friend, my niece Kaylie. Upon his return which was two weeks after we left for Russia, he put his shoes in the closet and brushed his teeth. Did I mention it was after midnight? He is such a cool kid!!

The next morning he said, "D, We forgot something last night." I said, "What"? He said, "We forgot to pray to our Lord." I smiled a great big smile. I don't think I remember his mom or anyone in the family using the words our Lord. It must have been my mom!

Josh then said, "And, D, don't forget to bring me something to eat in the car." "You know an apple or a banana." He said, "I prefer a banana." "You know." "You remember, right"?

Why do I share such a simple story? Well, it is because I met Josh when he was Sophie's age. He was 3 going on 35 and had the attitude to prove it. His mom out of love for him and his siblings had emibarked on the journey of becoming a single mom. Her story is hers so that is all I will say. I was happy to give them a home in my little condo so I got to experience Josh's TERRIBLE threes! He was a handful and a half who had temper tantrums that would make your hair curl. People who know him now simply don't believe it!

Back to the point, Josh now is this happy well adjusted 6 year old who LOVES God, Loves his parents, Loves life, and after two weeks reminds me of how things should run lest I forget to care for him properly! His mom is kind to let me fill in for her in small ways while she finishes her degree. What a little ray of sunlight for me as I now and again worry I will have trouble with Zack and Sophie adjusting, thriving, behaving...

Josh's prayer last night, "Thanks for God and Jesus and that He loves us so much. Thanks for my family and for D and thanks so much that I get to love Zack and Sophie, my little cousins. Keep them safe please." Amen

Even if you're not one to pray, that must melt your heart just a little... Don't let anyone tell you love and structure doesn't work. Josh is proof that it does!!!!

Here's to all of the angels in Russian orphanages waiting for loving mommies and daddies to come and take them home! I LOVE YOU my Zack and Sophie and "my" Josh loves you too!!!