The Horton Family Adoption: Zac, Rock Star, at home:

Long ago a mother placed her child in a basket among the reeds. She had to save him. There was simply no other option. And she hoped that her plan would lead to him being raised as a child of privilege, one who would grow to be the man she dreamed he could be. About a year and a half ago, another mother had a similar idea as she left her beloved child alongside a shrub by a bus stop in China. I imagine that she couldn't just walk away that morning, but watched from afar as the city streets began to fill. I see a tearful smile creep across her tortured face as he is discovered. "He'll be alright," she reassures herself. "Please," she says silently, "Please let them find a family to love him." I wish I could tell her that he's alright. God was watching him, and He sent us to care for him, to love him.

Well, it's one week since we returned home from China. I can't believe it's taken me this long to update this blog! This week has been a whirlwind! We arrived home Friday night, greeted at the airport by a small group of friends. We choked up as we saw them, our first glimpse of home after so long spent away. It was just one more amazing act of kindness from our friends and family. We got back to the house and found it clean with a warm meal waiting for us. We spent the next two days recovering from the jet lag. Since then we have made the first tiny steps toward returning to a normal life. The kids have welcomed Zac with open arms. There really hasn't been any jealousy. DeAnna says he's a rock star, and we're all his fans! Zoe is the caring big sister... patient and protective. Zander is the proud big brother, jostling for the attention of his sibling. Zac seems to really love him. During a basketball practice Zac took off across the court, weaving though players and coaches. Turns out he had his sights set on Zander, and went straight to him. Zander's face brightened as Zac approached with his arms out and a big smile. Zuri is the "little mama," happy to lend a hand when it's time to feed him, bathe him, or dress him. She says, "We picked the right baby!"

He is sleeping in our bed, and doing well. When he does wake up, he screams at high volume! We think that in his orphanage, the first one to get attention was the one who cried the loudest! But DeAnna settles him quickly and he drifts off to sleep. He sleeps sideways, and kicks and flops a lot. He loves the outdoors, and has a great time at the park. He has really warmed up to me, and we take day trips together while Mama takes a break. He waves "Hi" to us all, and DeAnna has taught him a cute little surprised face that he we all imitate.

Truthfully, our journey has been so smooth, and Zac is a such wonderful child. I joke that God only gives you what you can handle, and He knows we can't handle much! But, honestly, we are so truly blessed. And we are so truly thankful!