The Daniel Video!

I've wanted to make a Daniel video for a long time. I just never thought I'd figure out how. And I certainly didn't know where to begin.

Recently, when one of "Daniel's angels" invited me to a speaking engagement for the book, I was asked if we had a video to share. That solitary question gave me the motivation to get it done, and somehow, two days later, I had accomplished the task.

Since then, I've been busy perfecting it so that it could be shared with you all today, on the four-year anniversary of our "Gotcha" Day with Daniel.  My apologies for the length, but there are so many beautiful photos and memories to squeeze in. I hope you enjoy this labor of LOVE!

Ascension

I am always amazed by the "Daniel's angels" that the Holy Spirit sends my way.

Last fall, I contacted a local Catholic church that was having a Christmas bazaar. I called to inquire about a table at the event. The kind woman, who took my call, listened to my story and then insisted that I contact the Gift Shop manager, Cindy, who also happens to be the Stewardship Director at the church.

As Cindy tells the story, she was just "shopping for pet food at Target" and in came my call. As she strolled through the aisles, she learned of Daniel, and With an Open Heart, and my passion for orphan ministries and adoption.

The next thing you know, Cindy generously offered to sell copies of With an Open Heart in their Gift Shop, and graciously set me up with a book signing table on the Sunday of the bazaar. It was such a fulfilling experience. I met many wonderful people and even introduced ten more readers to the book.

Cindy also arranged for me to speak at their Council of Catholic Women's meeting last week. What a privilege! But unbeknownst to me, this would be my first paid speaking engagement! It didn't matter to me how much, because I never expected to receive anything for sharing Daniel and our adoption journeys...I consider it my service to the Good Lord. But Cindy insisted, and told me that she would send me something.

The other night, after I cleaned up from dinner, I could see--through the windows--that the sky appeared "different." I felt completely driven to go outside. As I continued to stare into the sky, I made my way to the mailbox without tripping. I gathered the mail and noticed an envelope from Ascension. 

I opened it up and inside was a beautifully written message that the presentation of our story had touched many hearts, and that their novena group will be offering a prayer novena for our family! What a tremendous blessing! 

Cindy also noted that the women really wanted to donate to our adoption fund...and a generous check was enclosed. Daniel's angels, indeed.

As I walked towards the house and gazed up, still in awe of such a special surprise, my eyes were again drawn to the bright blue sky and the smattering of bright pink clouds in the mix. And then, all of a sudden, this little pink open heart formed in the sky.

Needless to say, I had a lot of amazing gifts to share with the family when I went back inside.