An award for me???

To my surprise, this morning I discovered Linette had bestowed a blog award to me. If you're not a blogger, you might not know from time to time "awards" are created and given to other bloggers. There isn't cash or any fabulous gifts involved; instead, it is just an affirmation that someone out there appreciates the time and energy you spend on your blog. Thank you, Linette, for recognizing mine. I am so glad we've become friends and I look forward to watching our friendship grow.

Xandra from Heart of Service created this award to honor those blogs that are "must reads." In her own words: "So here's to all the blogs that you've discovered that you can't possibly live without. They make you laugh, cry, think and feel connected every time you read a post. They give you a thrill as you see them loading into your browser and you get an equally satisfying thrill when you see that they have commented on your blog."

About two years Don created this blog for us to journal our trip to China to bring home Lindy. It was also for friends and family to follow our journey. I barely knew what a blog was and there weren't too many of them around at the time. Since then, the blog world has exploded and I admit it has become a regular part of my life. Not all the blogs I read have to do with adoption but most of them do. I realize looking in on the lives of "strangers" and having them look in on mine is kind of weird to some people. However, I can honestly say I've "met" some of the kindest, sweetest, most encouraging women through the blogging world and our common thread of adoption.

I want to pass this along to three women whom I admire and am blessed to call friend:

Heather at Our Little Ladybugs. Heather has such an amazing heart. She is passionate about being a mom and gives so much of herself to serving others. She and I became fast friends in the fall of 2007. It feels like we've always known each other and we frequently joke about how we "miss" one another, although we've never met. I can't say enough great things about Heather and she wouldn't want me to brag on her too much, either. I just know I am glad God has brought this incredible friend into my life.

Diana at First a Pearl...Then a Ruby. I first got to know Di in late 2005 when she joined a prayer group I was part of. We've prayed together, laughed, cried, and cheered one another on. One of the best things for me in 2007 was meeting her and her hubby, getting the call from her about their referral of Ruby Mei, and then watching them bring home their sweet girl. Diana is a loving friend, encourager, and sweet big sister. I am so grateful knowing Diana is faithfully praying for us as we wait to bring home our next daughter. She is my cheerleader!

Jennifer at Our Karleigh Mei. I recently stumbled across Jenn's blog and through a little detective work figured out we live close by. We've met one time and I can't wait for us to get together again so we can get to know each other better. (Lindy was a bit of a stinker during our first meeting.) It didn't take me long to figure out I was going to like Jenn! She is so kind, patient, and has such a sweet spirit. Jennifer has four biological children and they are waiting to bring home Karleigh Mei. I look forward to sharing the journey to our daughters together.

There are many other blogs I read and love but for obvious reasons I can't cite them all here. I want you to know, though, I am grateful for the encouragement and support I receive from all my special blog buddies.

Many blessings!!!
Lisa