I recently listened to a CD of a workshop about blogging, and I learned that my type of blog is called “Personality-Driven,” as opposed to “Topic-Driven.” So, that means I’m free to blog about anything I feel passionate about. Well, today I’m going to take a break from blogging about books and write about something I also have an interest in.

The topic near to my heart today is adoption. And I think it’s timely because according to somebody, it’s National Adoption Month — so there are stories everywhere about adopting.

I talked to a good friend of mine a couple of days ago who is a new parent to two young brothers she adopted from Russia. Her heart is so full, it’s absolutely overflowing, and I enjoy hearing the details of how her sons are learning to speak English quickly. Last week, her seven-year-old wrote her a note that said, “I love you, Mama.” (How sweet!)

When my friend began to feel like God put this on her heart (a VERY long story that I’m hoping to write more about someday), step after step led her to Russia. She made several trips to visit this orphanage, alone and with her husband. When she saw these two brothers, her heart about stopped. She fell in love immediately and knew she could give them a better life than they had where they were.

At the time, the oldest boy didn’t even have a decent pair of shoes. He was wearing ill-fitting girls’ Sunday shoes. The orphanage does the best it can do, but the kids spend most of their lives in only a few rooms. When the boys reach a certain age, they’re sent to a different place, and a high number of them are assaulted and molested. Then when they reach another age, many are drafted into the army. Others turn to drugs or even commit suicide. It’s very sad.

So, my friend became mother to these children a few months ago. The whole process has been amazing. I was privileged to play a small part because she asked me if I’d write a letter of recommendation to the adoption agency. Would I? Ha! I sent them practically a novel on how wonderful this family is. The interesting thing — though many adoptions take years to process, her paperwork was fully complete and acceptable in less than four months.

I met her sons a few weeks ago and got to watch them ride bikes for the first time in my driveway, and the smiles on their faces were so huge, it was a wonderful moment I’ll savor forever. Joy indescribable!