the adventure is just beginning.

"You need to start blogging again!" my friend says. "I know," I reply, "but I feel like I wouldn't know where to begin or how to start again...there's too much to say and not enough time." 

If you could look in my drafts, you would see that I have really tried to start again. There have been days where I have made myself sit down and try to blog again, but the words never come. Maybe it's because so much has happened recently that I don't know how to even begin to tell you about this Summer. Then again, maybe it's that I feel like I just can't put things into the right words. 

But, I've missed it this Summer--being able to just sit and pour out my thoughts into this blank white box, waiting to be filled with words. While writing is often one of my favorite things, it can also be something that frustrates me and fills me with intimidation. I struggle with what I should say--are these thoughts things that I want to share with the whole world? Or are they things that are better kept inside? 

I have decided though, that this little space of the Internet is something similar to what my life would be like if it was written in a book form. It would be an odd book. Some parts of it would be terribly exciting, while other parts, filled with tears. There would be chapter after long chapter that would be boring and seem quite useless all together. Maybe there would be sections that would keep you turning page after page, wondering what was going to happen next. Yet, as silly as this all may sound, that is how my life is. It's a story. A new page is added to it every day. The best part is that I'm not even the author of it--God is. 

So, naturally, if my life is like an ongoing book, then this blog would follow suit. As I live out this adventure, I want to be able to chronicle it as it happens. I want to cherish it. The ups and downs, the heartache, the struggles, the joys, the laughter. Just, life. In all it's messiness. 

Finally, after a blogging break that has lasted far too long, I'm back. Excited and ready. The adventure is just beginning. 

brave & courageous

This morning, my sister is at the hospital having surgery. They're implanting a bone anchored hearing aid because she is deaf in her right ear. Last night I gave her a bath and brushed through her black silky hair with a pink comb. As I got her dressed in her pink princess pajamas, I started thinking about how thankful I am that she's my sister. I realized how blessed I am that she's in my life. She is absolutely the sweetest little girl on the whole earth. I love her silly little giggle. I love her curious smile. I love how much she loves life. She's playful and hilarious, and we are constantly laughing at her little jokes. I love getting her dressed in the morning and helping her slip on a pink dress or a polka dotted shirt and jeans. Everyday she asks me to play dolls with her or paint her toe nails or bake a batch of cookies. I say "Not right now, I'm too busy" far too often. I need to say "Yes" more to her, because I love spending time with her. I love helping her get her dolls dressed, I love the stories she makes up while playing with my old doll house. 

She is brave. Oh, so incredibly brave. My little five year old sister is without a doubt one of the most inspirational people I have ever heard of or met. She has taught me so much. I've learned, by watching her, that you don't have to be serious about every situation--sometimes it's okay to just laugh. She taught me that challenges are meant to be overcome. She's taught me that hugs can make your whole day better and that maybe dancing in your pajamas is an important part of one's day. I've watched her overcome so many obstacles. I've watched her turn from a shy, adorable, little baby, into a hilarious, gorgeous, spunky little girl. 

She's a trooper. The beginning of her life was spent going from an orphanage to various foster homes, just waiting for a family to bring her home. This girl has courage. Even when she first met us, her forever family, she had to be brave. She didn't know us, or trust us, and she had to have courage. She's battled health problem, after health problem. From surgeries, to weekly physical therapy sessions, to frequent x-rays, and many doctor's appointments, she always has a beautiful attitude. She has come so far, learned so much.

So, today, I'm just thankful for this sister of mine. I'm grateful for her and for everything she has taught me, every laugh she's given me, every time she's made us smile. She is truly a gift from God. She's my little princess, my roommate, my friend, my confidant, my sister. So many days I prayed that God would give me a sister and oh, how he answered my prayer! And now, this whole bone attached hearing aid? Well, my sister, is just a success story waiting to happen. 

Love you, Moriah Mei, and am lifting you up in prayer today that the Lord would give you peace and a very successful surgery. Thank you for everything, sweet sister. Love forever and always, your Jie-Jie.