Summer 2012 has been a time for us as a family to enjoy some great American past-times including cook-outs, swimming pool, beach vacation and family reunions.
We recently attended the Children's Hope International Family Reunion in St. Louis to celebrate 20 years of helping adoptive parents and children meet. Families from around the country who have been touched by this wonderful organization traveled to the Gateway City for a weekend of fun and fellowship.
Dwight Gantt, who founded CHI, spoke about God's plan and reflected on His hand's influence on his life. Specifically, Gantt talked about how the hundreds of families who have adopted through CHI have been positively impacted by the events that eventually led to the organization's founding. From humble beginnings assisting one family adopt from China, CHI has helped thousands of families adopt from China, Russia, Colombia, Ethiopia and others.
Daniel had a great experience traveling with us. After a few road trips, he has begun to enjoy the adventure a little more.
We visited the St. Louis Zoo for the first time. It is a wonderful zoo that is offered to the public for free. Thanks to donations from generous individuals and companies, patrons can see a lot of different animals. The highlight of our visit was watching a couple of baby elephants swim for apples and a rhinoceros grunt and huff around to beat the 105 degree heat.
We also enjoyed some live music underneath the St. Louis Arch while the sun set. Daniel loves music and had a blast watching the people and saying, "Yee Haw," at the end of songs.
We met a few families during our trip; including a couple who had adopted two sisters from Colombia. It was really special to meet them and make some more connections with families with Colombian-born children.
By the end of the trip, we realized how much fun we had during the past couple of days. More importantly, we realized we were part of a much larger adoptive family through Children's Hope International. We can't wait to go back next year.
