A DAY AT THE LAKE, a memory created and a new friendship begins

Cyber Moms share the first of, I pray, many memories. Blogging can serve as a vehicle to form friendships for life. One just has to make the effort. Yesterday in response to an email I received from Pam, a Mom I met online because of our blogs, resulted in our meeting and sharing a wonderful day with family. Nicholas and his mother Pam who live in Virginia, were visiting their beautiful extended family at their Lake House in NJ and after months of a cyber friendship we finally met.
Our cyber friendship began well over a year and a half ago because Pam adopted Nicholas from the same baby house that we adopted Leah from in Ust Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan. Leah is 3 months older than Nicholas and when Pam and her Mom were in Ust bonding with him,they saw Leah frequently as she was in the same room as Nicholas. Pam and her Mom met our daughter a few months before we arrived to adopt her, and Leah left an impression on their hearts.
I cannot speak for Pam, but as the Mother of an Internationally Adopted child, providing the opportunity for my child to form friendships with other children who share the same heritage, homeland and history I feel is a gift to our children. As Leah grows up and comes to understands her adoption story, having friends who can totally relate to, and understand some of her inner thoughts and feelings, is a God send.
As one can imagine, our day was to short with so many life experiences to talk about. Conversations were easy, as we felt so warmly welcomed by Pam and Nicholas, Zitsi, Joe, Mary, Farrell and of course Grandma, the matriarch of this close knit loving family. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by majestic views of a beautiful lake, and made to feel as we were old friends reuniting after a long absense.
Leah and Nicholas were immediately drawn together with the innocent acceptance children inherently are blessed with. After a few short minutes of play Leah announced "Mommy I love him can I keep him". Our spontaneous laughter almost brought the house down as I explained to Leah her request would have to wait a few years and, would require Pam's approval.
The pictures say it all about this wonderful day. Christopher loved his time there also, and had new adventures the likes of which every 14 year old should have the opportunity to experience. A padde boat, a majestic lake, a fishing pole, and freedom to explore.
As we all sat down to a pasta dinner so obviously prepared with love and by the hands of great experience, we felt honored to join this family in a prayer of thanksgiving. This tender moment confirmed for us Gods presence at this spontaneous gathering of new friends and family.
We so look forward to the next time we meet. Below are some of the photos taken from this memorable day at the lake.... 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Below is a link to Pam's blog post about our day at the lake. Her pictures are fantastic.

http://journeytomyson.typepad.com/life_with_nicholas/2008/07/summer-vacation-day-2-a-day-to-remember.html