Where does the time go?

Wow it's been a while since my last post, for that I am sorry. I had forgotten for a short time that "someday" is not a day of the week and that I should use "today" to sit down and write in this blog. I know that the few of you following my blog look forward to seeing what comes next and I thank you for the encouragement I get both on and off this site.The amount of E~mails that I have gotten from this blog has been amazing. I can only say I'm sorry for not keeping up with it but I will do my best to get back into it on a regular basis. So here is my update...



My trip to see the fink family was amazing. The whole plane ride there I could feel the butterflies going nuts. I was in tears knowing that the time had come for me to finally see them again and to meet the boys Jake and Cal. Flying into Dulles International Airport is crazy! Be prepared to walk 3 miles, ride a tram and then walk another 3 miles before you get to baggage claim. LOL

As I was walking I could feel my heart beating faster with every step. Was that because I'm not a "distance walker" or because I knew with every step I was that much closer to the Finks? Probably a combination of both to be honest but none the less my heart was racing. As I rounded the corner at baggage claim I could see on the other side of the door Stephanie and the boys. The boys were standing on chairs holding home made signs welcoming my arrival. As soon as I hit the door I began to run and I ran straight into the same embrace that I had felt 11 years ago. I had found her, I had found the woman that was my child mentor. As I embraced her the tears began to flow(yes I cry when I need to lol) I thanked God for allowing me to find her and I simply said "I didn't give up."In that moment she held on to me just as she did when I was a child. The boys are just as cute as I thought.


Let me tell you about my new adopted brothers....



Jake....whew man, he's got a sharp mind and an awesome heart. He is a smart young man that will go far in life someday. Not to mention he kicks butt on the soccer field. I got to see him practice and play. On the practice field he is focused,but knows how to have fun and in a game he leads his team to victory. He is fair and plays by the rules, but he is firm when he knows the rules have been broken. He is a witness to young men his age that you can fight with your words and have just as much if not more power then if you fight with your fists. He reminds me that sometimes being a friend means saying a prayer for someone, even if you are mad at them. He is full of so much love and that smile of his is one to die for.



Caleb...Oh my goodness what a ball of Wii playing, smack talking(gets that from his mother), T~ball playing energy. Are you sure this child is not related to me by blood? At at the tender age of 5 he has his very own License plate(which i bought here in AZ before flying out there) and he will tell you about it =)....Yes his main focus in life right now is his Mii on Wii, but his imagination is amazing. You can't be unprepared around this little one or he will let you know about it real quick. You may not always understand everything that comes out of his mouth but when this kid speaks it makes grown people ask "where did he come up with that" lol...He reminds me that the innocence of childhood is awesome but doesn't last forever.



Together the Fink boys remind me that sometimes in life you have to slow down and remember to enjoy each day as it comes and use each day as a chance to learn something new because tomorrow is not promised to any of us.

Jake and Cal this quote is for you!!

“Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."~ Christopher Robin to Pooh














While in VA with Stephanie, Dave and the boys I got to see so many amazing things. From the White House to the Pentagon, the Lincoln Memorial to the Vietnam Wall. Arlington Cemetery had me in tears for a brief moment. I was reminded how many lives have been lost to give me the freedoms I enjoy everyday, even the ones I take advantage of sometimes(I'm working on that). We even spent some time down in China town.

I got to meet some amazing people. Some of Steph and Dave's friends and I finally got to meet Pastor Kent Williams who spoke about me at his church http://www.cfellowshipc.org/. I will admit the culture there is very different from here but the people are amazing and inviting. They have a certain warm feeling to them.

So my time spent in VA was nothing less than amazing and I am counting down the days until I return to visit once again. Hey Fink family lets not make it another 11 years before we see each other again shall we!! =)



Upon my return home to AZ, I moved into my new place and am still struggling to get settled. It's been a long time since I've lived alone, but it's nice to have my best friend Johnny next door. We kinda take care of each other sometimes =). Everybody needs a friend like that from time to time. The cats are getting settled in our new place and I recently adopted a new puppy. Her name is Ziva and she is my pride and joy(some days). She is part heeler and we believe part Rotti so I'm guessing she will be a good size dog when grown someday. I have also been reaching out and making new friends. Trying new things and looking for new adventures.

I have recently been putting some thought into whether or not I will stay in the state of Arizona for a long time, or if maybe it's time to pack up and move on again. This place has taught me many things, but I'm not sure it's my "forever home" just yet. There are so many things in this world I have yet to see. So many things I have yet to experience and before I "settle down" in one place I want to know, that is the place I feel the most happy. Who knows maybe AZ is that place, maybe it's not. That is something that is going to take much more prayer, thought and time.


For now I am taking life one day at a time, spending more time journaling, and trying to get the most out of each day. Some days are easier than others, but everyday is a new day with new opportunities. I am truly blessed to have the life that I do.


until next time.....love and peace
~Amber~