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Thursday, March 24, 2011

Sharing Life

When Kristy and I started our journey towards adoption, I was content to tell a few people and pretty much leave it at that. Once those few friends knew, I didn't really talk about it all that much. That has been my mode of operation most of my adult life. I have some insight into why my default position is to operate this way (another blog for another day), but suffice it to say that operating this way has kept me in a lonely place for many parts of my life.

About 7 months ago, I was sitting in my office when my wife sent me an email with a link to a youtube video. At her request, I began watching the video only to realize that it was an adoption story of a couple from TN. As I watched this video, I was overcome by emotions and could truly sense the presence of God all about me. The video told of the couples journey from the day they decided to adopt to the day they brought their son home from Ethiopia. One thing that stood out to me more than anything was that throughout the video, this couple was surrounded by people who seemed to be as excited about their adoption journey as they were. At the end, the couple came walking through the airport with their new son only to be welcomed by more than 50 friends and loved ones. It was a celebration of epic proportions right there in the airport. It took everything within me not to cry, so I just gave up and began to bawl at my desk.

I immediately began to wonder, "Who will be at the airport when we bring our precious Zoe home?"

And in that utterly lonely moment, tucked away in my office, I felt like God said to me, "No one will be there, because you are not letting them into your journey or your life."

That day, everything changed.

Kristy and I became intentional about inviting our friends deeper into our lives and our journey. And our friends and loved ones have been amazing as they have stood by us, loving us, encouraging us, praying for us, asking us about Zoe, blessing us, thinking of us and standing with us. Over the past 7 months Zoe Moon has become known and loved by so many people and our lives are more full today because we are learning how to truly share our lives with our friends and loved ones.

Today marks 6 months since we went DTE (dossier to Ethiopia). Six months of waiting. The news out of Ethiopia has not been very good as of late and the waiting is challenging and at times very difficult. All the while, our friends have stood close and have remained faithful to support and pray.

Today, when I arrived at work, my co-workers, my friends, unbeknownst to me, made their way down the stairs to the lobby to greet me. Most were wearing their Zoe Moon shirts as they were full of smiles and laughter, encouragement and love. They remembered that today is Zoe Moon day in the Jeansonne home. The day that we celebrate our Zoe every month as a family. They are wonderful friends and family and I love them dearly.

Living life and being vulnerable with others is outside of my comfort zone. It is dangerous and risky, but I must say, that it is much more fun and exciting and meaningful than living alone in my own little world. I have concluded over this last year that life is better when shared with others.

Thank you, friends!


3 comments:

Pi Man said...

A wonderful closing point, Brian. And a wonderfully uplifting blog. Thank you. TA

Unknown said...

Wow! I was totally wearing my Zoe Moon shirt today too! I didn't realize today was Zoe day!

This is just an amazing story. Thanks for sharing it (again :p ).

Smooches Gooches said...

All I can say is,'I've got goosebumps'!