Well, we are going on day 5 being with our sweet Karolina. June 3 also happens to be our 11 year wedding anniversary! Jim and I often talk about how God has led us in ways we could’ve never imagined when we first stood at the altar those years ago. I guess that’s how every marriage is. You just never know what’s in store, but I do know I am grateful for every adventure with Jim to date. Being in Czestochowa, Poland is certainly not a vision I could’ve predicted 11 years ago! 🙂 Several times this week I have been reduced to tears by the way God so specifically led us to this place. I still can’t believe it. Yet, I can. He can do anything.
One of the biggest highlights of being here is the close proximity to Jasna Gora monastery. It is where our adoption story started, and where it’s coming to completion. It’s a long story, that I am still taking in, but maybe someday I will write it all down. So with that, I wanted to share a few photos from our time here so far. Almost every day we have been to Jasna Gora.
Pics from June 1 ( I apologize for the fuzziness):
The Black Madonna is veiled certain times during the day. When the unveiling occurs, music and singing mark the time. Many people crowded in to witness this (including a First Communion class)!
This was a very significant place in the life of Pope John Paul II. Not suprisingly, he is deeply loved and honored here. Posters were up all over the fortified walls to celebrate his Beatification in May. He is also a friend who helped lead us here, we had to get a photo of what he helped do!
June 2
Stopping for a photo along the picturesque street leading up to Jasna Gora
The front of Jasna Gora. Chairs have been set up in preparation for 150-thousand pilgrims who will attend an open air mass this weekend.
Our pretty girl!
Mommy and Karolina next to a statue of “our Lolek,” John Paul the Great.
P.S. Thank you SO MUCH for your comments on my last post. HUGS and love back at you!
Wow! as I read your blog my throat constricts and tears start to well. I have thought of adoption for some time now but have only shared it with a freind and my 21 year old daughter after we found out she was a few months pregnant and unwed. Although I hurt for all those children in need of good homes I know God is fulfilling my need for another youngster through my daughter. I think He knows that my plate is overflowing and adopting would just not make sense right now. But helping my daughter learn how to be a great mother is my next adventure as yours has just begun as well.
Enjoy Brooke, She is beautiful!
Sherrie Janz
Geneva, Ohio
Love the pictures and post from Poland! We were not too far away in Sosnowiec while we were there 🙂 you have a beautiful daughter, I hope you enjoy every minute getting to know her!
What beuatiful pictures! I am so happy that you are having such a wonderful experience in Poland with your sweet girl. What amazing places to be able to visit and at your anniversary with your sweet baby, even better! Happy Anniversary!!
Brooke,
Your strength and determination is an inspiration. To travel so far, just to love a child, can only be called inspiring. Not a huge fans of blogs, but had to wish you and your family the best of everything.
You are a great inspiration and really lead by example. You touch lives daily (and deeply). The love that your family has and shares just radiates and reaches out to others. I feel like family even though I never met you.
Karolina looks like your biological daughter. She is such a lucky little girl for God to have found a place for her with you and yours.
Have a beautiful day filled with kindness!