Nighttime Conversation

While we were on vacation the girls and I shared a bed, and David & Tate shared a bed. At Pine Lake, the girls and I even had our own little room in the log cabin. It is so peaceful sleeping out there. Once the lights go out, only the light of the moon shines through the window. There aren't any cars driving by, or distant train whistles. Just the sounds of crickets chirping, bullfrogs croaking, and the occasional coyote howling. Ok, well that last one is a bit unsettling.

Each night after the lights went out the girls and I would talk until we fell asleep. The first night we got on the subject of names we liked. They enjoy hearing about the different names we thought of for each of them before they were born. Sydney, Camryn, Piper, Emerson, Luke, Dawson, etc.

The next night we started in on the same subject. Then Reese said, "Mommy? Do you think you'll have another baby?".

"No, I don't think so. Daddy and I are very happy with our little family so I don't think I'll be having another baby.".

It got quiet for a minute and I thought our conversation was done and that they were falling asleep.

"Mommy? Do you like orphans?" came her next question.

"Yes, I like orphans," I replied.

More silence. I settled in to go to sleep.

"Do you have to buy orphans or do they just give them to you?".

"Well, sweetie, there is usually money involved for different things related to the adoption but it's not like you're buying the actual orphan. And then you would spend money to travel to the country where they were born in so you can get them."

I paused, waiting for her next question and when it didn't come right away I laid back down on my pillow.

"When we get home can we get an orphan?".

"Well, it doesn't happen that quickly. It takes a lot of time and planning. That is something that Daddy and I would have to pray about to see if it's what God wanted for our family."

"How do you know if God wants you to do something?".

"You pray about it. He sort of leads you in the direction He wants you to go. You get a feeling in your heart. Like when you see someone drop a book at school and you get a little feeling in your heart that you should bend down and pick it up for them to help them. He will also open doors for you which means he will make things happen along the way that let you know you are going the way He wants you to go."

She rolled over at this point and seemed satisfied with my answer. Finally she said, "Mommy? Could you pray now because I just did and I think the answer is 'No'".