Commencement Address

During my school days, I was always puzzled as to why the graduation ceremonies were called "commencement exercises". After all, graduation was supposed to mark the end of the road - the goal that I had worked so hard to achieve - not the beginning. Of course, over time I came to learn that the end of one road always marks the beginning of a new one - a new road that is almost always more difficult and more important than the one just completed.

We have now reached the goal that was fixed in my mind when we began the process of adopting Paul. Over the last 15 months, we could look forward to nothing more than the day he would be here, adjusted to living in a home with us, and finished with his initial surgeries to repair his lip and palate. You have already read Wendi's wonderful chronicle of the events that brought this day to pass, so I will not repeat the story here. While we think it is entirely appropriate to celebrate and give thanks to God for this day, we also know that it is not the end, but only the beginning. And the next phase of our time with Paul will certainly be more difficult and more important than the one just completed.

When faced with a difficult assignment, I often find myself fretting over whether I am sufficient for the job. That was certainly the case when we began this adoption journey, and it is certainly the case now. However, the events of the past 15 months have helped to convince us of two things - we are not sufficient for this job, but neither do we need to be, because we have lots of help. I have told several people that the phrase "God is good", which I have at times considered to be trite, has taken on an entirely new depth of meaning. We submit this journal to you - without speculation as to His means or His methods - as evidence that God is good.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Php 4:6-7)

Thank you all more than words can express.

Carl, Wendi, and Paul