INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

5/9/12 International relations. Where does it all start? In the office of the Secretary of State? In a dining room of an embassy? In a church? For Tony and Kristin, it began in their hearts. Before too long, those heart tugs and first thoughts of international "relations" gave birth to COCO, who at age 2, extended their family makeup to two. Though sketchy on all the details, it’s a known fact that an adoption can be arduous. Factor in trips to China and dealing with all the red tape mixed with finances, language barriers and the central government of The People’s Republic of China----well, you get the picture. But God…………(Ephesians 2:4)

Coco and her daddy meet Lucy and her mommy

The real picture you need to “get” now is this one---a proud Daddy sharing his beautiful daughter with his best friend’s (from high school) family. Tony practically grew up at our house. He’s one of those measured on the upstairs door jamb that will accompany me to the nursing home some day. His name placement is under Evan B.’s mark---who has also honored the door with the measurement of his 2 young sons. These friendships which have spanned the years now span many miles from South Carolina and middle Tennessee, to Brooklyn. 

On this visit, first time dad, Tony, whose Coco already has a 100 word English vocabulary, and son Josh, also a first time dad, had even more to share. Their daughters got to meet. These guys do diapers. Who would have thought? (though Coco is picking up training rather quickly) I envision future trips between the two families---the best way to remain friends and for the girls to be told of the importance of life long friendships, regardless of miles.

In all the hubbub of getting acquainted, we didn’t measure Coco on “the” door. On the positive note, that just means a return visit is in order----a great way to keep up that relationship.