Here we go!

Well . . . here we go.  In less than three days Amy and I begin traveling to the other side of the world to meet the newest member of our family, Samuel.  It's a trip that we have been thinking and dreaming about for almost a year.  We submitted an application to adopt to Children's Hope International the first week of February 2012.  We will return from China with our third son, the first week of February 2013.  Just one day more than a year exactly.  We couldn't be more excited to fold Samuel into the love of our family.

Those who know me well know I love technology.  I work with technology everyday however, I have to admit . . . this is my first blog post . . . ever.  Amy will be blogging here too and she's a newbie just like me.  I'm not sure how good of a read it will be.  And to be honest, I am not sure how much we'll blog after we get home from China.  But for now, this medium seems fitting.  We will be in China for two weeks.  There is a 14 hour time difference from Kansas City.  Blogging will allow us to share a portion of our journey with the huge support system we have at home without waking them up at 2am.  But more importantly, it will help Amy and I document this journey . . . a part of Samuel's story.  One day he may think back to life before he knew he was a Mangels.  There will only be so much I can tell him with certainty about his first two years of life.  But I will be able to tell him how we would think about him and pray about him, even before we knew his name or saw his face.  And maybe someday he will pull up this blog and read a part of his story as it was told to the family and friends that love him so much.

There it is.  I am an experienced blogger now.  Amy's turn will be soon.  If you are reading this, we are honored that you took the time to follow Samuel's story.  We have been blown away by the outpouring of support for our family and for a little man who no one has met yet.  And if this is Samuel reading this . . . 10, 15, 20 years from now . . . your mom and I love you very much.  We loved you before you knew it, before we even met you.  We are so glad that God chose us to be your mom and dad.

For this boy I prayed, and the Lord has given me my petition which I asked of Him.  --1 Samuel 1:27