Thoughts on our time at the beach

The kids have enjoyed their time on the beach.  We are so grateful to the Kilpatricks for this time.  Just some random thoughts:
This is Katelyn Brock's last weekend with us.  She leaves for Ecuador on Tuesday to spend the rest of the summer with her family.  She has been a blessing and we will miss her.
Jenn and Mark Smith are a blessing and have done a remarkable job with their 4 Ukrainian children, all adopted at an older age.  They each have a servant's heart and poured love on the kids this weekend.  Taryn Kilpatrick asked a "random" worker at Walmart for a discount if any of the kids went slightly over their allotted gift card amount.  She said no; then showed up at Taryn's side and paid in full for one of the kids' purchases because her dad was from Ukraine and she wanted to give back.  Perfect timing as we discuss God's sovereignty and personal interaction in the lives of man.  Thank you, Alex.
Children are way pickier at shopping when its their own money.  We were in Walmart for 2 grueling hours.  Only 4 of them spend their full amount. The rest will go again in Birmingham.
While it is true that not all Christians are called to adopt, they are all called to visit.  Was reminded of that this weekend.  I was also reminded that those who are called to adopt, will be provided for financially by the God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills. 
The kids miss "home".  The one in Birmingham.  Bittersweet.