Completely nonhumorous reflections

Hi everyone. I'd like to update you on some things and explain my absence (physically and let's be honest, humorously)....

First, you may recall my sister in law Becky, who survived a massive and unexpected heart attack days after giving birth to her fourth child two years ago. Well, as fate would have it, she got pregnant again, and despite being told she should have an abortion by all sorts of medical people (not quite everyone, but lots), she did not: she carried the pregnancy through and now we have my newest nephew and future godson, Henry. (Amen, people!) Since the condition that caused the heart attack two years ago spikes with pregnancy hormones, she is in a danger zone right now, coming down from all those pregnancy hormones. Although she has beaten the odds, we would all appreciate prayers for her for a couple more weeks, that she would stay well. She has some beautiful reflections and pictures of baby Henry at her blog, if you want to pop over and send encouragement.

Second, the adoption process. Most of you know we are trying to adopt Alex, a 5 yr old boy with special needs, from Eastern Europe. We are close, very close to being done with paperwork--in fact, I thought we were done with the dossier, sent and everything, but then the fun-lovin' bureaucrats Alex's home country asked for three more documents. They are getting worked on. But soon. We hope to travel in March and I will be there three weeks (my husband slightly less). This adoption has felt a lot like a first trimester pregnancy, in that, I'm jittery (about the process, not the adoption itself): I don't like to share I am pregnant until 12 weeks, just in case I miscarry, and have to break bad news to everyone. Well, although most adoptions in Alex's home country are going well enough, a few have had some unnerving things happen, things we can't prevent (that is, not to do with our facilitators). So, I've been working on this a lot--almost every night for weeks--but not talking about it too much. Besides, there isn't much to say. Most people are asking at this point, do you know how he is doing in the mental institution (which he is in because the country places orphaned children with special needs there)? And the answer is no, we don't. We pray every day for him. But we don't know. So there isn't much to say, other than it is stressful. The adoption process is progressing, and we want it to be done.

Third, I am writing a whopper Theology text on Theology of the Body. It's very interesting and absorbing but I am under a real deadline here--I need most (let's say 3/4) done before we leave for Alex's country in order to get the book done this year. I'm 1/2 done writing a draft, and back into research. But all the research and writing is taking time to digest--I feel like I'm "chewing on it" from the time I step out of my office until the morning when I get back at it. It's not bad but absorbing, as I said.

Fourth, we're trying to rearrange the cramped house for more on pennies, trying to learn some Russian, my husband is up to his eyeballs in volunteer responsibilities, we have four kids. I'm not getting enough sleep. Life is busy.

Fifth, I'm not sure I can be funny about life in the Catholic Church right now. I've had a lot of ideas for potential posts, but no real time to develop them, and no real desire. It's probably just that I am really, really exhausted, and the things that get to me, instead of turning them upside down and presenting perspective through humor, I just sit and feel flat. I don't have the energy to puncture pretentiousness and provide a truthful lens. Which is too bad for me, because I enjoy doing this as a form of therapy and fun. You guys, probably no great loss. :-)

This is all to say I am, of necessity, taking a break. Prayers for Becky and prayers for our adoption process, and Alex, would be most appreciated. Maybe you can slide in a prayer for me and sic too. Thanks for reading and check back sometime...I do intend this to be a temporary break.

IC

p.s. Good reading while I'm gone: The Amused Catholic Ezine is a collection of mostly humorous blog posts....