Heaven has gained four precious angels, but we have lost their lights far too soon here on earth...

It is with a heavy heart that I make this post. In the midst of our joy in processing the adoptions of our little ones, a precious family has been lost from this world.

Laurel Constantinides was our beautiful social worker who brought joy to us and to everyone who knew her. She was a mommy to two beautiful China dolls and one South Korean princess. All four of them were taken suddenly last week in a flash flood in Wyoming. They leave behind a grieving father and husband who has lost his entire family. Funeral services were held today in Wyoming and a memorial service will be held here in the Springs on Wednesday.

The death of this precious family has hit me a bit harder than I expected. After all, Laurel was "just" our social worker, and I had never actually met her family. But those in the adoption world know that a good social worker can quickly become a dear friend.

When we were preparing for Laurel's first visit, I was fretting over what she would think of us. I especially worried about the fact that we had just died Bethany's hair purple. What would she write about us? Would we pass the inspection and be allowed to adopt? Or would she find us unacceptable?

Instead of a stuffy social worker, we met a beautiful soul who loved life and loved our family before she even knew us. She made our home study painless and we enjoyed every minute of the time we spent with her. Best of all...Laurel still had some remnants of blue that were slowly fading out of her bangs. We knew the moment we saw her that she was perfect for us.

It is impossible to imagine that she is no longer here on this earth. And the idea that her sweet girls went with her is overwhelming. Somehow, when we adopt from around the world, we allow ourselves to believe that our children have a higher purpose for their lives...that they have somehow been chosen to be great movers and shakers in the world. Such a loss threatens our faith and causes us to question God's true involvement in it all. Yet we know that God is not surprised by this...and that even this tragedy He can use for good. If only we could catch a glimpse of His bigger picture!

Our hearts break for Dr. Alex who is loved by everyone in his practice. Our prayers are with him as he puts the pieces of his life back together. May God hold Alex in His arms and comfort him in his grief.