This is what Taiwan ROCks was all about. It brought together families who have experienced the ups and downs of international adoption. It gave children a chance to bond with others just like them. It gave moms and dads the opportunity to share their journeys and to make lifelong connections.
And it was thanks to these fabulous four ladies for making this dream a reality. Their hard work and awesome planning made this a weekend that we will never forget.
I finally got to meet Jules, who has become my dear, sweet friend through emails and FB. She introduced me to the wonderful world of BOWS for Lexie! And it was because of her, we took the plunge and booked our plane tickets back in January because I knew I couldn't pass up an opportunity to meet her. Thank you, Jules, for showing us a great time!! You and David took such great care of us and I'm just in awe of Miss Hayden!! Her stories kept me in stitches and she's not even 3!!
I also got to hug a real life angel!! I met Lisa through her blog and she is the most kindest and supportive person on the face of this earth! I'm so glad we were able to find the time to talk and catch up like old friends!! And I was finally able to give sweet Tyler a big hug! He is just the most darling little boy! We hope that we're able to attend ROCks next year in your home turf!!
I wasn't the only one who made lifelong friends! Lexie did a little socializing on her own. I might be biased, but these children are just adorable!!
The heartwarming moment of the evening was when the red balloons were being passed out. Each family wrote a wish and we released the balloons. It was a sight to see those red balloons going up into the sky.
It was a night filled with laughter and tears. It was an awesome feeling knowing that we all shared wonderful memories of Taiwan and that our children can form bonds with other children just like them.
This was a trip of a lifetime. I would highly recommend the next Taiwan ROCks which will be in Chicago next summer. I know if we have the means to go, we will be there also!
Oh, this was lovely and brought back all the fun! But truly its thanks to all of you who made the commitment and sacrifice to attend....I mean lordy girl, you guys flew from Hawaii!!! AND how thankful we are you did! I just wish we had been able to squeek out more time and hoping we can next year! I'm thinking you might need to come down a day or two early, get ourselves checked into that hotel.....we can swim, chat, shop, chat, sightsee, chat ~ hoping a few of us can!! Or maybe a day or two following ROCks!! :)
ReplyDeleteMissing you guys already....overjoyed with your recent tremendous news....I've still been so emotional from ROCks and this is simply the icing on the cake my friend!
And truly....thank you for the kind things you shared about me....except you truly ARE the angel of the bunch and I just feel lucky to have been able to share a hug and finally meet you all IRL!!
Hoping/fingers crossed/ and more that next year brings us back together again!
Love ya girl!
P.S. Meant to add that you are even more beautiful in real life too!!! AND look at me....hardly checking blogs anymore and then when I do, I clog up the comment section with all my stuff! LOL
ReplyDeleteHugs!! :)
girl it just would noth ave been the same without you guys there. To think that we met thru blogs and instantly connected. Your family is even MORE awesome than I could have even dreamt....we loved having you and wished we could have had you all weekend to ourselves.
ReplyDeleteI am going to have to work on getting some Winnie, TX rice to Eric!!!
Oh that sweet girl of yours is too, too much!! She is so little, but full of sweet and spry. She is perfectly made:)
You have no idea how happy I was to meet in real life, and you are such a beauty inside and out and so calm and lovely. It means so much to me that you took the leap of faith and came....I hope we have a lifetime of friendship and memories and our girls never remember not being friends.
Now we get to look forward to next little one to join your family....oh HAPPY day!! To watch you travel to Taiwan will be completely overwhelming and emotional. I could not be happier for you all!!!
Now I have got to get us booked to HI to visit!! PRONTO!!!!
Great pic of the balloons!! If only we could have done the lanterns(damn burn ban)
love ya girl
jules and hayden magee