Filling Up

It's amazing how God's word can fill your soul up with gratefulness, strength, comfort and hope!  I was filled up and satisfied in God's word, his love and his grace today at church.  It was one of those days...one of those services and sermons that was speaking directly to me...every prayer, every hymn sung, every scripture read.  Let your light shine!!!

I've said it before, wished it upon others and have even written about it in my book.  We all should be so bold and confident in our gifts...given by God...to let our lights SHINE!!  Shine brightly!  Give into fear or work through it, don't be afraid to step outside your comfort box and take a risk or do something you've always wanted to do, OR do something you never thought you would do!  That's exactly what I did in writing and publishing my book.  It was never something I had always wanted to do (like so many), but something that God presented to me...the time, the ability and the courage...to share my story and hopefully make a difference in someone else's life.  To reach out to others...to hear their stories...to connect and appreciate each of our individual stories...that's the human experience and I'm grateful to God for allowing this to be a part of my journey.  There is still more to learn and grow from this journey, but sometimes I need the reminder of how far I've come, what I've accomplished and how I've actually made a difference.  I got that reminder at church today and it reignited my faith in God and the journey that I'm on...that sometimes I'm too hard on myself and that I need to remember to let my light shine!  Sometimes I think I prematurely dim my own light not to be noticed or to stand in the shadows, but God reminds me to live in his Glory and to stand proudly of who I am....not what I am, but who I am.  

Now that I've re-lit my fire, my goal is to get it burning brightly this week!  Half of the year is gone, but another half awaits!  What will you accomplish in the 2nd half of this year?  How brightly will you shine your light?  God's love is waiting to glow brightly from within you, so keep moving forward, believe in yourself and be kind to yourself!  Let your light SHINE!!  Blessings to you this week!

Coming up (part 2).....

Last time I shared some things that are coming up with the book and I just wanted to add onto that.  Next week I'm taking my first full week off in nearly 2 years (except for Christmas week, but that doesn't count).  I normally just take off a Friday or a Thursday/Friday, but I rarely take off a full week even though I should.  And, I desperately need it right now since we're halfway through the year!  Crazy...half the year is already over?!  How did that happen?  It really only feels like April or May to me.  But, here comes July!

But, even though I'm taking the full week off I'm not going anywhere.  So, does that count as vacation?  I guess it's a staycation, but I don't have much 'vacation' type things planned.  I'ts more "get my stuff in order" kind of week off....you know, work around the house, making appointments I've been putting off, and working on new opportunities to market my book!  That's a big one!  I want to spend several hours each day focused on marketing my book and finding new opportunities to either speak or reach out to new organizations.

So, if you know of or are involved with any organizations that support adoption or would be interested in hearing my story, please let me know.  I would love to reach out to them and find ways to share my story...either through an article, interview, presenting or doing a book signing.  So, email me at kimfenneman@gmail.com with your ideas and suggestions!  I would love to hear them!  And, they don't have to be in Texas or even in the United States.  I'm open to all suggestions!

Thank you for your insight and information!  And, I hope you're last few days of June (the first half of the year) are full of many blessings!

Sharing Our Stories...

Yesterday, my parents and two of my nephews attended my adoption agency's local area picnic.  It's a chance for local adoptees and their families to get-together, meet, catch up and share each other's stories with one another.  It was in danger of being cancelled, but I and another mother of two adopted children took the reins and got a location booked so that we could continue the fellowship with local adoptees.  I'm SO glad we did!

It was a warm and humid day, but the park had a splash pad right next to it so all the kids had a blast and were able to stay cool.  We had 24 families sign up that totaled around 85 people and I think we had at least 50+ people there, so it was a great turnout!  So many friendly faces and families that had great stories to tell of their adopted child or the child they are about to adopt.  And, SO many cute kids enjoying the games that my co-host organized for them to play which was great!  Yummy treats that many families brought were enjoyed by all and definitely plenty of water was consumed to try and stay cool.

If any of you know my mom she's a very friendly and social person.  She likes to talk to just about anyone!  She's the perfect welcoming committee for any event!  So, I walked around with her to almost every family to introduce ourselves and take a family picture of everyone so that we could record and share the fun and fellowship.  We met so many great people, their families, adult adoptees and obviously shared my story with them, as well.  It was really fun to hear each of their unique experiences around adoption, the challenges and struggles, and all the joys that has come into their lives.  It was a joyful and purposeful event and I'm grateful I was able to experience it and share it with others.

We got to catch up with a few people that we met at last year's picnic, a family that we actually had met at the Houston picnic a couple years ago and a dear friend and her husband that made the drive up from Houston for the event.  It was great to see them all!  We could all probably sit around and talk for days, but for the few short hours that we did spend together it was full of fun, laughter, advice, familiarity, sharing and an appreciation of the special bond we all share together.   That's what it's all about.

Ohhh, and I guess the breaking news....my oldest nephew NOW knows that I was born in S.Korea.  I always wondered when he would realize I don't look like everyone else in the family...and all that entails...all the questions and curiosity and how much would he understand about it at his age (which is now 8 years old).  He didn't seem all that concerned or confused about it.  He understand I was born in another country and that I came here when I was a baby, but no other broader questions that I thought he might ask.  Later, he did ask where my real mom and dad were and I told him I didn't know.  He asked if they were still alive and I told him I didn't know.  I think that satisfied him for now, but am anxious to see what questions he'll have next.  How he'll process it.  As for my 6 year old nephew that also came with us he didn't have any questions for me.  I don't think he really understands it yet and that's just fine with me.  He just sees me...his favorite auntie!

We all had a great time and enjoyed meeting so many new...and old...wonderful people!  Making connections and sharing our stories (no matter what your story is) is what makes human relationships so enjoyable and rewarding.  So, make a new connection this week!  See what new and wonderful ways it will blossom in your life!  Blessings to you this final full week of June!

Coming up...

Many of you have probably wondered what's been going on with the book since I haven't mentioned too much lately.  Well, this weekend my adoption agency is having their annual picnic here in the area.  I worked with another local person to help set it up.  I think it's going to be a great turn-out of local adoptees and their parents, along with adult adoptees.  Last year was the first year I was able to attend the event and it was a lot of fun meeting so many great people and families and hearing their stories!  All the kids were cute as could be and it was really nice to talk to some adult adoptees.  My parents really enjoyed meeting other parents, well.  So, I'm definitely looking forward to the event this weekend!

Then, the following week I'm giving my first presentation to a group of adoption professionals...those who work in an agency or support groups that deal with adoptions.  I need to start putting my thoughts down or at least an outline of what I'm going to talk about, but I'm really looking forward to hearing feedback from their perspective.  I've never really talked to any adoption professionals before, except for those that work at my adoption agency.  So, it will be very interesting to me to hear their input and experiences.  Wish me luck!

Other than that I don't have any official book signings booked right now, but hope to start getting some more scheduled soon.  I'm also looking to do some outside my immediate local area, so hopefully I can get some of those booked soon.  Stay tuned!  If you're interested in hosting a book signing or would like me to speak to a group, please contact me at kimfenneman@gmail.com.  I'd be happy to do it!

So, check out the post this coming Sunday to see how the picnic went on Saturday.  I'm sure I'll have some stories to tell!  Wishing you a blessed week!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there and especially to mine!  We took him to TopGolf this morning and let him break in his new hybrid club I got him and then back to my place for a healthy and hearty lunch that I cooked up yesterday!

I hope you all enjoy this special day for and with your dads today!  My dad is my rock and has always been there for me!  He does SO much for all of us and I truly don't know what I would do without him.  He has a generous heart, is always willing to help out anyone and does all the 'dirty' work no one else wants to do. I truly appreciate EVERYTHING he does...not only for me but for others, as well.  

Happy Father's Day!!  Have a blessed week ahead!

Pre-Lazy Days of Summer

I just realized I missed my regular post this past Sunday...sorry, all!  I guess the pre-lazy days of summer are already kicking in!  It's already starting to feel like it here in Texas with the heat cranking up into the mid-90's.  I'm not ready for the 100-degree temps yet!  

But, things have slowed down a bit...at work, with the book, life in general I guess.  No rushing here or there, no deadlines to meet, no book articles to write.  Maybe this is my vacation that I've been so desperately wanting in disguise...even though I technically haven't taken one yet this year!  It's time, though!  I feel it mentally, physically and some days emotionally.  Yes, vacations are MUCH needed necessities in our lives!  To wind down, relax, recharge, rejuvenate, and come back refreshed and ready to tackle life again!  So, I hope you've taken your much needed time to get away from the daily grinds of life...or at least have one planned very soon!  I'll get to it...sometime.

In the meantime, I hope you have fabulous and memorable summer vacations with your family...and that you are recharged to enjoy everyday life!  Each day is a blessing and I hope you see the gifts each day brings.  Blessings to you this week!

Posing as a Translator

Recently, I took my mom to the alteration shop I've used before and as we walked up to the store I turned around and told her "Don't be surprised...it's owned by Asians," smiling.  Assuming she had already made that assumption, I just wanted to make sure she knew since I knew what was coming...neither one of us would be able to fully and completely understand the conversation we were about to have.

So, as we walked in and rang the bell a middle-aged Asian woman came out from behind the curtain.  I had spoken to an older gentleman and lady before, so maybe they were her parents or aunt and uncle.  As she began speaking, her thick Asian accent came out and we both listened intently to try and understand everything she was saying.  My mom mentioned I was her daughter and had been there before, but the woman never asked where I was from or how I was her daughter.  She did ask a ton of questions, though..."What are you and mom doing today?  What is your dad doing today?  Why did you leave him behind?"  It was a lot of "What are you and mom" kinda questions, so I assumed she knew I was adopted without her asking us directly.

As she was pinning the right length on a dress and coat my mom was having altered she spoke continuously.  I would say I understood around 75% of everything she said, but there were several glances between my mom and I with confused faces.  There were a couple of times when I could totally understand what she said and looked excitedly at my mom to "interpret" (but basically repeat) what the woman had just said.  It was a bit comical if you had been standing there watching us.  But, we got through it OK and hopefully my mom's alterations come back looking as we had discussed...or what we think we discussed!  

Ohhh, just one of the many daily activities that we take with a grain of salt and find humor in...or at least I do!  It's why I wrote my book the way I did as it presents the numerous funny daily activities that I've encountered growing up.  So, if you haven't gotten your copy yet what are you waiting for?!  Go to www.kimfenneman.com NOW!!!

Blessings to you this first week of June!

'Almost' Half-year Mark

"This is the day the Lord hath made, let us be glad and rejoice in it."

It is the first day of June...half of the year is almost over...but we still have half the year left to write.  As the seasons change, how will your life change?  How will you overcome your current obstacle/challenge?  How will you celebrate your latest triumph?  How will you learn and grow into the next season?  What will you change?  What fear will you overcome?  What goal will you achieve?  What doubt will you see past?  

Throughout the next day, week, month...6 months...seek out love to carry you through.  First, love for yourself...it is sometimes the hardest to find and do.  We may always be the one showing love and support for others be rarely for ourselves.  We tend to beat ourselves up, even if we are motivated in some areas of our life there are other areas where self-doubt, shame, pride and ego get in our way.  Love yourself first!!

Blessings to you...for seeing who you truly are, living in that space with grace, dignity and self-acceptance, and sharing your gifts to others.