Adios, My Little Brother

In the fall of 2012 God brought a wonderful new addition to the Bushlack family.  We had no idea at the time how blessed we would be when Mom and Dad opened their home and hearts to Adonis, a student from Nicaragua who was part of Kirkwood's SEED program.  From the very beginning Adonis was a natural part of our lives, enjoying our children, hugging with no hesitation and jumping into conversations to practice his English as much as he could.  I remember none of us were really sure how it would be hosting someone from a different country who spoke a different language.

Two Christmas', lots of hugs and time spent together, and we find ourselves at Mom and Dad's again tonight, only this time looking back over the last couple of years and being happy for Adonis but sad for us because he is going back to Nicaragua on Thursday.  He is excited to get back home so as he said tonight 50/50 happy to go back but sad to leave.  Well, it is 100% sad for me...there will be an empty place at Grand Central without him here.

Our kids have talked about how much it would cost for all of us to fly to Nicaragua and visit him.  Then they have looked at a map and told me that since there isn't an ocean between us, we could maybe drive.  Hmmm, not so much.  It will be sad to miss a part of our family, and how amazing it is to open our hearts and be blessed with a true family member in Nicaragua.  It's a small world after all.

There will now be a young man going back to Nicaragua who fits the description of "brother" right along with the ones who were born into my family and the one who married into my family.  He joins them as the brother who grew into my heart.  Adonis, best blessings to you and the future ahead.  I am so thankful for the internet and the fact that we can all still feel close.  I am proud of how you have mastered the English language and all of the things that you have learned and will share when you return home.  Adonis has a huge heart and a desire make a difference in the world.  I am certain that he will.  He sure has in this little corner of Iowa!