An Experience I Won't Soon Forget...

Recently while training for the Ironman World Championship I had a great experience. I started the day leaving my house at 5am for a 112 mile ride with my good friend Derek Morris. It was pitch black when we left and I was reminded of what it was like training earlier this spring when the temps were still cold in the morning. That cold air was back in full force.

We rode for about an hour and a half before we started to see the familiar sunrise sneaking over the horizon. What a welcome sight! The ride was going well, but I found myself more hungry than normal. Luckily I had packed extra nutrition this go around because I knew the small town we were going to fill up our water bottles at may not have what I like to use. The chocolate peanut butter Powerbar I had early was a welcome sight followed by a green apple Powergel hit the spot.

We followed the Snake River for much of our ride. The wind was a non factor and the morning sun was very nice. It's nice getting to ride with someone who is a good rider. It helps keep the pace where it should be as well as makes the miles fly by.

Around 65 miles in I was feeling good, but I could feel this weeks workouts catching up to me. My long rides typically take place on a Saturday which means I had an entire weeks worth of miles under me. Derek got a second wind and pulled ahead around mile 90. Not wanting to lag behind I picked up the pace as well. We finished strong. Final stats were 112 miles biked, 132 average heart rate, 196 avg watts, 91 avg cadence, 19.9 mph avg.

Upon making it back home I went and put my running shoes on to finish up my workout. I knew I needed 5.5 miles to reach my weekly goal of 40 miles ran. I took off from my house and there was nothing left in my legs. It was a little frustrating because I had completed 2 century rides the previous 2 weeks and had great runs afterwards. I ran maybe a quarter mile and decided I needed to head back. I took a turn down a street that would have circled back to my house. At the moment when I needed to turn right to my front door step, I felt like I needed to go left and keep going. One mile I told myself, just one mile. I grinded through that mile and instead of turning back I told myself, just go to the end of the street, then we'll head for home. The end of the street came and went and I kept going. I had two more Powergels, one tangerine and one green apple and started to feel my legs coming back to me. My pace picked up and I continued on. Right about this moment the song "I Can Only Imagine" by Mercy Me came on my IPOD. Not my normal running music, but I liked the change. I remembered back to last November when Andrea and I first found Reece's Rainbow. We actually made a video about our desire to help these children with "I can only imagine" as the theme song. You can watch that video HERE.

I felt a huge sense of gratitude come over me that I get to be out on the road at that time battling through this wall because ultimately I was getting to do it for the kids.

I looked down at my watch and saw mile 4 just turned into mile 5. What originally was "I can't even run a mile" has now turned into 5. This was not something I did on my own, it was because of the cause that I get to race for. I've learned this through experience. If I was training for Kona for my own purposes, I would have turned back long ago. Because I get to race for these kids, it allows me to take the selfish side out of it and focus on them. In the end, it makes me a better triathlete.

My pace was the fastest it had been on the entire run. My legs felt great and my confidence to toe the line in Kona was never higher. It was the kids that made this possible. It was these orphans with Down syndrome that gave me the opportunity to get to do this. I'm normally a pretty low key individual with emotions rarely on the surface. This moment was different. Tears streamed down my face thinking about just how lucky I am to get to swim, bike and run these kids to their forever families.

The week ended strong. 7,750 yards swam, 194 miles biked, 41.3 miles ran for Orphans with Down Syndrome.

What a Week!

We spent the week in Utah.  I had to work in our Utah offices so I decided it would be great to have my family come along.  Andrea could spend time with our extended family and we could spend time together in the evenings.  It worked out great! 

One huge piece of news from the week is one of our dear little RODS Orphan Megan has a new picture.  Megan is one of the original children that Andrea and I chose to fund raise for when we first found Reece's Rainbow last November.  Megan currently has $24,055 in her adoption account and is soooo ready for a family to commit to her.  Here's the original picture of Megan when we chose her.

After a month or so of fundraising, Megan got a new profile picture.  Here it is:

Then just recently we have this one of her!  How awesome is that!

As you can see, she is getting excited to meet her new family!

Another great experience we had this week came just yesterday.  First thing Friday morning we received a call from Andrea's Grandma and Grandpa Allen.  They live in Brigham City and invited our family to attend the Brigham City Temple open house.  We didn't think we were going to be able to attend this because it actually doesn't open to the public until the 18th and we would be home by then.  Because they had been volunteering leading up to the open house, they allowed all of the volunteers families to come see the temple today.  Awesome!

Before I go into our experience, here is a 3 minute video that explains why I feel that the temple is such a special place.

There are 130 LDS temples throughout the world.  Each time that a temple is built, there are a few weeks that the temple is open to the public to tour.  This is an opportunity for anyone to visit and see what the inside of a temple looks like and learn about what takes place there.

As Andrea and I and our three children entered the temple I felt a peace come over me.  It had been a crazy day so far.  I got up early, rode 100 miles, then had to hurry and pack so we could make our way back to Boise.  Those feelings of "hurry up" left me and I began to recognize just how blessed I am.  We made our way to each room as the tour guide explained what each room was for.  This particular temple has 3 different levels or stories.  As we progressed upward, that special spirit began to grow.  Our children grew more calm and my gratitude became even more present.  The tour ended in a beautiful room that is called the Celestial Room.  We sat down for a few minutes as a family.  I looked at each one of my children and my beautiful wife.  Nash was sitting on my lap.  We kept making eye contact and smiling speaking to each other without using words.  I consider those few moments among my most cherished moments of my life. 

Andrea and I were married in the Logan Temple in June of 2002.  Another word used for "married" that Mormon's commonly use is "Sealed".  The word sealed is used to better describe our belief that when a man and woman are married in the temple, this unity does not end at death, but is carried on forever.  In other words, we believe that families are eternal and can be together forever. 

In that moment when I was there with my family, I felt in my heart that this sacred promise is indeed true.  Families can be together forever.

After leaving the temple we saw Andrea's Grandma Beth working diligently to prepare all of the refreshments for those who just left the temple tour.  I'm very thankful for their service which in turn gave us the opportunity to enjoy this experience as a family.

1st Annual RODS Racing "Race for Maggie"

Since forming RODS Racing, we have been kicking around the idea of holding a race as a way to create awareness and funding for one of the children we are advocating for.  The task seemed daunting to say the least.  Then I had a great experience.

Early one morning at the beginning of the summer I was out running.  It was just getting light and as I was coming down Linder road.  I was surprised to see another runner coming up the road the other way.  Then I saw another.  After another few seconds more runners came.  There must have been 25 plus that morning running together.  As we passed I was inspired by this group.  You could tell they were all doing their best making their way up Linder hill and getting a good workout.  I wondered who had organized the group and what their plans were.  Then I saw my answer.  In the very back shouting words of encouragement I saw Angela Redding. 

Angela lives in my neighborhood and is infamous for "getting things done".  She has created a reputation that whenever somebody has a big project, they call on Angela for help.  I once participated in an "Amazing Race" throughout Boise with 15 other couples all organized by Angela.  Andrea and I once had an amazing evening along with a dozen other couples filled with Five Guys burgers and high speed Nascar go carts for the guys and a stretch limo, incredible hors d'oeuvres, and roses for the gals.  We all met up in the end for a live concert by Tyler Stenson all for a whopping cost of $30 a couple and all pulled off by Angela.  Remember the RODS Racing event with the Snow Shack, yep, the brainchild of Angela.  So when I saw this running group that morning I wasn't surprised to see it was organized by Angela. 

I spoke with her later that day and told her my idea about organizing a race for the RODS orphan.  She had actually organized a small race for the running group the year before that turned out amazing.  She thought about it a day or two and called me back ready to make this happen.  We've been working out the details this summer and are ready to roll! 

We're fortunate that this event will not only be a great fundraiser for Maggie, our current RODS Orphan, but it will also serve as the Eagle Scout project for two youth in our neighborhood, Matthew Hansen and Spencer Nelson.  We are lucky to have them helping us out. 

Our plan is get our feet wet this year and learn the ropes with all of the permits, etc that are required.  Our goal is to have 100-150 runners participate.  We'll be having a few different events that day, a 5k, 10k and Half Marathon as well as a 1 mile kids fun run.  We want to keep the registration fee as low as possible at $20 per person for the 5k, 10k, and Half and $5 per person for the kids fun run.  We also provide will provide race entries for the entire family for $50.  All of the 5k, 10k and Half participants will receive a RODS Racing shirt in their race packet. 

The event will be held on September 8th.  You can read more as well as register online by going to the RODS Racing website. 

All proceeds will be going towards the adoption costs of Maggie.  Sponsors will be huge in helping with the costs to make sure we can donate as much as possible to Maggie.  If you are interested in learning about the different levels of sponsorship available, please contact me.  You're company logo will be on the Race T as well as be given other advertising opportunities. 

Special thanks to everyone helping to make this a great first event!  We hope to see you there.

Potty Training, Ironman Training and Parent Training

First and foremost, I apologize for my tardiness in updating my blog.  My goal is to update it once a week which I will continue to shoot for.  The title of my post pretty much sums up the last few weeks.  It's been an adventure to say the least.

First off, Ironman training.  I started out the year going strong knowing that St. George was only a short 4 months away.  St. George came and went and then our big adventure with Kona Inspired came about.  I didn't slow down in my training and have kept at it 6 days a week since January.  I don't remember the last day that I didn't at least swim, bike or run except for Sundays.  Most days I do at least 2 disciplines and some days it's all 3.  This training has been rigorous to say the least.  Last week alone I trained 19 hours with my totals being: swimming 7800 yards, biking 184 miles and running 43 miles.  I've got my routine down pretty well now.  Bedtime is 9:30pm, I wake up at 4:30 and am out the door by 5:00.  It's getting lighter much later now so every morning I get to watch a complete sunrise which is a highlight.  Usually when I get on my bike that early my legs are tired from the previous days workout.  I'm kinda sleepy and wouldn't call myself "chipper" by any means.  I ride for 45 minutes or so with my headlamp then that ever faithful sun creeps over the mountain.  By the time I'm an hour plus into it I'm feeling good.  The endorphins kick in and my pace picks up.  That thought of "what in the heck am I doing this early in the morning" is replaced by "I'm glad I'm doing this, it feels great!"  I like to jump off my bike and go for a little jog.  The air is still crisp and the smell of fall is just around the corner.  My running route takes me through the edge of golden wheat fields and tall corn stalks.  This is soooo much better than running on a treadmill in the winter when theres snow on the ground.  I've grown to love the feeling of pushing myself.  Once my training for the morning is done, I'm meticulous about stretching and using the foam roller to roll out the aches and pains.  I've learned the hard way that you have to take the time to do this every single workout or I will get injured. 

All of this fun in the wee morning hours is something I do alone most of the time.  Not necessarily by choice, but I don't mind getting to go at it alone.  Last Saturday I did get to ride with my good friend Doug.  We left at 4:30am and rode 104 miles.  As I write that I shake my head because I realize how stupid that would have seemed to me a few years ago, but believe it or not, it was a lot of fun.

As I ride and run, I often times think of the kids we are racing for.  I've had Maggie on my mind a lot lately.  We don't know a lot about her except that she's been transferred to an institution.  We don't know how bad her circumstances are or what her health is like right now.  That goal of $15,000 can't come soon enough.  We're nearing $11,000 but still have some work to do.

Now onto the entertaining part, potty training.  We decided to potty train Nash and Ridge this week.  Day 1 started Monday with 30 pairs of "big boy undies".  By the time I got home from work at 5:30 we were down to 5.  I took over for 30 minutes while Andrea ran some errands.  There were 2 accidents.  I don't know how Andrea has the patience to endure this all day.  A full Ironman has nothing on the mental fortitude that she must face each day trying to get these boys to do their business in the potty.

The pinnacle came Tuesday night.  I had to run over to a families house in our neighborhood for a few minutes.  I left at 8:31pm and was back at 9:03.  In the span of 32 minutes all heck broke loose.  Nash had an accident (number 1) right after I left in the kitchen while he was eating some cereal.  He decided he would try and hide it by moving the kitchen stool over the mess.  In doing so he slipped in the wet mess and hit his head on the edge of the kitchen stool cutting open his eye.  Andrea comes in to find a bloody and wet mess of Nash laying on the floor.  It gets better.  Ridge heard the commotion and came running in to investigate.  Andrea had Nash over the sink trying to stop the bleeding so Ridge pulled the kitchen stool over to the sink and was standing on it checking out his bleeding brother.  Andrea looked over at Ridge and saw that he was peeing all over while watching Nash.  Andrea in a surprised voice told him he was peeing.  It surprises Ridge and he jumps off the stool and slips on his own pee, smacking his head on the ground.  So now she has two crying kids and two messes to clean up. 

Hold on, it gets better.  Andrea cleans the boys up and takes them up stairs to watch a show while she cleans up the mess downstairs.  While she's downstairs cleaning the mess she hears Nash say, "Oh no!"  She looks up the stairs to see Nash holding what we later find out is Ridge's pooh in his hand trying to help clean up his brothers recent mess.  I thought that was really cute even if it was kinda gross.  Andrea goes up stairs only to find Ridge did his number 2 business on the carpet in front of the TV and had it all over him.  Nash had it all over him from trying to help his brother out.  She then puts both of them in the tub and gets them all cleaned up.

Right about this time Brynlee and I came strolling through the door happy as clams after our little visit with the neighbors.  I go up stairs only to see the mess at the top of the stairs.  Then I see Nash's eye.  Then, in what seemed like the slow motion you see in the movies when someone doesn't dare turn to look at his sure death, I slowly turned to look at Andrea.  I was sure that she would have a look that would turn me to stone or cause me to go into convulsions or something horrible like that.  We made eye contact and she smiled.  The kind of smile that says, "you are never going to believe what just happened".  Hats off to her.  I honestly don't know how she is so patient.  Had this happened to me I would have called 911 and then crawled into the fetal position hoping the authorities arrived soon. 

So that brings me to my last training I'm experiencing and that is parent training.  The only bad thing about this training is it seems to be a "teach yourself as you go" type of training.  I've learned that there's not a manual because every kid would require their own 12 volume set because they are all different.  The crazy thing is what might work for one is the complete opposite for the other.  Don't let me fool you though, I love it.  I wouldn't trade being a parent to these 3 rug rats for anything and I know Andrea shares the same sentiments. 

We're having a great time watching the Olympics the last few days and we can't wait for the fair coming up.  Brynlee can't wait to see if Harley the Hog has gotten even fatter than last year.  I may need to take a break from counting calories the day we go though.  I'm not sure my "caloric intake" would approve of the 4 corn dogs and bag of cotton candy I'm going to have! 

Reece's Rainbow Reunion

Today Andrea and I made our way to Washington D.C. for the National Down Syndrome Conference.  Upon checking in at the hotel we both looked at each other and said, "we should have brought the kids."  There were lots of families in the lobby with lot's of kids and lot's a special little children with Down syndrome.  There are also many teens and adults attending the conference who have Down syndrome.  We felt right at home and enjoyed that special feeling that always comes when in the presence of those who have Down syndrome.

After dropping our bags off at our room we hurried out the  door to what I considered "The Main Event".  We were on our way to the Reece's Rainbow Family Reunion.  Upon arriving at the restaurant I began to meet many people I had become friends with on Facebook, but had never had the privilege of meeting.  It was there where I was privileged to finally meet Andrea Roberts.  It was great to get to visit with her.  She has a light in her eyes and a determination in her character that you immediately pick up on when talking with her.  It's hard to grasp just how much of an impact she has had on hundreds of children and families. 

After sitting down, we started to visit with many of the other family's in attendance.  Each of them had all of their children there, many of which had Down syndrome.  It was fun to visit and see that similar sparkle in each of their eyes that I saw in Andrea's.  After visiting for  a few minutes the conversations would turn to their children.  It was then that it really hit me.  Most of these children were adopted and essentially rescued from a life of much difficulty and trial.  They now have a Mom and Dad that love them dearly.  It's one thing to imagine these children with their loving parents, but it's very real when you see it first hand with your own eyes.  They are part of a family now with big brothers and sisters and someone who will tuck them in at night and read them bedtime stories.  Someone they can depend on. 

One story stood out the most to me.  An awesome family with 2 little girls with Down syndrome shared about their "gotcha" day for one of their girls.  They woke up that morning full of anticipation and excitement.  They decided that such a day should be celebrated so they planned to bring chocolate and other goodies to the orphanage to share with everyone.  The previous days when they would visit their little girl they felt that those at the orphanage were very cold and it was possible that they didn't necessarily have the children's best interest at heart.  Upon arriving at the orphanage, one of the workers brought their little girl into the waiting room dressed in only a diaper.  The worker handed them their girl and turned around and walked out.  That was it.  No good-byes, no hugs or tears.  They left the gifts on the table and left the orphanage, never looking back.  I can't help but think of the other children that are there right now enduring the circumstances.

Not everyones story was this way.  In fact, many parents spoke of the genuine care and love that many of the workers at the orphanage have for the children.   Nevertheless, nothing will take the place of a mom's touch in comforting her child.

After dinner I left feeling a strong feeling of gratitude.  Gratitude that I get to be a part of this.  Gratitude that I am Nash's father and that he is my son.  Gratitude for the progress that has been made and the many plans for the upcoming months and years of service on behalf of the children. 

It's going to be a great weekend!


Here's a picture I got to take with the one and only Reece!

Maelie and my visit to a Peruvian orphanage

I'm back from Peru and enjoying the time with family and at work.  Although I'm back from Peru, my mind continues to wonder back to the experiences I had there.  Since 1999, Peru has been a place that I have felt is my home away from home.  I feel like I grew from a boy to a man there while serving a two year LDS mission from 1999 to 2001.  The lessons learned and experience gained while serving a mission for my church built a foundation for my life.  Many of the special things that are taking place at the moment with RODS Racing and Reece's Rainbow stem back to the time spent in the streets of Peru sharing a message very close to my heart.

Seven days into my trip I visited a Peruvian orphanage.  The morning started with me and one of my dear friends from Peru, Martin Ortiz, waking up early to get ready for the day.  I went outside hoping to beat some of the ever present traffic for a morning run.  I wasn't early enough.  An endless sea of yellow taxi's bustled through the streets of Chiclayo.  Combi music blaring from their radio's as the taxi drivers aggressively scoped the streets in hope of their next cab fare.  I decided to still give the run a try.  I found a little park that I could make loops around kind of like a hamster running on it's little exercise wheel in a cage.  It was humid and the air smelled Peruvian.  Lot's of auto exhaust, some garbage from the previous days pedestrians and of course the burning oil from the street vendors frying up a variety of different foods.  I didn't wear my running watch because this was a part of town that it could easily get stolen.  As I ran, I wondered what the day had in store.  I wasn't necessarily prepared, but I knew I was excited to forge on.

We piled into a Colectivo Taxi, which is nothing more than a special word for "get as many people in the car as possible".  Martin and I luckily got the coveted front seat with the driver.  Three passengers up front is always better than 4 to 5 in the back.  Just like that we were off to Ferrenafe to find this orphanage I had traveled to another country to see.  I've found that Peru is a lot like camping.  Everything is different than your used to.  You have all your basic necessities taken care of to survive, but a lot of times you have to improvise.  It's kind of dirty and you smell funny, but at the end of the day, it's a ton of fun! 

The drive was enjoyable.  Farmers out working their fields, by hand of course, along with many tree's and open landscape.  It was nice to escape the city hustle and bustle of Chiclayo.  I was kind of nervous and I wasn't sure why as we entered the quiet little town of Ferrenafe.  Within minutes we had found the orphanage.  It was on a dirt road in a quiet part of town.  Just a few stray dogs wandering the streets and us.  We knocked on the door and waited.  A small window on the door opened just like when Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz visits the Emerald City.  A nun peered through the small window and asked what we needed.  I found myself quickly falling all over my words.  "I'm here from the United States to see the kids" I blurted out.  She smiled and asked us to wait.  We had spoken to the head nun the day before.  She knew we were coming.  She also knew that we had asked about one child in particular.  A little girl with Down syndrome that I had seen on Reece's Rainbow.

After a short wait, the head nun opened the door and greeted us.  She had a very warm yet piercing look in her eyes.  It seemed that she immediately discerned simply by looking at us that we were there with good intentions.  She had us sit in the waiting room as she went to find the little girl I had asked about.  The orphanage was clean.  There was a good feeling there.  I knew that these kids were loved and were given the structure they deserved, but in the back of my mind I also knew that they all did not have parents to call their own.  So far, my experience in helping orphans has been running triathlons and doing work from behind a computer screen.  It was one thing to see pictures of orphans, but it was a whole different ball game actually being in their home. 

After a few moments, out walked the head nun.  She was carrying Maelie.  I had to look away because the tears were coming fast.  I composed myself and walked up to them.  She was so beautiful.  Her hair was short and dark.  The look in her deep dark eyes was pure innocence.  She wasn't afraid at all.  She had a curious look on her face as she looked at Martin and I.  Then came that smile.  Her smile made your heart skip a beat.  She was such a happy little girl.  I held her and she kept smiling and touching my face.  She probably hasn't seen a lot of tall white guys before.  We sat down and I held her towards the ground to see if she could stand on her own.  Not only did she stand but she took off running and giggling.  The nun had to chase her down!  It was hilarious!

After spending some time with Maelie, we went and visited the other children.  There were 32 in all.  It's remarkable how resilient children are.  There they are in an orphanage with no parents, yet they were all smiles.  They were supposed to be taking a nap so they were all in their own cribs.  We would peak through the door and they all stopped what they were doing and stared at us like they had been caught red handed with their hand in the cookie jar.  They were the most darling little kids I've seen!

The facilities in the orphanage were great.  It was comforting to see this.  We stopped one last time to visit with Maelie and that was the end of our visit.  The nuns were all getting ready for their lunch and it was time for the kids to take a nap.  As I left the orphanage, I longed to go back.  I knew I would regret not spending more time there, but I also knew I couldn't stay there too long as my emotions were so close to the surface.  Martin and I walked in silence back to where we would take a taxi.  I kept looking back to catch one last glimpse as we walked down the dusty roads of Ferrenafe. 

That was almost a week ago.  Many times throughout the day images of these children flash through my mind, especially Maelie.  The feelings and desire to help these children and all the others are ever present.  Visiting this orphanage made our cause very real.  I need to find a family for this little girl.  She would be such a blessing to a family.  There is something different about her.  I could see it in her eyes and felt it when I was holding her.  She deserves a good family and a good family deserves her.

 

Rosario Bazan, Lessons From a Leader

For the last week I have been in Trujillo, Peru.  I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to accompany the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business students from Utah State University on a SEED project that has been in the works since 2007.  The university has teamed up with the company Danper to work with some of the local Peruvians on helping design, fund, and grow small business'.  Danper is a giant among companies in Peru, focusing their efforts on growing and exporting many different agricultural products to different countries.  They became involved with this project as a way to give back to the community.  The students, faculty and businessman from Logan and Utah State are all first class.  I've been lucky to get to associate with them this week.

Tonight I had a special experience.  We went to Danper and met with their founder and President, Rosario Bazan.  I have heard much about Rosario since becoming involved in the SEED program at Utah State.  Tonight was my first time visiting with her in person.  I now know first hand why she is successful.

As I listened to Rosario talk, I couldn't help but think of one of my favorite business books, Good to Great.  A part of this book analyzes the characteristics of the CEO's of the most successful companies in the U.S. They refer to these leaders as level 5 leaders.  What may be surprising is these leaders are not "larger than life" personalities.  These are very humble, but driven leaders.  They are filled with an overriding desire to do what is right, and to do that 100% of the time.  Their focus is on the well being of not just their company, but the people who they employ, and the community as a whole.  Rosario Bazan encompasses all of these characteristics. 

She shared with us a recent experience she had.  She just finished a successful campaign to become the first woman president in the 110 year history of the Chamber of Commerce here in Trujillo.  Trujillo is the 3rd largest city in all of Peru.  There was much adversity in her campaign, including some harsh criticism from previous presidents.  The criticism didn't just come as a result of Rosario being the first woman president, but more so because they knew that she wouldn't allow the ever present corruption that has filled the chamber over the previous years.  Everyone knows where she stands in regard to adhering to ethical business practices. 

Throughout the campaign, she wondered if this was worth the effort.  Besides, she was the president of a major company.  In one of the darkest moments, she found herself visiting with her 16 year old daughter one evening.  Her daughter gave her some very wise counsel.  She said that this was something that she had to do.  She had to stand up for what is right and not allow the harsh criticism of those not wanting Rosario as president to overcome her.  This wasn't easy, but she had to do it because it was the right thing to do!  It was the needed words of encouragement to help Rosario push forward.  She ended up receiving 80% of the votes when the election was all said and done!

This reminded me of many experiences I have been reading about from those affiliated with Reece's Rainbow.  Their efforts to help save a child with Down syndrome that otherwise doesn't have a chance are noble and courageous.  Yet their efforts at times are confronted with criticism and harsh adversity.  I know that no one takes more criticism than Reece's Rainbow founder Andrea Roberts.  However, just like Rosario, we all push forward together.  We know the work must be done because we know in our hearts that it is the right thing to do. 

Upon leaving Danper I saw this sign that all 6,000 of their employees see each and every day.  It reads, "Where a problem exists..., there is an opportunity to become better."  What wonderful counsel.  Anything that is worth doing is worth doing right.  Anything that is good will always be confronted by evil.  It is a law.  It has been this way since the beginning of time.  Our fight to protect the orphan, especially those children with special needs, is a noble endeavor but be prepared for adversity.  Use the adversity as an opportunity to become better.  It is a wonderful way to refine yourself and allow for personal growth as you fight for those who have no voice to their circumstances.  The result of children growing up in loving homes is well worth the battle.  And of course remember, that in the end, good always prevails over evil!