Lessons in Grace, Mercy and Forgiveness

"...Not knowing what I was once again called to the school to discuss, I opened the door to the greatest challenge yet. There stood a little girl holding two long braids in her hand, sobbing. The look on the faces of the teacher, principal, mother of the little girl, and my son said it all. This was not exactly to be a moment of joy..."Petra has written to share the story of raising and loving her adopted drug baby. In her words, it is "about tough experiences, great joys, humor (after the fact), and God's immeasurable grace." She says, "Grace is a word best explained by experience." It is a word she understands and lives more clearly because of the road she has traveled. Her goal is to share these experiences with the hope that it may help someone else along the way."When the cutest little, curly-headed boy with big, bright eyes and eyelashes to match, loaded with a sailor's vocabulary, marched onto my sister's lawn all of our lives changed. Add his adorable, precocious little sister and life became quite the ride. Filled with what we call "Movie Moments" - situations that are so embarrassing or awkward that they become hilariously funny - my sister's story shows her compassion, humor, strength and boundless ability to love. Winsome, heart-wrenching, encouraging, vulnerable, more kind and generous than I would be, she gives a rare glimpse into life with a drug and fetal alcohol syndrome child. When Petra walks in the fun begins - enjoy the ride!It is a humbling and entertaining privilege to be the sister - I love you.Well done, good and faithful servant." (Anne Murphy) Petra Cole is a happily married mother of two grown children, and currently makes her home in Oregon. She is passionate about her love for the Lord, her family, and reaching out to others in His name.