Adoption thoughts

The other day I had the opportunity to give a presentation about my vocation as a Pediatric Chaplain. During the obligatory meet and greet, the conversation about children came forth. With joy I proclaimed we were adopting from China in just a few short weeks. While there was much affirmation, one gentleman stood silent. After others departed, he said, "I never know what to say, when I hear about adoption. You see," he continued, "I too am adopted, my parents told me that I was adopted when I was 11 years old, and from then on I was on a quest, to find my mother. I had been told numerous stories about when I was adopted, that ranged from 6 weeks to 6 months of age, and a variety of locations. Many years have passed, but I now know my roots, and there is a completness in my soul." Tears are welling in my eyes as I listened and thanked him for his openness and willingness to share his journey.

While adoption brings an abundance of excitement, joy, and love, we cannot forget that adoption is born out of grief and loss. It takes the ultimate sacrifice to give one's child to another mother. Certainly legal requirements, resource availibity, or the lack of a support system may have all contributed to the decision. But while there is a great deal of "pretty in pink" ahead in our lives, gray and black are not far away.

Care Package

What would you do if you received a care package from a complete stranger? How would you respond? Would you receive it in love no questions asked? This past week, Mike and I sent a care package to our daughter in China. Options for content were endless: camera, film, clothes, baby blanket, goodies, toys, all of the necessities you might say. Our emotions were filled with joy and love...until we got to writing the letter. An intriguing concept to write a letter to your daughter, someone you have never met, love with all of your soul and have been planning to meet for the last 5 years. I found myself, "wondering what in the world are we going to say to her? " Thankfully we utilized the wisdom of others, as we thanked her caretakers, and vowed to give her a different way of life.

Emily, we love you and we will fill you with hugs and kissess on Valentines day.

Merry Christmas

Last weekend we gathered as a family to celebrate Christmas . All of the stockings were hung on the chimney with care. However this year a pink baby stocking adorned center stage. Our motions ranged from great joy to a deep longing for our daughter to be home with us on this her first Christmas. Apparently Lindsey, my niece had the following conversation with my mother, "the baby will need a stocking too!" We honor our daughter and celebrate her gift to our lives. Merry Christmas baby!!

Final Stage

We have received our visa for travel to China. This is most exciting, as we are entering into the final stage of our adoption journey. Our documents indicate that we must be in country prior to February 23, 2011. We are one phone call away from America World, which will inform us of when we officially travel. Thanks be to God!!

Happy Birthday

Perhaps you've wondered why ladybugs are considered lucky in the China adoption community. We have too, and found out that though ladybugs are red, (the good luck color in China), the root of this belief is not found in Chinese culture.

In the late 1990's in southern China, international adoption programs began growing rapidly as people learned of the many benefits of Chinese adoption. One Fall the ladybug (Chinese beetle) population grew unusually large in Guangzhou, China. Guangzhou is a necessary stop for all Americans, Brits, Australians and Canadians adopting from China. (The city houses many Consulate-General offices.) This large ladybug population explosion was thought to be a lucky omen for the many adopting families flowing into China.

From this incident the legend has grown, so that now ladybugs represent happy adoptive families being united with beautiful children in China. Additionally, on Shamian Island in Guangzhou, there is a very special shop a shop catering to adoptive families called The Ladybug Corner

At times over the past weeks, this is a very fitting image. Who knew adopting a baby would require so much paperwork. Acceptance letters, visa forms, travel options, passports, just to name a few. I think we are nearly completed, obviuosly we are not complaining, as all of these steps are necessary for our trip to bring our daughter home. But, we are close friends with Fed-Ex, Staples, and the Copy Machine

The first time ever I saw your face

After years of waiting, on November 1st, at 11:00am, our long awaited phone call came!! This is our beautiful daughter. She was born on March 23, 2010, and found on the steps on an orphanage on March 24, 2010. She is an extroverted healthy girl, who likes music, and cries when she doesn't get her way!!

We have experienced a blizzard of paperwork, time consuming, but all steps moving towards bringing our baby girl home. Words cannot express our love for her, our family and friends. We are so blessed to be surrounded by an amazing community as we are in our final stages of this adoption journey.