Jaci's Story

Jad and I always knew we wanted a family. After several years of trying to conceive, and multiple failed infertility treatments, we turned to adoption. Looking back, the struggles were God's way of pointing us in the right direction...in His direction.

After much prayer, God led us to China. It is amazing how comfortable you are with an idea that originates for Him. The journey was hard, and much longer than we anticipated. At times, I felt like I would be "expecting" forever. I grew a strong appreciation for elephants, as they endure a two year gestation. Ours was only 18 months!

Jaci just after we got home

In God's perfect timing, we received the call of a lifetime. Our little girl had a face, a beautiful lovely little face! She was six months old and lived in a small orphanage. She was in Xinyu City of Jiangxi Province. Her Chinese name was Yu Meng. Yu means "Jade", and Meng means "Dream". How beautiful! We decided to incorporate her Chinese name into her American name. She will be Jaci Renae Meng Hubbard.

Since Jad and I were under 35 years old, we were required to accept a child with "special needs". We completed a form, checking boxes for club feet, missing digits, cleft lip/cleft palate, and several others. When we received Jaci's referral, her special need was listed as "malnourished and anemic". Little did we know that God would tie this part of her story into later life events.

We were able to travel two months later (June 1998). I can't describe the excitement of boarding the plane. I had so many emotions bursting to come out. My worst fear was that I would faint when they handed her to me. Can you just imagine that scene?

When our bus pulled up to the hotel, I spotted Jaci in the lobby! Poor Jad received a bruise, as I pounded his arm and screamed "There she is! There she is!". Our hearts raced, and I worked hard to push back the impulse to run and grab her. We were fortunate enough to get to ride the elevator with her. I took a deep breath and slowly reached out and touched her precious little toes for the first time.

Jaci at 2 years old

Once we arrived in our hotel rooms, our guide took us to meet her "officially". Jad is male (of course), tall, blonde with hazel eyes. We had been told to not be surprised if the babies didn't want to go to men, or to tall people, or to people with light eyes or hair. Poor Jad had four strikes against him! My secret prayer was that she would accept him from the moment she saw him. As he gently held her for the first time, she reached up and touched his hair. It was love at first sight for both of them. They have been close ever since.
We took Jaci back to our room, changed her diaper and clothes, and gave her a bottle. Before you knew it, she was fast asleep for the night. We were so disappointed! After all, we waited YEARS to be parents, and we only got to interact with her for about an hour! Sigh. She slept soundly through the night, and gave us her first grin during her morning bath. We saw her orphanage staff several times over the next two days. Jaci wanted nothing to do with them. She was immediately at home in our arms. Once, Jad got too close to another daddy who had a little girl in his arms. Jaci started calling to him, as if to say "hey girl, he's already taken! Daddy, get back over here.". Jaci pulled that string that is attached from her pinky finger to Daddy's heart. Jad immediately complied and returned to her side.

Culture lesson 101 - The Chinese grandma police were out in force. In China, they believe babies need to be covered head to toe at all times. If we were outside in the chilly air without a blanket (95 degrees, 90% humidity), they would use sign language to tell us the baby was cold. They also feed the babies HOT bottles. Jaci's bottles had to be similar to hot chocolate temperature, or she would not drink them. Oh, and if you don't want to eat unknown animals (family pets come to mind), make sure you get to the buffet before they pick up the English labels beside the dishes.

While Jaci was delayed physically, you could tell she was very bright. She observed everything and thought through her every move and action. She was tiny (15 pounds at 8 months). She couldn't roll over or sit up by herself. But never doubt what full time love and attention will do. By the time she was a year old, she was almost caught up to other babies of the same age.

Jaci in 2012

There are specific events that define your marriage. The moments that truly endure. One night at dinner, the hotel had a live band. As the music softly played, Jad held Jaci close, and swayed slowly back and forth. They were cheek to cheek, and both their faces glowed with utter contentment. I fell in love with my husband for the second time, this time as the father of my child. Jaci was simply the perfect baby for us. And I suppose we were the perfect parents for her. Why? Because God made it so. His plans are always best.

We enjoyed the remainder of our days in China, savoring every moment of family bonding. As we board
ed the plane to return home, Jad and I both said we would be back soon...but that's the next story.