I remember when Jad and I were first married. We talked about the two children we would have, a boy and a girl. We even had some names picked out. We would have the children early in our marriage, and live the standard American dream. As I look back on this time, I just want to die laughing! Here we are, 24 years later, and still not done "having" children, and need help remembering what that "American dream" was all about and why we were chasing it! What were we thinking? Just throw us into that "young and naive" category and we'll get on with the story. :)
For the last several years, I have had a strong desire to adopt one more child. Jad and I discussed several times. Each time, we conceded that it didn't make sense and put the subject back on a shelf. After all, life was good. The girls were growing up well, Jad had a new career, our house is busting at the seams with only 5 people, and we invested in a new truck that only seats five persons. It didn't make logical or financial sense. But the urge never left me. At times, I have to admit that it caused friction between Jad and I. I prayed for God to either remove the urge from me, or bring Jad around to the idea. Little did I know that Jad was praying a similar prayer...to change his heart or help me table the idea for good. Fast forward to December of 2010...Jad said we should go to an adoption information session. I was astonished. I went online and signed us up for a January session. By the time we left the meeting, Jad and I both felt confirmation on the adoption. So back to China we go!
The wait times for healthy children in China is now 5-7 years. But for special needs, it is much shorter. God stitched our family together in such a way that we would be open to "special needs". If you haven't had a chance to read the stories of our first three children, you might want to start there. Each story builds upon the other, and gives visibility to God's bigger plan. And you'll be able to see how we got to this point. :)
On Valentine's Day of 2011, we had a family meeting to ask the girls their thoughts of adopting a special needs child from China. They were thrilled, and our next (and final?) adoption was put into motion. We signed our agency contract on April 1st. The process has changed a bit, and the paper chase now takes much longer. Sigh. This time, I took a pregnancy test BEFORE we signed the contract. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, well, that would be something! If you are confused by this part, see the "Lainie's Story". :)
In July, we received the file of a precious little girl in China. Ten minutes after reading her file, we were on the internet looking for more information on her province and orphanage. We "bumped" into the Hope for China website. This is a charity started by an adoptive mom. To our amazement, we see several pictures of our little beauty! Now if that isn't a sign from God, I don't know what is! We readily accepted her and sent in our paperwork for "Pre-Approval". This means she is reserved for us in China!
Name: Zhai Xue Mei
Birthdate: 11-27-2004
Province: Guangxi (southwestern China)
Orphanage: Desheng Welfare Institute
Other: Mei is tiny (from measurements, a size 4/5). She loves to sing, likes the color red, is sweet and helpful to other children. Her mother calls her "honey mouthed", meaning she says sweet things. She can walk and run despite her club feet. She has beautiful handwriting. She was recently awarded "honorary excellent student". I have no idea what that entails, but we are certainly proud of her. :)
In October, we sent a picture album, bunny, and hair bows to Mei (via Linda with Hope 4 China). She was kind enough to deliver it to her. She sent back pictures and videos of Mei, her foster sister, and foster mom. If you are interested in viewing it, look in the links section on the left hand side of the blog. :) It is such a blessing to receive this much information on Mei. And I know the foster mom loves her. She can hold and love on her until we can get to China. Our hearts are forever grateful!
Fast forward to February 2012 - we now have Travel Approval (TA)! We penciled in April 5th to leave for China. Given this date, we will welcome her into our arms on Easter Sunday! Someone pinch me - can this be real? God is good...all the time.
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