A God Thing

Over the last few weeks I have been spending all of my extra time trying to learn more about Fuling, the welfare institute, other Fuling children, etc. I learned that in Fuling, there is a program called First Hugs that allows children to spend time interacting with Nannies to learn about bonding, affect and play skills. I emailed one of the mothers who helped start the First Hugs program to see if Lillie had been involved. Her response was amazing! She informed me that Lillie had, indeed been in the First Hugs program from 9/11/05 - 2/11/06. Exciting news, but her other statement, written at the bottom of her email said.... "by the way, I was there(Fuling) the day she was found." A simple statement that held such an amazing gift...someone who had a connection to the very early days of my daughter's life! Then, much to my amazment, there was a picture attached to the bottom of the email...a baby, wrapped in blankets, in the arms of the Welfare institute's caretaker!
I knew immediately that i was in a very small minority. Most people who adopt from China know very little about the first days of their child's life. Their knowledge of the early days, months or years is sketchy, with referral pictures being the only visual documentation of the years before the child joins the family. What i found on a seperate website were more than just one photo...there were seven, all documenting her being found and "checked out" in the infirmary. Although she did not have a note with her, she was wrapped in blankets and left at the gate of the orphanage with a bottle and a small amount of formula. In my heart, I want to believe that it must have been very painful for her family to leave her there. Yet I thank God for their sacrifice...for the care they gave her those first 4 days, and for the opportunity that i will have to raise her, knowing that she was loved by so many.
A simple email and a few pictures....isn't God awsome?

Next steps

It has become clear to me in the past month that adoption involves a great deal of prayer and patience and paperwork! I have been so blessed to have pictures of Fu Baoyun's beautiful little face to motivate me. I have learned more about myself, my health and my financial status than I ever imagined! I have also learned about adoption transition issues, medical needs of adopted children - specifically those related to my daughter's physical need. Due to an unknown cause, she was born with one foot that did not completely develop. Although in China she is standing on her foot, it is clear that once she arrives here in Kentucky, I will need to seek further advice from my pediatrician and from Shriner's Children's Hospital. I know that whatever steps are needed, we will face them together.
I have learned through this process that there is a Chinese proverb that says everyone is connected to the significant people in their life by a red thread. This thread may get twisted and turned, but ultimately it connects those who truly belong together. A young friend I recently met named Gin Gin must have known that the end of my red thread rested in Fuling, China. I met Gin Gin and her mother at a close friend's house a few months ago, and as soon as I entered the house, Gin Gin looked t me and said, " Andrea, your baby is in China!" Although I am certain her mommy and Anna helped her with that statement, I recently learned that Gin Gin was also from Fuling...just a coincident? All I know is that as each day passes, I pray that the red thread that is connecting Lillie and I will continue getting shorter and shorter!

Getting started

Starting on this quest to adopt has been quite an adventure. As many of you know, adoption has been a part of my "plan" for years...but starting the process and taking the first step continued to allude me. This past August, upon my return from a mission trip, I found a renewed energy to "get started". I checked into several agencies and countries, but ended up being drawn to the special needs program through A Helping Hand agency. I started the quest with one child in mind, but God had another plan. About Mid September, I was given information about a child in Fuling, China. It was love at first sight. I knew that together, we would be a family! After reading about her personality, I knew that my extended family and I were a perfect match for her...A strong independent personality and a need to always have "the biggest toy" are traits that will serve her well amongst her aunts, uncles, and cousins! Her name in china is Fu Baoyun, with Bao meaning treasure. I know that is what she will be for the entire family...a treasure!