Meeting a Friend

At the Helping Hand picnic, I had a chance to meet a "blog friend". She has a beautiful family and just recently adopted her second daughter from China. I have followed her journey...and got a chance to see her beautiful daughters in person on Saturday. If you want to check out her journey..... go to http://aladyblog.blogspot.com

More Pictures from A Helping Hand Picnic

AHH Reunion

This past weekend was the Family Reunion for A Helping Hand... the adoption agency I used when bringing Lillie home. What made it extra special was that three of the 7 families we traveled with last July were able to attend! It was wonderful to see everyone and to see how different the girls were from a year ago! To say these families play a significant role in my journey to Lillie would be an understatement. Each of them holds such a special place in my heart and to spend time together was such a blessing. I was so amazed at the changes each of the girls have gone through in the past year...they are bigger, their eyes are brighter, their smiles are quick and their love for their families is obvious. God is good!



What a difference a year has made!

Dinner with our Travel friends!

We had a chance to get together with 3 of the 7 families in our travel group at Dinner on Friday Night! It was so amazing to see the girls and the changes in each of them..even as they were getting re-acquainted. Here are a few pictures from that night!

Lillie Mae

Serine

Bella

Lillie Elizabeth

Taking Time to Love and Enjoy

Lately, I have had a hard time just being mommy. I mean, it is the time of year (end of school) when everything is being finalized for this year and we are thinking about the next. It is the time of year that I am sleep deprived and so I am not as patient as I wish I was with my daughter. It is the time of year when the sun is up later so it is EVEN HARDER to get Lillie to bed.
There has also been a lot of pain around.... I have been so distracted by the Earthquake in China and the devistation left behind. Erik's friend Emory had open heart surgery...and is doing well, but still has a lot of healing to do. My dad fell and broke his collar bone last week and is also in the process of healing. Lillie worries about Babop and "Ne" (what she calls Emory) and that they are sad because of their " big boo boos" as she calls them.
Finally, I have been thinking about Steven Curtis Chapman and his family. His daughter Maria, his youngest and adopted from China, died tragically last week. In an even more painful turn of events, she was hit by a car driven by her teenage brother. I cannot even begin to imagine the pain they are in, or the healing that will need to occur.

Below is a song he wrote and the story behind it. It is called Cinderella and is about not taking little moments for granted.
I am going to try even harder to remember that the most important thing is Lillie and to take time to laugh at the little things... knowing that she is a blessing, even when she is painting herself and the carpet with mascara!



Dear God,
Please be with everyone who is suffering...who has lost their way...who are searching for peace and grace in this crazy world. Help me to remember that every moment we have together is a precious gift.
Amen

An Earthquake in China

MMonday, there was an earthquake in southwest China that measured 7.8 on the Richter scale. The area around Chengdu in the Sichuan Province was the hardest hit, with thousands of lives lost. The area where Lillie is from, Fuling, is around 200+ miles from there. As you can imagine, there are a number of waiting parents who are terrified for their children and awaiting news. Reports from Fuling are that the new orphanage has sustained some structural damage, but that all children are safe. There have been hundreds of aftershocks, one reported to be as strong as 6.0. Relief workers have arrived in the epicenter, Wenchuan, and are still checking on Social Welfare Instututes in that area. Please keep these children, their homeland, waiting parents, releif workers, etc. in your prayers. There are organizations that will be taking donations to help with emergency relief in the area, including Love Without Boundaries (LWB) and Our Chinese Daughters Foundation (OCDF).

A Special Visitor on Lillie's 2nd Birthday

On her second birthday, I sent Lillie a cake and hoped that she would have a chance to share it with her friends. She was, however, blessed with some special company I knew nothing about at the time. A woman named Melissa and her beautiful daughter were in Fuling for a visit. Marie is also a Fulinger and had come to spend some time at her first home. These are just a few pictures I received a few weeks later after Melissa inquired about who Yun's family would be.





A couple of weeks ago, I received an email from Melissa asking about how Lillie was doing. I replied, telling her that Lillie was full of energy... and quite the drama queen. I told her about how funny she is and how she loves to play with her
dolls and to dance and sing. Her response was:
' I can't believe that is the same child!!!??? She was always so sad when I saw her, but clearly she has found profound happiness and joy. "
It was a powerful moment for me. A moment when I knew just how little I knew about my daughter's life before, and how much it has changed since we became a family. I thank God for the many people that have been in my daughter's short life...and for the many Fuling families that went before me and have provided support the the SWI. I only pray I can also make the same impact on another family!

Thoughts of China

Three years ago today, my beautiful daughter was found by the gatekeeper at the Fuling Social Welfare Institute. As you can see, she was dressed in a pink outfit and wrapped in blankets. Though paperwork said nothing was with her, the pictures show a small plastic bag with formula inside.



My thoughts over the last several days have gone to a woman in China who had to give up her child three years ago today. I don't know why she made the choice...whether it was because of the one child policy, because of limited resources, because of Lillie's limb difference.... but I feel certain that it was painful to leave the child she carried 9 months. I can't even begin to understand the pain that must go along with not knowing the future of your baby. I have cried a few times, feeling the overwhelming joy I experienced since Lillie's arrival...knowing she must feel the same overwhelming pain. I pray that she can feel a sense of peace. That she knows Lillie is loved. That she will somehow know that she is included in our prayers, along with the others in China who love Lillie.
I am so thankful for the pictures I have of Lillie's first day at the SWI because I think they will help Lillie know she was loved, even as she was beginning her life at Fuling SWI.

Happy Birthday - Part 2

Saturday, Lillie had a birthday party. She had friends and family surrounding her.
I can't help but think about the contrast of this birthday as compared to her first two. I am thankful that she was with nannies who loved her and that she had friends and the cake I sent, but it does not begin to compare to being with her family.

I think these pictures tell the story....








I thank God for my daughter and for the chance to be together for her third birthday!

Helping another Adoptive Family

Do you like the way my blog looks? Would you love to update yours and help a beautiful little girl and her family at the same time? PLEASE visit the blog http://aladyblog.blogspot.com and take a chance on winning the make-over!
Here are the basic rules:
The suggested donation is $5
You can donate through our Chip In Account on the blog.
You can enter as many times as you would like. Please make sure you leave a comment on the blog so Mrs. Ladyblog has your email and she will assign a number to each entry and send you an e-mail with your number(s)
The drawing for the BLOGOVER on April 8th. That is less than 3 weeks away!!
Here is a picture of their beautiful daughter!

Thank you!

Lillie's Buddy Levi

Lillie and Levi were together in lots of pictures while they were at the SWI. Amazingly, we traveled (the Martins and I) the same time to meet our beautiful children and were able to get to know one another. Their older sons traveled with them and we often talked about how Lillie and Levi seemed to have a mischevious connection to one another. Levi (Fu Bao Chao) just turned 2 and here are the pictures his mommy sent for us to see. What a handsome boy his is!





Lillie and Levi at the SWI. (Yes, Levi is a boy and yes, he is in ruffles and bows.)

On My Heart

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about the orphans of the world lately.As some of you know, I went to Swaziland Africa in July of 2006. We went to learn more about the AIDS pandemic there, and the work that one church, KuKanyOkusha Zion Church, was doing. It was a powerful trip, and I found myself so drawn to the many orphans there. It was heart wrenching to see the number of children who were without a family...and those who I knew would become orphans soon. There is a team planning to return this July and in my attempts to help them raise money, I have been thinking of the Swazi children daily. I also have been thinking about the fact that my trip to Swaziland was the jump start I needed to start the adoption process...something I has thought about for years but let my own fears stop me from doing. God was a part of both of those journey's for me.
I look at the lists of waiting children for my agency and other and often read about children who's files will be returned soon. I see countries, like Swaziland, who still do not even have any form of adoption programs and my heart hurts to think there are children will never have a family. I found this song/video a while back but thought I would share it with you. I hope that it will move you, that it will inspire you to pray for the orphans of the world, that it may make you consider sponsoring a child...or even adopting. Blessings to you all.

Motherbridge of Love

For Chinese New Year I bought Lillie a new book. It is an Illustrated version of the poem below. It was written anonymously for the charity Mother Bridge of Love. Mother Bridge of Love, a charity that reaches out to Chinese children all over the world in order to develop a connection between China and the West, and between adoptive culture and birth culture receives the royalties from the book. I love the poem and the book...now if I could just read it without crying!

Once there were two women
Who never knew each other.
One you do not know.
The other you call mother.
Two different lives
Shaped to make you one.
One became your guiding star;
The other became your sun.
The first one gave you life;
The second taught you to live it.
The first gave you a need for love;
The second was there to give it.
One gave you a body,
The other taught you games.
One gave you a talent.
The other taught you aims.
One gave you emotions;
The other calmed your fears.
One saw your first sweet smile;
The other dried your tears.
One found a home for you
That she could not provide.
The other prayed for a child;
Her hope was not denied.
And now you ask, of course you do,
The question others ask me too:
This place or your birthplace –
Which are you a daughter of?
Both of them, my darling –
And two different kinds of love.

LOVE

Well, with Chinese New Year being a time for family, and Valentine's being a time for telling people how much love them, it seems only fitting that I talk about how much Lillie has changed my life. She is beautiful, funny, sassy, tiring, creative, and busy! She loves the color pink, enjoys singing and music, loves to dance and jump and run, and could out eat a grown man if I let her. I know that people often will say that she is so lucky...but I am the lucky one! I love you like crazy cakes, Lillie!

Beautiful Waiting Children

I just wanted to take a moment to tell everyone about the beauty of adopting from a "Waiting Child" list. I know that there are waiting children all over the world...China, Uganda, Ethiopia, Korea, Vietnam.... the list goes on and on. Each child on the list has a different reason for being considered a "special" needs adoption. Maybe it is that they are an older child, maybe they have a cleft lip or palate, maybe they are a limb different child... all are a gift. There are varying degrees of need and each child is their own special little person but each needs a family. All this is to say, there are some waiting children on the list at the agency I used to adopt Lillie. They are still waiting to find their family. (the link is at the side- A Helping Hand- then click on special delivery) They are not the only list, just one of many. If you know a family, or are a family that is looking for your child, be sure to check them out!

Helping other Adoptive Families

I have added a few new links to the list to the right. Some... adopting couture, slush bags, red thread stitches...are all sites I have found with great stuff that helps families pay for their adoption. Having gone through the process recently, I know that it can be quite costly and am impressed with their hard work. One in particular, Red Thread Stitches, is trying to make money fairly quickly right now to pay an initial fee to the agency they were not expecting. She has some really cute clothes and blankets...you should check them out! In all cases, you get some wonderful things...and help bring another little one home!

A Request of Friends and Family

Today I learned about a young family that needs your thoughts and prayers. The couple (Sandy and Dennis) adopted through an Atlanta based agency and has been in China these past two weeks. They were there to adopt their first child, Hannah, who was a waiting child (special needs). While there, Dennis went into a diabetic coma and passed away. Although the adoption was complete (or complete enough) and Sandy is bringing their new daughter home, I cannot imagine the pain and difficult times that lay ahead for her and the rest of her family. Please pray for Hannah and her family, whatever your faith. It is stressful when bringing home a newly adopted child...I can't even fathom doing it under these circumstances.

MY ultrasound!

Over the last month, several of my friends have shown me the ultrasound of their baby. I know that my process is different than that of a pregnant woman, but the waiting must be exactly the same. There are times when you worry, times when you are so excited you can hardly stand it, times you wonder about your baby's health and development and times when you feel completely at peace with everything. I am certain that I have felt each of these emotions in the last several weeks. I also know that I continue to be thankful for all of the support I receive from others. I have received gifts for Lillie and know that she is being thought of and prayed for everywhere from family in Switzerland to Kids Club in Glasgow, Kentucky. I can't wait for her to meet her fan club!

New Rules for CCAA

In the last few days, several of you have contacted me about the new CCAA regulations. Here is what I know and how it will affect Lillie and I. I know that there are new regulations saying that China will no longer allow single people to adopt, along with several other new restrictions. They will ban disabled people, families with net assets of less than $80,000, people whose ages do not fall between 30-50, those whose BMI is over 40 and those who have been divorced numerous times. They will set new minimums on the length of marriage for couples who want to adopt. The China Center of Adoption Affairs has shared all of this in a Dec. 8th meeting. The rules, which have yet to be finalized, will most likely take affect in early May.
The changes shouldn't affect my adoption process, but I am definately now on a tighter timeline. Now I am waiting for my I 171H from US Immigration. When talking with Grace yesterday(my family advocate at AHH), she felt like it was possible I could recieve this by the end of January. (At least that is our hope...please pray!) Once it arrives, I will have to quickly get it notarized, authenticated, etc. so that my Dossier can be sent to China. I am hoping the entire Dossier will be off to China no later than mid March. (It will hopefully be much sooner, but the AHH goal is March 16th) This will allow about a month and a half for China to receive the Dossier and log it in to their system. I must have an LID of May 1! After receiveing my LID, the time line could be up to 100 days before travel, which means that it could be August or September before I go to China!
All this is to explain that I appreicate everyone's questions and concerns and gladly accept the prayers being sent Lillie and my way. I know that it is scary for us all, but I must trust that God has a hand in all of this and that Lillie and I will soon be together. Thank you again to each of you who continue to be a source of support and love. You will never know how much it is appreicated.

Lillie...the early years

For those of you who are just learning "the story of Lillie", I have attached some of the information I received with her initial paperwork.
"Fu Baoyun, female, was found and picked up at the gate of our Institute on April 23, 2005. At that time, she was crying in a basket and did not have any belonging.(I have learned through pictures and information from people who were there when she was found that she did, actually have a bottle and some formula with her.) According to her development, her DOB is estimated at April 19, 2005. She was named Fu Baoyun. Fu refers to the social welfare institute, Bao means treasure. Yun is a good name for girls.The result of medical examination showed that the lack of toe with her left foot."
In addition, there was information included about her personality and interests. I have cut and pasted this informtation as it appears in the paperwork.
"Fu Baoyun is an open-minded girl. She greets her familiar caretakers with sound of “aah”. Sometimes she is naughty. When caretakers take her to shops, she touches goods within her access on purpose. The caretakers cannot find a way to deal with her. She is “greedy” because she likes bigger toys. She always chooses the bigger one from two toys." I am not sure what they mean by open minded, but i am pretty sure there was something lost in that translation! What I do know is that she appears to be strong willed, which will serve her well through the coming years. The one thing i know for sure is that I cannot wait until I am the one who can tell you about her personality and interests!