I can't remember the last time I was so shocked by news that I felt I couldn't stand up.
We were visiting with people at the Pastor's Open House shortly before Christmas in the church foyer, when Dean stepped aside to take a cell phone call.
That call is going to change our lives.
We'd recently been told that our adoption process was proceeding slower than expected. We'd be waiting a long time yet.
So disappointed.
We had shared the difficult news with close friends and family, and looked at 2012 with plans for work, conferences and family vacations.
Dean tucked his phone in his pocket and asked me to come away with him for a bit, but we hadn't made it very many steps down the hall before he whispered "We have a referral!"
I froze for a second and then felt my knees go weak.
I kept grabbing Dean's arm.
"What? What? For real?"
"They said to check your email - but their computers are down, so give them another hour."
Dean ran to pick up our other 4 kids from school, while I waited...
Talking to people...
Wishing friends and church family a Merry Christmas...
All the while thinking, "I have a new daughter!"
I slipped away several times to check my inbox.
Suddenly it was there - the picture of a beautiful Chinese baby girl - almost 11 months old with cleft lip / palate.
And this little chin that looks just like that of my other babies.
Soft cheeks and a little bit of drool on a shiny lower lip.
I want to kiss that little mouth and hold my cheek against hers.
Did we want her? Did we accept this referral?
Yes!
Pastor came by my door.
Hands shaking I held out the baby pictures I'd just printed. "Can I show you something?"
He stepped in to look, "That's our new daughter! And Dean hasn't even seen her yet."
Dean finally came in and we looked at the pictures over and over.
"I got to tell you!" he said.
Dean felt that since I got to inform him the last 4 times we were going to have a baby, this time he wanted to tell me.
But I had made sure that my cell and email and home number were on the forms. Of course Dean's cell was on there too - in small figures under his personal info. But for some reason - probably because Father loves these little details of our lives - the agency chose to call Dean's cell.
A whirlwind followed: I was so desperate to fill out each form correctly and get it back to the agency in time. I was so scared I would do something wrong or forget something.
I calmly called Dr. Cindy (first her house, then her husband's work, then her cell, then I texted her, then I called her house again, and finally she called me back). We went through baby's health forms and everything was wonderful.
Pictures! I'd often imagined telling our families by giving them her picture card for Christmas. Suddenly that was possible!
Tara!
Between Christmas gatherings and services Tara designed a pretty little card for our little one.
Patient friend.
The newly painted bedroom in our house has been called "Bronwyn's room" for several months already.
Her given Chinese name, Xiaoqian (pronounced Sheow chen) means Sincere Laughter or Pretty Little one ( as best as we can figure out).
I've been learning so much about God's Grace through this process.
We will fly to pick up our little Bronwyn Xiaoqian Grace this spring sometime.
Hurry here, season of new life and new beginnings!
Meanwhile... since I just so happen to be in California right now - I'm shopping!
Just look at these little boots I got at the Skechers outlet!
We can't wait to hold our unexpected gift.
3 comments:
There are only a few moments such as this that come in a lifetime. What a treasure, what a gift from the Father of Lights. I am impressed that gifts like this come to those who have an expectancy and have done the work to make room for such a large gift. You and Dean's love for children goes so deep and it is a depth that only our Father knows. You have enlarged your "tent pegs" and He will soon fill it all up again. Don't you feel so rich?
Bless you, bless you bless you. I eagerly await each update!
I rejoice with you my dearly loved friends! How wonderful and marvelous that we should be lavished with such love of the Father. And now Bronwyn will know how lavishing a love to be called a child of God. I love that you took the initiative to hope against all hope; to believe God, to see His word and act trusting details to be worked out. That you are learning what it means to not only be Preists, but Kings who command above the beggarly elements of this world. Eph 3:10. Congratulations! Send me a pict! Xoxo
AMAZING!! So thankful for Bronwyn and for all of her siblings and of course Momma and Daddy! What a day it will be when you really do kiss those lips for the first time - drool and all! All I can say is "Sincere Laughter" is a perfect name for a little one added to your crazy family!! She'll be doing a lot of that! Keep us all posted! Can't wait to see her picture!
Karla
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