Sweet Baby

Our Ellie Grace was very well cared for. In fact, it was overwhelming to experience the hand off because of how special the orphanage made it for her. They sent her with a scrapbook, professional photos, and a commemorative plate. They loved her well. She was the cleanest, well dressed babe I have ever been handed. She is very small for her age wearing only 12 to 18 month clothes, but she is a healthy weight for her size. She isn't eating and doesn't want anything to do with anything in her mouth, but formula from her bottle. Feeding is going to be a challenge. She is sitting up and in the beginning stages of crawling but is very floppy. We are so excited to continue to get to know who she is and how we can help her reach her full potential. Her eyes are so big and bright. Sweet girl had a few times when her little tears were flowing because of being with strangers, but she ate her bottles and slept well. We have a very busy day today to complete the adoption and I am praying she can rest some while we are out.

Ellie Grace Day

We arrived a bit early at the orphanage but this beautiful girl was worth the wait! She fussed only a bit and fell asleep in the ergo almost right away. We have a lot to do to get to know each other, but Anna Mei and I are smitten. Ellie is absolutely precious. On this day, I am over come with gratitude to those of you who gave so this little peanut could be mine. Thank you!

About to Experience New Birth

This is the fifth morning that I have woken in my life about to experience the miracle of new birth.  I would have never dreamed when planning my future that I would have five children as just typing that makes my head spin. I only wanted one.  The fact that I never desired this large family makes the blessing even more bountiful.  What an immense privilege it is to be called momma by these babies of mine.  What an overwhelmingly good life my Lord has granted me.  These journeys to each of my children hold some of my deepest, most miraculous life experiences and they have built my faith like nothing else I have witnessed.  I am grateful to God this morning that I didn't miss this calling..that I didn't say no when I first heard adoption and orphan care whispered in my heart.  These places I have walked with my children are truly some of the greatest blessings of my life.  This morning my devotion was about Easter and Christ's resurrection.  It said..His victory over death frees us to serve Him with vigor in this life.  This morning I am acutely aware of that reality because without my salvation and the love of my Savior I would not be welcoming another precious one into my arms.  Good. Abundantly good is my God to invite me to be a part of the redemption of this valuable little one.  Four hours from now,  she will be in my arms!

17 hours until Ellie Grace

We took the train to her city. We are settled in our hotel and we are so excited to meet Ellie tomorrow. Tonight is the last night she goes to sleep without this momma!

Playing Dress Up

Just because she is so darling, we did a little cheesy dress up. How I love this girl.

Temple of Heaven

This morning we visited the Temple of Heaven. Our guide explained the origins of this place. How they worshiped the God of the Heaven and the Sun to get good luck. Anna Mei thought maybe the emperor should go to church so he could know the true God like she does. Insert beaming smile from a momma who is grateful my girl has a wonderful body of believers to call her church. Praising God today for our freedom to know Him and that this baby girl has Jesus rooted deeply in her heart. Her story could have been so very different and today I am grateful to God that she knows him and is my daughter.

Hutong Tour

We took a rickshaw back into the Hutongs to have lunch in the home of a Chinese family. It was incredible and my sweet girl was back to her dumpling eating silly self away from the crowds. The food was delicious and I always love my time in this distinct part of town. Anna Mei noticed how very small the house was we had dinner in. What a different way of life they have there.

Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City

The crowds were heavy and so was my girl's heart this morning as we explored Tiananmen Square and The Forbidden City. Crowds are always tough on her and she continues to draw lots of attention. I honestly think it is much more attention than we get at home with our unconventional family make up. It is so good to be here with Anna Mei though. Experiencing this alongside her is such a blessing.

The Old City Wall Park

Our hotel here is right next to the old Beijing city wall. There is a beautiful park near there. We explored it early this morning as we are not yet sleeping much. The flowers are in full bloom and it is beautiful. My sweet girl draws so much attention with this western momma. How I wish we could talk with some of the people who seemed to be sharing so much with us this morning.

It Never Ceases to Amaze Me

We spent a potion of our day at the Great Wall today! It never ceases to amaze me that such a thing could be built and climbing it is always such a thrill. This was Anna Mei's first time seeing it. We visited a section today that I hadn't ever seen. My was it super steep, but it didn't stop Anna Mei. She was the first of us to the top. I was right behind her of course, but she never stopped.

Exploring Her Homeland

We are out hiking the streets and exploring this culture this morning. A Chinese child with a western momma is quite a sight here and many people watch us. Most are so gracious and look lovingly at my girl. She is a bit frustrated because she has lost her Chinese powers as she said because she no longer can speak their words. She said I just wish I could talk to them and also to you. Stuck between two worlds is just so complex. This morning I love and love on her while working through all her feelings and crying my eyes out myself. This is such a sacred place to be walking through in her heart alongside her. I am praying daily for strength and wisdom as we push through.

Breakfast

Dumplings for breakfast brings this girl great Joy! She ate twelve! There is nothing like being in this land!

My Journal for Anna Mei

Dear Anna Mei,  Nearly six years ago now I first took this journey with you.  Then it was the journey that would take you home to begin our forever as mother and daughter.  This time it is a journey back to where your story begins to retrace the places and experiences that made you who you are.  The heartbreak and brokenness that would ultimately allow you to be mine is something that never leaves you.  Even today as we begin this journey back to your homeland for our Ellie Grace you are full of so many questions.  Questions that don't have easy answers or even any answers at all.  In the coming days as we open up your past and you experience your baby sister being welcomed into our family,  your heart will be full of so much feeling.  You will wrestle with so much.  Dear girl, today, and always I will be beside you as you navigate this.  I count it a privilege and true joy to be your momma.  I will gently and patiently provide you with God's truth to remind you that He has never left you and will use all things for good in your life.  So as you grow into the woman that God intends you to be know that I am on my knees for you daily eagerly anticipating how He will use you for His glory.  I love you with all my heart and can't wait to experience these next 17 days beside you.  I am thrilled to have you as my helper, and to consume noodles and dumplings everyday for your sake.

First Stop

She settled in quite nicely and loved her first flight. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to have her next to me for this trip. She is such a darling treasure.

And We Are Off

It is a great day to head across the world to claim our baby girl. Ellie Grace here we come.

Dying Eggs

We are squeezing in as much as we can before I head over to our girl so we dyed some eggs this week. There is never a dull moment here that is for sure. They always make everything such fun. Seventeen days apart seems like an eternity but I know Daddy will take good care of them.

Molly @ the Shriner's Circus

We loved, loved the Shriner's Circus last night!  We were given free tickets because Molly is a patient at the hospital.  We are so thankful for the care she receives there and all the extra ways that they care for us between appointments.  She was absolutely darling during the acrobats' show..