The second day of these adoption trip is always the longest for me and my children as it is filled with the most paperwork. We have been amazingly blessed in that the paperwork is moving through on the wings of eagles and with some God ordained help! You see, it turns out that the Civil Affairs Adoption Officer is a friend of the guide that was with Debi Strong when Debi first saw Cami AiLiu and helped with some of the logistical information. She has become personally interested in Ai Liu''s case, and could not have been nicer to us over the past two days. There is something magical about having a personal relationship with the person who "pronounces you parent & child"! It was all very emotional for me - because I sat in the same chair across the desk from the same person who 3 1/2 years ago made me a mom for the first time with Becky. If Mei Bellack at CWA is my midwife, then Wensi Liang is the delivery doctor!
After three trips you would think I had the right and succinct answer but really how do you explain in 10 words or less.
That we are called by God to care for those that cannot care for themselves to a person who has no concept of God?
That every life even those of the seemingly imperfect is deeply valued and deserving of love in a culture where that is far from the reality?
That our God led us to find our daughters in China clearly and without doubt in a country where a political party is deemed to be the only one worthy of being followed?
This trip, more than the others, I am struck at the paradoxical nature of this country. A country where everyone has an Iphone, but young well educated wives are still sent back to their husband's families to give birth because they are no longer a part of their families, but their husband's family? A country where bicycles share the roads with rickshaws? Where the top designer stores are literally around the corner from the poultry cage markets? It is a conundrum at best and a country on a crash course at worse.
"why do we want to adopt from China?'
"because that it where our daughters are!"
I heard a lot of "why?" too, even from my family, friends and after I adopted my daugther from her doctor!!! (I changed her doctor after that)I just told everybody that I knew she was mine, she was my child... "why an older child?" because they're children too!!! and it's beautiful because you can see in her eyes the happiness when seeing some things for the 1st time, I can't wait to see Cami's face on Christmas day! Wish you and her all the best!
ReplyDeleteOui, je crois que vous avez bien répondu: "C'est là que sont nos filles"!
ReplyDeleteYes - Why? If I recall, there was pretty much a set answer we were supposed to give that didn't necessarily come from our hearts. I am curious how you did answer that one.
ReplyDeleteGodspeed on the processes; legal and emotional.
And let's not forget to say hello to Doug and the gang while they sit feeling rather helpless at home while you pull everything off like a pro.
A few snapshots usually don't catch it - but it looks like there is a level of deep joy from both of you that isn't always there in those first few pictures. Stay strong and patient on the difficult days.
Love from Dave
Yes, that IS the answer... that is where our daughters were... ♥
ReplyDeleteIn solidarity & with love,
Shana (Waiting for Sophie)
We have always thought the same thing, in a culture that is locked in materialism and customs and ideas that are so barbaric, how do you answer such simple enough question that has nothing but a profound answer. Thank you for putting such meaningful words to it.
ReplyDeleteTo think, Cami is going to be blown away learning about Jesus...gives me chills :o)
Continued prayers,
Jamie Ashton