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Our journey to adopt began April, 2005 with our application to AHH, and our dossier was sent to China Jan. 6, 2006. When we began the process, we were expecting a short “7-9 month” wait. That “short” wait turned into almost 3 years. It was very difficult not to get frustrated, especially when we would receive inquiries from curious friends; “How much longer?” “Why is it taking so long?” and our favorite…”Are you still adopting?” It was exhausting; and sometimes embarrassing when we would give them a guess as to when it might happen, and then months would pass without a word. But we knew the Lord had called us to adopt, and we would persevere. We knew the Lord already knew who our daughter would be, and we trusted that the long wait would bring us to the exact time and place of the right little girl to bless our home. Now that we have Mary Elizabeth, it is so clear that she was chosen just for us! With three brothers, she loves to play outside and wrestle with the boys. The first TV show she actually paid any attention to was the Super Bowl!!! Yet with all her active interests, she brings a beautiful softness to our home. Her laughter is music, her eyes bright with curiosity. Many people will say to us “Oh this is such a wonderful thing you have done for her.” This statement actually upsets us very much. It is not us who have blessed her, but us who have been blessed by her presence in our family. We are inspired by her strength. That she has overcome so many huge obstacles in her short life. We tell people that it is like a bouquet of flowers bloomed in our home. That is the joy she brings us every day. We would be remiss if we did not mention that there have been challenges along the way. We did all the parent education stuff, but we would suspect, not unlike most people, we truly hoped for that “one child” that would adapt without incident. While Mary Elizabeth is doing beautifully, there are still nights when she wakes up in fear crying- sometimes clinging to us with all her strength, and sometimes pushing us away. It breaks our hearts that this precious child has been through so much -that up until this point, she has never known the love and gentle touch of a mother or the hugs and comfort of a Daddy’s arms. However, this is where the beauty of adoption comes in as well. When she first came into our family, we felt that she saw us as just another caregiver. Now, she comes to us for comfort or to give us big wet kisses. I (Jill) still remember the day she wrapped her little arms around my neck to give me a hug, instead of just “letting” me hug her. I can see in her eyes the trust and dependence that was void in the beginning. We see our lives being woven together into a beautiful picture with God’s love as the backdrop. Many of you are still on your journey to bring home your child. Maybe you have other children at home to keep you busy, maybe this will be your first. Whatever your journey, pray that the Lord will reveal to you how you can draw closer to Him through each obstacle We can say with confidence, that once your child is in your arms, the pain of the wait is over. You will say without a doubt “This was worth the wait” and another journey begins.
Adopt A Child | Why Us? | Our Families | How to Help 1510 Newtown Pike; Suite 152; Lexington, KY 40511 map © Copyright 2002-2003 A Helping Hand Adoption Agency. All rights reserved. Site design by Loracs Creations, Inc. Disclaimer: This page contains images of children not available for adoption. | ||||
