Lessons learned....

The past week and a half has been a whirlwind of activity. I almost feel guilty sitting with my feet propped up and blogging right now, but I am enjoying every minute of it. I have been so blessed by many of your comments as you have followed our blog to China and back. You never know when that small comment or kind word is just what someone else needs. God has answered so many prayers and we have been blown away by the kindness of so many. Just remember that,

"This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God." 2 Corinthians 9:12

One thing David and I fully believe God commands in scripture is that we are ALL called to care for the orphans, widows, and the needy, even though that may look different for each of us.

Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.
Defend the cause of the fatherless,
plead the case of the widow. Isaiah 1:17

So I won't get on my soapbox, but this is God's command and not HIS suggestion. That certainly doesn't mean we are all called to adopt, but so many of you have shown how you are clearly following His command by your love and support of us. We could never have done this if it weren't for the love and support of our families, the generosity of so many friends, and a definite clear call from the Lord. We are convinced that the gift of adoption is the greatest blessing we could have been given and one we are certainly not worthy of receiving. So many people think that adoption has to be a second choice if they can't get pregnant and I wish I could convince anyone that would listen that it is a first choice in God's eyes. Giving birth to our three amazing boys was also a huge miracle, but sometimes as parents we can often take part of the credit for our biological births. I can look at my adopted children and realize that they are complete miracles and their lives were held safe by our heavenly Father until He could bring us together and we can't take any credit for that. It all goes to HIM!

In just the last week and a half we have recovered from jet lag and Daddy returned to work.

We have been to the pediatrician, the pediatric dentist and the cardiologist.

We have learned Mandarin and taught English. We have made new friends and tried many new foods(most of which we do NOT like!).Watermelon gets the thumbs up every time though!

We have learned that family means fun with brothers, sisters,
grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins,

We have been showered with gifts by our amazing friends and family,

We have learned that you just can NOT ride a bike in a pretty dress.

and most of all we have fallen in LOVE.

and with love comes joy and pain.

We have learned that no matter how beautiful and happy our little girl looks and acts she is a sick little girl. Her heart must be repaired and we don't understand it all, but we have wonderful doctors and a God that heals broken hearts. We will be going for pre-op on July 28, a heart cath on July 29 and heart surgery on July 30. Your prayers and support mean the world to us and we are confident of this....

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,

"plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11