And So The Journey Begins........

Well, here we are. I can hardly believe the day has finally come. As I sit here, too excited and nervous to sleep, I can’t help but think back on the journey we have traveled to get to this day. Who would have thought seven years ago when I did an internet search on “adoption”, we would actually be here, hours away from boarding a plane and traveling half-way around the world to bring our daughter home? Who would have thought when I accidentally stumbled on an internet group known as the “APC” and found posts by a woman named Amy who lived in my same town and was excitedly waiting to bring her own China baby home, that someday that woman would be my friend and I would be the one anxiously waiting to bring my own baby home? Who would have thought that on a December night I would randomly go to an agency website and see this little face and know immediately she was our daughter? Who would have thought?

Before we begin the next phase of this journey, I feel like there are so many people that I need to thank: First and foremost, I must thank God for blessing me with the most amazing husband and two boys anyone could ever have. I also want to thank Him for not giving up on me even when I gave up on myself and for having the perfect plan for our family even though I was too stubborn to see it.

Second, I must thank my husband Steve. You are truly the most wonderful man I have ever known. Thank you for working so hard and never giving up on our dream. Thank you for never letting me lose sight and for always, always telling me we would make it someday. You are the reason we are here and I am forever grateful. I adore you.

To my boys: You are the reason I get up every morning. You are the light of my life and I am so very proud of both of you. Thank you for making me laugh on the days I thought I couldn’t. Thank you for being patient on the days I was frustrated. Thank you for being on board with this adoption from day one. Thank you for just being you. I love you so very much.

To our families: Thank you all for your love, support, and encouragement. Lily Mei is so fortunate to be a part of a family with so much love to give. Thank you for the part each of you has played in bringing her home.

To our Friends, New and Old: Wow! We are overwhelmed. Thank you all for your kindness and generosity. Thank you for answering my “million-and-one” questions. Thank you for giving us wonderful gifts for Lily Mei and valuable travel advice. We can’t wait for each of you to meet her and for her to meet you. We are truly blessed to know you all.

Now, just one last request before we head out: Please remember not only us as we travel, but also our sweet Lily Mei in your prayers. Four total strangers are about to take her away from the only life she has ever known. These people who look different and talk funny will be her new family. She will not understand the lengths we have gone to bring her home. She will have no idea that we already love her more than words can say. We expect her to be frightened and confused and grieve for the people she has always known. Please pray that she will soon know just how blessed we are for having her in our lives and that we will do everything in our power to provide a warm loving home for her. Please pray that her transition into our family will be smooth and that her tears will soon turn into the sweet sound of laughter.

We love you all. Thank you for sharing in our journey. Next stop: CHINA!!!!!