Hello everyone. Sorry for the delay but the internet connection in Jiangxi is not too great. So, Stephanie Moore (one of my BCM students) is putting this up for us via email. Pictures are also difficult to get out, but we are trying. So, Gotcha day came and unfolded in a different way than we expected. We found out that Anna was going to be brought to us at our hotel instead of a governement office. We were told that we would have some time to get to the hotel and get some some things set up, then Anna would be there. The other couple traveling with us found out that their baby was already at the hotel waiting as we drove from the airport. So, we were going to go in and video them getting their baby. So, we go in and not 5 steps behind us is a woman carrying a little chinese girl dressed in fleece PJ's with monkeys on them. It was our little girl, Anna. It was not the story book ending that we were hoping for. Anna was highly stressed, and Jennifer had to take her from her caregiver. Poor baby cried and cried (she even smacked Jennifer right in the head) (and yes I did video that). She was having a really hard time and they told us just to go ahead and take her up to our room because that would make it easier on her. Needless to say, they were right. Anna stopped crying and bonded with Jennifer very quickly. In fact, she doesn't want Jennifer to put her down. Anna clings to Jennifer with every bit of strength she has.
Later that afternoon, we went to the government office to do paperwork and be interviewed. We gave the nannies their gifts and the orphanage director his gifts as well. After that paperwork was done, we recieved a read folder that officially makes her our daughter in the eyes of the Chinese government. Glad that part is over with.
I will be honest and say that this part of the adoption process is very hard for me and Jordan. I'm glad that Anna has bonded so much with Jennifer, but it's tough because she really doesn't want me and Jordan to hold her. In fact, she cries long and loud anytime we try to hold her or get too close. You can look in her sweet little eyes and tell that she has been through a lot of pain in her short life and it will takes her some time to trust others. My prayer is that as time goes by, she will learn to trust us and love us too.
Please pray for Jordan especially. She has been gotten to play with the other adopted girls, but Anna is a tougher nut to crack. Jordan has so much love built up over the last 4 years that she wants to pour out on Anna, but she's just not a place to receive it yet. I can tell that it hurts Jordan's little heart. I pray that over the next few days their bond as sisters will start to form. It's just hard right now. Thanks for keeping up with as the process roles on.
- Kendal
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So glad Anna is in your arms, right where she was predestined to be! Lots of prayers are going up on your behalf and will continue. Anna is so blessed and you are right, as time goes, she will come to trust and feel at peace with her family. God is already working out the details. Jordan is an awesome big sister and Anna is going to love her to pieces! Know that we love you and are praying for all of you, especially little Anna that she will be at peace. God has GREAT plans for that precious soul and it will be exciting to see it all unfold! Stay strong in the Lord and know that with every day, it gets so much sweeeter! Rejoicing with you!
ReplyDeleteAllison Jordan
Praising God for all His blessings. Glad to hear little Anna is bonding with Jennifer----Bless little Jordan's heart....tell her God's working on calming all of little Anna's fears and very soon God will open little Anna's heart to her and you Kendal. Alot of prayers going up for ya'll. Can't wait til ya'll get back.
ReplyDeleteLove ya'll
Pam & Tony Lewis
So glad you guys have this blog going. I love being able to see this journey you are on! And super excited to hear Anna is finally with ya'll! Continuing to pray for you guys!
ReplyDeleteIt's great hearing from you and I know that even though Anna is having a bit of adjustment, God will bring her closer and closer each day. Thanks to Stephanie Moore for helping you get your posting. God bless her for all the help. Jordan you are going to be such a special big sister to Anna. Just know that she will love you very soon just as Lydia does. We will keep all of you in our prayers and know that God has it all worked out. Kendal it will not be long before Anna, just like Lydia and Jordan will be jumping all over you and play fighting like you do with the girls. She just needs to have the time to bond. I love all of you and continue to pray for you all day and night as your journey continues. Love Mom D.
ReplyDeleteCan't imagine the emotions that you are feeling. I am praying right now that Anna's anxiety will lessen so that you and Jordan can share the love that you have in your hearts for her. Love you guys!
ReplyDeleteRick
Praying for you right now! We love you guys and know that God is going to give sweet Anna a peace and confort and that she will adjust quickly. Grace Anne said to tell Jordan that she is praying for her and can't wait to see her new sister!:-) Love you all so very much!!!
ReplyDeleteI Love you Guys and I want to say congrats on your New Child. I know that it has been along wait but a sweet one. I am praying for that trust and bond with Anna and her new family. Tell Jordan that she is a great great big sister.
ReplyDeleteDevon
Don't worry. The worst (we hope) has already passed. You guys have long since awaited this event, and it's finally here. Of course things won't turn out exactly as expected, but that's the beauty of God's plan for this situation. I love you guys, and I'll be praying for you!
ReplyDeleteMichael G
WOW! I can't even begin to imagine the overwhelming emotions you guys must be experiencing right now!!! Praying for you all... it won't be long and this will all be just one giant, special memory and Anna being a part of your family will feel very natural and normal. Jordan already is an AWESOME big sister and very soon Anna will feel and know that, too! Love you all very, very much!!!!
ReplyDeleteAshley
I'm praying that today has been a more relaxed one, and that Anna is adjusting well. Once she realizes that you wont be leaving her, ever, she will calm down. That's an entirely new concept for her, no shift changes, no staff changes...a forever family! What a gift! You are giving her Christ-like love--I still dont feel worthy, and struggle sometimes with accepting it, you know what I mean? It must be overwhelming! Keep your head up, and know that God has grafted her into this beautiful family...forever!
ReplyDeleteWell,we wish we had something insightful to say, but our words aren't that impressive. God's word keeps coming to me & that makes me think that even though you & Jennifer know the Word so well I'm to share these with all of you. Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Romans 15:5-6, May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Know that you are loved, Anna will eventually realize how loved she is & God will unify your family in love. We lift you all up in prayer constantly! Love, Roger, Mandy, Sam & Dennis
ReplyDeleteIt is Thursday morning here and Dad is on his way so we can go to Florence and pick up little Lydia. I can't wait to enjoy her this week. We have three play dates planned and one of those is for in the morning at Ogden Park. Katlyn is the other child and she is the granddaughter of Susan and Horce. She is one month older than Lydia. I know we will have a great time. I pray that Anna is becoming more aware of her families love for her. I know it will grow daily. She is like a new Christian who doesn't understand the love that God has for them; she can't understand all the love that is being given to her at this time. That will come with time. I'm glad though that she is letting Kendal and Jordan hold her, etc more. Have a good nights rest and a great day tomorrow.
ReplyDelete