Anticipation

Anticipation continues to grow as we get closer to our departure.  So many thoughts, feelings, emotions are stirring that I can't even process or verbalize them.  We have waited for so long for this moment to come...but even in the 11 years of waiting, everything seems to be rushing in so fast that I can't get a grasp on it.  As we grow closer, a feeling of finding quietness and rest continues to lay on my mind.  But my mind and emotions seem to be going in a million directions!!  So over the next few weeks, I'll be laying low and trying to find some quietude.  Focusing on resting in the Lord and seeking His guidance in the journey ahead.  A sabbatical of sorts.  I desperately need to surrender everything to Him...who is, and has been, the author of this whole journey.  Soaking in His presence.  Focusing on the task He has before us...focused on a special little girl.  Her needs, her emotions, her heart, her best interest.  And trying to savor the journey so that we can treasure the memories in our hearts.  Not worrying about logistics...not worrying about everything I need to pack...not worrying how we can take pictures to capture moments...not worrying about staying in touch with the world via internet...

Quieting my spirit and removing "me" from the picture.  Focusing on a precious girl that has come from a broken past.  She doesn't have any clue that there is One that can take those broken pieces, and can will rework them into a beautiful mosaic.  Just as He continues to work in the brokenness of her Baba and Mama.  What a relief to know that we can all be broken together.  He is able to help us day-by-day.

So, we anticipate the addition to this family....and I think the addition is anticipating us!!

Just days ago, one of Sue Ling's little friends, was able to leave the orphanage with his forever family.  This child has been in many pictures and videos that we have...we were so very excited for them!  This mom shared some moments she captured that day.  They had come to the orphanage to visit and allow the little one to say goodbye to friends and nannies.  (Hard day).  She captured the moment that they arrived and Sue Ling was there to say hello!

Her friend had been missing for a few days...I think she missed him!  My heart jumped for joy thinking about the little guy getting to go home!  My heart swelled with the thought that Sue Ling will soon be in his shoes!  My heart broke for my little girl.  She has already started saying goodbye to the only world she has known...and it will get harder.  Lord, soothe her little heart!

Now, back up a few weeks....we have been able to make a special friendship with a family that volunteer at the orphanage.  Our friend has been helping with preparing Sue Ling for our arrival.  (Sue Ling also has a photo album of her Mama and Baba that the orphanage is using to prepare her). 

Our friend told us this a few weeks ago:

"Hi! Saw your girl today. She was sitting in one of the preschool rooms drawing on a Magna Doodle. She seemed to be having fun with that. Every time she sees me now, she smiles and shouts "Baba he Mama" which means "Daddy and Mommy". And then I always tell her in Chinese, "Yes, Sue, your mom and dad are my friends!""

The same day, when this picture was taken above, we received this message:

"Hi, You guys have been on my heart this week. One of Sue's friends/roommates got to go home this week and I kept thinking, "Sue is next!!!"  She continues to yell out "MAMA and BABA!!!" in the cutest, most enthusiastic voice ever. She does this to other foreigners now too...This girl is so special to so many, we just can hardly wait for you to have her."

What Mama could ask for more than that?  This confirmed to me that our Sue Ling is beginning to anticipate us!!  She's made a connection.  She may not totally understand what all this means, but she knows she has a Mama and Baba out there somewhere.  One day soon we will be able to say "Yes, Sue Ling, we are your Mama and Baba!!!"  Can't wait!

Things I want to remember and share with Sue Ling

Since we started our pursuit for Sue Ling, we have received so many messages from people that have met Sue Ling, seen her on the waiting list, or have prayed for her.  These contacts have always warmed our hearts and have confirmed to us that the Lord has orchestrated this whole plan.  These special messages are things I do not want to forget...ever!  I will always cherish them in my heart:

" I am so happy to hear this! She captured my husbands heart when she was listed with Lifeline and we have been praying for her to find a family. And you could be her family! Amazing! She is a special little girl. I have pictures of her eating in the dining hall! We talked to her while she was eating and she is just so sweet.... my daughter was so excited to hear about Sue Ling today, (she went on the trip with me) and she reminded me of a couple other things to tell you ...She has the cutest dimples when she smiles and she blew us kisses as we left the room. Just precious!"

"Oh my gosh!!!!!!  I met her... And fell in love with her. She was eating a bowl of pasta soup of some sort at a little table with other kids. I knelt down beside her, looked her in the eyes and said "Wo ai ni" (I love you). She smiled at me when I said that. She is so beautiful, Amy.  I rubbed her little hand. Her eyes were so soulful.  I had no idea how long she'd been on the waiting child list and prayed for a family to be called to her. We are thrilled!"

"You don't know me but I'm so excited for you guys and your sweet little girl!! When I found out she had a family I was so excited! Loved her when we met her. She had so much joy! Praying for you guys! Hope you are able to travel soon to bring her home!!"

"This will make my seven year olds day! He has prayed fervently for her for a really long time. One time I walked up to his huddle at soccer practice and he had the whole team praying for her to find a family! I am so thrilled for y'all!! She has grown up so much since her videos. Precious!...I showed him the picture of her tonight and he was giddy with excitement. He seriously prayed for her at every meal, on the way to school and at bedtime before we saw she had a family on the website. We have prayed for lots of waiting kiddos but your precious daughter was different for him. Maybe because they are so close in age? If we hadn't been matched at the time with our little girl, I would have thought she was ours because he has felt so passionately about her. Anyway, I am thrilled to be "friends" with you so we can follow your journey! I can't wait to see her in her mama's arms :)"

So many more loving messages sent by family, friends, and strangers...I can't list them all!  But what has touched my heart the most, is that people have been so faithful to pray for Sue Ling and for us.  Special stuff. 

LOA!

Our letter of approval (LOA) came on December 29, 2014.  How exciting to receive this information!!! That means we are getting so much closer to travel.  Now, we are busy with paperwork for U.S. immigration and getting our visas.  Soon, little girl, we will be picking you up!