In May 2018, I got an email from our adoption agency about a little girl in Shandong province, China, that caught my eye. I hit up A about it, and she agreed that we should request more information. We did so, and started pursuing her immediately.
On May 3 of this year, A flew to China (along with our niece, Lauren) to pick up our girl. May 5 was officially our "gotcha" day.
Nearly a year after seeing that email, almost to the day, and after two weeks in China, A flew back with R2 in tow.
The girls have been showering her with attention. Even with the jet lag and an ear infection, it's easy to tell that this little girl has a ton of personality. We can't wait to get to know her better!
I am grateful for:
- Family that helped us with travel logistics and childcare (both in China and here at home!). Particularly Lauren, our niece, who traveled with A, and my dad, who came and helped me out with the other 3 girls.
- Our friends that provided resources, encouragement, and advice in our pursuit of international, trans-racial adoption.
- The staff and social workers at our adoption agency and Catholic Charities, who supported us in filing paperwork, gathering needed materials, connecting us to local resources, and more.
- My job, which allowed me to take off 2 weeks to watch the girls while A traveled in China.
- Our church, which supported us with practical advice, financial logistics, prayer and food.
International adoption is no joke. Much like child-rearing, it's done well with the help of others.
Now the real work begins! I can't wait to see where all four of these girls take us.