Returning to Guilin....... 
Landing in Guilin today has brought back so many memories for us all!! It was 8 years ago that we first came to Guilin. It was our first adoption and we were beyond excited to meet our new daughter, but very anxious as well. We were beyond jet lagged and truly exhausted, as we flew straight through from Denver. Thirty minutes after checking into our hotel, we got the call...."The babies are here". In our VERY sleep deprived state, we walked out of our rooms and into the hot and humid hallway of the hotel to hear numerous babies crying. The tension and excitement was incredible!!! We watched over and over as a family name was called and then a beautiful, scared child was brought to each family. It was a very surreal moment for everyone, as one by one new families were formed!! And then came our Allie......very scared and very mad. But within a few hours she had begun to settle down and her journey with our family soon began.
That day was the start of so many things for us. We remember praying over and over, while we waited for our referral, for our daughter to be "healthy" and for her to "bond" to our family. Our two biggest fears at that time were attachment issues and receiving a child with "special needs".
Little did we know, that that these were two of life's lessons that we were going to get to learn. Allie is the child that we had dreamt of for so long, who has become one of the biggest teachers in our life. Allie does have "special needs" and many "bonding issues", and now we know what a wonderful gift she has been for our family. It has been a very difficult road at times and one that has required incredible patience, love and understanding from everyone. On that day, eight years ago, a new journey began for us. Our eyes were opened to children who have special needs, to children who have lost so much in their early years, and to children who have struggled to survive. Over the years, she has been our TEACHER. Through all of her struggles and pain, we all have learned so much from her.
So much of our life over the past 8 years has been guided by this little girl!! Our compassion and love for the special needs children in China has guided our family to adopt four more children. She was the spark that helped me find my passion in life..... in helping the children who wait in China for a family to call their own.
So, as we sit here today, taking in the sounds and smells of the town of her birth, an incredible sense of love and gratefullness comes over use. Thank you Allie, for giving us so much, for being the teacher of so many life lessons........ we are so grateful you are our daughter!!!
Landing in Guilin today has brought back so many memories for us all!! It was 8 years ago that we first came to Guilin. It was our first adoption and we were beyond excited to meet our new daughter, but very anxious as well. We were beyond jet lagged and truly exhausted, as we flew straight through from Denver. Thirty minutes after checking into our hotel, we got the call...."The babies are here". In our VERY sleep deprived state, we walked out of our rooms and into the hot and humid hallway of the hotel to hear numerous babies crying. The tension and excitement was incredible!!! We watched over and over as a family name was called and then a beautiful, scared child was brought to each family. It was a very surreal moment for everyone, as one by one new families were formed!! And then came our Allie......very scared and very mad. But within a few hours she had begun to settle down and her journey with our family soon began.
That day was the start of so many things for us. We remember praying over and over, while we waited for our referral, for our daughter to be "healthy" and for her to "bond" to our family. Our two biggest fears at that time were attachment issues and receiving a child with "special needs".
Little did we know, that that these were two of life's lessons that we were going to get to learn. Allie is the child that we had dreamt of for so long, who has become one of the biggest teachers in our life. Allie does have "special needs" and many "bonding issues", and now we know what a wonderful gift she has been for our family. It has been a very difficult road at times and one that has required incredible patience, love and understanding from everyone. On that day, eight years ago, a new journey began for us. Our eyes were opened to children who have special needs, to children who have lost so much in their early years, and to children who have struggled to survive. Over the years, she has been our TEACHER. Through all of her struggles and pain, we all have learned so much from her.
So much of our life over the past 8 years has been guided by this little girl!! Our compassion and love for the special needs children in China has guided our family to adopt four more children. She was the spark that helped me find my passion in life..... in helping the children who wait in China for a family to call their own.
So, as we sit here today, taking in the sounds and smells of the town of her birth, an incredible sense of love and gratefullness comes over use. Thank you Allie, for giving us so much, for being the teacher of so many life lessons........ we are so grateful you are our daughter!!!
4 comments:
LeeAnn, what a beautiful post. "the spark that helped me find my passion in life" As we wait to travel for our seventh child, our third from China, I completely understand.
We'll pray for your confidence as you give your speech. I know you'll do wonderfully. Your love just shines through!
Have a wonderful time at the party!
Jill German
That one made me cry. Your Allie is so beautiful, LeeAnn. How is she reacting to being back in Guilin?
Big hugs to all!
Sharon
LeeAnn-
This entry makes me weep with recognition of kindred feelings and deep gratitude that is the miracle of these children. So glad to hear you have all arrived safely. Look forward to hearing all about what you see and perhaps hearing of word of our new daughter, An Lin!
Love,
Christine
LeeAnn, I am enjoying your posts so much and the pictures are great. I'm praying for you and the adjustments of ALL!
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