"Never place a period where God has placed a comma." ~Gracie Allen

That quote sums it all up for our family. Each time we brought one of our precious children home from China over the past five years, Kevin and I would say, “Well, I think that’s it. Our family is complete.” But God . . .

He had other plans all along - from the difficulty getting pregnant, our oldest son Ted’s birth 28 years ago, the failed infertility treatments and domestic adoption attempts, and the adoption journeys of our three young children, Philip, Elijah, and Sophia. From thinking we would never be able to have any children, to realizing we are the parents of five beautiful children, our God has totally blown us away with His blessings. And now, we are about to embark on the journey to bring home our youngest daughter, Grace.

AMAZING GRACE!

Ted sang that song so often in church as a little child. My mom loved to hear him sing that song. She would play his recording for anyone who might be captive at the moment, much to Ted’s embarrassment! Then, this past summer I sang that song to Mom over and over as she lay in her hospice bed. We knew already that our fifth child was going to be named Grace. So singing that song to Mom was extra special. The words to “Amazing Grace” have not been lost on us.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound. Our Grace’s name brings a smile to our hearts. God’s grace brings a smile to our souls.

I once was lost, but now am found. Out of heartbreak and anguish comes beauty. Grace Chengmei was once an orphan. Soon she will be an orphan no more. In fact, she knows we are coming and tells anyone who will listen that she has a mommy and daddy. We were all lost once but through the grace of Christ are found.

Was blind, but now I see. We just sent a photo book to our sweet girl. Soon she will see her new family. As we grow in the grace of our Lord, we can see His gift of eternity to us more clearly each day.

Ahh, now for the part of the song that really thrills my soul.