Tuesday, February 25, 2014

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
~2 Corinthians 12:9

That Bible verse is from one of our guestbook comments from sweet friends whom we met on our first journey here to adopt our son Philip. It is so very appropriate for our journey to Grace.

Everyone’s comments give us hope and joy as we read them. Many times we have cried reading through all of your loving words. One thing that keeps surfacing is how other precious children with their own adoption journeys have gained a new perspective and understanding of their past by reading Grace’s journey. To God be the glory for that. It is my prayer that they will find some healing in this account of our Gracie.

I know it is true for our Sophia. She has really grown up since we left home. Her understanding of where she has come from and where she is going has deepened so much. Despite the trials of our time here with Miss Wild Thing, Sophia has thoroughly enjoyed being back in the land of her birth. She has made a great friend in our guide John as well. Sophia has also loved getting to know her little sister (mei mei) before she gets home and things really get hectic! I think a real bond is developing between our two daughters already. And it goes without saying that we couldn’t have done it without our Miss Deidra. She and her family willingly parted for a time so that she could come with us to lend her support. Kevin and I can’t thank Deidra enough for the sacrifice she has given.

We leave our hotel to head for home Wednesday morning at 5:15 China time (that is tomorrow morning). Actually our first flight takes off at 8:25 A.M. Beijing time (that is Tuesday evening at 7:25 P.M. back home). Thank you so much for traveling this trip with us. Our Gracie is full of energy today. She keeps tearing up boxes and paper and sorting the pieces as we pack for home. I have reminded myself to have extra patience today as she sees us packing but no doubt does not understand what is happening. Tomorrow morning as we drive away in the van, she will take the first step into her new life, and Wednesday evening U.S. time she will meet the rest of her family. We are praying for a safe and uneventful trip back home, that Grace will be very calm and feel secure with us as we travel, and that Sophia, Deidra, and I will have the wisdom, patience, and strength to help Grace along the way.

We have seen times of our Gracie’s amazing personality shining through. It hasn’t been all bad behavior. When she is feeling safe, she is a happy and loving little girl. She has a sparkle in her eye and a wide grin that will melt your heart. Even when she has had her meltdowns, we can see glimpses of the real Grace when they are over. And she is continuing to bond with me in a sweet way. Can’t wait to see Gracie blossom completely in the love of her family. She doesn’t know how happy she will eventually be. I am sure the next few days will be confusing and scary for her. We pray God’s protection on her heart as we travel back home. Good-bye China. Hello USA!