Our Journey of Love: Thursday 1/28/16

This morning we went to our Visa appointment at the U.S. Consulate. It was pouring down rain and quite difficult to get through all the umbrellas. We went through security, took a number, and waited for our turn at the window. I held Elijah while Phillip lifted his hand and took the oath (with our group). When the clerk called our name, she reviewed Elijah's paperwork and asked us a few questions about him. Everyone was very nice (and spoke English!). We were back to the hotel by mid morning. We played in the hotel room, ate lunch, and played in the kiddie room. We visited the "mall" (aka flea market) near our hotel again. We bought a magnetic toy set that other families in our group loved. We really enjoyed playing with it this afternoon, as all this rain has made us a bit stir crazy. Now we wait for Elijah's Visa for America to be delivered tomorrow. Please pray that all the paperwork is in order and the Visa is ready so we can come home!

While shopping today, Elijah was sound asleep in the baby carrier when all of a sudden he started screaming. His eyes were still closed but he was kicking and throwing his head back. One young lady (probably hearing him for a few minutes around the corner) tried putting a toy in his hand from her booth. (Many sales people do this so the child attaches to it and you have to buy it or the child screams for it when taken away). When Elijah didn't reach for it, she asked "Baby hungry?" Feeling the need to explain my child's behavior, and my own, I simply said "He has nightmares." She backed away and my heart dropped as the words fell from my lips, remembering why he has nightmares. I don't know the exact reason, and never will, but she could tell by looking at him that he had been an orphan. Even the word "orphan" brings all kinds of terrible images to mind. It pains me to think about all that he's been through. And it's little reminders like nightmares, or even that he's 18 months old and doesn't know how to turn the pages of a book, that give us patience for his journey. He has already experienced more pain and loss in his little lifetime many young adults. Remember to be gentle to this precious little soul.

It was bittersweet to see off some of our group members today. On one hand, we are getting ever closer to North Carolina. On the other hand, we have made valuable relationships with some dear new friends. These are people that we've now shared smiles and tears and all kinds of stories. These are the children we met on their own Gotcha Day and will forever follow their story. I never knew I could get close to other families so quickly and never imagined having such awesome families with us in China. It's so amazing to look back at this whole journey and see how God orchestrated every part for us, down to the finest details. I'm not sure we'll ever go down this road again, but if God calls we'll come running.

"The helpless put their trust in you. You defend the orphans." Psalm 10:14