It is amazing to think that this time last year we were packing to go to China. We were gazing at a passport sized photo of a little girl with pale skin and big round eyes, and dreaming about the day that we would get to hold her. What would she be like? Would she "fit in" with our family? Would I bond with this child like I did with my biological children? We were filled with excitement as well as worry, just like the day you give birth to your child.
Well, a year later I can tell you that Miss Anna is the perfect fit for our family. She is a tough cookie who can hold her own against her two brothers. She is funny, naughty, smart, stubborn, and just plain sweet sweet sweet . . . most of the time! :) She is starting to turn into quite the little Miss who likes to get dressed up. I caught her putting on "lipstick", a.k.a a black marker, the other day.
It still amazes and humbles me, to think that almost two years ago, a woman half away around the world, was preparing to give birth to our daughter. She was going to nurse and nuture this child for a week or two, and than make a decision that would forever change our lives. I think about her anguish when she realized she had given birth to a girl. "What do I do now?" Was this her first daughter or her fifth? I can't imagine what the day must have been like for her!
Many people look down on the mothers who abandon their children, but in a society where abortion and immediate death after birth is prevelant, I can tell you that these mothers love their daughters tremendously. They risk fines and prison to give their children a better life. We cannot comprehend leaving our children in such a manner, but we also cannot comprehend what it's like to live in a Chinese society where this is the norm. I try to remember this when I think "How can they . . . ?" as I am not walking in their shoes.
So "Happy Getting Ready To Travel to China Week" to all those out there who survived the journey with me! Can you believe it's been a year since we agonized over bottles, formula, diapers, Packmates, new 100 dollar bills, and all those other important questions? I am so thankful for your friendship and support. I could not have done it without you!
3 comments:
Congratulations on the anniversary of your daughter's adoption! She is so beautiful!
You wrote, ", Many people look down on the mothers who abandon their children".
I have to say that I think it takes more courage to let someone else adopt your own child. I don't think it's abdonment at all. I really think it's the hardest thing to do. Abortion would be abdonment. Her biological mother is blessed that her baby wound up in such a loving family. :)
Oh, Amy....what a time we had last year! I love to read your blog and see the pics of your kids. I am in awe of my daughter, Kyria, every time I look at her! What amazing little girls we have. God Bless!
Brenda Jones
www.wvjonesfamily.com
Wow, this really gives new meaning to the phrase, "don't judge until you walk a mile in their shoes." That must be incredibly hard for them, unbelievably so.
To Love, Honor and Dismay
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