Well we welcomed our daughter into our family today. Thankfully we were able to get a good night of sleep and as the hours passed this morning the more nervous I got. I had no idea how meeting DanNi (she prefers that name right now) would go....meeting her went about how I expected it would go...she was nervous and flashed a smile every now and then. She was fine until it was time for us to leave the Civil Affairs office and head back to the hotel. It started to sink in to her that we were leaving and she was coming with us (that would scare most people who know us) and she started to cry.
Once we got back to the hotel Stephanie had to do more paperwork so the girls and I stayed in their room. Meredith and JingJing started jumping on the beds and they were encouraging DanNi to join them....she finally decided to and you could tell she was having fun. She started laughing and acting like any other 12 year girl with her sisters. They were playing and she stopped, went to her purse and pulled out to packages of M&Ms to give one each to Meredith and JingJing....it was a great moment...I felt like in that action she was telling us that she was having fun and had made a connection with them.
When Stephanie had completed the paperwork we walked next door and had dinner at McDonalds. I forget to order JingJing's hamburger and Meredith's drink...I'm not used to ordering for so many people. Dinner was not fancy but it was the best meal we've had in China because all of my girls were sitting at my table. After dinner we went swimming...she doesn't know how to swim but she enjoyed it. After swimming it was time for bed and we were not looking forward to that...she was sitting on the side of the bed and started to cry. We gave her the option of sleeping with us in our room or sleeping with Meredith....she picked Meredith. Once we went to our room she finally got in bed but was still crying.
The most difficult part of right now is she will not let us comfort her....that isn't a surprise to us but still difficult. All I want to do is wrap my arms around my daughter and tell her everything will be okay. Pray for DanNi....that she will let us comfort her. We pray that her sadness doesn't turn into anger but if it does we will work through it....she is my daughter and I will go through ANYTHING for her no matter how difficult. Thanks for each of your prayers.
Matthew---Daddy of 3 wonderful girls.
Stephanie BassPsalm 139
What a beautiful post....we are all going to do whatever it takes to make this child feel loved and part of our family....she is a blessing from the Lord and He will walk each step of the way with each of you and with us as her grandma and poppy.....we love you all and look forward to seeing our entire family very soon. Love, Mom & Dad
ReplyDeletePlease know that throughout each day and night I am lifting you all up and I know that God will show DanNi the love of you all and she will adjust in time. "Hearing" you say that you will go through ANYTHING for her brings tears to my eyes as a person who worked in foster care with children and knowing that the ANYTHING is SO important. She will more than likely do some things to "test the waters" so to speak to see if this is for real...and to see if you really mean that you will be there for her forever due to her history of abandonment and at such an older age. I pray for comfort for her, for patience for all of you, and for her to see that you all love her and that she will let you comfort her in time. I hope you all have a good night of rest and a great day tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteTears of joy came to my eyes as I read your email and this post. How great is our God to bring a new beautiful granddaughter into our family! Thanking Him for leading youall on this amazing journey each and every detail guided by His hand. Much LOVE to each of you! We so look forward to the day we will be able to meet DanNi in person.! Blessings as you adjust to being a family of 5!!!!! Love to all of you, Grammy
ReplyDeleteGreat day! So glad she had a little fun with her sisters. I can not wait to see what the next few days and weeks bring. She is gonna want that hug in the near future
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you all! Will keep praying.
ReplyDeleteOh, she has NO idea how many people love her and how much...can't wait until she can catch just a glimpse of that...missing you guys:)
ReplyDeleteSOOOOOOOO Happy for you! Keeping you in our prayers!
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