Love for Lilly

Hi all! I just wanted to keep you updated on this crazy adoption journey we are on. Gods hand has been in his journey all along, although there has been many days that we doubted Gods plan. It has been the toughest two years of my life. I’ve tried to go on smiling, but many times I cried myself to sleep at night. I held most of these feeling back from everyone except Matthew. I can honestly say he has been very supportive, and for that I am truly thankful. Don’t get me wrong, Lauren and Landon complete my mothering role 100%, but I knew God had a plan for us. I knew I was meant to be someone else’s Mommy. I knew God had a brilliant plan, but patience has never been my virtue.

About a year ago, we decided to adopt a child from the waiting child list. The severity of the special needs of these children vary. Several months ago we reviewed the file of a little girl in China who had nystagmus, an eye condition. The doctors were unsure of how her condition would affect her daily life. Our pastor, Matt, also prayed specifically that we would know for sure if we were to adopt her. We didn’t know for sure, we were torn. I question whether I would ever know for sure. I was okay with it but Matthew was hesitant. I knew God would never divide us on decision to adopt, so we declined the referral. It broke my heart to tell the agency no.

Fast forward to Monday December 1. Matthew and I were talking about how short life is, and how we felt we were wasting time waiting for the adoption. We need her now! We prayed for God to send her and the money to get her, soon. We just can’t wait anymore. Wednesday while I was at work the adoption agency called and asked if I wanted to review the file of a little girl who is 4 with repaired cleft lip. I was amazed! Of course I said sure. We came home and reviewed the file, and decided she was the prettiest little girl in China! We called them to tell them yes, but they informed us that another agency had already had a family commit to her. We were devastated. Matthew and I shed tears that night. We just knew she was the one….just like our pastor had prayed for months earlier. Lauren in all her wisdom came in to my room and assured me that God wanted her to relay that we would get this little girl back. I told her she was sweet, but I seriously doubt the family would back out. We prayed that night that if she is ours, for God to bring her back to us.

Friday at 2:45 the agency called again. They said she is OURS! The other family decided not to adopt her, and we were next in line. We took her file to the pediatrician that our children see, and she thought she looked perfect! She also told us that if for some reason she requires more surgeries, a very sought after doctor for cleft lip is in Charlotte. What a prayer come true. I can barely believe I am typing this but….WE HAVE A DAUGHTER! I have never been more sure of anything more than the fact that I am suppose to be her Mama. We still have some money to find, but God will provide it.

We know that we will have many barriers to face. There will be a language barrier. She has been in an orphanage her whole life, attachment will be hard. The money barrier, THE TRIP! So many obstacles still to overcome. We know though that Gods hand is with us, and with her….we will get through although it might not be easy.

Okay, now for the details. Her Chinese name is Jin Yin. Her American name will be Lilly Yin Grace. We will call her Lilly Yin at first (so she can understand), then after awhile probably, just Lilly. She is 4, almost 5. She is in Social Welfare Institute of Jinhua City in Zhejiang Province. From what I know about the orphanage, it is small, and very loving. I am talking with several adoptive parents that have went there in the last few months to see if they saw Yin, or maybe even have photos of her. We feel very blessed that she is in this orphanage. It appears to be a good one.

Thank you all for your support and prayers for us during this journey. Please keep praying! For Lilly Yin, for us, for finances, and for a safe travel. I will keep you all posted on her, and our trip. Isn’t it amazing how fast God works! WE ARE GOING TO CHINA!