Yesterday was an emotional day for me. We were taken to Hadassah's finding spot. We have included pictures sitting on the chairs inside a Women and Children's clinic. Of course, we don't know which seat she was left on, but we do know she was only 3 days old. When we went to Hannah's finding spot which was in front of a telecommunications building which is now a clothing store, we went straight from the orphanage and had Hannah less than an hour. We jumped into a taxi - she rode in the front seat with Bob - her first car ride and of course no seat belt - drove quickly to the place, jumped out - took a picture - jumped back into the taxi and was back at the orphanage before many of the people in our group even knew we were gone. But with Haddie - she has been in our arms for over a week now and thinking of ever present and contagious smile - it was so much harder. I guess it is a mom's heart that God made so tender. Holding Haddie in my arms as I stood in the middle of the huge waiting room seeing so many pregnant Chinese women and little children, feeling her warmth and sensing her contentment in our arms and her forever family waiting for her back in the State and thinking of the heartbreak her biological mother had to go through in leaving her daughter just made tears well up in my eyes. They are there as I type this now. How long did she sit there gazing into her babies eyes? There was the great possibility she didn't have the medical means of taking care of this child she had loved since the first day she found she was pregnant. What great love and care she showed for this precious child by leaving her in a medical facility thinking she would get the help she would need for her ears. Did she wait around watching until someone realized this little one had been abandoned and took care of her? Did Hadassah cry long before they realized she was alone? There are so many seats there and so many people it would be an easy place to leave someone and yet be assured they would be found. What one mom gave up in love - this mom gets to love for life.
Later we went to see the Five Rams Statue for which Guangzhou is famous. We were told there were many stairs to climb to see it and they were right. It also takes more effort when the temperature ranges from 95-98 with humidity taking it over 100 and traversing the stairs while manipulating and hauling a stroller. It is in a beautiful park so it was well worth it.
Today is a group picture and then our last appointment at the American Consulate. We will receive her Passport and Visa and Haddie will be sworn in as an American Citizen. Officiallly, she doesn't 'become a Citizen until the plane hits the Tarmac in Chicago but for all practical purposes - today is the day.
An update on the High's who's little girl had a heart murmur. They were able to get their State Senator involved who was clearing them through many different channels to basically get 2 weeks worth of paperwork done in 2 days. We haven't heard an update since Monday but everything was in place for God to work mightily in this situation.
We've stopped paying for Internet in our room...so we're hanging out in Starbucks. Until next time...
Later we went to see the Five Rams Statue for which Guangzhou is famous. We were told there were many stairs to climb to see it and they were right. It also takes more effort when the temperature ranges from 95-98 with humidity taking it over 100 and traversing the stairs while manipulating and hauling a stroller. It is in a beautiful park so it was well worth it.
Today is a group picture and then our last appointment at the American Consulate. We will receive her Passport and Visa and Haddie will be sworn in as an American Citizen. Officiallly, she doesn't 'become a Citizen until the plane hits the Tarmac in Chicago but for all practical purposes - today is the day.
An update on the High's who's little girl had a heart murmur. They were able to get their State Senator involved who was clearing them through many different channels to basically get 2 weeks worth of paperwork done in 2 days. We haven't heard an update since Monday but everything was in place for God to work mightily in this situation.
We've stopped paying for Internet in our room...so we're hanging out in Starbucks. Until next time...
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It is hard to believe it will be time for you to come home in a day or two. I have enjoyed every minute of reading your blog. We have seen God answer prayer in many ways and we are so thankful to know He hears everything. We are praying for a safe and uneventful trip home. Thank you for the update on the High family. We have been praying for them too!!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth is sitting on my lap pointing to Haddie in each picture saying lovingly and tenderly, "This Haddie. Aw, Haddie!" Thank you so much for the update on the Highs for I have been praying for them, too, and what a positive update it seems to be, too! Give our favorite new US citizen an extra snuggle. I can't believe that your family of 5 will finally be together in one place by week's end.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your heart. It is hard isn't it, seeing where they started? Trying to work through and understand Gods mighty plan. Seeing his hand upon her, as He knew even then that 2 years later she would become an Upton! We get to see your kids tomorrow and we can't wait!
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