Twelve Months Ago

Remember when a year felt like an eternity? Well, it sure doesn't anymore. I am not exaggerating when I say that it is so hard to believe that exactly a year ago I was zipping around to the other side of the world, alone, to meet our daughter, Ivy. I remember so clearly leaving the house that dark, cold, January morning as Jordan drove me to the airport at 4:45 am. I had traveled to China three times before, but always with my husband, who did everything. You really learn to pay attention to details when you are all by yourself. I never imagined I could take care of the money exchange, make purchases in yuan in a blink of an eye, take a walk off the island in Guangzhou without a guide, hail a taxi in a city with millions of people, or communicate so effectively with a 7 year old Chinese daughter just by motions and smiles. It was such a wonderful experience, and I wish I could do it all over again. But, I am sure Mike would not want me to leave for another 2 weeks.



So, this is it. Our last post placement report with pictures to send to China. It is sort of sad to be putting it all behind. After all, we started the whole adoption journey back in 2005 before Eva was even born. Here we are 6 years later, 3 more children later. Our house and hearts are full. I never would have imagined that we would parent 6 children. I never would have imagined that there would be a day when I knew that our family was complete. But, that day has come.



Now, it does not mean that my heart is closed to adoption. Actually, my heart is very open to it. I just know that we are at a place of fullness. If God has other plans for us, I know that we would go where He leads. He may have to hit us upside the head a few times to get our attention, but I would follow. But, if that doesn't happen, I will enjoy following along on other blogs to see the beautiful journey of adoption take place, just as many of you have followed along on all 3 of our journeys.