The Journey Begins

WELCOME EMMA

Just a little over a year ago we embarked on the adoption journey again. Our biological twins are now 20 years old.  Hope is 12 and we believe should not be without a sister closer to her in age.

A few weeks ago we received the referral for our daughter, Emma.  She lives, currently, in the Children's Welfare Institute in the city of Anshan, in the province of Liaoning, China.  She is 7 years old, but that is a guess they make so we are not certain that is true.  She certainly doesn't look 7 to me!

When Emma was younger she had a very bad case of pneumonia which created breathing issues, so her biological parents left her at a hospital so that she could receive the best care (that they could not offer her).  She is considered healthy now and they say there is a minor developmental delay.  After reviewing her information I don't think she will be delayed. Plus, her big sister Hope (now 12 years old) wants to be a teacher!  I am sure Emma will have 24/7 schooling by Hope, whether she likes it or not!

Chinese parents that are put in this position are always grateful that their children will receive care, live, and hopefully be adopted.  We were told that just from Emma's history in the orphanage, that she will do well in the U.S.  She is looking forward to being adopted.  As a 7 year old I am not sure she knows what that means, but Hope can allude to the fact that she won't be here long and she will love it! When we adopted Hope, we were constantly told by the Chinese (when we were there) how lucky Hope was to be afforded a good life in America.

As I type this today, July 6th, we just received notice that we will travel on July 17th. That is 10 days away!  Talk about little to no notice. We are spinning in circles but at the same time cannot wait to get there and back.  All hands are on deck. Our "big sisters", Cayla and Natalie, will be helping to hold down the Lancaster fort.   I am sure the trip will be as "entertaining" as it was last time. A great learning experience too!