The Moment We've Been Waiting For

Our heads and hearts are so full right now I don't know where to start. From waking to sleeping, we've gone none-stop reversing time to prepare ahead. For Xiao Qian it was a moment in time that will have greater significance with the passing of time.

The morning began with our traditional breakfast (for Xiao Qian that's noodles, and for Victoria and me that's eggs, toast and coffee, juxtaposed beginnings that broaden as the day goes on). We then had Xiao Qian's TB (tuberculosis) test checked, and it turned out to be positive. Only a momentary scare though because after her x-ray it turned out to be negative. We then quickly scooted off to Dongguan, the city where Xiao Qian is from (about an hour and a half drive south from Guangzhou), and went on a whirlwind tour to absorb more than our weak little minds could comprehend.  The orphanage where Xiao Qian is from was our first stop. The physical facilities were quite pristine, and I'll leave it at that. Xiao Qian was clearly loved by the other orphans who lit up when she walked in the room. Lots of laughter and jesting filled the lobby, and Victoria and I just soaked in watching our new daughter in what was her element (being with people). There's so much to write about the orphanage, but (again) I'll just leave it at that (maybe in another post).

We then headed over to her friend's place (which is also a whole other post, which I cannot write about in detail here), and witnessed a remarkable reunion with lots of glee and fanfare. Again, Xiao Qian seemed to light up the area as love is so clearly evident among all those girls (orphans) who spent so much of their lives together. After enjoying a wonderfully home-cooked Chinese meal together (better than most anything we've had in restaurants around here), we took the local bus over to Xiao Qian's apartment that she lived in with other fostered children. (I know, all of this probably sounds really confusing - orphanage, friends, foster parents, etc... Again, I'll have to try to explain it in more detail at another time.)  I will not post any pictures of where she stayed most of the time (although I have them), but may perhaps on a later post after we return to the United States. Although it was at this spot that I witnessed what I was longing to see most on this trip (not knowing if it would happen while in China or not, and certainly not this soon), Xiao Qian's first initiation of physical contact with Victoria. As we walked up to the apartment she linked arms with her as I followed along from behind. I took a picture to capture the moment. (Ironically, I had just mentioned to Victoria last night that I cannot wait for that moment when she'll reach out to us with a tangible sign of affection, and sure enough it came less than 24 hours later.) I could tell that touch struck a chord in Victoria's mothering heart that will be remembered forever.

We left there and went for a long walk through various parts of Dongguan where Xiao Qian traipsed most of her life. She'd walk 40 minutes to school everyday (and back), the equivalent of those stories from our parents about walking through the freezing cold, in snow, with soaked feet. I do now have a real appreciation for how tough this little girl is.

About 6:00 p.m. or so we went back to have dinner at a house with all of her friends. And let me tell you, it was quite the reunion. There must have been twenty people there, of various ages, doting on her like there was no tomorrow. This girl is not lacking in the love department. What she's lacking in is the family-department, as all of these sweet girls are that long for one. Before they arrived I was able to use someone's computer and check out just a few of my 100's of unread e-mails. I didn't get into more than three or four before the girls all walked in the door. Xiao Qian then worked her way over to me, followed by about six of her friends and put her arms around my neck while standing behind me as I was typing. I think she was proud to have a Baba (and a MaMa), being careful not to "show off" as the other girls might get hurt, but yet at the same time wanting to send us, her and everyone else a signal that "I am now a part of a family". That was the moment I was waiting for, and shall also remember it forever.

We sang songs, prayed, and said some rather heart breaking good-byes with lots of tears by lots of people, and then headed back to Guangzhou. We're now all a little sobered by the day's events, trying to put all of the pieces together, which just simply isn't going to happen overnight. Buried in grace, we shall sleep peacefully in preparation for our excursion to Guilin, China. (Click on link: Guilin, China) This shall be Xiao Qian's first airplane flight (there will be, and have already been, many firsts for her this week, as with us).

As always, we thank you for your prayers, facebook and Blogger comments, and tender, loving support. What a great and awesome God we serve. (BTW:  I hear the kids are feeling better back home, so for that we're also grateful and so appreciate you doting over them with prayers lifted up.)

Savoring the moments,