Meeting Alissa... Zhu Zhen Quan
Our family along with the SWI director
So here it is.... our Family Day! It was 4:45pm at the "Lucky Hotel" in Nanning on Tuesday September 16, 2008 that the name "Zhu Zhen Quan" was called out to us. I cannot hardly believe that one year has gone by. When I look at the pictures above I see a scared little girl who is unable to understand us. I think of all that she has learned over this past year.... how to trust us, that she is loved beyond words, English of course, how to ride in a car seat without fear, and all of the little everyday things. When I look at the pictures below I see a little girl that has now turned 4 with long black hair, who loves to wear dresses, and be told that she is beautiful. I see a little girl that adores her big brother and Daddy. She runs to Daddy when he comes in the door from work. It melts my heart.
It's been fun today to look back on this past year and remember our special Family Day. My heart misses China in a big way today. I think of Alissa's foster family and birth mom as well. I pray for peace and comfort in their lives. We will be forever grateful for them!
So tonight we will celebrate our Family Day! We are planning on going out to our favorite Asian restaurant... Mojos for Chinese noodles, Alissa's favorite! Alissa and I went to the store today and picked up the cutest cake.... a ladybug one for dessert. Ladybugs are big in Chinese adoptions... good luck. We are hoping to look at pictures, our video, and some of the things we brought home from China. It will be a night to not only celebrate becoming a family of four one year ago today, but also to celebrate God's faithfulness during our wait for Alissa as well as this last year! So thanks to our many family and friends for your prayers during our journey and this past year. A special Happy Family Day to our Bethany Sept 08 Travel Group friends! Enjoy this day with your precious girls!!!
Almost a year later...
Family vacation in New Hampshire
Alissa's picture I took this morning
We love you!!!
3 comments:
Kreiders,
Wow, I can't beleive a whole year has gone by. What a great family you have. Happy tears just rolled down my face as I read you last post. You waited so long for this and wow was it worth the wait! Have a great evening with your family of four.
Ruth Ann
It is hard to believe that it has been one year ago. It is amazing how God instrumentally placed each of these kids in the right families. It has been fun to see the progress and changes they have made and will continue to be fun in the years to come. We celebrated by going out to an Asian Buffet for lunch since Curt is off today. I gave Carissa her first Family Day present today which was a little doll that I purchased at Jordan's in Guangzhou. She isn't feeling the best today so we are laying low. Last night as I was posting picture on FB I was also getting "home sick" for China. Can't wait to go back some day!!
Kristen,
I can't believe its been a year. Time flies.
Happy 1 year anniversary!
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