Saturday, June 3, 2006

We left the girl’s province of Hunan today and flew to Guangzhou, where all American families must exit China in order to obtain a visa for their new daughters. This was a welcome change after our difficult week in Changsha. But even before leaving this morning, we began to see some hopeful changes in Ellie. For the first time, she toddled around our hotel room on her own and shared a snack of Goldfish and Cheerios with Kate. This gave us the opportunity to pack the enormous amount of “stuff” we somehow managed to get from Houston to China. Now, to figure out how to get it all back home again! :)

We had only a few crying “episodes” for Daddy today. This, too, was a welcome change. Ellie even began to open up and interact with “us girls” for the first time today! This change was so drastic that it can only be explained as an answer to many faithful prayers spoken on our behalf. Ellie actually sat in the back of the van with Sarah and played, talked, and giggled for the entire half hour drive to our hotel in Guangzhou. Then, tonight, she actually looked at me several times and said “Mama”, followed by a proud smile when she realized how delighted I was! I actually felt as if I just took my first deep breath since meeting Ellie on Monday. Her grieving has been almost unbearable to watch. Especially when you feel powerless as a mommy to do anything about it! I rocked her to sleep tonight and enjoyed how relaxed she was in my arms. I lingered in the moment and marveled at what God’s grace has accomplished, even in the face of insurmountable odds.

Today began our journey home with Ellie and what a beautiful beginning it was!...


 

Sarah’s Tip of the Day- When booking airline tickets, the safest bet is to request the seat directly in front of the emergency exit row…this will help prevent little kids kicking the back of your seat, jabbing your heals and banging your head with umbrellas, etc. (you get the picture!)   Looks can be deceiving!...Grr!