A Joyful Reunion...

Let me begin by saying that though I'm late in creating this post it sure isn't because it is not important! I'm back in college now and my days are sometimes breathless. I simply wanted to be able to do justice in my depicting this wonderful event. You can't rush a good thing!

THE ANHUI SISTERS REUNION


Rosebud


Little E!


Doodlebug


Doodlebugs Big Sister, Desheng Darling



Lovebug, Little Ladybugs Bengbu Sister


Little Ladybug

On August 21 we had a delightful reunion with all of the "Anhui Sisters", I'll affectionately call them. Anhui is the name of the province where all of our daughters are from. They did come from differents towns or cities but the bond they share in being born in this beautiful province will remain with them forever. As I look back on our trip I remember a man named Jordan (not his Chinese name I'm sure)who ran a store in Guangzhou asking where is our daughter from. We replied the Anhui Province. He quickly smiled and said, "Ah, Anhui girls are beautiful...and spicy!" Well we didn't know how to respond to that! In fact, we remained silent for an uncomfortable second or two. Then he quickly added that what he meant was that girls and women from Anhui often have a rosy complexion from the spicy food that is native to the area. And, that they are also known for the distinctive shapes of their mouths; they have beautiful lips. Well, after that we settled down a little bit. In the US if someone is called "spicy" it's not necessarily a flattering term! Such was just one of the many cultural difference we encountered on this journey of a lifetime, now just a little over one year ago.

As I think back to the day that we all became parents to these beautiful, healthy, robust, bright (did I mention beautiful) children, I pray I'll never forget the amount of joy we felt. The most obvious being that we finally got to meet our daughter, Chun Xue, who we waited 19 LONG months for. She was then, and still is, all we had dreamed her to be and so much more. But clearly a close second to our own joy was witnessing that of the other families who were there with us. Three of the five of us were already parents. But two were first time parents. Seeing the moment that God designed for them when they were to become parents was one like NO other I'll ever witness again. The privilege in sharing that will remain in my heart forever, it is sacred.

So this is why all of this now extended family of ours is so special. There is NO WAY you can share a two week journey to China to each receive your child and not be bonded together forever in heart and mind. I'm sure all of the others would agree. For one year I have watched their blogs, read their emails, or seen photos shared. But nothing compares to being together in person.

On Friday night four of the five families were reunited. One family was delayed due to work. On Friday we enjoyed our first visit by having dinner together, watching the girls play and letting the siblings get to know each other too. It was wonderful! We all stayed as late as we dared then headed back to our hotel for much needed rest. Bright and early the next day we met up with the last family at breakfast along with the other family's too. It was just like being in China. We discussed how everyone slept, the girls moved from table to table to chat, the parents swapped stories. How wonderful to relive those precious days but with MUCH less anxiety and uncertainty. After breakfast it was decided that we would all go to a local zoo. Then after that our host family planned a picnic at the park near their home along the Potomac River. What a lovely spot! The girls and big kids enjoyed themselved immensely. The weather was gorgeous too. Then it was on to the pool. The girls had a blast in the water. We were short one family who needed a little extra rest. But we all got back together later after naps and some down time for dinner. Our host family prepared another tasty meal and special dessert. The girls played til they were exhausted. Then we sadly said our good-byes to our host family as everyone had to be on their way early the next morning. Three days went VERY fast with all that fun! On Sunday morning the four family's had one last breakfast together at the hotel, then we sadly parted ways. I pray that we will be able to doo this again. Annually would be wonderful but with the distance between us all I'm afraid that's not realistic. All I can say about that is Praise the Lord for the internet! So I guess that sums up this special weekend in August.

We took LOTS of photos to preserve this precious time together. A slide show is to follow, ENJOY!