Hi everyone--
Just wanted to take a moment and celebrate precious memories from six years ago... Six years ago today, Roger and I drove up to Columbus and met with a doctor in the International Adoption Clinic. We had received a file on an adorable baby girl with beautiful brown eyes. The computer referred to her as "Kristin;" the file referred to her as "An Yu Fang."
Holding our breath, we asked about the heart condition. The doctor assured us that most children have a hole in their hearts until they are six months old. To be sure, he quickly consulted with a pediatric cardiologist. He returned quickly and assured us that it wouldn't be a problem.
We exhaled a bit but then asked about spinal bifida occulta. The doctor told us that she actually had the "good kind" of spinal bifida. We might have a few problems with potty training, and she might be self-conscious in a low-cut bikini, but, otherwise, no problem.
We barely dared to take a breath. We pressed on. What about her hip displacia in both legs? The doctor replied that we might be able to fix it with physical therapy but that it could require surgery in one or both legs. Okay, we asked. What was the likelihood that she would be able to walk? The doctor looked surprise as he answered, "Oh, 100%!"
We finally were able to breathe. At that moment, I realized just how much that I had fallen in love with that amazing little girl. I was so relieved. Roger and I looked at each other, and we hurriedly thanked the good doctor and pretty much ran to a pay phone to call the adoption agency.
Our hearts sank when the answering machine took our call. Anyone, anywhere in the entire world, could lock in on "our baby" before we could claim her as our own in the morning. I prayed so hard that our adoption agency would file the paperwork before anyone else, anywhere in the entire world.
Six years later, I cannot even imagine if that interaction had gone differently. Ellie-Kate is such a miracle. In so many ways-- physically, socially, spiritually, relationally. She is absolutely, completely OUR daughter. At times, I don't even remember the whole biology thing. She's just our's. I am absolutely convinced that God ordained her to be in our family as our child... the talented, sometimes sassy, always loving little sister. I have trouble even thinking back to our emotions as we drove back to Athens, not knowing for sure that we could ever refer to Ellie-Kate as "our child."
Praise God for allowing everything to work out exactly as it did... For our friends to encourage us to visit with the doctor... for the doctor to give such an amazing and comforting report... for the agency to claim her for us... and for Ellie-Kate to defy all odds by actually being (arguably) our most athletic child, to boot!
As always, thanks for caring about our family!
Christie
