Hearts of Adoption: Picture Taking session

The garden area at the hotel is just beautiful, despite this even being their winter time. We ventured out to get some photos of our superstar with her traditional chinese dress. She was very photogenic if you could catch her. In this photo she was showing us how big she is. She loves her flash cards and happened to being holding up the Mei mei (little sister) card!

She was not happy that we made her hold our hands or be carried across the rocks--she felt there was no need for additional safety precautions around the water, waterfalls, steps, or the rocks!

After a few serious poses, she threw in a few silly ones for dad!

There are huge gold fish in all the ponds around the garden. Sihua would pause a moment to watch the fish swim. She had enjoyed the freedom to run around and stretch her legs. She does become winded quite quickly, but refuses to quit. We decided to skip the trip to the zoo today in order for her to get some more rest during the day. She has been fighting this cold and were not sure if this cough is just her normal lung fluid causing her to sound so congested.

Last night we went out to an Irish pub with a bunch of Lifeline families. We had a great time celebrating our adoptions together, sharing our stories, and the lives of our new children. They are all so special, but I have to share probably the most touching....the story of Luke. Luke turned 14 last week. In China, children age out of the system at 14, meaning they will never have a chance to be adopted and sent out into life without a family. A few months ago he wrote a letter asking for a family and gave it to Lilly, the in country social worker. She posted it on facebook. A family who was in process of adopting their 2 y/o daughter, answered the call and said, yes Lord we are willing to bring this wonderful young man home to be our son, along with their daughter. Yes they will have a long road to adjustment ahead of them. Luke is their 7th child, but to watch the pure joy in his face as he walks along side his father, knowing he is loved and treasured, is something I wish you all could see!