That’s not the title of a new book. (Well, at least not yet.) It’s just a simple, touching, true story.
A family in our church made what some people considered a crazy (if not foolish) decision over a year ago. They were asked by a Chinese orphanage they supported if they would consider adopting a hearing-impaired little girl who lived in the orphanage. They already had a large family. I think a few people questioned their sanity for even considering it. But the more they thought and prayed about it, the more convinced they became that there was no way they could say no.
They’ve been in China for almost two weeks and are returning to the United States tomorrow; I can’t wait to see them and hear all about their trip. Until then, I’m thankful I’ve had their blog to read. They’ve been pretty transparent about the ups and downs and unexpected emotions they’ve experienced along the way. I’m going to give you links to those blog posts in just a minute.
Before I do that, though, I want to say one more thing about Jay and Camille. They wouldn’t want you to think that they’ve done something unusual, or that they’re somehow an extraordinary family. They would want you to think that they’re a very ordinary family with an extraordinary God. Because they are… and He is.
The Chinese Adoption Chronicles
Here are the links. In some cases I’ll say just a word or two about the post:
- China Update #1 – Jet lag in Beijing
- China Update #2 – Photos from the Great Wall and the Forbidden City
- China Update #3 (Part One) – Meeting Lori for the first time wasn’t easy. “It was great seeing her and holding her, but I must confess that her lack of excitement did cause my heart to sink some. I know she is terrified, and that what she is used to is being ripped from her, but I know that God has ordained this, and that after a short while, she will love us and be used to us.” (Jay)
- China Update #3 (Part Two) – Camille found it to be a difficult day, too: “We finally said our good-byes which were very emotional. The nannies really love these kids and hated to see Lori go. She has one favorite Nanny that was really torn by happiness for Lori and sadness at their parting. We got in the van to go back to the hotel and she fell asleep leaning over on Madison. She would wake up every now and then and cry and the driver would console her. She was really hating this transition. I would have, too. Can you really imagine being taken away by strangers and leaving everything you ever knew!”
- China Update #4
- China Update #5 – Lori is legally a Lancaster! – After two days of silence and some uncertainty about what was happening, I was glad to see this update.
- China Update #6 – A Sea of Faces – This post is one of my favorites. You just have to read it.
- China Update #7 – The Halfway Mark!
- China Update #8 – Saturday night & Sunday morning in Guangzhou – Jay enjoyed attending a bilingual Mandarin-English worship service.
- China Update #9 – A Kiss for Ba Ba – Another favorite of mine, I shed a tear or two when I read this and saw the photos.
- China Update #10
- China Update #11
- China Update #12 – A Prayer Request
- China Update #13 – Includes a picture of Lori with some of the other little girls being adopted by other families.
- China Update #14 – A Bittersweet Day – Camille experienced a hodgepodge of mixed emotions as they prepared to head back home.
- China Update #15 – On our way to Hong Kong
That’s it, so far. I want to close with this thought. Caring for orphans, for the fatherless, is something that’s commanded throughout the entire Bible. If you’re a follower of Christ, that’s something you have to take seriously. I’ll leave you alone with the Lord to ponder the implications of that fact.
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. (James 1:27)
