This page is for YaYa's caretakers in China who may not be able to access the blog page
Update on YaYa
Hello Dear Friends
Please accept my apologies for not writing to you sooner.
I know you must be anxious to hear how your precious Ya Ya is doing in her new
home.
I am sitting next to her now as she drifts off to sleep.
She is an absolute JOY to our family and everyone she meets. Since we have been
at home she has adjusted so well. I think it only took her 5 or 6 nights to get
used to the time change and has been sleeping through the night 10-12 hours
since. She is a good sleeper at night. She sleeps in our room so if she wakes up
I am right here. She does not nap very long here yet - about 1 hour. She was
napping longer in China so I am not sure if she will sleep longer during the days or
not, but either way is fine.
Yaya adores her brothers and sister. They have so much fun
together. Louis her oldest brother, enjoys caring for her. He takes her outside
and plays with a ball in the yard or pushes her on her tricycle. Silas, her
little brother, is also very entertaining for her. She and Silas enjoy
playing with trains, coloring together and jumping on the trampoline. They
sometimes have difficulty sharing as you can imagine:). Yaya and Lily are very
close - they love each other as sisters should. They love putting on ballerina
outfits and dancing in the living room, playing with baby dolls and the doll
house or cuddling while watching Yaya's Chinese videos.
Noel and I thoroughly enjoy watching all the kids together. Yaya
still likes her daddy a lot but prefers me to do things for her, carry
her, feed her, etc. She and I are very close and I have not left her side since
you handed her to us in China.
I am teaching all the kids at home this year which has been
wonderful for the adjustment to having yaya at home. She is most happy when we
are all together. We do school in the morning hours - Yaya colors and plays with
toys next to us and listens to music while I am teaching and the kids have short
breaks when they all play together. We finish school around lunch time. This
last month has been beautiful here so we have spent lots of time outside in the
yard, at the park, or riding bikes on trails. We also visit Noel frequently at
the business we own. We often have lunch as a family and then exercise together.
In the evening, the boys have soccer practice and games that we go to watch. We
have spent lots of time with family and friends since returning home. Yaya loves
it when there are lots of people around. She is the life of the party. She is so
so fun and funny!
She is eating great and seems to enjoy all American food. I made
chicken and noodles tonight that she loved! I have several friends who are
fluent in Mandarin so that has been fun seeing her interact with them. They
speak with her and then always tell me how smart she is. She loves playing
with puzzles, stacking cups, and blocks. She is already saying several
words in English. When it is time to go somewhere she brings me her shoes and
says "momma, shoes on". She can also point to her nose, toes,
feet, eyes, tummy, etc. She has such a sweet disposition. I want you to know -
we are thankful for all the wonderful parenting you have done. You did a great
job! It is a joy to be her mother. I am forever thankful for the gift of
our 2nd daughter.
I know she still misses you all, but I pray you have comfort
knowing she is very happy and treasured in her new family. We will always tell
her how much you love her. We will keep in touch. We are praying for you and
send all of our love across the ocean.
Xie xie!
Blessings!
Lori Tugwell
Xoxoxo from yaya
Please tell us – is there a meaning for the nickname
YaYa? We like it so much – just seems to fit her
Please accept my apologies for not writing to you sooner.
I know you must be anxious to hear how your precious Ya Ya is doing in her new
home.
I am sitting next to her now as she drifts off to sleep.
She is an absolute JOY to our family and everyone she meets. Since we have been
at home she has adjusted so well. I think it only took her 5 or 6 nights to get
used to the time change and has been sleeping through the night 10-12 hours
since. She is a good sleeper at night. She sleeps in our room so if she wakes up
I am right here. She does not nap very long here yet - about 1 hour. She was
napping longer in China so I am not sure if she will sleep longer during the days or
not, but either way is fine.
Yaya adores her brothers and sister. They have so much fun
together. Louis her oldest brother, enjoys caring for her. He takes her outside
and plays with a ball in the yard or pushes her on her tricycle. Silas, her
little brother, is also very entertaining for her. She and Silas enjoy
playing with trains, coloring together and jumping on the trampoline. They
sometimes have difficulty sharing as you can imagine:). Yaya and Lily are very
close - they love each other as sisters should. They love putting on ballerina
outfits and dancing in the living room, playing with baby dolls and the doll
house or cuddling while watching Yaya's Chinese videos.
Noel and I thoroughly enjoy watching all the kids together. Yaya
still likes her daddy a lot but prefers me to do things for her, carry
her, feed her, etc. She and I are very close and I have not left her side since
you handed her to us in China.
I am teaching all the kids at home this year which has been
wonderful for the adjustment to having yaya at home. She is most happy when we
are all together. We do school in the morning hours - Yaya colors and plays with
toys next to us and listens to music while I am teaching and the kids have short
breaks when they all play together. We finish school around lunch time. This
last month has been beautiful here so we have spent lots of time outside in the
yard, at the park, or riding bikes on trails. We also visit Noel frequently at
the business we own. We often have lunch as a family and then exercise together.
In the evening, the boys have soccer practice and games that we go to watch. We
have spent lots of time with family and friends since returning home. Yaya loves
it when there are lots of people around. She is the life of the party. She is so
so fun and funny!
She is eating great and seems to enjoy all American food. I made
chicken and noodles tonight that she loved! I have several friends who are
fluent in Mandarin so that has been fun seeing her interact with them. They
speak with her and then always tell me how smart she is. She loves playing
with puzzles, stacking cups, and blocks. She is already saying several
words in English. When it is time to go somewhere she brings me her shoes and
says "momma, shoes on". She can also point to her nose, toes,
feet, eyes, tummy, etc. She has such a sweet disposition. I want you to know -
we are thankful for all the wonderful parenting you have done. You did a great
job! It is a joy to be her mother. I am forever thankful for the gift of
our 2nd daughter.
I know she still misses you all, but I pray you have comfort
knowing she is very happy and treasured in her new family. We will always tell
her how much you love her. We will keep in touch. We are praying for you and
send all of our love across the ocean.
Xie xie!
Blessings!
Lori Tugwell
Xoxoxo from yaya
Please tell us – is there a meaning for the nickname
YaYa? We like it so much – just seems to fit her
welcome HOME Esther Joy!
We made it home very late last night - to lots of love from a small group of family and friends!
The girls both did great with the nearly 24 hours of travel! YaYa did not fuss even once on the plane! A MIRACLE :)
She slept great during the normal hours of sleep, enjoyed the food and people, sang to everyone, and had fun with Lily:)
She fell asleep on the way home from the airport last night so went straight to bed and awoke to her new home bright and early around 3:30 am! I had fun introducing her to her kitty and new home. We have played and had breakfast and she is back in bed:) I imagine it will take a while to get used to her new day/night schedule. We are soaking it all in today - having all 4 of our children in the same home!!!
SO SO FUN!
So thankful for all of your prayers and support during our adoption - words cannot convey my overflowing heart right now. We have such an amazing community - it is good to be HOME!
I will be recording our family stories on the family blog page from now on --
Joy +Peace,
lori - for all of us at
home:)
[Noel, Lori, Louis, Lily, Silas + Esther Joy]
Link to Photos from our journey to Esther Joy in China
Leaving China
we are starting
our journey home in just a few hours! praying for smooth travels - 23 hours of
travel with a toddler...hmmmmm.
we are so excited to get home and have
all our family together!
thanks for the prayers and for
following our journey:))
love to all
our journey home in just a few hours! praying for smooth travels - 23 hours of
travel with a toddler...hmmmmm.
we are so excited to get home and have
all our family together!
thanks for the prayers and for
following our journey:))
love to all
The Consulate and Passing the Momma Test
Wow! What a difference a week makes...at times I have felt like I was undergoing some sort of test in the last week. By the way - let me just start by saying it is really crazy how little faith I have when the going gets tough. Really really wimpy. I think I have the mustard seed size covered though, so I clinged to that and watched God work. I have discovered that dealing with rejection is not really something I do well.....but, I survived. And more importantly Esther survived - and I believe I have passed her test. I think I am able to resume my position in the family as Momma. Sorry Noel - no more Mr. Mom, but thanks for doing such a great job:)
Esther has let me in her little heart more each day. Today I got to be the one to give her a bottle before bed and kiss her goodnight as her sweet eyes were closing. What a change from just a few days ago when she would scream loudly if I came near her - especially at bedtime.
It is truly a gift to fulfill my calling as a Mother. When the days get long with my kids after we get home - I will look back and remember to celebrate this gift.
We had our consulate appointment today. All paperwork was in order and our VISA for Esther will be ready tomorrow afternoon. We fly out of Guangzhou Thursday at noon. We are so excited to see the boys!!! So thankful for my sister, Noel's parents, and friends and family that have entertained them!
God has once again shown up big. This is our last night in China. We have all learned and loved much here. Think I will rest well tonight and fall asleep with praise on my lips for the way the Lord has provided!
This is something I wrote the other day - it sums up my experience with my daughter. I hope the realness of the last 2 weeks will in someway shed light for another Momma -do not lose hope - the day is coming.
You turned away
Too much to bear
Too painful to seek comfort
Where you had lost
All so different
Longing for familiar
But with time, healing comes
Your heart softens
Prayers are lifted...many
And our God is BIG
It is as though He has whispered to you
The winds of peace pass over us
You awaken like the sunrise with a smile
Your mourning turns into dancing
Your JOY exudes in song
And when I am out of your sight I hear your voice
You call me...
Momma
Esther has let me in her little heart more each day. Today I got to be the one to give her a bottle before bed and kiss her goodnight as her sweet eyes were closing. What a change from just a few days ago when she would scream loudly if I came near her - especially at bedtime.
It is truly a gift to fulfill my calling as a Mother. When the days get long with my kids after we get home - I will look back and remember to celebrate this gift.
We had our consulate appointment today. All paperwork was in order and our VISA for Esther will be ready tomorrow afternoon. We fly out of Guangzhou Thursday at noon. We are so excited to see the boys!!! So thankful for my sister, Noel's parents, and friends and family that have entertained them!
God has once again shown up big. This is our last night in China. We have all learned and loved much here. Think I will rest well tonight and fall asleep with praise on my lips for the way the Lord has provided!
This is something I wrote the other day - it sums up my experience with my daughter. I hope the realness of the last 2 weeks will in someway shed light for another Momma -do not lose hope - the day is coming.
You turned away
Too much to bear
Too painful to seek comfort
Where you had lost
All so different
Longing for familiar
But with time, healing comes
Your heart softens
Prayers are lifted...many
And our God is BIG
It is as though He has whispered to you
The winds of peace pass over us
You awaken like the sunrise with a smile
Your mourning turns into dancing
Your JOY exudes in song
And when I am out of your sight I hear your voice
You call me...
Momma
Visa Medical Exam - check!
we went to Shamian island for the Visa medical appointment this morning.
shamian island is the home of the White Swan Hotel - where most adoptive parents
have previously stayed in Guangzhou - us included when we adopted Lily in 2003.
the hotel is closing soon for up to 2 years for renovation. the island is still
abuzz with lots of adoptive families at this time - so sweet to observe these
little ones (and older children too) being set in families! we really love it
here in Guangzhou - lots of more western food choices, english
speaking people, starbucks next to hotel, etc. :)) makes it easier for us to be
out and about. esther passed her medical exam after nearly knocking the Dr out
with a head butt for taking her doggy purse! hilarious - should have had the
video camera out.
thank you all for the prayers and encouraging
words. keenly aware of the importance and blessing of community when we are
halfway around the world!
i uploaded some new photos:)
love to all!
shamian island is the home of the White Swan Hotel - where most adoptive parents
have previously stayed in Guangzhou - us included when we adopted Lily in 2003.
the hotel is closing soon for up to 2 years for renovation. the island is still
abuzz with lots of adoptive families at this time - so sweet to observe these
little ones (and older children too) being set in families! we really love it
here in Guangzhou - lots of more western food choices, english
speaking people, starbucks next to hotel, etc. :)) makes it easier for us to be
out and about. esther passed her medical exam after nearly knocking the Dr out
with a head butt for taking her doggy purse! hilarious - should have had the
video camera out.
thank you all for the prayers and encouraging
words. keenly aware of the importance and blessing of community when we are
halfway around the world!
i uploaded some new photos:)
love to all!
Hello Guangzhou
we have arrived in Guangzhou and we are all glad for a change from a tiny hotel
room to a very nice suite :) we are all feeling like we have been gone a long
time and missing Louis and Silas! tomorrow we go to esther's medical exam for
her VISA. it was great to see Lily (our guide from last time) when we arrived
at the airport here. we are excited to see the city tomorrow ! esther's first
airplane ride was a little hard at first, but she slept through the landing. we
are gearing up for the big day of travel soon!
will post more photos
tomorrow. love to all,
room to a very nice suite :) we are all feeling like we have been gone a long
time and missing Louis and Silas! tomorrow we go to esther's medical exam for
her VISA. it was great to see Lily (our guide from last time) when we arrived
at the airport here. we are excited to see the city tomorrow ! esther's first
airplane ride was a little hard at first, but she slept through the landing. we
are gearing up for the big day of travel soon!
will post more photos
tomorrow. love to all,
Much Like Me...
We are hanging out in the playroom of our hotel - enjoying these moments of watching
our girls bond through playing and laughter. It is music to my ears! The walls of
Esther's sweet heart toward her new Mother are getting shorter all the time - though she
still prefers Noel to do most things for her. We keep referring to him as Mr. Mom and I
just have to laugh and enjoy the free time I have had here...today I worked out while lily
went swimming and Esther napped with her daddy next to her :)
Noel keeps comparing Esther to me - thinks she is just like me...haha. She has a strong
opinion about most things, really enjoys sleeping and eating, doesn't like to be told what
to do, loves to have her toe nails painted and locks her knees out when standing - oh
and her "cankles" are pretty impressive. Ok - I have to agree most of those similarities
are true:)
Today, God has been reminding me of all the ways I am like Esther in the spiritual
sense. In this new parenting experience, He is revealing His love and patience with me
- His child.
I am reminded of the time in my life when I rejected Him - He was everything I needed,
would fill the exact void I had in my heart, would love me unconditionally - yet I didn't
accept His love, didn't trust that He really had what was best for me, didn't let my walls
down to allow Him in. Esther will likely spend a few more days or even weeks saying
NO to me - but I spent YEARS saying NO to God - my Heavenly Father. And what did
He do? He was patient and His love did not end even when I did not return it. He
pursued me with His everlasting love and never gave up on me - [The Lord is not slow
in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you,
not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 1Peter 3:9]
Today - I am so thankful that God saved me and thank God for showing me the truth of
how much He loves all of us.
Hope you are feeling that LOVE today!
Will write more soon -
HI to Louis and Silas - miss you, love you. XOXOXO
To Ya-ya's foster mother and grandmother,
I know you have been keeping up with this website to know how your precious Ya-ya is
doing. She is such a delight. We are really getting to know all the fun and funny things
about her! She is feeling very comfortable with us now - laughing and singing a lot,
eating and sleeping great! I know you must miss her very much - my heart hurts with
yours. I hope it brings you comfort that though we do not share the same faith - I am
praying continually for you both and I will always thank God for you. Thank you for the
way you have loved Esther JOY!
our girls bond through playing and laughter. It is music to my ears! The walls of
Esther's sweet heart toward her new Mother are getting shorter all the time - though she
still prefers Noel to do most things for her. We keep referring to him as Mr. Mom and I
just have to laugh and enjoy the free time I have had here...today I worked out while lily
went swimming and Esther napped with her daddy next to her :)
Noel keeps comparing Esther to me - thinks she is just like me...haha. She has a strong
opinion about most things, really enjoys sleeping and eating, doesn't like to be told what
to do, loves to have her toe nails painted and locks her knees out when standing - oh
and her "cankles" are pretty impressive. Ok - I have to agree most of those similarities
are true:)
Today, God has been reminding me of all the ways I am like Esther in the spiritual
sense. In this new parenting experience, He is revealing His love and patience with me
- His child.
I am reminded of the time in my life when I rejected Him - He was everything I needed,
would fill the exact void I had in my heart, would love me unconditionally - yet I didn't
accept His love, didn't trust that He really had what was best for me, didn't let my walls
down to allow Him in. Esther will likely spend a few more days or even weeks saying
NO to me - but I spent YEARS saying NO to God - my Heavenly Father. And what did
He do? He was patient and His love did not end even when I did not return it. He
pursued me with His everlasting love and never gave up on me - [The Lord is not slow
in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you,
not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 1Peter 3:9]
Today - I am so thankful that God saved me and thank God for showing me the truth of
how much He loves all of us.
Hope you are feeling that LOVE today!
Will write more soon -
HI to Louis and Silas - miss you, love you. XOXOXO
To Ya-ya's foster mother and grandmother,
I know you have been keeping up with this website to know how your precious Ya-ya is
doing. She is such a delight. We are really getting to know all the fun and funny things
about her! She is feeling very comfortable with us now - laughing and singing a lot,
eating and sleeping great! I know you must miss her very much - my heart hurts with
yours. I hope it brings you comfort that though we do not share the same faith - I am
praying continually for you both and I will always thank God for you. Thank you for the
way you have loved Esther JOY!
the breakthrough
today has been wonderful we spent most of the day at Maria's Big House of Hope -Steven Curtis Chapman's healing home for orphans / the highlight - watching lily pour out her compassionate heart to children - mostly through singing:)
on the return bus ride Esther played with me and then fell asleep in my arms:) i want to write more about that but my internet connection is sporadic and i am sleepy So i have posted more photos and video on the link below love to all!
on the return bus ride Esther played with me and then fell asleep in my arms:) i want to write more about that but my internet connection is sporadic and i am sleepy So i have posted more photos and video on the link below love to all!
day 2 with Esther
WOW! The last 24 hours have been amazingly wonderful and amazingly heart wrenching and everything in between. Esther Joy is just the sweetest and in this short time - we have loved learning her...what she likes and doesn't (this is pretty simple to figure out - no problems figuring out what this 2 year old doesn't like:) She loves to sing and color and is enjoying playing with her tia-tia (big sister). I won't spend a lot of time here because I know you can imagine, but please pray for all of us - especially Esther Joy as she grieves her known world. She so loves her foster mother and grandmother. We are forever thankful for them and they way they have loved her as their own. I am petitioning you to pray also for them - they have cared for her for over a year and although they are happy for Ya-ya to have a forever home - it leaves an empty space in theirs.
Already, Esther is becoming comfortable with us and we see more of her JOYFUL personality each hour. She is a daddy's girl:) and really insists that he do everything for her. I recognize this is normal as she associates me with what she is missing and I am in constant prayer for her little heart. I anticipate with great excitement the day I will be able to comfort her and trust that our ultimate Comforter will provide all we need. Watching her grab for Noel every time she needs something - food, hand to hold, bathroom help, etc can really be entertaining at times. :) The walls are already coming down as she enjoys playing peek a boo and wants me to imitate her gestures. After she saw Lily give me a kiss earlier she wanted one of her own. So sweet.
What a gift to be her family! She is truly a JOY!
We are having a great time in China! There are several other adoptive families at our hotel that we are getting to know and we are making the most of this cultural experience!
Love to all!
Louis and Silas - we miss you so much! It was wonderful to see you on Skype this morning! XOXOXO!
Already, Esther is becoming comfortable with us and we see more of her JOYFUL personality each hour. She is a daddy's girl:) and really insists that he do everything for her. I recognize this is normal as she associates me with what she is missing and I am in constant prayer for her little heart. I anticipate with great excitement the day I will be able to comfort her and trust that our ultimate Comforter will provide all we need. Watching her grab for Noel every time she needs something - food, hand to hold, bathroom help, etc can really be entertaining at times. :) The walls are already coming down as she enjoys playing peek a boo and wants me to imitate her gestures. After she saw Lily give me a kiss earlier she wanted one of her own. So sweet.
What a gift to be her family! She is truly a JOY!
We are having a great time in China! There are several other adoptive families at our hotel that we are getting to know and we are making the most of this cultural experience!
Love to all!
Louis and Silas - we miss you so much! It was wonderful to see you on Skype this morning! XOXOXO!
click here to view photos of our Journey to Esther Joy!
new photos added...
surprise!
esther's foster family came to our hotel last night to meet us and bring gifts and tell us ALL about ya-ya (her nickname). it was a beautiful time and a gift from God! more soon -going to get our sweet girl now! love to all!
Esther Joy - Almost Home
Dear Esther Joy,
i find myself constantly smiling at the thought of holding you in my arms in less than one week. i hope you already know in your heart how much you are loved. i want to take a minute to tell your story
[this is the short version] about how you have been born in my heart. i desire to be a good steward of all the gifts God has given our family - you are certainly one of those wonderful gifts! I believe God is calling me to be a good steward of
our story - He has given us our children and done amazing things to bring all of you into our family and I know the story
isn't just for us....it is for others as well. I pray your story, Esther Joy, brings hope and joy to those who hear it.
One year ago - at my first "home church" experience - God dramatically restored my JOY and began bringing me out of a dark place that I had been in for a while - I will save these details for when you get older and I am praying about how God
may want me to share some of this with others believing that the healing I experienced is what He has in mind for many!
Shortly after that night of prayer I had a dream. I don't often remember my dreams, but when I do they are usually profound and leave me wondering if there is some deeper meaning behind them. In this dream - God gave me a name - Esther Joy. i
believe i knew on some level that He was telling me about our daughter, but we thought our family was complete....
From that moment - i prayed for you daily and the question of who Esther Joy would be replayed in my mind over and over.
The new school year started with our 3 children at home. I got busy and though your name stayed with me - I really thought I would be CRAZY to even think about adding another child to our household. God was working on me in so many ways. A couple months before this, in a conversation with the local agency that helped us adopt your brothers from Haiti, we realized that the Chinese coordinator that placed Lily in my arms in 2003 was now working with our local agency. I emailed the China coordinator, also named Lily, to see if in fact she was the same person. She emailed back right away and remembered us - she wrote, "let me know when you are ready for your next daughter from China" --
I laughed.
In early October, our adoption agency called us - they told me about several children on the special needs list that they were trying to place in families. I committed to praying for those children - one of which was you! On November 8, 2010 - the Titus Task sponsored an Orphan Awareness event at the Community Building here in Siloam Springs. We played a
video that spoke of China's special needs program and the need for more families. I looked at your Daddy and knew - after all that praying we had been doing for other families hearts to be moved to pursue adoption - it was our
hearts that were once again being opened for a sweet baby girl.
The next morning our adoption agency called -- they told us they were calling again about the children they were trying to place. They said that Lily in China specifically thought of our family for you. They were giving us one more chance to make you our own. God had been so patiently guiding us toward you, Esther Joy. You are Esther Joy - the sweet
baby girl in my dream - the symbolic gift of God's restoration of my joy in Him for such a time as this! That day Daddy and
I went to a global prayer meeting and in the car when we made our decision to bring you into our family as our very own we saw a break in the clouds shaped as a circle with a rainbow of colors in the middle. God does keep His promises.
There will be much to tell you when you are older, Esther...about the reasons for my heavy heart and the hard times waiting on your brothers...and someday I will tell you about your brother Titus and our 6 other babies that went to Heaven before we met them. But for now - I am watching God's redemption...His plan to reveal the fullness of JOY in our lives. It is
sweet.
He is in ALL THE DETAILS - Exactly one year to the day from that home church meeting will be the day we first hold
you! I believe God has given us such a gift with your adoption - from the date we decided to adopt you -- if this were a pregnancy -- my due date would be the date we were given for your Consulate Appointment in China - when your
adoption will be final! Isn't God awesome?! Our community of family and wonderful friends has been so generous and God provided for half of our adoption through their generosity in the last month!
Our God - He is good, He is GREAT, HE IS LOVE!
Daddy and I pray - that like your name you will be FULL of JOY - that it will be OVERFLOWING to others and result in praise, honor, and glory to our Lord Jesus Christ.
In less than a week - we will hold you. We all love you so much!
You are a gift to our family!
Love,
Mommy
i find myself constantly smiling at the thought of holding you in my arms in less than one week. i hope you already know in your heart how much you are loved. i want to take a minute to tell your story
[this is the short version] about how you have been born in my heart. i desire to be a good steward of all the gifts God has given our family - you are certainly one of those wonderful gifts! I believe God is calling me to be a good steward of
our story - He has given us our children and done amazing things to bring all of you into our family and I know the story
isn't just for us....it is for others as well. I pray your story, Esther Joy, brings hope and joy to those who hear it.
One year ago - at my first "home church" experience - God dramatically restored my JOY and began bringing me out of a dark place that I had been in for a while - I will save these details for when you get older and I am praying about how God
may want me to share some of this with others believing that the healing I experienced is what He has in mind for many!
Shortly after that night of prayer I had a dream. I don't often remember my dreams, but when I do they are usually profound and leave me wondering if there is some deeper meaning behind them. In this dream - God gave me a name - Esther Joy. i
believe i knew on some level that He was telling me about our daughter, but we thought our family was complete....
From that moment - i prayed for you daily and the question of who Esther Joy would be replayed in my mind over and over.
The new school year started with our 3 children at home. I got busy and though your name stayed with me - I really thought I would be CRAZY to even think about adding another child to our household. God was working on me in so many ways. A couple months before this, in a conversation with the local agency that helped us adopt your brothers from Haiti, we realized that the Chinese coordinator that placed Lily in my arms in 2003 was now working with our local agency. I emailed the China coordinator, also named Lily, to see if in fact she was the same person. She emailed back right away and remembered us - she wrote, "let me know when you are ready for your next daughter from China" --
I laughed.
In early October, our adoption agency called us - they told me about several children on the special needs list that they were trying to place in families. I committed to praying for those children - one of which was you! On November 8, 2010 - the Titus Task sponsored an Orphan Awareness event at the Community Building here in Siloam Springs. We played a
video that spoke of China's special needs program and the need for more families. I looked at your Daddy and knew - after all that praying we had been doing for other families hearts to be moved to pursue adoption - it was our
hearts that were once again being opened for a sweet baby girl.
The next morning our adoption agency called -- they told us they were calling again about the children they were trying to place. They said that Lily in China specifically thought of our family for you. They were giving us one more chance to make you our own. God had been so patiently guiding us toward you, Esther Joy. You are Esther Joy - the sweet
baby girl in my dream - the symbolic gift of God's restoration of my joy in Him for such a time as this! That day Daddy and
I went to a global prayer meeting and in the car when we made our decision to bring you into our family as our very own we saw a break in the clouds shaped as a circle with a rainbow of colors in the middle. God does keep His promises.
There will be much to tell you when you are older, Esther...about the reasons for my heavy heart and the hard times waiting on your brothers...and someday I will tell you about your brother Titus and our 6 other babies that went to Heaven before we met them. But for now - I am watching God's redemption...His plan to reveal the fullness of JOY in our lives. It is
sweet.
He is in ALL THE DETAILS - Exactly one year to the day from that home church meeting will be the day we first hold
you! I believe God has given us such a gift with your adoption - from the date we decided to adopt you -- if this were a pregnancy -- my due date would be the date we were given for your Consulate Appointment in China - when your
adoption will be final! Isn't God awesome?! Our community of family and wonderful friends has been so generous and God provided for half of our adoption through their generosity in the last month!
Our God - He is good, He is GREAT, HE IS LOVE!
Daddy and I pray - that like your name you will be FULL of JOY - that it will be OVERFLOWING to others and result in praise, honor, and glory to our Lord Jesus Christ.
In less than a week - we will hold you. We all love you so much!
You are a gift to our family!
Love,
Mommy
getting ready to meet Esther Joy
Schedule
August 11
Depart Fayetteville - arrive Beijing China August 12 at 11pm
8/13 - visit the Great Wall and Forbidden City in Beijing, dinner with my friend Hwasook's sister and family
8/14 - fly to Zhengzhou, Henan then visit Maria's Big House of Hope
8/15 - Forever Family Day with Esther Joy Tugwell
8/15 to 8/19 - bonding and family fun (and some paperwork) in Zhengzhou
8/19 fly to Guangzhou, Guangdong
8/19 to 8/25 see the sights and more family fun in southern China - + passport, visa medical exam, and more paperwork!
8/23 US Consulate appointment - Esther' s adoption is final!
8/24 pick up US Visa
8/25 Fly Home
8/25 Homecoming 11pm XNA
August 11
Depart Fayetteville - arrive Beijing China August 12 at 11pm
8/13 - visit the Great Wall and Forbidden City in Beijing, dinner with my friend Hwasook's sister and family
8/14 - fly to Zhengzhou, Henan then visit Maria's Big House of Hope
8/15 - Forever Family Day with Esther Joy Tugwell
8/15 to 8/19 - bonding and family fun (and some paperwork) in Zhengzhou
8/19 fly to Guangzhou, Guangdong
8/19 to 8/25 see the sights and more family fun in southern China - + passport, visa medical exam, and more paperwork!
8/23 US Consulate appointment - Esther' s adoption is final!
8/24 pick up US Visa
8/25 Fly Home
8/25 Homecoming 11pm XNA