An Unexpected Surprise!!!

I was at school today getting documents notarized and picking up books for tutoring, when I got a call from Holt.  I was very puzzled by this and a little worried that I had made some kind of mistake.  To my greatest delight, I found that Holt had already matched me with a three year old girl.  I was speechless, as I have not even completed my Home study.  When I asked the social worker how could this be, she replied, "We have a fabulous team at work in China."  I thought to myself, I have an awesome God working on my behalf!


The timing of all this is amazing, as my parents are here from Chicago this week. It seemed only fitting, that I should share this wonderful news with my mom firsthand.  I am overjoyed and scared at the same time.  I now have 24 hours to make a decision.  All of a sudden this adoption has become real.  Am I really able to do this?


The little girl's name is Lu Yi Mei.  Lu is her surname, it is derived from the region she lives in.  Yi means in hopes of being talented and smart.  Mei means beautiful.  She really is a beautiful girl  who has light in her countenance.  This sweet little girl was abandoned at the city gate at birth and has been in an orphanage all her life.  I was relieved to find out that she is in a US funded orphanage with good care (even pre-school).  Yi Mei has a deformed auricle.  I have been up all night reading, but there is little information on this condition. 

Will I be able to afford the required surgery?  Can I really parent a child with special needs?  I want to celebrate, but I find myself filled with questions. 

When I look at the process before me, I see many reasons not to pursue this dream.  There are still many doubts that make me wonder how this will possible work out.  But it is then that I must remind myself that when God calls us to do something, we have to trust the HE will make a way

I do believe with all my heart that this is what God has called me to do.  Even so, I have a choice and that choice involves a leap of faith. I can choose the path of least resistance or I can choose the road less traveled which will ultimately lead to blessings beyond my imagination.

Do not follow where the path may lead.
Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
--- Ralph Waldo Emerson