Merry Christmas!

We had a wonderful Christmas. Amelia received wayyyy too many toys, but it was fun! Amelia also enjoyed time laughing and singing with her cousins. We are so blessed to be surrounded by family, friends, more material things than seems right, and most importantly, lives lived with the knowledge of Our Lord, Jesus. We are very blessed to live in a place where we can live our faith openly and freely and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, Jesus the Messiah.

Christmas fun

Amelia and Mommy sang "Away in a Manger" in church on the Sunday morning before Christmas...Amelia and her babysitter, Susie, built a gingerbread house together...Amelia played with Cece and Heather...Amelia enjoyed ice cream with sprinkles after her school Christmas program...Grandmama, Mommy and Amelia went on a tour of the Christmas lights. And, of course...efforts for a great Christmas photo.

All Aboard The Polar Express

Amelia and I enjoyed a fun evening aboard The Polar Express. Amelia chose a long, red nightgown (she insisted that she needed a long gown like the little girl in the movie). The conductor yelled "All Aboard," and we found our seats on the upper deck. We listened to The Polar Express book on tape and enjoyed a cookie and hot chocolate presented by workers in chef attire. We rode to "The North Pole," where Santa and the elves boarded the train. Santa greeted each child and presented him/her with a silver bell. Then, the elves led us all in Christmas caroling. We finally disembarked the train about an hour later. Miss AiChun REALLY enjoyed herself, and she has been listening to the book on tape and asking me to read the book to her every night. All in all, a fun Christmas outing for the Mama and the goose-girl.

Amy

Thanksgiving with The Chunster

Amelia was very into Thanksgiving this year. Her teacher christened her with a Native American name for the week. Amelia chose the name "Water" because, in her words, "I like to drink water and take a bath in water. Water is good, Mom." She also loved saying the word "cornucopia." We looked for an inexpensive one to purchase, but finding none, Grandmama and Amelia decided to craft their own. Amelia also enjoyed bits and pieces of the Macy's Parade. It was too long for her to really sit and watch it all, but for a kid who tells me "Santa is not real, Mom," she sure was happy to see him at the end of the parade.

We have so much to be thankful for - our salvation, our family, our friends, our health, our homes, our education, our freedom to worship, our abundance...the list is endless. As so many people have suffered economic losses and woes lately, and as many close to me have had serious health issues this year, it helps me to remember that our security is not in wealth or plenty, but in a Person, in Jesus Christ, from Whom all our blessings flow. May we always honor and praise His name.

Happy Two-Year Forever Family Day!

It was two years ago today that I awoke in a strange bed in a hotel room in Chengdu, China, and thought “it’s today,” realizing that the day had finally arrived when I would meet my daughter for the first time. I remember seeing her for the first time, carrying her foster mother’s purse, and wearing the coat with purple lace and beads. She would stand as far away from as she could, stretching out her tiny hand to quickly pluck a Cheerio out of mine – our first touch! When it was time to leave, her large eyes, swimming with tears and filled with distrust, betrayed her efforts to be remain stoic and aloof. Her chin was stubbornly set to not look at me or walk with me, and when the tears spilled over, she hid her face in the crook of her arm. She did not want me to see her cry.

Two years have passed. The transformation is nothing short of miraculous. In some ways, she is still Fu Ai Chun –determined, strong-willed, brave, smart, and a big-time worrywart. However, those qualities are now tempered with laughter, joy, and a fair amount of silliness – pure Amelia AiChun. She is easily among the funniest people I have ever known. She is affectionate, readily giving out hugs and kisses to those she loves. Her mama gets a lot of kisses! She loves to sing, dance, jump, and sashay. She is my heart’s delight.

I could never put into words all that the Father gave me when He chose to give me this child. I have learned so much about Him by being her mother. I have seen miracle after miracle. She is a treasure, a pearl of great price. I am so honored to be her mother.

Thank you for being a special part of our lives and our story. Amelia is who she is today because so many people loved her and prayed for her. We appreciate you.

Love,
Amy

PS - Amelia and I celebrated this special day with Chinese food (noodles!) and tickets to see a high school production of The Sound of Music, her favorite show. What fun!

Random photos from the past few weeks...

The Chunster has been a busy girl over the past few weeks. She has been preparing for a ballet recital, a school program, and church stuff. She has been learning to read ("go, dogs, go!"). She has been saying things like "'A' says a as in apple, 'A' says a, a, a!" and so forth. She always wants to "do work". My mother took her to the toy store, and she didn't ask for anything except a phonics workbook. She is a bright girl. Now, if we could only get some of those irrational fears under control!!! Enjoy the photos.

The difference a year makes...

Amelia chose to be Minnie Mouse again this year for our church's Harvest Festival. The first photo was taken last year. The second one was taken this year. It's pretty neat to look back over a year, and see not only how much she has grown physically (look at the difference on the length of that dress!), but how much she has progressed emotionally. She is a smart, funny, beautiful, vivacious little girl, and I love her!

Amy