Introduction
M
y heart beat out of my chest as the Chinese nanny rounded the corner, cradling an infant in layers upon layers of clothing. “Lian Yonghui!” a voice announced. This name—her orphanage name but no longer her name—danced in my ears, declaring that the moment had finally arrived. There she was—our Lucy Mei, our “beautiful light.” You could say this is where our story began, this day we became a family of six instead of five and jumped headfirst into a deep well of endless joy and challenges we could never have anticipated. Yet, this life-changing event was more like a climactic chapter in an even greater story. The narrative truly began months, even years, before when God began orchestrating events and desires that eventually led us to a chilly day in a government office in southern China when time stood still. When hope became reality. But the account didn’t end there. Many chapters ensued, documenting rejection, grief, and loss, baby steps, hints of trust, affection denied, and affection received. We celebrated attachment as our hearts sang, “I would lay my life down for you!” We felt despair as we had to admit, “This is harder than I ever imagined.” Our adoption story details siblings cheering their sister on as she learned to eat, stand, walk, and speak. It shares how those same brothers and sister sometimes struggle with sharing their space, hearts, and parents. And the story continues. Countless chapters have yet to be written. You could say the adoption journey is a long, winding road. Sometimes the scenery is breathtaking and you think, “There is no place I would rather be.” You take off your shoes and worship because the transformations that take place within your heart, your child, and your home are simply miraculous. Yet, as is the case with most long trips, the view might sometimes be dull and monotonous, clouded with paperwork and waiting and milestones that refuse to be crossed. 11
