7 Moms...

Foster mama (to both Audrey An and Chan) and forever mama...priceless treasure to meet, thank, kiss and hug the woman who cared for two of my three children!

Since becoming a wife almost 15 years ago (at the end of this month!), I appreciate life from a different perspective. Since becoming a parent almost 13 years ago, I view a lot of things from a different vantage point.  Since becoming an adoptive mama 5 years ago, I see many things in even more unique ways- one being Mother's Day.  Who can say they've had 5 moms?  Well, too many in the world, unfortunately.  One of children can say she has...at least 4.  One of my children can he has...at least 5.  They've had 7 combined and 2 shared.

This weekend I rejoice- for my mom.  I rejoice- for my two newest addition's birth mothers.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow they chose life!  David and I will never know the circumstances of Audrey An and Chan's birth parents, but I do know that it was a very brave choice!  I pray for them.  My family prays for them.  Audrey An has prayed for them for as long she's known what prayer is and understood the concept of "birth mother" and "foster mother".  What exactly does my sweet girl pray?  That they will someday know who Jesus is.  That someday she will meet them (a "yes" answer to that for her foster parents came on March 20, 2014!). That maybe SHE will be the ones to share The Good News with them one day.  I love her heart, and it was absolutely precious to see her countenance when she was reunited with her foster family- not scared or anxious.  Just plain...thrilled!  She was even excited to return to the orphanage to see where she spent the first 1 1/2 years of life.  Wow.  She is one brave girl.

This week I looked through our China pictures again and was once again humbled by the absolute miracle of adoption- physical and spiritual.  I have such a better understanding of my own spiritual adoption having been through the process of physical adoption not once but twice.  The hard work. The tears. The giving up of your own will. The joy. The journey. 

2 birth moms and dads- black shadow since it will always be a mystery

orphanage "mommies" -from what is referred to as the "pink castle".  This is where AA lived for 1 1/2 years and where Chan lived for just a few days.

Foster mama and Audrey An being reunited after 5 years! She lived with this foster family for 3 years.

Foster mama and Chan in a very emotional reunion after only 3 weeks. He lived with this foster family for 7 years.

definitely a range of emotions...

 Chan's bridge foster family who graciously took in, cared for, and loved on our sweet boy for about 2 1/2 weeks prior to our travel.  We will be forever grateful and bonded to you!

My oldest, Abigail Lindsey

My youngest, Audrey An Xiaoli

My newest, Chan David

Oh, how I do pray that each of my THREE children know they were not only chosen by God for life and His special purposes, but I pray they understand that each of them were chosen by their birth parents to have life!  Your daddy and I love all of you very much!  We pray for you daily.  How blessed I am be your mommy!