As each family journey's from considering adoption to crossing into China, they find themselves in varying degrees of doubt, joy, loss, grief, and confusion. This process is hard at times, but in the end it has given each of us a gift beyond measure. We invite you to learn more about how some of the family's that are a part of the First Friday's China Adoption Journey came to know the joy of adoption by reading from our "Red Thread Connections." If you have a story to share, please Contact Us or join us on a First Friday.
Daniels Family
We felt like we had “control” again. We had done our part. We knew that this was God’s plan for our family. Now, we expected the rest of the journey to go smoothly. At that time, the wait from LID to referral was 6 months. It was the end of October, so we expected to get our match in May of 2006. I remember feeling such relief that we were on the road to becoming parents!!
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Chapman Family
To answer the question, “what did we learn” would take a novel to answer. Yet, it is best summed up with “Be Obedient to His Will.” The best advice we received was that “everyone has an adoption story, learn to laugh and look for God’s confirmation moments.” The worst advice we received was to adopt a highway. The unintended consequence was that we grew as a couple, as children of God, as parents, and we were strengthened by the adversity we overcame. Read Full Story
Coffee Family
There were two additional snapshots of her for a total of three photographs. Brad looked at me and with tears in his eyes said, “You know what we have to do.” Our decision was made. Brad and I immediately fell in love with Fu Li Wan. She was the most beautiful child we had ever seen. Fu Li Wan looked as healthy in the photographs as she read on paper. Our wait was over. This was our daughter and as we would soon learn, the most perfect child for us. Read Full Story
Dufresne Family
We learned to “let loose and let go.” Thinking we are “in control” is such an illusion, adoption erases any such illusion. We learned what “a journey of faith” really is, and with each step, I could feel my faith grow. Sometimes, God illuminates only the ground in front of your feet, you can’t see very far ahead. The only weapon you have against the “doubt and fear” is prayer. Many times, the answers to our questions can’t be answered. Read Full Story