So very thankful for our son and the Son!

When our family began the journey of adoption we were parents to three amazing little girls, then ages 6,8,10.  My husband thought it was only natural to adopt a girl, because we'd become pros at hair bows, princesses, and a bit of drama here and there.  However, when we talked with adoptive moms in our community and were told about the epidemic number of boys in orphanages all over the world- it made perfect sense to us to adopt a boy.  God led our family to the country of China, waiting child program, in Oct./November of 2012.  We inquired and were told about the many little guys who would never be adopted, because they were a boy.  Our China coordinator explained the steps to completing paperwork and allowed us to view the protected website of the referrals as they were made available to AWAA. 

On March 5, 2012, we saw this photo [top left] for the very first time, our son, Luke (Wu Yuanhong). We reviewed his medical information with our doctor, prayed, prayed, and prayed some more. On March 11th we officially accepted the referral of our son.  To say we were excited would be an understatement.  We, along with our daughters, rejoiced with one another, family and friends.  We could finally put a sweet little face to "our son." 

We prepared for the time when we would finally get the call that we had approval to travel to bring home our son.  It was on Sept.19th at approximately 11:15 a.m.  Three weeks later we were on a plane (numerous planes actually) to China to meet our son.  As we traveled I couldn't help but think about his birth parents and the sacrifices at some level that were made on his behalf. Luke was taken to the orphanage at the age of 13 months. He was found breathing poorly and blue.  He has a heart condition, tetrology of fallot.  I believe with all my heart he was taken there in order to be given a chance to live.  One year after being taken to the orphanage, Luke received surgery to repair his TOF.  

Seven months after receiving Luke's referral, we were in his province meeting our precious baby boy.

After meeting Luke and taking care of paperwork, we had about an 18 hour "harmonious" period before going to the civil affairs office for his adoption paperwork. 

We stayed in his province (Lanzhou, Gansu) another 4 days waiting on necessary paperwork to be processed before flying to Guangzhou for his medical exam and US consulate appointment.

Being greeted by his sisters, family and friends at the airport

His sisters are just crazy about him.

Although Luke has been in good health since he's been home we have had numerous medical appointments regarding his heart condition.  As we think of how far he has come- both medically and emotionally- we are so very thankful he doesn't have to go through any of this alone anymore.  This appointment was so emotional for me, as his mom.  I had the privilege of being right beside him.... when he went to sleep and when he was waking up from having testing we were right there, praise God!

The gospel parallels so closely with adoption.  For us to see this transformation in Luke in just three short months reminds us of our own adoption by our Heavenly Father through His Son, Jesus, when He adopted us.. gave us a "new name"... and an inheritance in Him! 

So often we have had people say to us comments like: "it's so wonderful what you are doing for this little boy," or "he's so lucky," or " you all are going to change his life."  While comments like this are meant to be positive when spoken, I just want to say, "no, we are the lucky ones, we are blessed."  You see, while yes, Luke's life will be much different because he's been rescued from an orphanage, brought into a family, and given a new name and inheritance... Our hearts, lives, and family dynamics have changed... and for the better!  We have the incredible responsibility of being used by our Father to love, nurture, enjoy, and do life with one amazing little guy.... my son!

I'm so thankful I get to be his mama.

Our community has a wonderful adoptive family celebration with our children for the Chinese New Year. Our family loved celebrating Luke and his culture.

Praise be to God for the great things HE has done!

(Picture designs compliments of our oldest daughter, Maddie).