One year ago today, we first saw the pictures of our precious Mary Joyce. Our wait had seemed endless. When we started the adoption process, there was about a 6 month wait from LID (log-in date) to referral. Six months came and went. We ended up waiting almost 13 months for our referral.
The day itself was nerve-wracking. We knew that our group's referrals had arrived at the agency out west that our agency partners with because one of our travel mates had already received her referral information on the 31st of July. That just made us more anxious. We were in pretty constant communication with Barbara and Tina at our adoption agency, as well as with Marsha and Jeremy, the other waiting parents in our group that were with our same agency. The end of business arrived on the first, and we figured that it would be the next day before we heard anything. Then the phone rang. (If I'm remembering correctly, we were about to walk out the door to go out and eat to get our minds off of the wait for the call.) It was Tina, and she said, "This is your call." Needless to say, our supper plans were put on hold as we went back to the computer room to officially take the call.
Tina gave us our daughter's information. While we were on the phone, she emailed us Mary Joyce's pictures. Wow! What an emotional experience. We were seeing our daughter's face for the very first time. She also sent us some basic medical information at that point. Somehow, when the info was sent from the partner agency to our agency, the babies' names were left out. We had to wait for a day to find out that our daughter's Chinese name was Tong Min Hao.
Of course, after the conversation with Tina, we immediately called and emailed everyone we knew to let them know our good news. What a special day!
Our little girl is such a blessing to us each and every day. It is amazing to watch her grow and thrive. It is amazing that God has entrusted us with the gift of being her parents.
When I think of how long we waited for our referral, I think about our friends, Jen and Mike, and Karen and David. I think about Angie and Milledge, and Heidi and Rich. The wait is long. The wait is tough. But the wait is so worth it in the end. (((((Hugs))))) and prayers to those who are awaiting your referral day.
7 comments:
What an amazing post - you have got to love the black and white chicken/rooster! Mary Joyce is simply stunning. What a blessed little girl to be raised by parents who love the Lord and are willing to share that with her. What blessed parents to have such a magnificent daughter. Thanks for sharing the specialness of this day.
Heather
WOW! I can't believe it has been a year. I remember coming home from "meet the teacher" night and Heidi called to tell me to check my email. I remember sitting at my computer crying my eyes out of such a beautiful child and the fact that she was finally going to be with her sweet forever family.
Thank you for thinking about and praying for us during our wait. It is hard but seeing families like yours and knowing that we will have that too one day helps so much! Thank you for lettting us be part of your journey!
Angie
happy anniversary to you guys!! what a fun week we had a year ago. and hopefully this will be a fun week for your family again. looking forward to some news on Katherine.
mk
A whole year!!!! I remember getting home from church and rushing to listen to our messages. Sure enough you had left us one. While I called your cell Mike was at the computer checking my emails to see if there was a picture. And there she was....absolutely perfect. And then I cried as I listened to you tell me all the details about her. She is a joy. Mary Joyce can light up a room. I love that about her. She's going to be a great big sister. Love and miss you guys!!!
Jen
Dusty,
Check out my blog...I just tagged you!
Congrats again Chet and Dusty! I know...we always say "Where does the time go???" Today 8/2 is our 3 years Gotcha day. So I'm as sentimental as all of you. Hugs to all the TWLP'ers. Your always on my mind and in my heart! Susan
Hi Dusty...I can't believe it has been a whole year either! We all had such a great time at the Hong Kong Cafe celebrating with you and Chet! I still have Mary Joyce's referral picture on my computer desk! I can't "wait" until it's our turn...can you believe the wait is currently 21 months!?!?!?!
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