When they say time flies, they are really not kidding! On January 19, 1997 in a beautiful hotel in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China, I first laid my eyes on my very first daughter. I remember it like it was yesterday. The myriad of emotions I felt are still with me on this anniversary. I remember feeling scared and panicky after arriving in China. What on earth made me think I could do this all by myself?! But, when they handed me this tiny little bundle of sweetness, I looked down on her and fell in love. She was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. I was so overwhelmed with emotion, I thought my heart would burst. I was suddenly a mom! This was something I never thought I would be. Now, 19 years later, I still get that feeling when I look at both of my girls. Below, is the picture I received from China (called a referral photo).
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| Alyssa Li Lan Referral Photo |
She has grown to be a beautiful young woman. She is a wonderful artist, a caring individual and a joy to be around (well, most of the time!) Here she is now:
On the 5 year anniversary of her adoption in 2002, I wrote the below poem to help her to understand a little about her start in life and how we became a family:
5 Years Ago
5 years ago I took a trip all the way across the
sea
And on that trip I first met you and we became a
family.
I'd prayed and prayed that someday I would be a
Mom
And the Lord, He gave His answer but I did not
know where from.
Meanwhile somewhere in China a woman had a baby
girl,
But, alas, the laws of that country would not
let her keep her pearl.
So one sad day she took you to the Guixi
Children's Home,
And she kissed you and said "I love
you" and she prayed for you a
home.
She said she would remember you, she hoped you'd
understand
That she must leave you now so that your life
could be more grand.
On that day God planted a seed that could not be
torn apart,
And you were born again, but this time in my
heart.
Now came a day in November of 1996
That the postman brought your picture and my
heart was filled with bliss.
I cried and held you deeply right there in my
heart,
Until the day when I could board the plane for
China to depart.
There were so many stops that were made along
the way,
From Detroit to Chicago then on to L.A.
Then finally on to China where our hearts and
eyes would meet,
In a hotel known as the Lakeview where others go
to greet.
My heart jumped with joy as I saw you across the
room,
Then I waited 'til they called my name which
happened very soon.
Then I held you close and looked as you cried
there in my arms
And I tried so hard to reassure you that you'd
never come to harm.
Somewhere in the scurry of that very busy day,
You laid your head upon my chest as if you were
to say,
"I know you are my mommy and I trust you
now you see,
I will hold on to you tightly and let you take
care of me!"
So on that day 5 years ago our hearts began to
bond
Ever growing with love so wonderful a gift from
the great beyond.
Now as I watch you sleeping in our home in
Michigan,
My heart fills with joy as I remember that
special day again.
I thank God for His angel and its true now that
I know,
That the years and years of waiting were His own
way to show
That in his gracious wisdom it was always meant
to be
For us to be together as a forever family.
Thanks for letting me share this moment with you all!
