Two Years Ago Today . . .

It's hard to believe it has already been two years! On the other hand, I can hardly remember life without Linzi. It seems as if we have always been together.

Two years ago today, we had just landed in Lanzhou. After an hour and a half bus ride to the city, we were delivered to the Sunshine Plaza Hotel. We were told we had one hour to get our room assignments and get ready for Linzi. I remember thinking that Linzi, the other children and their nannies were probably somewhere in that very same building, waiting for us. How very surreal. I don't know what we did to make that hour go by.

Finally, it was time. We hurried off to the conference room. Outside, it was a rainy and chilly day. The pollution combined with the rain cast a dreary fog over the city. But in that conference room in the Sunshine Plaza hotel, the love of seven families was shining it's very brightest. The room was aglow joy and anticipation as we gathered for the moment we had all dreamed of for so long. In my memory, everything is a blur UNTIL the moment nannies came in the room. From that point on, I can remember every second, every detail, every breath I took. They walked around the conference table and sat in chairs on the opposite side of the room, facing us. I remember scanning the babies, trying to figure out which one was Linzi. My eyes locked with Linzi and her nanny. I remember that I wasn't completely sure if that was her, but I secretly hoped it was. They were all beautiful, but THIS child was looking into my soul. Her nanny never took her eyes off of us either. It was like she was sizing us up and deciding if we were good enough for her little charge. Eric knew instantly that it was Linzi.




Linzi is wrapped in the pink blanket. Notice how she and her nanny knew EXACTLY who we were!!! They had obviously been studying the photobook we sent.

When they called our names and the orphanage director handed her to me, time stood still. In that moment, we fell head over heels in love with our youngest daughter. It is a moment that is forever etched in my heart and a part of who I am. God was smiling down on that room that day as seven families and eight children found each other. It is a love that is so huge, so all encompassing, there are no words to give it justice.

And to think that we love her even more NOW than we did then! Who would have thought it was possible! Here's to two years of more joy, love and laughter than we ever imagined or deserved.


And here she is today.

Tonight we will watch the long version of her video. Then I will tuck her in with lots of love and a special book I bought for this day. Letters of Love From China is a story written from the birthmother's point of view. I know we will never know the real story, but in Linzi's case, there are many tangible clues pointing to the fact that her birth mother cared and struggled with the decision she faced. We are forever grateful to her for giving life to this amazing little girl. We are forever grateful to God and China for allowing us the honor of loving her!