Spending Time with "China Friends"

Today was nothing short of magical!  To spend the day with the two people that experienced an adoption for the first time along with us was a gift!  

This other couple was with us for our entire first trip in China.  We experienced the Great Wall, Cloisonné factory, and Hu Tong while in Beijing.  Then, we provided moral support for each other as we flew on our first Chinese flight to the amazing city of Nanjing and prepared for an event that would change our lives forever!  Each child that has come into our lives (through birth or adoption) has been a miracle.  However, this first adoption began a connection to China that will always draw our hearts to the far off land.  We prepared for meeting our daughters for the first time and shared our excitement, anxiety, and emotions.  

We watched each other as we held our daughters for the first time and cried tears of joy for each other.   Watching Grace and Kaitlyn play and love on each other today brought joy to my heart.  Two beautiful little girls bonded together as they joined the families God designed for them on the same day almost 4 years ago. 

 It seems like so very long ago when we stood anxiously in the Nanjing Civil Affairs building, waiting for Kaitlyn to come through the door.  I am in awe when I step back and think about what God has done in our lives over those 4 short years.  We have welcomed 3 more beautiful children into our family and are preparing to welcome a 4^th.  We can never express how thankful we are to have journeyed with the McDowell’s!