Saying Goodbye

Today was an emotional day for all 3 of us. For me and Ryan, because we were again reminded of God's amazing goodness to us. Hannah Ryan did get upset again when we left her nannies, but after seeing the way she has been loved and cared for at Love Manor, it is understandable. The entire place is amazing...it is literally the nicest orphanage in China. It is built on the top of a beautiful mountain in the middle of what used to be a national park, so the scenery is amazing. And, the facilities aren't just "nice for an orphanage", they are nice period. But, even more importantly, I was so touched by how the nannies genuinely care for my daughter. Every person we passed in the hallways, stopped and fussed over Hannah Ryan. Her nannies were elated to see her.

But, here is the part of the day where God really showed His sweet goodness all over again... I am very blessed to be a part of a sweet community of gals in the Birmingham area called the Red Thread group. We are a group of moms who have adopted or are in the process of adopting from China. We meet for coffee twice a month and those who already have their kids home meet for play dates. I can't say enough what a blessing these women have been to me during this process. There is something comforting about having people in your life who have already walked down a road you are walking down. And, in that common connection of precious children from China, friendships have formed. There is one mom in our group that I have become friends with whose daughter, June, is also at Love Manor. Well, I found out today that Hannah Ryan and June are crib neighbors...their cribs are right beside each other. And, according to the orphanage workers, they are best friends!!! How sweet and amazing of the Lord to place these two orphans in homes in the same community where the moms are friends...what a sweet connection they will have the rest of their lives!!!

We stopped for lunch on the way back and Hannah Ryan fell right to sleep in my arms for naptime. But when she woke up, she was in a little bit of a panic and started crying. She recovered and we had afternoon snack. But, as soon as it was over, she lost it. She began sobbing and was inconsolable. She didn't want to be held, but I held her anyway...she was grieving. It finally sunk in that she was not returning to her home and to her nannies. Imagine would it would feel like for a biological child to be abducted...this is what it feels like for her right now. After lots of holding and rocking with Mama, a dum dum finally saved the day. She had another much smaller grieving spell about an hour later and then our happy, laughing girl returned. There will be more moments like these as she continues to grieve...please pray for her little heart as she lets go of the sweet nannies who have cared for her so well.

Tonight was so fun...our little girl was full of energy. We are going to have our hands full!!!

I can't post many pictures of the orphanage for privacy reasons. But, here is my favorite...this first picture is Hannah Ryan and June!















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