We have had our Avery home for over a year now. I look back at this time last year and am amazed at how far she has come in the last year. Not just growth on the physical side (yes, she now runs!) but growth in her maturity and trusting others. It is so evident that the presence of love, family and consistency can bring a child out of the depths of isolation, weariness, and distrust of people.
When Avery was placed in my arms, she screamed and cried. She kicked and wanted me to give her back. It was so hard, but I knew we had the best of intentions in mind. We knew God gave her to us. She only knew what she had experienced and it wasn't the love of a mother and father. She didn't know what a family would bring. The only reason she calmed down that day was she finally fell asleep on me (because I wouldn't put her down), but if you know Avery, she didn't like me that day and she let me know it!
Back to present day, Avery is energetic, loving, spunky, and is trusting! I am mama and she is mine--has always been!
This brings me to my point! Matt and I were having this discussion the other day and we both felt exactly the same way. I told Matt that when I look at Avery I do not see a Chinese girl anymore! I just see my daughter. When we first adopted her, the fact that she was Chinese did not matter, but we noticed daily.
Matt said he has forgotten she is even Chinese!
I think it is so cool how God gives you His eyes when it comes to your children, and I think he is really at work in an adoptive family! He sees no color. He sees a child of God!
Most outings as a family, bring many stares! Sure, it is probably from the 5 children we are surrounded by. But even when I am out with only 2 or 3 (and Avery is with me) we get stares and sweet looks from others.
It is the same thing I do to families that I happen upon who have also adopted. I am drawn to them. I notice their adopted child, because I love the act of adoption!
I am sure these families are just like us. They do not see a child that looks different. They see a child that fits in perfectly. A little girl who is spunky like her brother, sweet and loving like her sister, stubborn like her mama and smart like her Dad. We see a child that God cared so much for and He knew we needed her as much as she needed us.
So, that day that we were matched with Avery and saw her for the first time in March of 2011--when Matt so famously said, "I can't believe we have another daughter--and she is Chinese" has become.
Thank you Lord for Avery, we are blessed!
When Avery was placed in my arms, she screamed and cried. She kicked and wanted me to give her back. It was so hard, but I knew we had the best of intentions in mind. We knew God gave her to us. She only knew what she had experienced and it wasn't the love of a mother and father. She didn't know what a family would bring. The only reason she calmed down that day was she finally fell asleep on me (because I wouldn't put her down), but if you know Avery, she didn't like me that day and she let me know it!
Back to present day, Avery is energetic, loving, spunky, and is trusting! I am mama and she is mine--has always been!
This brings me to my point! Matt and I were having this discussion the other day and we both felt exactly the same way. I told Matt that when I look at Avery I do not see a Chinese girl anymore! I just see my daughter. When we first adopted her, the fact that she was Chinese did not matter, but we noticed daily.
Matt said he has forgotten she is even Chinese!
I think it is so cool how God gives you His eyes when it comes to your children, and I think he is really at work in an adoptive family! He sees no color. He sees a child of God!
Most outings as a family, bring many stares! Sure, it is probably from the 5 children we are surrounded by. But even when I am out with only 2 or 3 (and Avery is with me) we get stares and sweet looks from others.
It is the same thing I do to families that I happen upon who have also adopted. I am drawn to them. I notice their adopted child, because I love the act of adoption!
I am sure these families are just like us. They do not see a child that looks different. They see a child that fits in perfectly. A little girl who is spunky like her brother, sweet and loving like her sister, stubborn like her mama and smart like her Dad. We see a child that God cared so much for and He knew we needed her as much as she needed us.
So, that day that we were matched with Avery and saw her for the first time in March of 2011--when Matt so famously said, "I can't believe we have another daughter--and she is Chinese" has become.
Thank you Lord for Avery, we are blessed!
