Our First Day...

Joy Meihua has been with us now for 28 hours. It has been sheer JOY! She is full of smiles, giggles, and hugs. She has most definitely claimed us as her people! When we go out somewhere, she grabs my hand and Tim's hand before we go out the door and never lets go. If other people get to close, she leans into us. I am convinced she knows she belongs with us!

She eats well and eats whatever she is given. She tells us she's still hungry, but we are trying to keep her from over eating (which can be common for a child from an orphanage). We assure her there will be a snack soon, and she is happy with that.

On the drive to the hotel from the orphanage, she asked where her brothers were. Our guide explained to her that they were at home with Grandma and Grandpa. She also asked in a concerned voice if we have new clothes for her because she did not have any clothes. We assured her (through our guide) that we had all new clothes and toys and everything she will ever need. She smiled and leaned her head into my chest after that...with a smile on her face.

She completely stole our hearts. Tim and I have had moist eyes for the last 28 hours. We just look at her bubbly personality and are in awe of what God has entrusted to us.

The Director of the orphanage told us that Joy is "passionate". We smiled. I think she didn't think we understood so she went on to explain that she can be "naughty". We smiled again. I hope she can be naughty!! She IS a child! I think maybe she is spirited and strong willed, and not so "naughty". That's what it takes to survive an orphanage and still have big smiles. So far, we've only seen the bubbly, giggly, and obedient Joy Meihua. I'm sure it won't be long before we see a glimpse of the stubborn, obstinate Joy Meihua. I just "feel" it's in there.

Meihua has told our guide several times that she is happy and wants to stay with Mama and Baba. She does not want to go back to the orphanage. She has many changes coming in the near future, but I think we've made a great start. Hopefully, day by day she will continue to grow to trust us and know that we will always provide what she needs and keep her safe and well loved.

It has been a first day that far surpasses all our hopes! We praise God for the good works He does in our family!