I Have A Daughter From China . . .

I know, I know, you already knew that. . . you've read the blog. But, have you ever had something (or someone) that you have waited so long for that when it finally happens, you just have to pinch yourself? Sometimes I just have to pinch myself!

My precious bird in China

I prayed for so many years for this little girl, often thinking that it was never going to happen. God was always faithful to remind me that He had a plan, and to TRUST him. The years went on, moves happened, our big kids got older, Brogie was born, and life moved forward . . . but my heart's desire and God's promise never changed. Still I thought, "How God"? "When God"? "With what money God"? And then suddenly there she was (or a picture of her anyway, on rainbowkids. com) my girl was found! A rainbow! The finances had been provided . . . a paperchase ensued . . . and then the long wait began. We waited . . . and we waited . . . and we waited some more. On May 19th, 2008, with years of praying, and then months of waiting behind us, we met our Chinese daughter for the first time. For a moment the world stood still. The first glimpse of her took my breath away . . . and now, nearly four months later, I still have to pinch myself.

Teddi, three months after Gotcha, in Michigan

I peek in at night and I see her sleeping in her bed, a bed that sat empty for too long, and I am in awe of God's goodness to me. I listen to the chattering silliness of she and Brogan playing happily together, and I need to pinch myself! I see her eating at our table, as part of our family, and I need to pinch myself.

We met with our Community(church) Group tonight in the home of some friends. We had several new families so we all wore name tags, including Teddi. I kept reading and re-reading the tag on my sweet girl's shirt. It said, "Hello my name is . . . Teddi Winder (written in her baba's hand writing). Hello Teddi Winder, so nice to meet you! Another pinch myself moment. Zhu Fu Xiao, to Theadora Fu Xiao, to our Xiao Xiao . . . to Teddi Winder. She's here, she's home, and sometimes it is still so hard to believe.

Each new day we learn a little more about who Teddi Winder is. . . She's funny, and she knows it, that will get you a long way in this family! She is particular, and neat, she wants things in order (much like her big sister). She loves to help, loves to be picked up, and she is ticklish, very ticklish! She is brave and strong by day, but scared at night . . . oh how I wish I could take that away for her. She sings, and she runs, and she is noisy, oh so noisy! She loves her shoes, and chocolate, and ice cream. She is tough when she gets hurt, but will show you her "owies" over and over again, and mama will kiss those "owies" away, as many times as it takes. Her voice is squawky, her smile is heart-melting, and her tiny body bends like a noodle. She's not just a picture anymore, she's not an orphan anymore . . . She's Teddi Winder. I have to pinch myself.

This butterfly joined us as I was taking Teddi's pictures in my sister's backyard. My mom pointed it out and as I turned to take a shot, it fluttered from the flower it was on to this flower--which was already occupied by a bee! This butterfly reminds me of Teddi's journey . . . the transformation from orphan to daughter . . . flitting purposefully . . . and bravely . . . and beautifully, into her new life.

I love you Teddi Winder!

Blessings~

Tina

~ I want to dedicate this post to my friends who are "waiting". May the day come soon, that finds you pinching yourself, as you watch your daughters begin their new lives, with you. And may the Lord hold you, and your sweet girls, until that day comes. T~