Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Black and White Wednesday ~ WE DID IT!

I know, I know, you all have patiently been waiting for an update. I sincerely apologize for my lack of keeping you in the loop, but things here have been crazy. Crazy in a good way.

I can't even tell you the last time I posted to Black and White Wednesday, but I do know that it has been way too long.

Overall things are going really well. I mean that knowing that we have only been home a few weeks and we are all still adjusting to a family of 8. I think the biggest contributor to my lack in posting is the amount of laundry I am doing now. Seriously! I had alot before, but now it is ridiculous. My laundry room has been re-named "Mt. St. Laundry." I think I am going to be employing a couple of teenage boys to help out in that department very soon.

A little over a year ago we set out on a journey like no other. When we started the process to add Drew to our family we had no idea what was in store for us. Shortly after accepting the referral for Drew we were faced with the news that the substantial grants that had been applied to him were being revoked due to the economic hardships of many of the donors. It was at that moment that we were faced with our first challenge. Do we continue forward knowing that this adoption was going to cost way more than we had originally planned or, do we just stop the process all together. After hours of contemplating what to do, Matt and I both decided to take a leap and rely 100% on our faith that we were doing the right thing. So, we we continued the journey that was laid before us.

Andrew Isaac Hong Chun

This past year has been consumed by walls that needed breaking down. Hurdles that needed jumping over. Roller coasters that just when you think you are near the end, take another turn into the unknown. Mountains and mountains of climbing to the highest peak only to find out there is one higher and steeper on the other side. This past year has been nothing but a test of our faith. I like to think we passed.

What started out as a need to fulfill a dream has turned into so much more. Shortly after returning home with Mylee I knew I would return to China. Adoption has not only changed our family, but it has changed me as a person.

It is no secret of the financial struggles we had to bring Drew home. It is no secret that we had to set aside our pride to ask for help. I have been completely amazed by the overflowing support we have received from family, friends, and complete strangers. WE DID IT! And by WE, I don't just mean Matt and I. I mean each and everyone of you who donated. Those who helped to spread the word. Those who supported us even though you think we are crazy. Those of you who e-mailed me privately saying that although you could not help financially, you were praying. Those prayers worked, so thank you. Each and every one of you had a hand in bringing our boys home.

And just when we were beginning to think we had accomplished out mission, He reveals to us the bigger plan, His plan by adding not just one son to our family but two.

Jaxon Xin Ming



I know I've said it over and over, and I will continue to say it. There is absolutely no way we could have brought Drew home let alone Jaxon without your help and our Faith that we were doing exactly what He had planned for us. There is no other explanation than the simple fact of with Him all things ARE possible.

The above pictures are proof of that.

I plan on updating soon about how everyone is doing. I thank you all for being so patient with me during our transition from 4 to 6.

13 comments:

Formerly known as Frau said...

Congrats! Beautiful photos of your new sons.

Unknown said...

Drew and Jaxson are SO beautiful. In a manly kind of way of course : ) I am thankful you get to be their Mommy and I am SO thankful that you love them so much!

Tara Anderson said...

Those are two good lookin' boys you have there, and it brought me such JOY to be able to follow along in your journey! I look forward to seeing them blossom in their new family!

Anna's Family said...

I am so happy to see you all together and home safely. You have been in our prayers and will continue to be during your ongoing adjustment. Oh, laundry...Bless You!!! I know how much I despise it for just 3 of us...I can not imagine. I will pray for a laundry fairy next(LOL). Love & Blessings!
Jo Gooden

Wanda said...

What a beautiful sight. Two angels added to your already blessed family!

Christy said...

Congratulations! So glad everything worked out! great pics!

Lisa said...

Oh! My Gosh! How wonderful for your family! I have chills.

Your sons are so very, very handsome...Congratulations to you all!

Donna said...

Beautiful boys and beautiful boys! Congratulations!

Donna
Our Blog: Double Happiness!

Becky R said...

I am so glad in a small way I was a part of you bringing those boys home. Your blog post made me feel so happy and blessed.

Alyson said...

I'm so happy to hear that you all are doing well. It has been awesome following your story. God IS faithful!

Cari said...

Beautiful post and two handsome dudes...you're going to have to hold back the girls...hehe!

Jean said...

It is so good to see Jaxon smile! And Drew - he just eats up the camera! Such blessing! God is so good!

Chris said...

Your sons are so handsome!!!

I really enjoyed following you while in China!! What a beautiful story and what a beautiful family you have!!