Gotcha Day!

It was four years ago today that we anxiously paced the entry area of the Inn of Eight Happiness at Shepherd's Field.  The kids kept peering out the window, hoping to spot their brother first.  And then finally, "I see him!!  He's coming!!"  Sure enough, bravely walking across the courtyard with dear Teacher Wang, Elijah came with a huge smile on his face to meet his awaiting family.  What a very special day that was!

We had been on a long journey to meet the son that we knew God had placed in our hearts.  At first, he was simply a child that we sponsored through the Philip Hayden Foundation.  But it was in the following 2-3 months after that initial sponsorship that God clearly spoke to us.  He was OUR child, he belonged WITH us.  And so began a year and a half long mountain-leveling, gate-breaking, bar-cutting journey to bring our treasure home.  Isaiah 45:2-3 were our promise verses.  God led the way, and an incredible way it was.  We took huge steps of faith, but with 100% assurance that our orphan-loving Father was guiding each step of the way. 

So, on that cold Tianjin afternoon, in walked our miracle.  Our treasure!  Here are some favorite pictures from our first few days together.  And then a few more from our celebration here tonight....out to a yummy Chinese meal with our Chinese student. 

Two very happy brothers, just moments after Gotcha:

Our wonderful Baba Tim, director at PHF:

Oh, how we loved being with the PHF children:

Our second morning together, Elijah slapped a note on my back and ran off.  Later translated...."I love my mommy."  Awwwww....

Elijah's wonderful Teacher Wang;