We all have a story to testify with.
This is our story….
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11 v 1
First of all I have to say that we have been truly blessed with 3 amazing bio. boys, who really are very special, gentle and loving. They have embraced Asia-Faith as their sister as though she has been with us from birth, and love her dearly.
Well, this story started a long time ago, for me. I really believe that God planted the seed of adoption in my heart when I was a very young girl, and was slowly watering that seed over the years.
When I met my husband and we were discussing children, I let him know that I would like lots of children including an adopted little girl from
It was in the early months of 2006, that we discussed the possibilities of moving to Taiwan for a season, (a decision my husband didn’t think I was going to be too keen on since we had 3 little boys that we would be travelling with, and I had always said there is no way I would travel with kids – when they are older, maybe I would think about it!) Ha Ha, did God have different plans!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29 v 11
I was the one who eventually said to my husband, let’s do it! And within a matter of weeks, we had packed up our 4 bedroom house, put all of our belongings into storage, rented out our house, and Jason was on a plane, in April 2006, to Kinmen Island (just off Taiwan), and I was to follow with the kids in about 2 months time.
The boys and I met up with Jason on
I then met Deana Pan online while looking through various homeschooling blogs, and I believe it was not through coincidence, but through God. We started chatting online and I then mentioned to her that we were looking into adopting a little girl while we were living here in
I then continued in my efforts trying to find information with regards to adopting, and was told by many agencies that because we were South African they were unfamiliar with the laws of our country and therefore could not assist us. I had met a few families online who had adopted independently while living in
I researched for many months, joined many adoption yahoo groups, and prayed hard for months! Many times I thought it was never going to happen, but I would remind myself that God would not put the desire in my heart without supplying what was needed to take care of it.
Deana and I had been in touch through these months and I discovered that they also had a children’s home, Morninglight Children’s Home in Taitung and I expressed interest in perhaps helping with fundraisers to help raise money to buy a piece of land to build a bigger home.
“Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me.” Psalms 55 v 1 & 2
On 2nd February 2007, I opened my email to find a message reading “ok, are you ready”, from Deana. My first thought was she had a big fundraiser planned! Instead, it was a message saying they knew of a little girl who was available for adoption! I immediately tried to call her, however I couldn’t get through (in all the excitement I had forgotten to dial the area code!). Eventually I got through, and we chatted and I said “yes” we were definitely interested! Then she told me that if we were committed, she could be home with us by Chinese New Year! (which was only 2 weeks away), and that would mean she would be with us to celebrate her 2nd birthday (25 February).
“I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him.” 1 Samuel 1 v 27
A few days passed, with no news. Eventually we were told that we could come to Taitung and fetch her on Saturday, 17 February! Although everyone was a bit concerned that we would not get train tickets as it was Chinese New Year! It just so happens that there were 2 tickets left to Taitung on Saturday morning, 17 February! That could only be God!!!
Well, Saturday seemed to take forever to get here, but finally the day arrived, and we were all so excited. Deana and Luke, with their son Noah, met us at the train station, and I must say it was so great to finally meet Deana in person! What a wonderful family! They too have 3 sons.
We were to meet the social worker at the Family Centre at 2pm and we got to meet the birthmom, aunt and grandmother too. What an experience! After all discussions had taken place, and goodbyes were said, it was time to leave. Jason picked up Asia-Faith and started walking out, and I couldn’t leave without thanking the birthmom, so I went to her and gave her a hug and said “XieXie” (Thank you).
Asia-Faith walked out with us, and only when we got in the car and she looked at all these strange faces, did she start crying. I gave her a bottle and a little pink cat that we had bought for her, and she stopped crying in a few minutes. We went back to Luke and Deana’s home for a while until it was time to catch the train. I was nervous about the train ride home, as I was not sure how she would react. I must say she was an absolute angel! She laughed and played the whole 2 hours home! After having got home and ready for bed, I gave her a bottle and she fell asleep in my arms.
Asia-Faith has been home with us now for 2 weeks, and it has been wonderful! She is a real good sleeper, has slept right through from day one, and takes 2 naps during the day, and although the first few times she woke she cried, that only lasted about 2 days, now she wakes up with smiles in the morning – especially when she sees her brothers!
It took her about 2 bathtimes to get used to that, and she would cry too, but now she hears the water running and starts taking her clothes off and doesn’t want to get out!!! We also have a little “game” she likes to play while I am changing her diaper – she puts one hand on her ear and starts “talking”, like she is on a phone, and then I have to copy her and repeat what she says – it really is sweet!
I was told that she was not a fussy eater, and I was worried that might change once she tasted my “western” cooking – thankfully she still loves her food (she is not too fond of cucumber though!), and she is very independent – does not want anyone feeding her, unless she comes to you for a taste of your food, then she will let you put that into her mouth, otherwise, she has to do everything herself!!!
Asia-Faith is a very smart girl (and yes, perhaps I am biased), but from about her second day with us, she knew immediately that if we were going out, she would run and get her shoes and point to her pram (stroller). When the boys started school again and they would leave in the morning, she couldn’t understand why she wasn’t going too – and would sit by the door and cry – so we would ride down in the elevator with the boys. Although we have not had to do this often, now she just gives them kisses goodbye and waves – too sweet!
I had heard on adoption yahoo groups about bonding and attachment, and was a bit concerned about this, and was wondering if and when she would “bond” to us. I mentioned this to Jason, because although she lets me pick her up and kiss her and cuddle her, it is always me initiating it! (I know, I know, it is still early days, but I just couldn’t help wondering if she would ever come to me and “ask” to be picked up or give kisses on her own intiative). Well, this is where I am reminded about how great God is, because that SAME evening, Asia-Faith came to me in the kitchen and wrapped her little arms around my legs and then reached up to me for me to pick her up! What an amazing moment that was for me! And needless to say she has been doing it since then!
In the first few days, she would not go to Jason that willingly, but that only lasted a few days, and I must add that he is the first person she started to give kisses to. She now also says “dada” and has been saying “mama” for some time now, although I am not sure if it is directed to me or if it is only a word that she knows, but there has been times that she has been wondering around the apartment calling “mama” like she is looking for me, and when I say “give mama kisses”, she does with a cute “mwah” sound afterwards (smacking of lips sound).
The boys really love her to bits already, and want to do everything for her! Our youngest son sometimes gets a bit impatient with her when he is trying to build a tower with the blocks, but she thinks it is more fun to knock them down, but he is the first one through the door after school asking “Where is Asia-Faith?”, usually she is napping.
Our family has been truly blessed by this little girl, and we thank God daily for bringing her into our lives.
“the Lord has done this, and it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118 vs 23 & 24
~ We are a family now ~
We are a family now, a whole,
Of which you are a part,
And you are just as much our child
As any in our heart.
We do not love you differently,
Nor would we give up less
Of all that life has given us
To bring you happiness.
There is no limit to our love,
No boundary you might cross,
No price you may be asked to pay
No need to fear its loss.
We are now one, the six of us,
Windows of one home,
As long as we have life and breath,
You’ll never be alone.
~Nicholas Gordon~
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