Our Garden of Eden

Today's blog is submitted by Jonathan.


Today was a special day. As has been my normal routine, I rise all too early, around 1 am or so. But throughout my late night fits of sleeplessness I would stand over my new dauughter and watch in pure wonder at the gift of God's grace to our family. Eden Grace's given name, "Xiu" means "graciousness". Indeed our Master has planned this precious gift of His grace to our family before the earth was formed. The psalmist penned these words in Psalm 16, "Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; and have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance." I cannot help but continue to weep in praise to the Lord. He has done more for me that I could ever dream.

Today's events follow. We let Eden sleep as late as possible before we were forced to move about and prepare for our meeting at the Office of Civil Affairs. After a hearty breakfast we arrived at the office around 9:00 a.m. Our guide and the director of the orphanage accompanied us. Basically we spent an hour or so signing documents stating our wish to adopt Eden and our promise to China that we will always care for her, never harm her, and provide her with a beneficial education. Of course, we readily agreed to all directives.

The highlight of our time at the office was watching several other families receive their children for the first time. We are so grateful that we were able to welcome Eden yesterday in private, but at the same time, it was wondrous to watch families melt with joy at the first sight of their child. The caregivers and those responsible for the orphanages do care very much for the children and the parents who are adopting. I have been marvelously impressed with the personal love and attention shown to the children by those who care for them in the orphanages. In some ways, Eden faced some challenges today because of being around people she has bonded with over the last two years. But she was a trooper for the most part.

After our time at the office we took a required family picture and then came back to the hotel room. Eden slept a good while but woke up very fussy and stayed that way for a good portion of the afternoon. She had a fever of nearly 101 for a while, but it came down with prayer and medicine. She seems to be doing well now. Please keep her in your prayers today. Tomorrow will be especially challenging because we will take a 4 hour taxi ride to her birth province. There we will spend a little time making things legal. Eden will be officially ours tomorrow. We will also see her orphanage and meet her caregivers. I'm sure this will be very difficult for Eden and us as well. But it will be good to see the place of her home these last 2 years and meet those that God has used to love and care for her. I think it also important for us to be able to talk with Eden when she is older about her life before she came to us. Please pray for our family and especially for Eden's well-being.

Most of the afternoon has been spent in the hotel room. We played lots and lots. Eden already knows what she wants in life; lots of hair bows and pulling Jordan around to fulfill her every whim. Jordan by the way, has been so special. I have loved watching her mature and serve with joy and selflessness. Eden enjoyed running up and down the halls and playing a combination of London Bridges/Hide and Seek/Follow the Leader. It was tons of fun.

We are now heading off to get a bite to eat and then turn in early tonight. Please pray for good rest and a successful day tomorrow.

Our love to you all. Our journey is all the more rich for being able to share it with you.

Jonathan