Jul 3, 2011

my story


Looking back at all of my posts, I have written in the past, amongst the many typed words it hasn't at all been mentioned how it came about that I should be settled here in California. You may look at me questionably and ask, "You haven't lived in California all of your life?" 

Well, yes. And no. 


Yes, because for the most part of my life I have slept exactly in the same bed for about 13 1/2 years
 {take into account I have been away on vacation before, of course ;)}.

But I thought you were 14, you may say. Ah, do the math and there are 6 months precisely that are an absolute mystery to you...well, that includes you and me both. I haven't the slightest clue as to what life was like at the first 6 months of my life, but do you reader, know what it was like at 6 months of age either? All I know was the stories I have been told, and my imagination fills in the blanks, but the true story is about what I'm going to tell you.

I'm going to tell you the tale about a little Asian girl who lived in China and - well, I won't spoil the end of the story just yet. I'm going to tell you about...
my story. 

 Once upon a time...

In the year 1996 during the October season, there lived on the outskirts of a Guangzhou, China a woman who had a baby. Now in that specific region of China, women were restricted to have a certain amount of children so as to keep the expanding population controlled. And without further choice that woman had to give up her baby for adoption.


{six months later} Across the Pacific Ocean, lived a newly wed couple. Although they were happily married, they knew in their hearts their family was not complete and their hearts were filled with sadness, and alas, the wife could not become pregnant. And so they turned to the option of adoption. 
 Months before they had already traveled to Nepal, in search of their child, but they came back broken-hearted, although trusting in the Lord still. 
Soon, they felt a calling to China, and so they went. 

 and came home with...me. 

But perhaps, I should explain to you the part when my Mom was in China....

For you see, my parents went to China with a group of couples who were also adopting. When everyone was ready to leave, my parents found out that their fingerprints had expired, and they couldn't travel home. Unless...they were willing to leave me behind. 
Well, you can imagine that the idea would never cross Mom's mind, and so she stayed. 

for two whole weeks.
in China. 
alone. 

The list of bad things could go on, but finally Mom and I were able to go home.  

And how glad I am to be here in America, safe and sound with my wonderful family I was blessed to be a member of. 

"Why did you post this now?" you may ask, when everyone else is posting about patriotism, flags, freedom, ect.
 Because to-morrow, the fourth of July, is the anniversary of when I came home, from China to live in the land of freedom with my wonderful parents. 

And for that I am forever grateful.

15 comments:

  1. Awh, what a beautiful story! How good God is! ;-)

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  2. Wow, Grace, that is beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing your story, I bet it took some courage to write!

    Blessings!
    Claire

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  3. That's a sweet story, Grace! I'm glad you posted about it, since I really don't know much about your past.

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  4. Aw Grace what a beautiful story!

    If it's God's will for me to have a family someday- I would like to adopt! Adoption is such a blessing for so many families like your own!

    Have a great 4th of July!

    Blessings,,

    ~miss ALK

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  5. We are glad you are here Grace! Your post are so encouraging and well written! Thanks for sharing your story with us!

    -Rosi

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  6. Thank you everyone for the sweet comments! How good it is to be here with you. :)

    @ Clair, yes, it took a bit of courage to write it. I'm not ashamed to be adopted, but actually feel very blessed to be here and not there in China or worse yet, with a different family. Although, throughout the years I have always wondered what my specific weight was when I was born, what time of day, what exact day {for we don't know for certain} - the details. But now, I don't feel that and I've realized what an absolute blessing it really is to be here with my family.

    Anyways, thank you all again for your sweet comments.

    Love always,
    Grace

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  7. I am soooo glad you came here! Where would I be without my dear friend!

    Love,
    Rachel

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  8. Oh that's such a wonderful story - especially the fact that your mother was willing to sacrifice so much to get you! Happy anniversary of coming to America! We're so blessed to know you here on the blogosphere, and I'm sure you're a blessing to the people you know in real life as well. :)

    Blessings,
    ~Melody

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  9. Dear Grace,
    How neat! What a wonderful story, one that has the Lord's Wonderful and Mighty Hand all over it! I was a bit curious as to how you were adopted and I am glad to have read this post! What a blessed nation we are indeed! Happy 4th of July!!!
    <3 Bethany
    P.S. BTW, who won the giveaway for the lovely little notebooks?

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  10. What a sweet story, Miss Grace! I always enjoy hearing such stories about adoption, and how God perfectly places each child. As I read your post, I was reminded of how blessed I am to have little Jessa as my sister. What a wonderful experience our adoption process was.
    I pray that one day I am able adopt, just as my parents did.
    Thank you for sharing your story... It was truly beautiful!

    Your Sister In Christ,
    Jenna

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  11. Ah, what a lovely story!! I am so glad that you are here and are my wonderful friend!!! :-)

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  12. That is a wonderful story :). It gave me goose bumps...

    Moe

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  13. I'm pretty certain you know my response to this... :) Our stories are quite similar, as you know. ;) Thanks for sharing your's here!

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  14. How lovely to know your "story" Grace! It's a very beautiful & special one to be sure. I'm so glad you let us in on it.
    Love you, my little {well, not SO much so anymore} sister!
    *wink* to you...
    -Bess-
    P.S.: Thanks for your note on my travels! It was exciting, but somewhat stressful. I'm glad I went, but I'm happy to be back, too! Love adventure! It's just too hard to see everything, & I guess I'm just gonna have to go back again...someday!

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