Today we had our final visit with our Social Worker regarding Miah's adoption. China requires that we send in post placement reports at the 6 and 12th month mark of being home. They also require us to send them family photos and photos of Miah. After today, we will not be required to update them any further and her file in China will be marked "Closed."
Something about the word "Final" brought up mixed emotions in me. Happy and relieved because she is all ours but a bit sad that she no longer has any connection to China. Her file is to be closed, put on a shelf and never looked at again. Finished, Final...complete. I do hope that we will be able to instill a love for her country and its people and that she will in time feel a complete belonging here in her new country and our family. How I love this girl!
Ahhh...so relate to this. We are not there yet--but it is coming and I'm sure it is very hard. I'm sure Miah will know who she is--always--you will be sure she does and God will fill in the details only He knows.
ReplyDeleteI have to share with you--I can not see a picture of Miah now without hearing that sweet little voice "I lub you Mommy!" I stuck with me like a skipping record--in a good way! Clearly she knows she has a family--and understands the meaning of that word in a way we can not understand. You can even hear it in her voice when she says, "I lub you mommy!"
I'll leave you with this touching moment from one of our travel families (just posted today)--that their 7 year old daughter (home only 7 months now) asked her, "Why did you give me a family?" She responded, "Because you didn't have one!"
It's not the end--but just the beginning!
We just had our 6 month report done, so 1 more to go. I never thought of it the way you suggested, as the final step, but your right it is. That's way \i love the Blogs I follow becasue they make me stop and reflect.
ReplyDeleteCheers
Roberta
It is a big step, after all you go through to get your child here! But at least the paperwork part is done... China will always be a part of them.
ReplyDeleteI have started reading your blog regularly, I think your family is so inspiring and beautiful. Just wanted you to know how much I enjoy your updates..
ReplyDeleteJen
Dear Kim,
ReplyDeleteYou family is precious! Miah is just beautiful!!! Wanted to let you know you won the camera strap on my auction A Joyful Heart. Please email me when you have time.
Blessings,
Sharon