I was totally confused about the morning. Based on something I had read previously I thought we all had to travel where our child was. That is another day for paperwork that we go to the city they were from. All 6 families in our group traveled together to the registration office where our children were delivered to us. We had been there probably about 30 minutes when Joshua was brought through the door. I was scurrying around trying to get my camera to another mom to video the events. He came in and we were so excited to see him! He is precious! I was prepared with a truck and a couple of other things, so I talked to him for a minute, then handed him the truck. He immediately took it! I reached out and grabbed him from the nanny, and he came to me without fussing or anything. I was so thankful!
Joshua is very, very tiny. He is 27 months old, but probably about the size of a healthy 3-4 month old. He was wearing clothes that were way too big, and had on some very interesting shoes! We went and sat down, and he never made a sound. He just kept looking all around, checking out everything that was going on. There was paperwork to sign, so Chad and I took turns holding him, then Hannah just had to have her turn! I have had to pry him away from that girl today! But I'm so thankful that her and Matthew both have taken to him just like he has been around for a long time! They were both very helpful today throughout all of the events, and I couldn't have imagined this trip without having them here.
I know there is some severe malnutrition and delays with him, and we will have some challenges ahead. One of the workers asked me if we knew all that, and if we were ok with it, since we had not had a report about him in such a long time, almost as if - are you sure you want him? He is our son, handpicked by God to be part of our family - how in the world could I not want him?
I've thought alot today about the identity description of him that was written on our "Letter of Acceptance." It said, "Identity: institutionalized child whose birth parents cannot be ascertained."
Up until today, that is how he was viewed, that was his identity. But with papers signed, and more being signed in the morning, he now has a new name, an identity. He belongs to a family. It made me think about my identity before I was adopted by God. I was "dead in my trespasses and sins...by nature an object of wrath." But God...made me alive in Christ! I'm so thankful that in love, he predestined me to be adopted as His child. He gave me a new identity in Christ Jesus! Wow, what a wonderful Father!
Here are a few pictures of the day. It has been an absolute smooth transition - he has barely made a sound! He has whimpered maybe once. I know that there will be some adjustments made, but God will faithfully guide us along the way. Thanks for taking the time to share this with us!
Heading in to the registration office |
How Precious!!!! We are so excited for your family! I had a quick minute to check on your blog to see if there was an update and I saw this precious boy!!! Praise be to God.
ReplyDeleteLove you all,
The Vahala's
Praise the Lord! He is SO precious! What a special day for your family. Yes, once again I am crying. LOL. My heart is so full and joyous. I cannot wait to meet Joshua Caleb!!
ReplyDeleteMy heart if full of joy and running over with tears,with praise to Our Heavenly Father. Joshua is so beautiful. How can he not be? He is part of the Williams family. With a grateful and joyful heart,Laurie and Jody
ReplyDeleteThrilled and crying and praying and rejoicing! Love love love to you! The Dees family
ReplyDelete"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance, and let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." The trials and tests of the last few years are now so worth it! I am completely struck in the pictures by how joyful and complete your family looks! I love you and can't wait for you all to get home!!!!! Cindy
ReplyDeleteLoving you and your sweet new family member from across the ocean. Can't wait to get my hands on him and see your complete family in person. And yes, I cried. And now I'm screaming again. SO STINKIN' EXCITING!
ReplyDeleteAmy A.
OH! God is too wonderful for words!! So excited for Joshua's arrival. We love you all so so much. Adoption by God's love and grace is sweeter somehow when we relate a little bit to His anticipation and love for us. Wow! Our God is amazing me...Now come home safe dear friends. Praying and loving you from the USA!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful, my eyes are filled with joyful tears ! What a precious gift from God and such a deserving family he is going to ! Hoping for a continued smooth transition for baby Joshua ! Praying for you as you are there and safe travels back home !
ReplyDeleteLove ,
Mandi Vick
What a joy. So happy for you guys. Joshua was trully hand-picked. PS Can you get one for us while you are there? Brent
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! You are holding a bit of heaven in your arms!! How handsome he is! Is he wearing a familiar Matthew outfit? I can smell his sweet baby aroma right now! We want to kiss him!! Andrew says he loves Joshua and karly says he's cute! Scott and I say "God is great!"
ReplyDeleteWe love you all!!
What a beautiful boy!!! How blessed he is to receive the blessing of a wonderful family who will raise him to know the greatness of the Lord who placed him in their arms. So thrilled for you all and cannot wait to meet him. Steve and April
ReplyDeleteNikki, Chad, Hannah and Matthew......I am so excited about your new son/brother. God is so good and he has given you the desires of your heart! You have been blessed with such a beautiful gift. I am so happy for you and I know that child has been blessed to be a part of your family! You guys are great! Love you
ReplyDeleteBeverly, Bailey and Brooke
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!!! That little man is so beautiful and he is joining a beautiful family!! I can't wait to meet him and hear all about China! Love each of y'all so much!
ReplyDeleteSo truly blessed,
Wendy, Jay, and kids
I'm crying just like everybody else. He is sooo sweet. And your family is so sweet too. I am so excited for you guys. Can't wait to meet him. God bless you through the next few days and bring you safely home!
ReplyDeleteMarcy
I can hardly see to type this:) Oh, joy! He is precious, and you all look like you absolutely belong together. Praising God for the bonds that are already forming (and already had formed before you even got together). I love you guys--can't wait to see you again. Leslie
ReplyDeleteSo overwhelmed with what God is doing in and through your family! He is so faithful to His children and we are so excited and can't wait to meet Joshua Caleb! James 1:27 - you are living it Williams Family
ReplyDeleteI am sitting here with tears of joy, looking at the pictures of your beautiful family and seeing God's love being poured out on you! Continuing prayers for your precious family as you return home with Joshua Caleb, I can't wait to see and hug you all! Chris Dees
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