We started our first paperchase in 1999 after a failed domestic adoption. A very sad time in our lives, but also a very exciting time! We had no idea what God had in store for us and are so thankful that He controls our paths and not we ourselves. We are so thankful that our social worker on that very sad day, mentioned International Adoption, a path we had not even considered. Within a months time God tugged at our heart that our child was in China!
Our first paperchase took us about 4 months. We received our referral of Tia in February of 2000. She was just under 6 months at referral and the most beautiful little thing we had ever seen! Due to a few changes in Consulate appointments we had to wait 10 weeks to leave. Those few weeks did fly by as we prepared to leave the country for the first time. We had a wonderful quick trip - only 9 days! We did not see much of China as we traveled straight to Guangdong where she was born and then returned home. We really had no idea the site seeing we missed. We stayed at the White Swan our entire trip, which was awesome!!
We met our Tia at the White Swan Hotel lobby -- a moment I will never forget! We immediately recognized her as our coordinator carried her into the hotel. She never did cry, but did have a very serious look. She was so precious! She bonded with us both very quickly and immediately had us wrapped around that little finger! And still does :o) We returned home the day before Mother's Day! Couldn't have ask for a better 1st Mother's Day!
Tia has grown up so fast. We decided she must have a sister to share her life with, someone to talk to, to play with and someone to love forever. I have shared so many precious memories with my sister and can't imagine not giving my children the same opportunity.
We began paperchasing again, this time only having to update our home study, which made it take only around 3 months. The wait has increased greatly though to around 14 and 15 months. The CCAA has made many adjustments and is trying their hardest to get the waiting times down. We hope to receive our referral soon!! We can't wait to return to China!
Tia at The White Swan 8 months of age
Psalm 139:13 - 16 NIV
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
