So on that hot, humid day in July, in the most northern province of China, in the City of Harbin, after what seemed like a never ending process and airplane flight, we walked into a conference room at the social services building. There, sitting sweetly in a big black office chair was a pigtailed little girl in a pink lace dress and white sandals. She was gently ushered over to us and we were introduced to her as her mama and papa. Through all the uncertainty that had proceeded this meeting, through all the uncertainty that surrounded us in that room, and through all the uncertainty that we knew would still be waiting to come, through all of this, we KNEW that this was our daughter. We also knew there would be challenges to come, there would be losses to grieve, attachments to begin and adjustments to be made, but through all of this we knew she was ours and we were hers forever.
Since that first meeting a few month ago so much has changed and love has grown exponentially as we have become a family of 6. All of the children have fallen head over heels for their little sister. She is cuddly and independent, sweet and a little naughty, curious and timid. She is learning that we are her mom and dad and whatever she needs we will provide. She is her own unique, perfectly formed self. Her future is bright and exciting to us and we see her impact on earth as limitless.
When we were discussing names back before we ever met this beautiful child, we knew that it needed to embody her little personality well. We decided on the name Chloe Joy. Chloe means new tender growth. So her full names means: New tender growth of Joy! To us this is perfect and could not be more accurate as she continues to bring joy into every new life that she encounters. We are so blessed that God chose us to be together forever.
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Thank you for sharing your adoption story Candace and Joe! And, if you are interested in learning more about adoption, there are so many children waiting, just like Chloe!!