After several years of waiting and many miles traveled to arrive here in Zheng Zhou, Melissa, Leah, and I were finally united with Kathryn Mei Lin this afternoon at approximately 3:34 pm local time (3:34 am Louisville time). Little Kate put some significant miles under her own belt this morning, taking a four-hour train ride from her orphanage to meet us here at the hotel.
It was certainly love at first sight from our end but I don't think she knew what to make of us at first. Fortunately, we have become accustomed to polite stares of curiosity over the past few days, so her look of, "just who are you people, anyway?" didn't surprise us. She was immediately attracted to Leah, who has been an incredible little partner to us every step of the way. We are so proud of Leah... every day I am more and more impressed with that little girl's spirit and ability to adjust to anything that comes at her. I know she will continue to help Kate make the transition to her new life.
I'll close for now, but will post some more comments as time allows over the next day or so. Kate is grieving and will need some time to process everything that has happened today. Thank you for your continued prayers and support of our family throughout this process.
I love the last photo of Melissa holding Kate! Beautiful! And Leah, I knew you would smooth the way for everyone! Your gentle spirit will help your little sister and your parents so much in the coming weeks. And now, you have a partner in crime that makes tag-teaming your parents so much easier and more entertaining! ;-)
ReplyDeleteKnow that your whole family continues to be in my thoughts and prayers. Hope you have some fun and do lots of bonding over the next few days.
Lots of love from CO.
Lynn
I'm crying happy tears for you all. The picture of Melissa finally holding her baby girl really was the kicker too. Gorgeous picture!!!!
ReplyDeleteMy heart breaks for Kate, as she has to go through this transition, but I'll pray for her to see God's love and calm her anxiety, as he has brought such an amazing family to love her forever.
Way to go Leah...I know you have to be just so proud of her. What a wonderful Big Sister she is going to make to Kate.
Can't wait till the next post....and will be waiting ever so patiently. Shawn you need a blog!!!! You did a beautiful job with this post.
Praying for you all.
Tears of joy from the other side of the world for you guys. She is one seriously cute, precious, beautiful little girl! You guys are blessed beyond measure!
ReplyDeletePrayers for all of you, praying that Leah continues being the little champ that she is. Praying for you & Shawn to help you through the times of grief from Kate - I know how hard that can be. And most of all, our prayers for little Kate that she knows the arms that surround her now are there forever and that she just lets all that grief out so all the love you have to give can take its place.
Blessings to you guys.
Tears, tears & more tears!!! My first thought when I saw Leah & Kate bending down together is that they will ALWAYS have each other! Kate is an ORPHAN NO MORE! God has redeemed her, in His prefect love, He has given her the greatest gift in the world - a family!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeletePraying for little Kate's heart, and Leah's too - that she would have a supernatural understanding of the spreading of love in her family & that she would embrace Kate as it looks like she already has!!!
Love & HUGS from Colorado!!!!!!!!!!
And by the way - EVERY.BIT.AS.BEAUTIFUL as I imagined she would be!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh happy day. The grieving is so hard to witness...praying for Kate and you all. I'm not suprised that Leah is smoothing the transition...she's such a mature little lady. Your an incredible family with big hearts and a sweet spirit...Kate will sense that.
ReplyDeletePrayers and hugs from the other side of the world.
Oh my, tears here too! I'll be praying for her and for all of you. The pictures are just wonderful.
ReplyDelete~Lynn
Congratulations!! Kate is just beautiful! Will certainly keep you all in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all of you!! What a beautiful little sweetheart! I will pray for all of you...I know how hard the grieving process is.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear more about your newest daughter!
She adorable. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteLots of love and prayers from GA! God is good!
ReplyDeleteKam
ps. and she is lovely!
God is SO good! I am thrilled to hear that Kate is finally united with her precious forever family! Leah is such a great big sissy!!! You all will be in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteI am crying happy tears too! Congrats on the newest addition to your family. She is absolutely adorable. You are sooo blessed!
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS!!! I found you through Leslie at My Girls! I am so happy for y'all!
ReplyDeleteWe are adopting from Russia, and we get to make our first trip over June 1st. We get to meet our little one on June 3rd and have three visits with her. I don't know how I can leave her there when it's time to come home!!!
I will pray for safe travels home for you and your new family!
What wonderful news! I have been checking your blog often and have been thinking about you so much. What truly precious photos of baby Kate and darling to see her and Leah together. I am sure it will help Kate's transition so much.
ReplyDeleteMany prayers during her adjustment. Congratulations to all 4 of you!!!
Love,
Clarks in Louisville
Oh my, she's so beautiful! What a precious little face. I'm praying she learns quickly that you are hers forever. It won't take long for her to think you are pretty cool. My heart is with you. Tears. :)
ReplyDeletetrina
Congratulations! How very exciting. What a sweet and brave little girl your Kate is and how wonderful that Leah is with you to help out. Take care.
ReplyDeleteJanet
How wonderful! I'm praying for your transition and amazing journey!!! You have two gorgeous daughters!:) Congrats!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for your new family of 4! Congratulations. The pictures gave me goosebumps! I can't wait to continue to follow along. We are praying for you!!!
ReplyDeleteThe Jones'